Abstract:
A receptacle for receiving an electrical plug is disclosed. The receptacle includes a plurality of channels which extend generally for the length of the receptacle. The channels include conductors where at least one of the conductors accommodates the smaller prong on a polarized plug. At least one of the conductors is in constant contact with a power source while at least one conductor is controlled by a switch. A receptacle of the invention is normally adapted to baseboards to allow a user to insert an electrical plug in either a constant “hot” connection or a switched controlled connection for generally the length of the baseboard.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     The present invention is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/789,232 filed on Feb. 27, 2004 now abandoned and entitled “Elongated Electrical Outlet” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
     The present invention relates to electrical components and, more particularly, to a baseboard having a continuous electrical outlet. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Baseboard molding serves several architectural functions. One of the functions is to provide concealment of imperfections created at the floor and wall joint. Prior art also shows the use of the baseboards for concealing conduits. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,363 to Samuels teaches a conduit, concealing baseboard molding for concealing and organizing conduits such as electrical wiring and cables. The molding includes a back plate which has a several conduit stalls for receiving conduits. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,514 to Wolfe discloses a structural wall apparatus having building panels with inner and outer metal skin spaced by an insulating core of foamed polymer. Each panel has an interlocking edge with a metal line tongue to allow for interconnection of the panels. Further, the panels include a reinforcing member connected to the metal skin with a strengthening flange portion. Fasteners pass through the interconnecting grooves and flanges to facilitate connection. A “C” frame member is included with the apparatus for receiving a shroud for concealing electrical conduits or other conduits which may be necessary to install through a building near the floor or foundation. Specifically, the &#39;514 patent is directed to a baseboard or foundational anchor shroud through which electrical or communication conduit may be passed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,180 to DeBartolo teaches a multi-channel duct for enclosing conductors, cables wires, power lines, communication lines and the like. The duct includes an elongated base with an elongated divider separating the base into two channels. A pair of elongated covers overlay the channels and an inner layer overlays one of the channels. The divider and inner cover may be detached from the base by a frangible seam for converting the two channel ducts to a single channel duct. 
     U.S. Pat. No. to Gooding discloses an electrical raceway that includes a retaining clip and cover member that are formed with extrusions which provide wire receiving channels to contain different types of wires. An outlet is provided adjacent to the raceway and a cover fits over the outlet and adjacent portions of the raceway. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,561,031 to Murphy teaches an electrical connection device having a longitudinal wire conduit with one or more plug receptacles on the conduit system and electrically connected with wires within the conduit. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,190,196 to Semenyna discloses an electric molding structure providing electrical outlets a several locations along its length. The molding structure may include corner and angle members having electrical conductors which may be coupled together which continues the circuit without the need for tools or solder connections. 
     In view of the cited art, there is a need for a baseboard having a raceway that can receive an electrical plug at any point along a baseboard. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disclosed is a baseboard having an integrated electrical connection for receiving an electrical plug. In a preferred embodiment, the baseboard is constructed of extruded plastic. However, the baseboard may be constructed from wood or solid plastic fabrications. The baseboard can take on many designs to accommodate different structural and aesthetic considerations. 
     In one embodiment, the baseboard includes channels each of which house a conductor. Preferably, two types of conductors are employed. The first type is a polarized conductor that includes slots along its length which accommodate the smaller prong on a polarized plug. The second type of conductor is a non-polarized conductor which consists of a continuous raceway and can accept a prong of a plug at any point along its length. The channels on the baseboard can include either of the two types of conductors. The preferred embodiment is a three-channel system in which the top channel and bottom channel each include a conductor of the polarized type while the middle channel includes a conductor of the non-polarized type. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the polarized conductor in the upper channel is in a constant “hot” state that is always connected to the power source. The middle channel houses a non-polarized neutral conductor and the bottom channel houses a polarized conductor that is switch controlled. In this configuration, a two-prong plug can be plugged into the top two channels where the smaller prong is inserted into the top channel that includes the polarized conductor and the larger prong is inserted into the middle channel that has the non-polarized conductor. Once plugged in, electricity is continuously available for the electrical device. When the plug is rotated 180° and the smaller prong is inserted into the bottom channel having a polarized conductor and the larger is again inserted into the middle channel, electricity will not be available for a device until the switch controlling the flow of electricity through the conductor in the bottom channel is activated. 
     The baseboard further includes hollow regions that extend for the length of the baseboard. These hollow regions can be used as conduits for other utility cable such as but not limited to telephone, cable and/or network cable. 
     In another embodiment, the channels can be enclosed in the baseboard and act as conduits for the baseboard electrical conductors in room locations where the access to electricity is not preferred such as around a door, window or other obstacle that interferes with the straight continuous system. In this instance, the channels are closed to form conduits to carry the conductor to a point at which they are once again exposed to accept an electrical plug. 
     In another embodiment, guards are employed to cover the channels and to prevent debris from entering the channels. The guards are preferably rubber but may be comprised of any material as apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The baseboard may have as many guards as it does channels (i.e., one guard per channel) or the guard may be one-piece construction having slits at the opening of the channels. Therefore, the one-piece guard will have as many slits as channels in the baseboard. 
     In yet another embodiment, the baseboard includes five channels. The five channel configuration allows for the use of a three prong, polarized plug. The top and bottom channels each include a polarized conductor while the second and fourth channels each include a conductor to accommodate the neutral prong on the three-prong plug and the middle or third channel includes a non-polarized conductor. In the five channel system, for a constant electrical connection, the three prongs are inserted into the top three channels where the top channel accommodates the smaller prong on the polarized plug. Where a switched connection is desired, the plug is rotated 180° so that the prongs are inserted into the bottom three channels housing conductors. The bottom channel accommodates the smaller prong on the polarized plug. 
     In yet another embodiment, the baseboard includes a kick switch and lighting. A kick switch may be installed at or near door openings so that when a person enters the door they are able to kick the switch with their foot to turn on a light that is plugged into the switched conductor. Other options include adding light within the baseboard to provide wall lighting and the like. The concept of the present invention may also be employed in electrical receptacles of any length. Such a receptacle my include a plug for insertion into an electrical outlet. This type of receptacle is similar to multi-outlet plug adaptors, however, the device according to the present invention includes a continuous raceway which can receive a plug at any point along its length. 
     In yet another embodiment, the baseboard can be modified to be used as a portable power strip or as a power strip installed at a specific location. One such instance is a power strip for use above a sink in either a bathroom or kitchen. The power strip may be installed and may include lights at any point along its length. In other embodiments, it may be necessary to have a surge protector and/or Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) included in either the baseboard or power strip applications between the electrical power supply and the conductors. The surge or GFI may be employed to protect a small section of the modified baseboard or it can be installed to protect an entire room by protecting the entire baseboard raceway. This eliminates the need for a surge protector or GFI protector at every plug. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electrical baseboard according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the baseboard of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the cross-section of  FIG. 2  showing a plug in the inserted position; 
         FIG. 4  is a cut-away exploded perspective view of the baseboard of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a conductor according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a baseboard  10  including the features of the present invention. The baseboard  10  includes a back plate  12  which can be secured to a wall  14  or wall studding  16 , best shown in  FIG. 2 . The baseboard  10  is extruded from a plastic material. The back plate  12  includes an upper extension  20  and a lower extension  22  which extend away from the back plate  12  in a generally perpendicular direction. The extensions  20 ,  22  may take on a variety of designs. For instance, the upper extension  20  may be curved for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, the upper extension  20  may include an “L” shaped design, as illustrated, to accommodate a wall covering such as dry wall or paneling. The lower extension  22  normally is of a straight design and runs generally parallel to the floor  15 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIGS. 2–4   a,  the extensions  20 ,  22  each connect to a front plate  18 . The front plate  18  runs generally parallel to the back plate  12  and connects the upper extension  20  to the lower extension  22 . The front plate  18 , back plate  12  and extensions  20 ,  22  are extruded as one piece creating a hollow cavity between the front plate  18  and the back plate  12 . In addition, the front plate  18  has extruded therein channels or depressions  24 ,  26 ,  28  which extend into the hollow portion of the baseboard  10  in a direction towards the back plate  12 . The channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  each include a semi-circular portion  24   a,    26   a,    28   a  at the termination of the channels each of which has a diameter larger than the width of the respective channel. These semi-circular portions  24   a,    26   a,    28   a  are used as a means of holding in place conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34 . 
     The conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  are made of a conductive metal and supply electrical current to the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28 . The conductors are designed to accommodate polarized plugs which follow the convention in that the larger prong is connected to the phase neutral wire while the smaller prong is connected to a “hot” wire. That being said, two different configurations of conductors are employed in the present baseboard  10 . The first configuration of conductor is the design of conductor  30  which is used in conjunction with channel  24  and accepts the smaller prong on the polarized plug. Therefore, for clarity, this conductor will be referred to as a polarized conductor. The polarized conductor is shown in  FIG. 4   a.  Conductor  30  includes a semi-circular end  80  which is retained by the respective semi-circular end  24   a  of the channel  24 . Extending away from the semi-circular end  80  of the conductor  30  is a upper arm  82 . A lower arm  84  likewise extends away from the semi-circular end  80  of the conductor  30  and runs generally parallel to the upper arm  82 . The diameter of the semi-circular end  80  is greater than the distance between the upper arm  82  and lower arm  84 . The distance between the lower arm  84  and upper arm  82  is such that the space can accommodate a smaller prong  102  on a polarized plug  100 . 
     The upper arm  82  includes flanges  86  at the end distal to the semi-circular portion  80 . The flanges  86  are cut out from the upper arm  82  of the conductor  30 . The flanges  86  are then bent downward to meet the lower arm  84 . This configuration produces slots each of which is defined by the edges of adjacent flanges  86 , the outer edge  82   a  of the upper arm  82  to the top and the outer edge  84   a  of the lower arm  84  at the bottom. The slot is designed to be of size to accommodate the smaller prong  102  of the polarized plug  100 . The outer edges  82   a,    84   a  of the extensions  82 ,  84  include a bevel which aids in accepting the prong  102  of the plug  100 . In the illustrated design, the polarized conductor  30  is installed in the upper channel  24 . Additionally, conductor  34  housed by channel  28  employs the polarized design as described in relation to conductor  30 . 
     Channel  26  houses conductor  32  which is of the second type and accommodates the larger prong of a polarized plug. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, this type of conductor will be referred to as a non-polarized conductor. As with the conductor  30 , the conductor  32  includes a semi-circular region  80  which includes an upper arm  92  and a lower arm  84 . The lower arm  84  is of the same design as described above in relation to the conductor  30 , however, the upper arm  92  does not include flanges. The upper arm  92  is a mirror of the lower arm  84 . Each arm  92  and  84  include a bevel at an end distal to the semi-circular end  80 . Again, the diameter of the semi-circular end  80  is larger than the distance between the arms  84 ,  92 . This conductor  32  is housed in the middle channel  26  and is adapted to accepts the larger prong  104  of a polarized plug  100 . Other arrangements of polarized, non-polarized conductors is hereby contemplated. 
     In one illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 4 , a three-channel configuration is contemplated. In the three channel configuration, the upper channel  24  houses a conductor  30 , the middle channel  26  houses the conductor  32  and the lower channel  28  houses a conductor  34  which is of the same configuration as the conductor  30  (i.e., polarized conductor). The semi-circular ends  80  of the conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  are accommodated by the semi-circular portions  24   a,    26   a,    28   a  of the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28 . The conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  slide into the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  from the side of the baseboard  10  such that the semi-circular ends  80  of the conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  are housed within the semi-circular portion of the channels. The upper and lower arms of the conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  further extend into the channel in a direction toward the outer portion  18   a  of the front face  18 . The diameter of the semi-circular regions of the conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  is larger than the width of the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28 . Due to this arrangement, the conductors cannot be pulled out of the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  of the baseboard  10  through the front face. As such, when a plug  100  is inserted into the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  and further unplugged, the prongs  102 ,  104  of the plug  100  will not pull the conductors  30 ,  32 ,  34  out of their respective locations in channels  24 ,  26 ,  28 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the inventive baseboard  10  prior to the insertion of a polarized two-prong plug  100 . The polarized plug includes a large prong  104  and a small prong  102 . Each channel  24 ,  26 ,  28  includes a rubber guard  110  at the insertion end of the channel along the surface of the outer face  18   a  of the front plate  18 . The guard  110  prevents foreign objects from entering the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  and adds to the aesthetic value of the baseboard  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the guards  110  cover the opening to the channels  24 ,  26 ,  28  prior to insertion of the prongs  102 ,  104  of the plug  100 . The guards  110  are comprised of an upper end  110   a  and a lower end  110   b.  The upper end  110   a  is affixed in the body of the front plate  18 . The lower end  110   b  extends out of the front plate  18  and covers the width of the channel. When a plug  100  is inserted, as in  FIG. 3 , the lower end  110   b  is forced back towards the channel and take a position that is non-interfering with the prongs  102 ,  104  of the plug  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1–4 , the top channel  24  houses a polarized conductor  30 . The middle channel  26  houses a non-polarized conductor  32  and the bottom channel houses a polarized conductor  34 . Each conductor  30 ,  32 ,  34  includes a tab  120  which connects to an electrical supply via a sleeve  122  (see  FIG. 4 ). The sleeve  122  slides over the tab  120  for connecting the each conductor  230 ,  32 ,  34  to a protector  123  prior to being in communication with a power supply. The protector is a surge or ground fault interrupt (GFI) protector or a combination of both a surge and GFI protector. Any standard surge or GFI protector may be employed as know to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The conductor  30 , a polarized conductor, housed in channel  24  is connected to an electrical supply and is always in a constant “hot” state with a non-ground potential. The conductor  32 , a non-polarized conductor, housed in channel  26  is a neutral conductor and the conductor  34 , a polarized conductor, housed in channel  28  is controlled by a switch (not shown) such as a wall switch. As noted, the polarized conductors  30 ,  34  will only accept the small prong on a polarized plug. When a plug is “plugged in” to the top two channels  24 ,  26  with the smaller prong in plugged into channel  24  housing conductor  30 , electricity is continuously available for the apparatus connected to the plug  100 . When a switched connection is needed, the plug  100  is rotated 180° such that the prongs  102 ,  104  occupy the bottom two channels  26 ,  28  where channel  28  houses the polarized conductor  34  and channel  26  houses a neutral conductor  34 , electricity is not available to the plug unless the switch is activated. 
       FIG. 3  shows the plug  100  in the “plugged in” state. When the plug enters the channels  26 ,  28 , it pushes back the guards  110 , particularly the lower end  110   b  of the guards  110  to a non-interfering position. The prongs  102 ,  104  are further urged into the channels  26 ,  28  until the plug  100  is in a fully “plugged in” state. In this state, the prongs  102 ,  104  make firm contact with the conductors  34 ,  32 , respectively. The prongs  102 ,  104  do not extend to the end of the channels  26 ,  28  but rather extend in the channels  26 ,  28  far enough that it can make contact with the conductors  32 ,  34 . Further, the conductors  30  and  34  extend further away from the back plate  12  so that if a plug&#39;s polarity is reversed there will be no contact. 
     The front plate  18  also includes an upper opening  40  and a lower opening  42  which expose the hollow center of the baseboard  10 . The upper opening  40  exposes a hollow cavity defined by an upper wall  44  at the top, the back plate  12  to the back, a partition  46  to the bottom and a first front panel  48  to the front. The lower opening  42  exposes a second cavity which is defined at the top by the partition  46 , the back plate  12  to the rear, the lower extension  22  to the bottom and a second front panel  50  to the front. These cavities may house other conduits such as telephone wires, television cable and/or networking cable or other cable or wire as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a baseboard  200  according to the present invention which can accommodate a 3-prong plug  202  is shown. The 3-prong plug  202  includes a small prong  204 , a larger prong  206  and a ground prong  208 . Like the three-channel baseboard  10 , the five-channel baseboard  200  includes a back plate  212  which may be fastened to a wall or wall studding  16 . An upper extension  220  extends away from the back plate  212  in a generally perpendicular direction. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the back plate  212  does not extend to the floor but rather ends at the lower extension  222 . The lower extension  222  extends away from the back plate in a generally perpendicular direction. A front plate  218  connects the upper extension  220  to the lower extension  222 . Further, the front plate  218  extends beyond the lower extension  222  to the floor  15 . This creates a void defined by the wall studding  16  to the back, the lower extension  222  to the top, the floor  15  to the bottom and the front plate  218  to the front. This void can be used to as a conduit for other cables. 
     The front plate has extruded therein five depression or channels  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238  which house conductors  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 , respectively. The configuration and interaction of the channels with the conductors is the same as described for the three-channel baseboard. The five-channel baseboard  200  allows the use of a three-pronged plug. The two upper channels  230 ,  232  and middle channel  234  are employed when continuous access to electricity is needed. Channel  230  houses a polarized conductor  240 , as described above, which accepts the smaller prong on a three-prong polarized plug  202 . The conductor  230  is in a constant “hot” state with a non-ground potential. Channel  232  housed conductor  242  which is a ground conductor. Although this conductor accommodates the ground prong  208  it is of the same configuration as the polarized and non-polarized conductor described earlier. Channel  234  houses the non-polarized conductor  244  which accommodates the larger prong  206  on a polarized plug  202 . The conductor  244  can accommodate the prong  206  at any point along its length. Whereas, the polarized conductor  240  accommodates the smaller prong  204  in the slots created by the flanges  86  as described earlier. 
     Where a switched connection is needed, the plug is rotated 180° such that the smaller prong  204  is inserted into channel  238  housing the polarized conductor  248 . This conductor  248  is switch controlled. The ground prong  208  is then inserted in channel  236  which houses ground conductor  246 . Finally, the larger prong  206  is again inserted into channel  244 . 
     The baseboard  200  also includes a rubber guard plate  230  having rubber protrusions  231  that extend into the face plate  218  of the baseboard  200 . The rubber guard plate  230  covers a region of the front plate  218  which encompasses the channels  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 . The guard  230  includes a slits at the portion which of the guard  230  that covers a channel  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 . When the plug  202  is to be plugged in, the prongs slide through the slits separating the rubber far enough to allow the prongs of the plug  202  to enter their respective channel. When the prongs of the plug  202  are removed from the channels, the rubber guards return to a position that will prevent foreign objects from entering the channels. As is stated with the three-prong embodiment, the polarized conductors  240  and  248  extend further from the back plate  212  than the non-polarized conductor  244  to prevent accidental contact where the polarity of the plug  202  is reversed and there is an attempt to insert the plug  202  in the reversed fashion. Further, a surge or GFI protector can be employed in the five-prong embodiment as described with the three-prong embodiment. 
     Many modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than has been specifically shown and described.