Patent Publication Number: US-2009225568-A1

Title: Light Device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/523,150 filed Sep. 19, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following generally relates to a light device. More particularly, it pertains to an electrical outlet powered night light having a moveable structure that moves into a position that inhibits access to a second electrical outlet. 
     A typical conventional night light includes a light source powered through electrical contacts that receive power from a wall or otheiwise mounted electrical receptacle. Depending on the type of light source (e.g., an incandescent light bulb), a shield may be attached to the night light to provide a barrier between the light source and the environment. 
     In many instances, such a night light is configured to be left in place once plugged into the electrical receptacle. As such, conventional night lights typically are constructed so as not to interfere with access to an adjacent electrical outlet when plugged into one of the outlets of a duplex receptacle. This allows the user to plug in the night light in one of the outlets and plug a different device into the other outlet without having to move the night light. However, in some instances, this is undesirable. For example, in one instance the user may desire to prevent access to the adjacent electrical outlet to prevent individuals such as children from accessing the outlet or other devices from receiving power through the outlet. 
     Many attempts have been made to develop a night light that blocks access to the unused receptacle of the duplex receptacle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,025 to Bohlool et al. discloses an night light/outlet cover plate that screws to a duplex electrical receptacle. The night light/outlet cover plate is a single unitary assembly with an enclosed night light portion having electrical contacts that plug into a first outlet of a duplex receptacle and a cover plate portion that covers an area around the receptacles and blocks access to the second outlet of the receptacle. 
     Consequently, the night light/outlet cover plate is the duplex electrical receptacle cover plate. Thus, in order to access the unused outlet or remove the night light, if desired, the entire cover plate must be removed, which requires unscrewing the attachment screws and exposing the electrical wires powering the outlets. In addition, the portion blocking access to the second outlet of the receptacle is merely an extension of the outlet cover plate and does not conform to the aesthetics of the night light portion. 
     In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,516 to Lai discloses a single night light wall outlet structure that covers both outlets of a duplex receptacle. The single structure provides access to the outlets of the duplex receptacle through two openings within the structure. The electrical contacts of the night light extend through one of the openings and into one of the outlets, and the other outlet is accessible through the other opening. An outlet shield is pivotally attached to the structure such that it sits to one side of (e.g., below) both outlets. When the outlet shield is pivoted toward the light source, it blocks access to the outlet, and when the outlet shield is pivoted away from the light source, the shield hangs below the receptacle. 
     Unfortunately, since the structure covers both outlets, the night light cannot be plugged in unless the other outlet is not being used. Likewise, once plugged in, the night light cannot be removed unless the other outlet is not being used. In addition, the shape of the opening to the outlet and the size of the cover plate structure limit the type of the plug that can be plugged into the outlet through the opening. Moreover, when using the outlet to power another device, the outlet shield hangs down past the duplex receptacle, exposing the shield and the structures on the inside of the shield, including a pivot, pivot connectors, a portion of the shield mounted to the pivot, engagement hooks, and finger gripping recesses, such that they are susceptible to damage. 
     In view of the above, there is an unresolved need for an improved night light. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect, a light device includes a body having a light source and electrical contacts that plug into a first electrical outlet of a duplex receptacle and receive power therefrom. An outlet cover mounted for pivotal motion with respect to the body about a pivot axis that is substantially proximate to a region between the first outlet and a second outlet of the receptacle. The outlet cover pivots away from the body and towards the duplex receptacle to inhibit access to the second electrical outlet. 
     According to another aspect, a night light has a light source that is energized by the power from a first outlet of the duplex receptacle. The night light further includes a pivot that is disposed parallel and near to a region between two outlets of the receptacle. An extension pivots about the pivot to block access to a second electrical outlet of the duplex receptacle. 
     According to another aspect, a method for attaching a nightlight to an electrical outlet includes electrically coupling electrical contacts of the night light to a first outlet of an duplex electrical receptacle, and pivoting an outlet cover of the night light about a pivot axis located between and parallel to the outlets of the receptacle to prevent access to a second outlet or provide access to the second outlet. 
     According to another aspect, a method for constructing a night light that blocks access to an electrical outlet includes assembling a night light that plugs into an outlet of a duplex electrical receptacle, and pivotably coupling an extension member to a pivot axis of the night light located between the outlets of the receptacle, wherein the extension member pivots about the axis towards the receptacle to block access to a second outlet of the receptacle. 
     Still other aspects of the present invention will be understood by those skilled apart upon reading and understanding the appended description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a light device with an outlet cover in an extended position that blocks access to an electrical outlet. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of a light device with an outlet cover in a retracted position that provides access to an electrical outlet. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a back perspective view of a light device with an outlet cover in a retracted position and attached through a pivot component(s). 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a back view of a light device with an outlet cover in an extended position and attached through a pivot component (s). 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a back of a light device showing an outlet cover in a retracted position and attached through a pivot component(s). 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a light device showing an outlet cover having an integral pivot(s). 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a light device with an outlet cover that is breakably removable from the light device. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates light device with a flexibly moveable outlet cover. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the light device showing the outlet cover in an extended position. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates front view of the light device showing the outlet cover in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a light device having an outlet cover with members that protrude into the contact recesses of the outlet. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a method for using a light having an outlet cover that blocks access to a second electrical outlet. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a method for constructing a light. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a light device  100  includes a body  104 , a light source  108 , electrical contacts  112 , an optional faceplate  116 , and an outlet cover  120 . 
     The body  104  includes a portion  124  for receiving the light source  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the light source  108  is an ordinary four (4) watt (W) incandescent night-light light bulb that screws or otherwise attaches within the portion  124 . The body  104  further houses components (not visible) for electrically coupling the light source  108  to the electrical contacts  112 . 
     The light device  100  includes two non-polarized electrical contacts  112  that extend from on a first side  128  of the body  104  and that plug into a first outlet  132  of a standard 120 volts alternating current (VAC) 50/60 Hertz (Hz) duplex electrical receptacle  136 . The electrical contacts  112  are optionally pivotably mounted, and are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  in a first position  140  for plugging into the first outlet  132  and in  FIG. 2  in a second position  144  in which the electrical contacts  112  move into storage recesses  148 . When plugged into the first outlet  132 , power from the first outlet  132  energizes and illuminates the light source  108 , when the light device  100  is activated. An optical sensor (not visible) or the like activates the light source  108  under low ambient light conditions. 
     The optional faceplate  116  attaches to a second side  152  of the body  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate  116  is mounted to the body  104  at mechanisms  156  with screws or the like. The faceplate  116  includes an optical portion  160  that spreads or diffuses light emitted by the light source  108 . The optical portion  142  is recessed within the faceplate  116  and partially or completely surrounded by a lip  164 . An object such as a translucent sticker or the like is affixed to optical portion  142 . The lip  164  protects the edges of the object. 
     The outlet cover  120  is movably mounted to the light device  100  for motion between a first or extended position  168  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a 5 second or retracted position  172  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the first or extended position  168 , the outlet cover  120  substantially covers the second outlet  150  such that access to the second outlet  150  is blocked or substantially impeded. The second or retracted position  172  provides access to the second outlet  150 . 
     The outlet cover  120  is mounted on the first side  128  of the body  104  at a region  176  between the first outlet  132  and the second outlet  150  when the light device  100  is plugged into the first outlet  132 . As illustrated, the outlet cover  120  is mounted for pivotal motion about a pivot or rotation axis  180 . The pivot axis  180  is physically located between the first and second outlets  132  and  150 , relatively nearer to the first outlet  132 . The pivot axis  180  is also substantially parallel to the electrical receptacle  136 . 
     In the first or retracted position  172 , the outlet cover  120  is rotated toward the body  104  and away from the duplex receptacle  136 . As illustrated, the dimensions of the outlet cover  120  are selected so that one end of the outlet cover  120  protrudes slightly past a front surface of the faceplate  116 . The protruding portion of the outlet cover  120  provides a lip that a user utilizes when moving the outlet cover  120  toward the first or extended position  168 . The protrusion can be omitted. 
     The outlet cover  120  includes a slot or hole  184  at which the outlet cover  120  attaches to the electrical receptacle  136 . The slot  184  is configured to provide access to a threaded hole  188  in the electrical receptacle  136 . The dimension of slot  184  allows the screw to be slightly moved closer or farther from one of the outlets  132  and  150  to accommodate different receptacle orientations. For example, the screw can be suitably positioned for attaching to the screw hole  188  when the receptacle  136  is configured to receive a three (3) prong plug and the receptacle is oriented with the ground recess nearer to the light source  108  than the hot and neutral recesses or with ground recess farther to the light source  108  than the hot and neutral recesses. When attached, the screw secures the outlet cover  120  in the first or extended position  168  to block access to the outlet  150 . It can also be used to prevent the light device  100  from being unplugged. 
     One exemplary attachment between the outlet cover  120  and the body is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 . In these figures, the outlet cover  120  is attached to the body  104  by way of two pivots  192  (visible in  FIGS. 3 and 6 ) and  196  (visible in  FIG. 6 ) such as pins or rods, which are inserted in corresponding material free regions  198  and  200  in the body  104  and material free regions  204  and  208  in the outlet cover  120 . In one instance, the dimensions of the pivots  192  and  196  and the material free regions  200 ,  204 ,  208 , and  212  are selected so that the pivots  192  and  196  are inserted with an interference fit. Such an arrangement aids in holding the pivots  192  and  196  in place and in maintaining the outlet cover  120  in position. In another embodiment, the pivots snap or otherwise engage in the regions  200 ,  204 ,  208 , and  212 . Alternately, a single, relatively longer pivot or more than two (2) pivots are used. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 6 , in an alternative embodiment one or more of the pivots  192  and  196  are formed as an integral part of the body  104  or the outlet cover  120 , for example, during a molding operation. When formed as part of the body  104 , the pivots  192  and  196  extend from the body  104  to snap or otherwise engage the material free regions  208  and  212  of the outlet cover  120  shown in  FIG. 3-5 . When formed as part of the outlet cover  120 , the pivots  192  and  196  extend from the outlet cover  120  to snap or otherwise engage the material free regions  200  and  204  of the body  104  shown in  FIG. 3-5 . 
       FIG. 7  shows another implementation in which the outlet cover  120  and the body  104  are formed as a single structure, with the outlet cover  120  in the first or extended position  168 . In one instance, the outlet cover  120  is breakably removable from the body  104  at a region  216 . In such an arrangement, a user permanently removes the outlet cover  120  by severing the region  216 , for example, by bending the outlet cover  120  between the first position  168  and the second position  172 , one or more times. 
     In the implementation illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the outlet cover  120  is formed as an integral part of the body  104  using a flexible plastic. In one instance, a relatively narrower or necked down region  220  allow for flexure of the outlet cover  120 . In the illustrated example, the flexure is provided via one or more perforations  224 , such as slots or holes, in the region  220  or otherwise. 
     In another embodiment, the body  104  and outlet cover  124  are coupled via a hinge and the outlet cover  120  pivots about a hinge pin. In one instance, the hinge is spring-loaded. The loading is configured to automatically move the outlet cover  120  to the extended position  168 . A force opposing the spring tension is applied to pivot the outlet cover  120  away from the extension position  168  and toward the retracted position  172 . 
     In still another embodiment, the outlet cover  120  translates or slides from a location parallel to the body  104  to the first or extended position  168 . 
     An optional detent such as a latch or catch may be employed as an aid to maintaining the outlet cover  120  in position. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a front view of the faceplate  116  and outlet cover  120  with the outlet cover  120  in the extended position  168  and in the retracted position  172 , respectively. As depicted, the faceplate  116  and outlet cover  120  are aesthetically designed to provide a desired appearance such as a cartoon character when in either the extended or retracted positions  168  and  172 . In the illustrated examples, the aesthetic designs of the faceplate  116  and the outlet cover  120  cooperate to provide an overall aesthetic design. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall aesthetic design is a cartoon character wherein the faceplate  116  represents a head and a clothed upper body and the outlet cover  120  represents a belt when in the retracted position  172  and a complementary clothed lower body when in the extended position  168 . In the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate  116  includes a region  228  that allows ambient light to pass to the optical sensor. 
     Exemplary modifications and further alternatives are described next. 
     As described above, the light  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is designed to receive a four (4) W incandescent light bulb. In other embodiments, the light source  100  is configured to receive light sources rated at greater or less wattage. In addition, other types of lights such as, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescent light, a neon or other gas discharge light, optical fiber, or a fluorescent light. In these instances, the light receiving portion  124  corresponds to the type of light source used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the light device  100  has two non-polarized electrical contacts  112 . In another embodiment, the light device  100  includes two polarized electrical contacts. In yet another embodiment, the light device  100  has three electrical contacts, including a hot, a neutral, and a ground contact. In addition, the light device  100  can be configured for electrical receptacles providing 240 VAC 50/60 Hz. 
     The illustrated light source  120  is activated through an optical sensor. However, in one alternative embodiment, the light  100  includes a switch, a push button, or the like, either alone or in combination with the optical sensor. In another alternative embodiment, the light source  108  is turned on simply by plugging the light  100  into an active electrical outlet. 
     In another embodiment, the optical portion  160  of the faceplate  116  is configured to collimate, attenuate, or otherwise affects the characteristics of the light emitted by the light source  120 . 
     In another embodiment, the light device  100  is secured to the receptacle  136  via the body  104 . In such embodiment, the outlet cover  120  can also be secured to the receptacle  136  as described above. 
     In another embodiment, the light  100  is configured to attach to electrical receptacles with a screw hole located in other regions such as outside of the outlets  132  and  150  on the receptacle  136  rather than between the outlets  132  and  150 . In this embodiment, the outlet cover  120  can be configured with an additional or alternative suitably placed slot  184  for securing the outlet cover  120  to a screw hole located below the second outlet  150 . In addition, the faceplate  116  can be configured with a slot  184  for attaching the faceplate  116  to a screw hole located above the first outlet  132 . In this instance, the faceplate  116  may include a member that facilitates attaching the screw to such screw hole, for example, hollow member that extends from the slot  184  on the faceplate to the screw hole in the receptacle. 
     In another embodiment, the faceplate  116  and outlet cover  120  are removably attached to the body  104 . As such, either or both can be permanently removed. In addition, the faceplate  116  and outlet cover  120  can be removed and replaced with a different faceplate and outlet cover having a different design or appearance. In another instance, the faceplate  116  and outlet cover  120  are generally permanently attached to body  104  through an adhesive, rivet, or the like. In still another instance, the faceplate  116  is omitted. 
     In another embodiment, the outlet cover  120  attaches to the faceplate  116 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment in which the outlet cover  120  includes members  232  that at least partially protrude into the contact recesses  236  of the second outlet  150  when the outlet cover  120  is in the extended position  168 . In one instance, the members  232  further hinder access to the outlet. In another instance, the members  232  facilitate aligning the slot  184  when using the screw to secure the outlet cover  120  in place. Although  FIG. 11  depicts three (3) members  232 , it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the outlet cover  120  is configured with two (2) or less such members for use with the illustrated grounded electrical outlet or a non-grounded electrical outlet. For example, in one instance the outlet cover  120  is configured with two (2) members  232 , each sized to fit the smallest slot or recess in a polarized outlet. This allows the outlet cover  120  to be used with an outlet that is installed upside down relative to standard installation. 
     In another embodiment, the faceplate  116  includes a region for holding a scented material such as an oil or liquid. Such material may dissipate through a tactile mechanism, electronically, or heat from the light source  120 . 
     In another embodiment, the light device  100  is formed as part of the receptacle cover. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a method for using the light  100 . At  1204 , the electrical contacts  112  are positioned so that they can be inserted into an electrical outlet, if not already positioned as such. At  1208 , the electrical contacts  112  are plugged into a first outlet  132 . Depending on the position of the outlet cover  120 , it either blocks or provides access to the second outlet  150 . At  1212 , the outlet cover  120  is moved to gain or block access to the second outlet  150 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a method of constructing a modular light device. At  1304 , an outlet cover  120  from a set of one or more outlet covers  120  with different designs is selected and attached to the body  104  of the light device  100 . At  1308 , the optional faceplate  116  is also attached to the body  104 . If utilized, at  1312 , a sticker or the like is affixed to the optical member  160 . 
     The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.