Abstract:
An electrical device capable of interfacing with multiple types of duplex receptacles includes at least one set of moveable outlet prongs that are adjustable such that they may be readily inserted into outlets of varying dimensions. Adjustability may be provided by, for example, a rotable or translatable connection between the prongs and one of the outlet plugs of the device. The prongs may be biased into position by a spring or other elastic member. By providing adjustable prongs on at least one outlet plug, the device is able to interface with both outlets in duplex receptacles of various sizes and types, including receptacles having ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) capabilities.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/407,387 entitled “Wall-Mounted Electrical Device Having Adjustable Outlet Prongs,” filed Aug. 30, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to devices which mount to electrical receptacles, and more particularly, to devices capable of adapting to variously sized and/or shaped receptacles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     More recently, fragrance dispensers have become increasingly sleek in design for improved stability and appearance. Such new fragrance dispensers may also include two sets of outlet prongs that can be inserted into both outlets of a conventional duplex (i.e. dual-outlet) receptacle for improved stability. 
     Similarly, many other devices may interface with one or both outlets of duplex (or four-plex, six-plex, etc.) receptacles, such as battery chargers, timers, audio/visual devices, nightlights, wireless control devices, air filters, computing devices and the like. 
     As will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the present invention is particularly suited for use with devices configured for interfacing with (or “plugging into”) both outlets in a conventional duplex wall receptacle. 
     Various types of conventional outlet receptacles have been used for many years. Typical receptacles include two or more electrical outlets within a housing that is generally covered with a faceplate. The faceplate may also cover a switch, dimmer or other electrical control as well. A standard duplex receptacle is shown in FIG.  1 A. In recent years, many receptacles (such as those used in bathrooms and garages) incorporate ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI or GFI) that break electrical continuity for the receptacle if a short or other unsafe condition occurs. GFCI receptacles typically include “TEST” and/or “RESET” buttons that can be manipulated to test the GFCI circuitry as appropriate. A conventional duplex GFCI receptacle is shown in FIG.  1 B. Both standard and GFCI receptacles are readily available from the Leviton corporation of Little Neck, N.Y., as well as from numerous other sources. Likewise, in various other circumstances, receptacles may be “non-standard” (e.g., outlets in older homes, different countries, etc.) 
     The physical and electrical specifications of electrical receptacles are set forth in various standards published by the Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) of Northbrook, Ill. and by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), as well as in various municipal building codes. Although both GFCI and non-GFCI outlets are commonly found in most homes and businesses, the two types of outlets generally have slightly different physical dimensions. For example, the two outlets of a standard duplex outlet are approximately 1.5 inches apart, whereas the two outlets of a GFCI duplex outlet are approximately 1.675 inches apart. Although this difference appears to the casual observer to be relatively small, the difference is large enough to affect devices that are intended to interface with both outlets in the duplex receptacle. If the outlet prongs of the device are rigidly fixed for standard duplex outlets, for example, the prongs may be difficult to insert into a GFCI outlet. Similarly, minor variations in receptacle standards for various countries, manufacturers or locales may affect the ease-of-insertion of certain fragrance dispensers and other dual-plug devices. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to create a device that adapts to interface with variously sized receptacles, such as, for example, both standard and GFCI outlet receptacles of varying sizes and dimensions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an electrical device includes at least one set of prongs that are adaptable such that they may be readily inserted into receptacles of varying sizes. Adaptability may be provided through, for example, a movable connection between the prongs and one or more of the outlet plugs. According to one embodiment, an electrical device for interfacing with a duplex electrical receptacle suitably includes a housing, a first plug disposed within the housing and having a first set of prongs configured to interface with the first outlet of the receptacle, and a second plug disposed within the housing and having a second set of prongs configured to interface with the second outlet of the receptacle, wherein the second set of prongs is moveably coupled with respect to the housing to accommodate variations in distance between the first outlet and the second outlet. These and other aspects of the invention shall become more apparent when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures and the attached detailed description of exemplary embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The features and advantages of the present invention are hereinafter described in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar parts in the similar views, and: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front views of exemplary standard and GFCI duplex receptacles; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary device having adjustable outlet prongs; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cutaway side view of an exemplary device having a rotatable outlet prong; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cutaway side view of an exemplary device having a translatable outlet prong; 
         FIGS. 3C-D  are side and top views, respectively, of an exemplary outlet prong; and 
         FIGS. 4A-B  are cross-sectional views of an exemplary vapor dispensing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. 
     For example, in the context of the present invention, the method and apparatus hereof may find particular use in connection with electric air fresheners. However, generally speaking, various other devices, having any number of components and features (e.g., battery chargers, timers, audio/visual devices, nightlights, wireless control devices, air filters, computing devices and the like) are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. In this context, various embodiments of the present invention may be described herein in conjunction with specific devices and it should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention should not be considered limited to those specifically mentioned herein. 
     In accordance with the present invention, an electrical device for insertion into an electrical receptacle which is capable of adapting to receptacles of varying sizes and dimensions. Briefly, as used herein “adaptive” refers to the ability to adjust to fit a differently sized or spaced receptacle, and as such, shall be synonymous with “adjustable” and other like meaning terms. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , an example of a wall-mounted device  200  (such as an air freshener, battery charger or the like) in accordance with the present invention suitably includes a housing  210  and two or more outlet plugs  212  and  214  capable of electrically interfacing with an electrical receptacle having two or more outlets. For example, the non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  is a “duplex” device. Examples of duplex devices, such as a duplex air freshener, are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,529, entitled “VAPOR-DISPENSING DEVICE,” filed Feb. 12, 2002 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/222,501, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DUAL-OUTLET DISPENSER,” filed Aug. 16, 2002 the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In the context of a duplex embodiment, each of the two plugs  212  and  214  suitably include two or more outlet prongs (e.g. prongs  202  and  204  for plug  212 , and prongs  206  and  208  for plug  214 ) that can be inserted into the holes of a conventional electrical receptacle. In accordance with various electrical standards, one of the prongs  204 / 208  corresponding to the electrically active or “hot” portion of the electrical receptacle may be slightly larger in size than the other prong  202 / 206 , which generally corresponds to “neutral” or “ground”. Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , a third “ground” prong may also be present on alternate embodiments of each electrical plug  212 / 214 . Similarly, other configurations (such as for non-standard current or non-U.S. standard plug configurations) likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Because device  200  includes multiple plugs  212 / 214 , each of which is designed to be inserted into one outlet in a multi-outlet receptacle, each prong  206 / 208  of one or more of the plugs  214  is configured to adapt or otherwise move, rotate, translate, etc. and/or to accommodate receptacles of varying dimensions. For example, in one embodiment, each prong  206 / 208  is free to move within the confines of a slot  216  formed in housing  210 . The size of slot  216  suitably corresponds to the extent of movement required by a particular embodiment. For device  200  to accommodate both conventional North American standard and GFCI duplex receptacles, for example, a movement of about ⅛-¼ inch (or about 1-4 millimeters) may be sufficient. Of course the exact amount of movement needed will vary from embodiment to embodiment, and may be based upon electrical standards, building codes and the like. 
     In various embodiments, to adapt, as a user inserts device  200  into an electrical receptacle, the movable prongs  206 / 208  suitably translate and/or rotate as appropriate to interface with the outlet. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , prongs  202 / 204  are inserted into the topmost outlet of the receptacle, and movable prongs  206 / 208  suitably adjust to the outlet holes of the bottom outlet as device  200  is inserted into the receptacle. Prong placement and insertion may be further aided by designing the length of prongs  206 / 208  to be shorter than the length of non-movable prongs  202 / 204 , for example, or by shaping movable prongs  206 / 208  with a beveled, slanted, rounded or similar-shaped edge. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3A , a device  200  which adapts via rotatable prongs  206 / 208  is shown. Although prong  208  is not visible in the view shown in  FIG. 3A , the structures shown for prong  206  could be readily implemented on the other prongs of device  200 . Prong  206  is suitably fashioned with a notch or hole that is capable of accepting a pin  302  or other outcropping so that the pin serves as a pivot point for prong  206 . Pin  302  is any pivot point that is rigidly fixed with respect to housing  210 . In one embodiment, pin  302  is fashioned as an outcropping of housing  210  through appropriate fabrication techniques such as injection molding. Alternatively, pin  302  may be implemented as a separate metal, plastic other object that may be inserted into a groove, hole or other recession in housing  210  such that pin  302  is rigidly held in place. A spring  304  or other elastic member (such as a plastic finger, a rubber band, or any other structure) may be optionally provided to bias prong  206  into a desired initial position or to hold prong  206  in place prior to or after insertion. Spring  304  may be coupled to any point of prong  206 , and may be attached to housing  210  at any anchor point  306 . 
     In this embodiment, prong  206  rotates about pin  302  in response to the position of the outlet receptacle to adapt to the receptacle. For example, as an external force is applied to device  200 , prong  206  suitably rotates about pin  302  such that prong  206  is guided within slot  216  to the outlet hole as appropriate. As with the prior embodiments, prong  206  may be shaped in any convenient fashion to assist in guiding prong  206  to the outlet hole. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3B , another exemplary embodiment of a device  200  suitably includes one or more prongs  206 / 208  that adapt by translation with respect to housing  210  to accommodate receptacles of varying dimensions. Prong  206  suitably has a front face  320  that interfaces with housing  210  to allow prong  206  to slide or otherwise laterally move within the confines of groove  216 . In a further embodiment, prong  206  includes a tongue, flange or other outcropping that slides within a groove or other guide on housing  210  to guide the lateral movement of prong  206  with respect to housing  210 . As with the prior embodiment, an optional spring  304  or other biasing mechanism may also be provided to bias prong  206  toward an anchor point  306  or other point on housing  210 . Similar to the rotational embodiment described above, in operation, an insertion force provided by the user overcomes the bias force of spring  304  to allow prong  206  to move laterally within groove  216  to interface with the outlet receptacle. 
       FIGS. 3C-D  are side and top views, respectively, of an exemplary prong  206 / 208  that may be used to implement rigid or movable prongs in a device  200 . With reference to  FIGS. 3C-D , an exemplary prong  206 / 208  suitably includes two legs  322  and  324  that receive the prongs of an external appliance such as a hair dryer, lamp, curling iron, kitchen appliance or the like. Prong  206 / 208  also includes a front face  320  that slides or rotates with respect to housing  210  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A-B , and may include a hole  332  in any appropriate location to receive spring  304  or another elastic biasing member. As best seen in  FIG. 3C , prongs  206 / 208  may be formed such that the portion  336  internal to housing  210  ( FIG. 2 ) is not aligned with the external portion  338 . In such embodiments, the non-linear structure of prong  206 / 208  further enhances rotation, translation or other movement as may be appropriate. Prongs  206 / 208  may be fashioned from any available material such as metal or plastic. In a further embodiment, prongs  206 / 208  are made from an electrically-conductive material such as copper, aluminum or the like. 
       FIGS. 4A-B  show top and cutaway views of a device which adapts using movable outlet prongs similar to the device illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-D . An exemplary device  200  suitably includes a housing with one or more outlet faces  404 / 406  capable of receiving the prongs of an electrical plug from an external device (e.g. a radio, hair dryer, curling iron, electric razor, clock, lamp, kitchen appliance, or the like). Outlet faces  404 / 406  suitably correspond to the two electrical plugs  212 / 214  disposed within housing  210 , as described more fully below. Housing  210  may be fashioned of thermoformed or injection-molded plastic, metal, ceramic, glass or any other convenient material. Either or both of plugs  212  and  214  may be formed with the exemplary structures shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , or with any other plug structure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-B , housing  210  of device  200  suitably includes a front face  402  and a back face  404  encompassing plugs  212 / 214 , as well as the various components applicable to the type of device the present invention is embodied in. Each plug  212 / 214  includes a set of prongs  202 / 204 ,  206 / 208  that interface with the prongs of an external device. In the stationary prong structure shown in  FIG. 4A , each prong  202 / 204  is formed to include legs  320 / 322  as described above to electrically connect the prongs of the external device with one of the outlets in the receptacle. Prongs  202 / 204  may be formed such that front face  320  of each prong is rigidly held in place within the back face  404  to prevent movement of the prongs with respect to housing  210 . In the movable structure shown in  FIG. 4B , the prongs of an external device are guided and held in place by legs  322  and  324 , which may be physically isolated from the external sliding portion  334  (FIG.  3 C). A gap  410  may be provided such that prongs  206 / 208  are allowed to translate along front face  320 , as guided by slot  216  (FIG.  2 ). Alternatively, a rotational, translational or other structure such as those described above could be used. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional electrical and mechanical design techniques used in developing various multiplexing devices (and the various components thereof) are not described in detail herein. Accordingly, devices disclosed herein may be readily modified to create equivalent embodiments through application of general electrical and mechanical principles. In a still further embodiment, the uppermost set of prongs may be configured to adjust to variations in receptacle size in addition to or in place of the lowermost prongs, as shown in the Figures herein. Moreover, although the general concepts of self-adjustability have been described with reference to a vapor dispensing device herein, these concepts may be readily applied to other equivalent electrical devices such as air filters, nightlights, audio speakers, wireless control devices, timers and the like. 
     The particular implementations shown and described herein are examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. In this context, the corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all elements described herein, are intended to include any structure, material or acts for performing the functions described herein and include those now known or hereafter devised.