Retaining an electrical cable to a power strip

A rotating retention fixture for preventing the undesired removal of an electrical cable from a power strip includes a pronged clip, a first bracket, a second bracket each rotatable about a central axis and a fastener that restricts rotation between the first rotatable bracket and the second rotatable bracket. In order to prevent the undesired removal of the electrical cable from the power strip, the electrical cable may be inserted into the pronged clip, the rotating retention fixture may be positioned such that a bottom surface of the pronged clip is adjacent to the electrical cable, a first bracket and a second bracket of the rotating retention fixture may be rotated about the central axis to contact opposing sides of the power strip, respectively, and the fastener may be engaged to prevent rotation between the first bracket and the second bracket to retain the electrical cable to the power strip.

FIELD

Embodiments of invention generally relate to electrical device cables and power strips, and more particularly to preventing undesired removal of electrical cables from power strips.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A power strip is a block of electrical sockets attached to a cable with a main plug on the distal end that allows multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket. Power strips are often used when many proximate electrical devices outnumber the available electrical sockets, e.g. audio/video systems, computer systems, etc. The main plug of each electrical device may be inserted into the power strip sockets and, e.g., the main plug of the power strip may be inserted into an available socket to supply power to the connected electrical devices.

Often times, electrical cables of the various electrical devices connected to the power strip may become unintentionally disconnected. Therefore, improvements are desired to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cables from power strips.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for retaining a electrical cable to a power strip with a rotating retention fixture in order to prevent the undesired removal of the electrical cable from the power strip includes: inserting the electrical cable into a pronged clip of the rotating retention fixture; positioning the rotating retention fixture such that a bottom surface of the pronged clip is adjacent to the electrical cable; rotating a first bracket of the rotating retention fixture and rotating a second bracket of the rotating retention fixture about a shared axis that is perpendicular to the power strip, and; engaging a fastener of the rotating retention fixture to prevent relative movement between the first bracket and the second bracket to retain the electrical cable to the power strip.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating retention fixture for retaining and preventing the undesired removal of the electrical cable from the power strip includes: a pronged clip rotatable about a central axis, a first bracket rotatable about the central axis, a second bracket rotatable about the central axis, and a fastener that restricts relative rotation between the first rotatable bracket and the second rotatable bracket. The pronged clip includes a central support, a first prong extending from the central support in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and a second prong extending from the central support in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. The first bracket and the second bracket, each respectively, includes a central support, a horizontal bracket extending from the central support in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, and a vertical bracket extending downward from a distal end of the horizontal bracket.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for retaining the electrical cable to the power strip with a sliding retention fixture to prevent the undesired removal of the electrical cable from the power strip includes: inserting a electrical cable into an opening of the sliding retention fixture; positioning sliding retention fixture such that an extension bracket of the sliding retention fixture is adjacent the electrical cable; sliding a first bracket of the sliding retention fixture against a second bracket of the sliding retention fixture along an axis generally perpendicular to the power strip; contacting opposing sides of the power strip with the first bracket and the second bracket, and′ engaging a fastener of the sliding retention fixture to prevent relative movement between the first bracket and the second bracket to retain and prevent the undesired removal of the electrical cable from the power strip.

These and other embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Details of the claimed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the structures, devices, systems, methods, etc. that may be embodied in various forms. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey the scope of this invention to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

FIG. 1depicts a power strip10and various clam shell electrical cable retainers20, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Power strip10is a block of electrical sockets11attached to a cable13with a main plug on the distal end that allows multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket. Power strip10may be used when many proximate electrical devices outnumber the available electrical sockets, e.g. audio/video systems, computer systems, etc. A main plug of each electrical device may be inserted into the power strip sockets11and, e.g., the main plug of the power strip may be inserted into an available socket to supply power to the connected electrical devices. Power strip10may include an upper surface12, bottom surface14, front surface16, back surface18, etc. Electrical devices connected to power strip10may include a electrical cable20comprising a main plug22, bend limiter24, and cord26. To prevent undesired removal of electrical cable20, clam shell40may be positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10to effectively retain electrical cable20with power strip10.

FIG. 2depicts a more detailed view of a clam shell40for retaining electrical cable20to power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, clam shell40includes a first shell portion50and a second shell portion60. First shell portion50and a second shell portion60may be connected and rotatable relative to each other via hinge70. In certain embodiments, hinge70provides the first shell portion50and second shell portion60to rotate relative to each other about an axis substantially parallel (e.g. more parallel than perpendicular, etc.) to power strip10, upper surface12, etc. Clam shell40may include an opening80that accepts power strip10by allowing clam shell40to overlay upper surface12, bottom surface14, front surface16, back surface18, etc. when clam shell40is engaged with power strip10. Clam shell40may also include a void90that accepts electrical cable20by allowing clam shell40to overlay main plug22, bend limiter24, etc. when clam shell40is engaged with electrical cable20. Thus, for example, clam shell40may surround at least portions of power strip10and electrical cable20when clam shell40is engaged with power strip10and electrical cable20and may substantially retain electrical cable20to power strip10. In certain embodiments, clam shell40may also include an opening92that accepts power cord26when clam shell40is engaged with electrical cable20, such that power cord26may extend through clam shell40.

First shell portion50may include a sidewall52, opening portion53, bottom wall54, top wall56, hinge extension57, and/or locking tab58. In various embodiments, side wall52is configured to overlay e.g. front surface16, back surface18, etc. of power strip10and thus may have e.g. a height approximately equal to the height, etc. of front surface16, back surface18. In various embodiments, bottom wall54is configured to overlay e.g. bottom surface14, portion of bottom surface14, etc. of power strip10. In certain embodiments, the width of bottom wall54may be approximately half the width of bottom surface14, less that half the width of bottom surface14, etc.

In further various embodiments, top wall56is configured to overlay e.g. upper surface12, portion of bottom surface12, etc. of power strip10and, in certain embodiments, may have a width of approximately half the width of power strip10, etc. Opening portion53may be utilized to form opening92. Hinge extension57may be utilized to provide mechanical support and/or retention of hinge70. Locking tab58may be utilized and may include an opening (not shown) such that a pin, lock, or other similar feature may extend therethrough to retain first shell portion50and second shell portion60.

Second shell portion60may include a sidewall62, opening portion63, bottom wall64, top wall66, hinge extension67, and/or locking tab68. In various embodiments, side wall62is configured to overlay e.g. front surface16, back surface18, etc. of power strip10and thus may have e.g. a height approximately equal to the height, etc. of front surface16, back surface18. In various embodiments, bottom wall64is configured to overlay e.g. bottom surface14, portion of bottom surface14, etc. of power strip10. In certain embodiments, the width of bottom wall64may be approximately half the width of bottom surface14, less that half the width of bottom surface14, etc.

In further various embodiments, top wall66is configured to overlay e.g. upper surface12, portion of bottom surface12, etc. of power strip10and, in certain embodiments, may have a width of approximately half the width of power strip10, etc. Opening portion63may be utilized to form opening92. Hinge extension67may be utilized to provide mechanical support and/or retention of hinge70. Locking tab68may be utilized and may include an opening (not shown) such that a pin, lock, or other similar such feature may extend therethrough to retain first shell portion50and second shell portion60.

In certain embodiments, opening portion53and opening portion63are configured to align when the first shell portion50is engaged (e.g. rotated, etc.) with second shell portion60to form opening92. In certain embodiments, hinge extension57and hinge extension67are configured to align and form a sleeve that accepts hinge70such that first shell portion50is connected to and rotatable relative to second shell portion60. Further, in certain embodiments, locking tab58and locking tab68are configured to align when the first shell portion50is engaged (e.g. rotated, etc.) with second shell portion60such that locking tab58and locking tab68may be fixed or otherwise retained together to effectively lock the relative rotation of first shell portion50relative to second shell portion60. Thus, clam shell40may be positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10and retained to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from the power strip10.

In certain embodiments, first shell portion50and a second shell portion60may each be effectively half of clam shell40(e.g. dimension of top wall56is equal to dimension of top wall66, etc.). In other embodiments a particular shell portion may comprise the majority of clam shell40(e.g. dimension of top wall56is greater than dimension of top wall66, etc.), etc. In certain embodiments, first shell portion50, second shell portion60, etc. may be made from molded plastic, etc.

FIG. 3depicts power strip10and an open clam shell electrical cable retainer40positioned upon electrical cable20. In certain embodiments, clam shell40is positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10such that when first shell portion50and second shell portion60are rotated about hinge70, top wall56and top wall66overlay upper surface12, sidewall52overlays back surface18, sidewall62overlays front surface16, bottom wall54and bottom wall64overlay bottom surface14, etc.

FIG. 4depicts a clam shell electrical cable retainer40positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, clam shell40is configured such that an upper wall98is coincident with a top surface28of electrical cable20such that electrical cable20is effectively retained to power strip10when clam shell40is positioned thereupon. In various embodiments there may be a gap between upper wall98and top surface28. The gap may be less than the wipe of main plug22pins and power strip10receptacles, so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when clam shell40is positioned thereupon.

FIG. 5depicts sliding retention fixture100for retaining electrical cable20to power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Sliding retention fixture100may include a first bracket110and a second bracket120slideable relative thereto in a general direction “X”. In certain embodiments, direction “X” may be generally perpendicular to power strip10. In various embodiments, first bracket110and second bracket120may be fixed or retained relative to each other by engaging fastener130.

First bracket110may include a foot portion112, side wall115, and upper wall116. In various embodiments, a grip layer114(e.g. rubber, etc.) may be included upon foot portion112. In various embodiments, upper wall116may include a slot to provide slidable movement to second bracket120. Foot portion112may engage with front surface16of power strip10. In various embodiments upper wall116is substantially perpendicular to side wall115. In certain embodiments, an angle between upper wall116and side wall115may be less than ninety degrees, etc. Though shown as additional component, in certain embodiments, foot portion112may be integral to sidewall115. In various embodiments, first bracket110is generally an “L” shaped bracket and may be made from e.g. sheet metal, etc.

Second bracket120may include a foot portion122, side wall125, upper wall126and center wall128. In various embodiments, a grip layer124(e.g. rubber, etc.) may be included upon foot portion122. In various embodiments, upper wall126may include a hole, slot, etc. to provide slidable movement relative to first bracket110. For example, upper wall124may include a hole that accepts fastener130, etc. Foot portion122may engage with back surface18of power strip10. In various embodiments upper wall126is substantially perpendicular to side wall125. In certain embodiments, an angle between upper wall126and side wall125may be less than ninety degrees, etc. Though shown as additional component, in certain embodiments, foot portion122may be integral to sidewall125. In various embodiments, sidewall125and upper wall126may be generally an “L” shaped bracket, etc.

In various embodiments, a center wall128may extended from the distal end of upper wall126, relative to sidewall125. In certain embodiments, center wall128is generally parallel to sidewall125and may be generally perpendicular to power strip10. In certain embodiments, center wall128is arranged such that it is the center of sliding retention fixture100when foot portion122is separated from foot portion112by a dimension equal to the distance between front surface16and back surface18.

In various embodiments, an engagement bracket140may generally extend sideward from the distal end of center wall, relative to upper wall126. Engagement bracket140may generally engage with electrical cable20. Engagement bracket140may include an outward wall142, inward wall144, opening146, etc. In certain embodiments the outward wall142, inward wall144, and opening146are formed from e.g. sheet metal that may be open hemmed upon itself, etc. In other embodiments, engagement bracket140may be molded plastic, etc. Generally, inward wall144is flexible relative to outward wall142such that power cord26may be moved there between to fit within opening146, etc. In certain embodiments, a protective layer148may be included on the inner sides of outward wall142and inward wall to protect power cord26, etc. from damage, wear, etc.

In certain embodiments, foot portion122and foot portion112engages with power strip10and engagement bracket140engages with electrical cable20(e.g. power cord26, etc.) so as to so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when sliding retention fixture100is positioned thereupon and fastener130is engaged. For example, power cord26is inserted between outward wall142and inward wall144to fit within opening146, sliding retention fixture100is positioned such that a bottom surface143of engagement bracket140is less than a wipe dimension from e.g. bend limiter24, first bracket110and second bracket120slide against each other such that foot portion122engages with back surface18, foot portion112engages with front surface16, and fastener130is engaged to retain electrical cable20to power strip10.

In certain embodiments, fastener130extends through hole, bracket, etc. of the second bracket120and the hole, slot, etc. of upper wall116to loosely retain first bracket110, second bracket120, etc. and, when engaged, forces first bracket110and second bracket120together to restrict relative movement there between. In certain embodiments, fastener130may include a backside fastener portion on e.g. the underside of upper wall116. For example, fastener130may include a screw portion accessible above upper wall126that may engage with a threaded receptacle on the underside of upper wall116.

FIG. 6depicts sliding retention fixture100positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Power cord26may be inserted between outward wall142and inward wall144of extension bracket140such that power cord generally lies within opening146. Sliding retention fixture100may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that bottom surface143of engagement bracket140is coincident with top surface28of electrical cable20. In certain embodiments, sliding retention fixture100may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that there is a gap between bottom surface143of and top surface28. The gap may be less than the wipe of main plug22pins and power strip10receptacles, so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when sliding retention fixture100is positioned thereupon. First bracket110and second bracket120may slide against each other to engage foot portion122with back surface18and to engaged foot portion112with front surface16. Fastener130may be engaged to retain sliding retention fixture100with e.g. power strip10in order to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10.

FIG. 7depicts sliding retention fixture100positioned upon multiple electrical cables20and power strip10to prevent the undesired removal of multiple electrical cables20from the power strip10. In various embodiments, sliding retention fixture100may include multiple extension brackets140a,140b, etc. For example, a first power cord26amay be inserted between outward wall142aand inward wall144aof a first extension bracket140asuch that power cord26agenerally lies within opening146a. A second power cord26bmay be inserted between outward wall142aand inward wall144aof a second extension bracket140bsuch that power cord26bgenerally lies within opening146b. Sliding retention fixture100may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that bottom surface143aof engagement bracket140aand bottom surface143bof engagement bracket140bare coincident with top surface28aof electrical cable20aand top surface28bof electrical cable20b. First bracket110and second bracket120may slide against each other to engage foot portion122with back surface18and to engaged foot portion112with front surface16. Fastener130may be engaged to retain sliding retention fixture100with e.g. power strip10in order to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20aand electrical cable20bfrom power strip10

FIG. 8A-8Cdepict rotating retention fixture200for retaining electrical cable20to a power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Rotating retention fixture200may include a first bracket220and a second bracket230rotatable relative to one another about an axis240. In certain embodiments, axis240may be generally perpendicular to power strip10. In various embodiments, first bracket220and second bracket230may be fixed or retained relative to one another by engaging fastener250. In certain embodiments, rotating retention fixture200may also include pronged clip210that is rotatable relative first bracket220and second bracket230about axis240.

Pronged clip210may include a central support212that which fastener250may extend, engage, etc. In certain embodiments, central support212may be generally circular. Pronged clip210may also include a first prong214and a second prong216. Prong214and prong216may extend from central support212. Prong214and prong216may be arranged, separated, etc. such that a perpendicular opening218and a parallel opening219are formed there between. Perpendicular opening219may be a generally rectangular opening (e.g. width greater than height, etc.), relative to central support212, and may have a height that is greater than the diameter of power cord26. Parallel opening219may be an opening between the distal ends of prong214and cord216, relative to central support212. The width of parallel opening219between prong214and prong216may be less than the diameter of power cord26. In certain embodiments, pronged clip210may be made from molded plastic. Therefore, prong216and prong216may be flexible relative to central support212. As such, in certain embodiments, prong214, prong216may be flexed such that the width of parallel opening219between prong214and prong216may become greater than the diameter of power cord26, to allow power cord26to be inserted into opening218. Prong214and/or prong216may return to an un-flexed state and the width of parallel opening219between prong214and prong216returns to less than the diameter of power cord26and electrical cable20may be retained within opening218. In certain embodiments, pronged clip210may be made from e.g. molded plastic, etc.

First bracket220may include a central support228that which fastener250may extend, engage, etc. In certain embodiments, central support228may be generally circular. First bracket220may also include a horizontal bracket226extending from central support228. First bracket220may also include a vertical bracket224extending downward from the distal end of bracket226, relative to central support228. In certain embodiments, bracket226and bracket228may include a beveled, chamfered, etc. inner wall and a generally flat outer wall, etc., respectively. In certain embodiments, first bracket220may include a grip layer (e.g. rubber, etc.)222upon bracket224, a portion of bracket224, etc.

Second bracket230may include a central support238that which fastener250may extend, engage, etc. In certain embodiments, central support238may be generally circular. Second bracket230may also include a horizontal bracket236extending from central support238. Second bracket230may also include a vertical bracket234extending downward from the distal end of bracket236, relative to central support238. In certain embodiments, bracket236and bracket238may include a beveled, chamfered, etc. inner wall and a generally flat outer wall, etc., respectively. In certain embodiments, second bracket230may include a grip layer (e.g. rubber, etc.)232upon bracket234, a portion of bracket234, etc.

In certain embodiments, first bracket220and second bracket230may be “L” shaped brackets and may be made from e.g. molded plastic, etc.

In certain embodiments, fastener250extends through a hole, opening, etc. of pronged clip210, bracket220, and bracket230and, when engaged, forces pronged clip210, bracket220, and bracket230together to restrict relative movement there between. In certain embodiments, fastener250may include a backside fastener portion on e.g. the underside of central support238. For example, fastener250may include a screw portion (e.g. thumb screw head, etc.) accessible above pronged clip210that may engage with a threaded receptacle on the underside of central support238.

FIG. 9depicts rotating retention fixture200positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from the power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Power cord26may be inserted into opening218by flexing e.g. prong214to increase the width of opening219to a dimension greater than the diameter of power cord26. Rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that a bottom surface211of pronged clip210is coincident with top surface28of electrical cable20. In certain embodiments, rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that there is a gap between bottom surface211of and top surface28. The gap may be less than the wipe of main plug22pins and power strip10receptacles, so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when rotating retention fixture200is positioned thereupon. First bracket220and second bracket230may rotate relative to each other about axis240to e.g. engage vertical bracket234with back surface18and to engage and vertical bracket224with front surface16. Fastener250may be engaged (e.g. rotated about axis240, etc.) to retain rotating retention fixture200with e.g. power strip10in order to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10.

In certain embodiments, rotating retention fixture200may include and additional pronged clip210b, etc. Or in other embodiments, pronged clip210may include additional prongs to retain additional electrical cables20. For example, power cord26amay be inserted into opening218aby flexing e.g. prong214ato increase the width of opening219ato a dimension greater than the diameter of power cord26a. A second power cord26bmay be inserted into an opening218bby flexing e.g. prong214bto increase the width of an opening219bto a dimension greater than the diameter of the second power cord26b. Rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that a bottom surface211aof pronged clip210ais coincident with top surface28aof electrical cable20aand a bottom surface211bof pronged clip210bis coincident with top surface28bof electrical cable20b. In certain embodiments, rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that there is a gap between bottom surfaces211a,211bof top surfaces28a,28b, respectively. First bracket220and second bracket230may rotate relative to each other about axis240to e.g. engage vertical bracket234with back surface18and to engage and vertical bracket224with front surface16. Fastener250may be engaged (e.g. rotated about axis240, etc.) to retain rotating retention fixture200with e.g. power strip10in order to prevent the undesired removal of the first electrical cable20aand the second electrical cable20bfrom power strip10.

FIG. 10depicts a block diagram of a method300of retaining electrical cable20to power strip10with clam shell retainer40to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Method300begins at block302and continues with positioning clam shell40upon power cord26, main plug22, etc. (block304). In certain embodiments, clam shell40is positioned upon electrical cable20and power strip10such that when first shell portion50and second shell portion60are rotated about hinge70, top wall56and top wall66overlay upper surface12, sidewall52overlays back surface18, sidewall62overlays front surface16, bottom wall54and bottom wall64overlay bottom surface14, etc.

Method300continues with rotating clam shell portions, e.g. first shell portion50and second shell portion60, utilizing hinge70, about an axis that is substantially parallel to power strip10(block306). In certain embodiments, when rotated clam shell40engages power strip10and electrical cable26such that an upper wall98is coincident with a top surface28of electrical cable20so that electrical cable20is effectively retained to power strip10when clam shell40is positioned thereupon. Top wall56and top wall66may overlay upper surface12, sidewall52may overlay back surface18, sidewall62may overlay front surface16, bottom wall54and bottom wall64may overlay bottom surface14, etc.

Method300continues by fixing the clam shell portions to retain electrical cable20with power strip10(block308). For example, locking tab58and locking tab68align when the first shell portion50is engaged (e.g. rotated, etc.) with second shell portion60such that locking tab58and locking tab68are fixed or otherwise retained together (e.g. by inserting a pin or lock into openings of locking tab58,68, respectively) to effectively lock the relative rotation of first shell portion50relative to second shell portion60. Method300ends at block310.

FIG. 11depicts a block diagram of a method320of retaining electrical cable20to power strip10with sliding retention fixture100to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Method320begins at block322and continues with inserting a electrical cable20into opening146of sliding retention fixture100(block324). For example, power cord26may be inserted between outward wall142and inward wall144of extension bracket140such that power cord26generally lies within opening146.

Method320continues with positioning sliding retention fixture so that extension bracket140is near the electrical cable20(block326). For example, sliding retention fixture100may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that bottom surface143of engagement bracket140is coincident with top surface28of electrical cable20. In certain embodiments, sliding retention fixture100may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that there is a gap between bottom surface143of and top surface28. The gap may be less than the wipe of main plug22pins and power strip10receptacles, so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when sliding retention fixture100is positioned thereupon.

Method320continues with sliding first bracket110and second bracket120against each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to power strip10(block328). Method320continues with contacting opposing sides of power strip10with first bracket110and second bracket120(block330). For example, first bracket110and second bracket120slide against each other to engage foot portion122with back surface18and to engage foot portion112with front surface16.

Method320continues by engaging fastener130to prevent relative movement between first bracket110and second bracket120to engage sliding retention fixture100with e.g. power strip10in order to retain and prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10(block332). Method320ends at block334.

FIG. 12depicts a block diagram of a method340of retaining electrical cable20to power strip10with rotating retention fixture200to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Method340begins at block342and continues with inserting electrical cable20into pronged clip210of rotating retention fixture200(block344). For example, power cord26may be inserted into opening218by flexing e.g. prong214to increase the width of opening219to a dimension greater than the diameter of power cord26.

Method340continues by positioning pronged clip210near electrical cable20(block346). For example, rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that a bottom surface211of pronged clip210is coincident with top surface28of electrical cable20. In certain embodiments, rotating retention fixture200may be positioned vertically upon power strip10such that there is a gap between bottom surface211of and top surface28. The gap may be less than the wipe of main plug22pins and power strip10receptacles, so as to retain electrical cable20to power strip10when rotating retention fixture200is positioned thereupon.

Method340continues by rotating first bracket220and/or second bracket230relative to each other about axis substantially perpendicular to power strip10(block348). For example, first bracket220may be rotated against second bracket230about axis240. Method340continues by contacting opposing sides of power strip10with first rotating bracket220and with second rotating bracket230(block350). For example, first bracket220may be rotated against second bracket230about axis240to e.g. engage vertical bracket234with back surface18and to engage and vertical bracket224with front surface16.

Method340continues by engaging fastener250to prevent relative movement between first bracket220and second bracket230to retain electrical cable20with power strip10(block352). For example, fastener250may be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to power strip10(e.g. axis240, etc.) to retain rotating retention fixture200with e.g. power strip10in order to prevent the undesired removal of electrical cable20from power strip10.

References herein to terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc. are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference. The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or top surface10of power strip10, regardless of the actual spatial orientation of the power strip10. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal, as just defined. Terms, such as “on”, “above”, “below”, “side”, “top”, “bottom”, “higher”, “lower”, “over”, “beneath”, “under”, etc. are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. It is understood that various other frames of reference may be employed for describing the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.