Patent Publication Number: US-2023140080-A1

Title: Wall mounting outlet extender

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/988,045 entitled “WALL MOUNTING OUTLET EXTENDER” filed on Aug. 7, 2020 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/957,903 entitled “WALL MOUNTING OUTLET EXTENDER” filed on Jan. 7, 2020 each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to power outlet extenders and, more specifically, to a rotatable and/or telescopic power outlet extender that may be used to relocate a wall power outlet to multiple other positions on the wall. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wall power outlets are stationary and, as a result, may be located in inconvenient or inaccessible areas of a household, workplace, or business. For example, wall outlets may end up being positioned behind sofas, mattresses, furniture, shelving, storage items, and the like. Such inconvenient or inaccessible wall outlets may cause any number of problems including the inability to easily plug in or unplug cords and devices into the wall outlet. Additionally, in order to reach these wall outlets, the cord of a particular device, such as that for a smart device, television, computer, laptop, charger, lamp, and the like, may not be long enough to plug into the wall outlet and be used as desired. 
     As it stands, actually changing the location and accessibility of an otherwise stationary wall outlet requires an electrician and direct access into the wall. Such relocation of a wall outlet and access into the wall can be invasive, costly, and require a specialized workman or professional installation. Additionally, relocation of a wall outlet to another position on the wall by an electrician is permanent, and the new stationary wall outlet also cannot be further relocated or repositioned at a later time without going through the same process. 
     Other options for extending a wall outlet include extension cords. Extension cords typically comprise a flexible cord that plugs into the wall outlet on one end and runs along the floor or other flat surface to its other end that houses one or more outlets. Extension cords are often used temporarily, such as in situations for using power tools outside of the house, powering indoor and outdoor Christmas lights, and the like. When used in more permanent or daily situations, extension cords can clutter the floor or surface it lays on and cause other inconvenience, can be accidentally moved or damaged, and can put stress on the juncture between the wall outlet and the plug resulting in fraying or other damage. 
     What is needed is a wall power outlet extender that can be positioned or mounted on a wall and that can relocate the wall power outlet to a different position on the wall without requiring electrical work or professional installation and without cluttering adjacent surfaces. What is also needed is a wall power outlet extender that is repositionable, re-mountable, and removable to accommodate changing needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A wall outlet extender that extends a wall outlet to a new position on a wall may include a plug end configured to selectively plug into the wall outlet, an outlet end configured to selectively receive one or more plugs, and an extendable shaft between the plug end and the outlet end. The wall outlet extender may be rotatable about the plug end. 
     The wall outlet extender may also include any of the foregoing, which may be combined in any manner without departing from the present teachings. In an embodiment, the extendable shaft may include two more or telescoping portions. The extendable shaft may include a first telescoping portion having a first diameter and a second telescoping portion having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter may be larger than the second diameter. The first telescoping portion may be configured to internally receive the second telescoping portion in a retracted position. In an embodiment, the extendable shaft may be extendable from about 21 inches to about 34 inches. In an embodiment, the plug end may be rotatable about 360°. In an embodiment, the wall outlet extender may further include an engagement portion. The engagement portion may be positioned on a wall-facing side of the outlet end and may be configured to selectively engage the wall. The engagement portion may comprise a non-permanent adhesive, removable putty, or stickable surface. The engagement portion may be free from any attachment to the wall that traverses or damages the wall surface. In an embodiment, the outlet end may include an even number of outlets and at least one USB port. In an embodiment, the outlet end may include interchangeable faceplates. In an embodiment, the outlet end may include a device cradle configured to hold a device while the device is plugged into the outlet end. In an embodiment, the wall outlet extender may include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities. 
     An extendable power outlet adaptor may include a plug selectively configured to insert into a wall outlet, a shaft that is telescopic and that is rotatable about the plug up to 360°, and one or more outlet receptacles connected to the shaft that are selectively attachable to a position on a wall adjacent to the wall outlet. 
     The wall outlet extender may also include any of the foregoing, which may be combined in any manner without departing from the present teachings. In an embodiment, the outlet receptacles may be attachable to the wall by temporary adhesive, putty, or stickable surface. In an embodiment, the extendable power outlet adaptor may be free from any attachment to the wall that traverses or damages the wall surface. In an embodiment, the extendable power outlet adaptor may be removed and repositioned onto the wall. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an outlet extender in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an outlet extender in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an outlet extender in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts a side view of the outlet extender shown in  FIG.  2 A  in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 C  depicts a front view of the outlet extender shown in  FIG.  2 A  in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 D  depicts a side view of the outlet extender shown in  FIG.  2 A  in an extended position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  depicts a back view of an outlet extender in a retracted position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  depicts an expanded view of Box A of the outlet extender shown in  FIG.  3 A  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an outlet extender as it is being plugged into a wall outlet in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  4 B  depicts a front view of an embodiment of an outlet extender plugged into a wall outlet and rotated about 90° counter clockwise to a side position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of an outlet end and extendable shaft of an outlet extender in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a front outlet housing, where  FIG.  6 B  shows a side view,  FIG.  6 C  shows a front view, and  FIG.  6 D  shows a back view of the front outlet housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    depicts front and side views of an embodiment of a plug end and extendable shaft of an outlet extender in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a plug end of an outlet extender in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of an extendable shaft of an outlet extender in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10 A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a cord assembly and  FIG.  10 B  shows an exploded view of a cord assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a front plug housing, where  FIG.  11 B  shows a front view and  FIG.  11 C  shows a back view of the front plug housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc. 
     As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. 
     Provided is a wall power outlet extender that may be positioned or mounted on a wall and that may relocate the wall power outlet to a different position on the wall without requiring electrical work or professional installation and without cluttering adjacent surfaces. The wall power outlet extender may be positionable along a surface of a wall adjacent to a wall power outlet and may allow a user to semi-permanently relocate the wall power outlet. The wall power outlet extender can be permanent in that it may not be as accidentally movable as an extension cord, may be able to have a low profile on or against a wall, and may have a rigid housing. The wall power outlet extender can be temporary in that it does not require any professional installation, does not require opening of a wall or electrical work, and can easily be unplugged and re-plugged into the same or a different wall power outlet. 
     The wall power outlet extender may become fixed and stationary at a particular position and relatively unmovable unless acted on or repositioned by a user. The wall power outlet extender may be selectively rotatable and/or telescopic, and include a spinning or ambidextrous plug, to be adaptable to the specific location and to provide a myriad of different positions in which the new outlet may be placed. The wall power outlet extender may feature multiple outlets, USB ports, and surge protection, as well as Bluetooth and wireless capabilities, which are described in more detail below. 
       FIGS.  1 - 4    depict an outlet extender  100  having a plug end  110  and an outlet or socket end  120  electrically connected by an elongated extender or extendable shaft  130 . The outlet extender  100  may comprise a housing (such as  222  described in more detail below) that is partially hollow to accommodate electrical line or lines (of appropriate configuration) positioned through the elongated extender  130  and between the plug end  110  and the outlet end  120 . The plug end  110  may include one or more plugs or sets of male contacts  112  that are operatively attachable to an outlet, such as a wall outlet. The plugs or male contacts  112  may be placed on a back or wall-facing side  102  of the outlet extender  100 , see  FIG.  4 A . The plugs or male contacts  112  may be of any orientation and fitted to connect with any type of outlet, including household outlets, appliance outlets, industrial or commercial outlets, and outlets in any country, such as the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. In some embodiments, the plugs or male contacts  112  may be replaceable, i.e., a user may remove one of the plugs or male contacts  112  and replace it with a different one, such as one that has a different configuration. This will allow a user to utilize the outlet extender  100  with one type of plug and then replace the plug or male contact  112  with a different one, such as by way of an example, by replacing a U.S. plug with one of a European configuration. The outlet end  120  may include one or more outlets or female receptacles  122 ,  124  that operatively receive a plug. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , a pair of outlets or female receptacles  122 ,  124  may be utilized. It should be understood, however, that any number of female receptacles may be utilized, e.g., one, three, four, five, six, etc. 
     The outlets or female receptacles  122 ,  124  may be placed on an opposite side from the plugs or male contacts  112 , or on a front or room-facing side  104  of the outlet extender  100 . As a result, the plugs or male contacts  112  may be plugged into a wall outlet and the outlets or female receptacles  122 ,  124  may face the room to be accessible to receive other plugs, see  FIG.  4 A . The outlets or female receptacles  122 ,  124  may be of any orientation and fitted to connect with any type of plug, including plugs for household items, appliances (such as electrical dryers), industrial or commercial devices or machinery, electrically powered items, and plugs that are used in any country, such as the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, etc. Although the drawings generally depict a three-prong AC plug and outlets as used in the U.S., it is noted that any plug and outlets may be incorporated into the outlet extender design. In some embodiments, the plug and outlet may be of a similar configuration or they may be of a different configuration such that the outlet extender  100  can act as an adapter to change the outlet from a first configuration to a second configuration (e.g. a U.S. plug and European receptacles or vice versa). In an embodiment, the plug end  110  and the outlet end  120  may include mating plugs and outlets, or the plug end  110  and the outlet end  120  may include plug and outlet types that are different. The plug end  100  may comprise Type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O IEC plug ends that are utilized throughout the world. Further the plug end  100  may comprise a 120 volt end, 240 volt end or a combination of the foregoing. 
     In an embodiment, the plug end  110  may include a single plug, may include a single plug and a decoy plug, two plugs, or any number of plugs. The present disclosure contemplates use of any number of plug ends  110  (e.g., one, two, three, etc.). In an embodiment having a decoy plug, the decoy plug may plug into the second outlet in the wall outlet and may provide additional structural support to the outlet extender  100  as it is positioned against the wall. The decoy plug may be made of a plastic or non-electrically conductive material. In an embodiment with two plugs, each plug may enter into one of the outlets on the wall outlet and may receive or transfer power or electricity.  FIG.  3 B  shows an embodiment of the plug end having a single plug  112 . In an embodiment having a single plug, the other plug in the wall outlet may remain accessible and accommodate another outlet extender or a plugged in device. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet end  120  may include one or more outlets or receptacles  122 ,  124 . For example, the outlet end  120  may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more outlets. The outlets  122  may be located on the face of the outlet end  120 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , but it is noted that the outlets  122  may be located on any side of the outlet end  120  as well, such as the side, top, or bottom edges. One or more of the outlets  122 ,  124  may include a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). The outlets  122 ,  124  may also include surge protection that can protect against surges or spikes and limit the voltage supplied to a connected device by either blocking or shorting, to ground any voltages above a certain threshold. The outlets  122  may be able to accommodate any necessary voltage and power abilities so as to provide power to and charge cell phones, laptops, computers, tablets, appliances, and the like, and may be integrated with increased voltages, cables, and capabilities to provide faster or lightening charging and power. The outlet end  120  may also include one or more USB type outlets  126 , such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more USB type outlets. The USB type outlets  126  may be USB A (shown as  126 ) or USB C (shown as  127 ) outlets. The USB type outlets may be located on a face of the outlet end  120  with the plugs, as shown in  FIGS.  1 A,  2 A, and  2 C , or may be located on the side of the outlet end  120 , and as shown in  FIG.  1 B . Although other outlet types may not be specifically mentioned, it is noted that any outlet or combination of outlets may be incorporated into the outlet end  120 . Further, the outlet end  120  may comprise AFCI outlets, 20 A outlets, or any of Type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O IEC outlets utilized throughout the world. 
     The outlet end  120  may include a device cradle, shelf, or holder, such as, for example holder  129 . The device cradle, shelf, or holder may be located on any side of the outlet end  120  and may serve as a location to put or hold a device, such as a phone, tablet, home device, security device, or the like. The cradle, shelf, or holder may hold the device while such device is plugged into one of the outlets  122 ,  124 . The cradle, shelf, or holder  129  may also include wireless charging technology to charge a device when it is in physical contact with the cradle, shelf, or holder if the device is within a threshold vicinity or distance to facilitate charging. The cradle, shelf, or holder  129  may also serve as a location to put or hold any item, including pencils, pens, other writing utensils, notebooks, address books, keys, wallets, purses, hairdryers, hair straighteners, toothbrushes, toothpaste, other bathroom items or household items, etc. In an embodiment, an extended shelf or faceplate with an extended shelf may be operatively attached to the outlet end  120  where the extended shelf is capable of holding heavier, larger, or specific objects (e.g., with holders or hooks configured to receive a key ring or hair item, etc.). The extended shelf may provide any size shelf as may be desired. The outlet end  120  may also include interchangeable faceplates  128  such as for, as an example, decoration or to provide an extended shelf.  FIG.  4 A , for example, shows a faceplate  128  having a different color than the remaining outlet extender  100 . The faceplate  128  may include any color or colors, any pattern, any symbols, and the like, as may be desired. The faceplate  128  may be removed and attached by a sliding mechanism, snapping mechanism, fastener (such as a screw) friction fit, pressure fit, etc. It is noted that the color, shape, number of outlets, and the like, may vary when manufactured. 
     The outlet end  120  (or other portion of the outlet extender  100 ) may include capabilities to connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other technology. The outlet end  120  (or other portion of the outlet extender  100 ) may communicate with any connected Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or similar device. The outlet end  120  (or other portion of the outlet extender  100 ) may receive and transmit information to and from a connected device (such as a computer, smart device, tablet or the like), and may carry out instructions. For example, the outlet end  120  may communicate information about outlet extender  100  regarding health, plugged in devices, power utilized, power surges, power outages, whether the plugged in device is powered on or off, hours of use, amount of electricity used over a defined period of time, and the like. The outlet end  120  (or other portion of the outlet extender  100 ) may also be able to selectively turn on and turn off a plugged in device or power supply to any of the outlets  122 ,  124 , individually or together. Turning on and off a plugged in device or power supply to any of the outlets  122 ,  124  may be done in response to a command from a connected device (such as a computer, laptop, smart device, smart phone, tablet or the like), through a home device, by voice command, by physical switch on the outlet end  120 , or in response to an event such as a power outage, a power surge, after a certain period of time, or as a result of a programmed routine. Further, the outlet extender  100  may include a sensor or a plurality of sensors that may be used to turn on and turn off the outlet extender  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, the sensor may comprise a motion sensor such that it may sense motion and turn on or provide power to the outlet extender  100 . Other types of sensors may be utilized, such as light sensors, sound sensors, and the like. 
     The outlet end  120  may also include one or more indicators, such as a light indicator. The light indicator may be an LED light. The indicators may indicate whether power is being (or not being) supplied through the outlets  122 ,  124 , whether power is being received from the wall outlet, whether surge protection is enabled, whether the outlet extender  100  is connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Zigbee, and the like. The one or more light indicators may be different colors, may blink, and may create different patterns or combinations to convey its indications. 
     The outlet end  120  or plug end  110  may also include a light that is not an indicator, such as an LED light, that serves as a nightlight. The light may have a sensor to determine ambient light or darkness and may automatically turn on and off when a certain threshold is met (e.g. the light may automatically turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn, when a light in the room is turned on and off, and the like.) The light may further turn on and off by a user pressing a switch or by a command over Wi-Fi, over Bluetooth or Zigbee, by voice, through a home device, and the like. The light may be set to a certain timed schedule to turn on and off at a specific time each day. The light may also include a motion sensor and turn on or off when such motion is sensed, or after a certain set time when no motion is sensed. 
     The outlet end  120  or plug end  110  may further include a built-in speaker, for example, a Bluetooth speaker or other configuration of a speaker, or a speaker may be selectively attachable to the outlet end  120  or plug end (such as by a faceplate attachment). The speaker may be separately chargeable or may pull power from the wall outlet or outlet extender  100  in any appropriate manner. The speaker may be charged by the outlet extender  100  (or more specifically through the power provided to the outlet end  120 ). The outlet end  120  may include an attachment device of any appropriate configuration to which the speaker may be selectively attached in any appropriate manner. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet extender  100  may be fixed, rigid, or stationary along the entirety of its length (e.g. not rotatable or not telescopic). For example, the fixed, rigid, or stationary outlet extender  100  may be provided in different sizes, e.g. 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches and any length lesser, greater, or in between. The outlet extender  100  may also include additional fixed adaptors that may be attached to the elongated shaft to adjust the length of the outlet extender  100  while still remaining fixed, rigid, or stationary overall. The fixed, rigid, or stationary outlet extender  100  may also include different oriented plugs or male contact  112  and plugs or female receptacles  122 ,  124 , to facilitate plugging into a wall outlet in a straight orientation, a left side orientation, right side orientation, and similar. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet extender  100 , or a portion thereof, may be selectively rotatable at a point along its length. The outlet extender  100  may be selectively rotatable any range of degrees, such as, for example from about 5° to about 360°. The outlet extender  100  may be selectively rotatable about 180° so that the outlet end  120  may be positioned straight above the wall outlet in a straight configuration when plugged in (see  FIG.  4 A ), or straight to the left or right of the wall outlet in a horizontal configuration when plugged in (see  FIG.  4 B ), or any variation therebetween, e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, 315 degrees or anything therebetween. The appropriate angle to be utilized may depend on the specific use of the outlet extender  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the plug end  110  may be selectively rotatable in any appropriate manner. In an embodiment, a portion of the plug end  110  may be rotatable, such as the male contacts and associated base, or a swivel component. As seen in  FIG.  4 A-B , the outlet extender  100  may be plugged into a wall outlet initially in a straight configuration. Once the outlet extender  100  is plugged in at the plug end  110 , the outlet end  120  may be rotated to the left about the point defined by the plug end  110  and its attachment to the wall outlet. This rotation may allow the outlet end  120  to clear the side of the couch or other furniture when in a horizontal position so that the outlets are accessible. Although the plug end  110  may be described as selectively rotatable, it is noted that any portion of the outlet extender  100  may be selectively rotatable, including, but not limited to, the extendable shaft  130 . A user may selectively rotate the outlet extender  100  prior to plugging in the outlet extender  100  into the wall or when the outlet extender  100  has already been plugged into a wall outlet. The outlet extender  100  or plug end  110  may include a locking mechanism so that once the outlet extender  100  has been positioned in the desired location and at a desired angle, any undesired rotation of the outlet extender  100  may be prevented. The locking mechanism may include a bolt and slot, rotatable bar, spring-loaded hinge, and the like. The rotation of the outlet extender  100  or plug end  110  may be biased towards a certain position, such as a straight state. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet extender  100  may include an electrical cord portion between the elongated extender  130  and the plug end  110  that plugs into the wall outlet. The outlet extender  100  may plug into a wall outlet at the plug end  100 , and then may be able to bend around a corner, be positioned on the floor, and the like, by the bendable cord portion. For example, the outlet extender  100  may be able to plug behind a desk, set on the floor or set on top of the desk, and have the outlets on the outlet end  120  available wherever the user desires. It is noted that while embodiments herein describe initial connection into a wall outlet, that any outlet may be used, such as an outlet in a power strip or surge protector. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet extender  100  may be selectively extendable. In an embodiment, the elongated extender  130  may be selectively extendable permitting the outlet extender  100  to be extendable. As shown in  FIGS.  2 A-D , the elongated extender  130  may be transitioned between a retracted state ( FIG.  2 A,  2 B ) to an extended state ( FIG.  2 C,  2 D ). The extension may be facilitated by telescoping sections or members, wherein one or more sections of the elongated extender  130  may be of a smaller diameter than the immediately adjacent section (located at one of the section&#39;s ends) such that the smaller diameter section (see, e.g.  132 ) may nest into the larger diameter section (see, e.g.  134 ). The larger diameter section  134  may similarly nest into an even larger diameter section and the small diameter section  132  may similarly be able to nest within it an even smaller diameter section. The elongated extender  130  may include two or more telescoping sections including three, four, five, six, seven eight, etc. sections. The sections may be at least partially hollow so as to accommodate smaller diameter telescoping sections in a collapsed state, as well as electrical lines running through the elongated extender  130  and between the plug end  110  and the outlet end  120 . 
     Although sections of the elongated extender  130  include reference to diameter, it is noted that a cross-section of the elongated extender  130  may be round, square, or triangular and that nesting of any telescoping sections could be achieved by adapting the perimeter or diameter as described.  FIGS.  1 - 4    generally show an elongated extender  130  having a square or rectangular cross-section. Further, one of the small diameter section  132  or large diameter section  134  or both thereof may be rigid or fixed. This may result in the elongated extender  130  being rigid or fixed. In other embodiments, one of the small diameter section  132  or large diameter section  134  or both thereof may be flexible such that the elongated extender  130  or a portion thereof may be flexible such that it may be positionable around objects, such as furniture, walls, shelves, or the like. The flexible portion may allow the elongated extender  130  to be positioned at any applicable angle, e.g., between 5 degrees and 360 degrees, or between 5 degrees and 180 degrees. 
     The extension of the elongated extender  130  between a retracted state ( FIG.  2 A,  2 B ) to an extended state ( FIG.  2 C,  2 D ) may be facilitated by other extension mechanisms such as an accordion housing, modular adaptors that may be attached to an end of the elongated extender  130 , and the like. In an embodiment, the elongated extender  130  may allow extension for any range of length, such as, for example from about 1 inch to about 18 inches to even greater, and any length therebetween. In an embodiment, the elongated extender  130  may end from a length of about 21 inches to about 34 inches. The elongated extender  130  may include a locking mechanism so that once the outlet extender  100  has been transitioned to its desired length, any undesired extension or retraction of the elongated extender  130  may be prevented. The locking mechanism may include a bolt and slot, rotatable bar, spring-loaded hinge, and the like. The elongated extender  130  may be biased towards a certain position, such as a retracted state. 
     In an embodiment, the plug end  110  of the outlet extender  100  may plug into a wall outlet, and the outlet end  120  may be free to rotate and extend as desired by the user. The outlet extender  100 , aside from the operative attachment of the plug end  110  into a wall outlet, may otherwise remain free and unattached to the abutting wall. The outlet extender  100  itself may have sufficient weight distribution and sturdy materials to allow for these variable configurations (e.g. a decoy plug, rigid housing, straight configuration, etc.). 
     In an embodiment, the outlet end  120  may include an attachment backing  140  on the back or wall-facing side  102  of the outlet extender  100 , see  FIG.  3 A . When the plug end  110  of the outlet extender  100  is plugged into a wall outlet, the attachment backing  140  may comprise a way to selectively attach the outlet end  120  to the abutting wall. This attachment may provide additional stability to the outlet extender  100 . This additional stability may be desired, for example, when the outlet extender  100  is in a horizontal configuration or extended fully. The attachment backing  140  may include a peel and stick adhesive pad for attachment to the wall, putty and dry-down putty attachment, hook and loop attachment, magnetic attachment, and the like. For example, a double sided adhesive pad may be attached to the wall-facing side  102  of the outlet end  120  and may be selectively attached to the wall, or two oppositely attracting magnets with peel back adhesive or putty attachments may be attached to the wall-facing side  102  of the outlet end  120  and the wall and be placed in magnetic contact. In using an adhesive pad, such pad may include adhesive that is non-marking, i.e., when it is removed from the surface or surfaces to which it is attached it does not leave any marks. Any appropriate non-marking adhesive may be utilized and the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type. Multiple magnets may be placed on the wall to allow for various and moveable attachment to the wall. 
     The attachment backing  140  may be selectively attached, detached, and reattached to allow for repositioning of the outlet extender  100  and without causing damage to the underlying wall. Although described embodiments include the attachment backing  140  on the wall-facing side  102  of the outlet end  120 , it is noted that such attachment backing  140  may be located on any portion of the outlet extender  100 , including the perimeter of the plug end  110  or the elongated extender  130 . In an embodiment, the outlet extender  100  may be free from any attachment that fastens or anchors into, or otherwise traverses, the surface of the abutting wall (such as nails, screws, and the like). Such attachment may include the attachment backing  140  described herein (peel and stick adhesive pad for attachment to the wall, putty and dry-down putty attachment, hook and loop attachment, magnetic attachment, and the like), which may not fasten or anchor into, or otherwise traverse, the surface of the abutting wall. The attachment backing  140  being attached to (whether fixedly or removably) may permit a portion, e.g., the elongated extender  130  or a portion thereof, to be non-rigid or flexible. The attachment backing  140  being attached to a wall means that the elongated extender  130  does not need to be rigid as in other prior embodiments as the attachment backing  140  may provide additional structural support. In such embodiments, the elongated extender  130  does not need to provide support to the outlet end  120  to be positioned in the applicable location. Instead, the attachment backing  140  being attached to the wall allows the outlet end  120  to be positioned in its desired location. 
     In an embodiment, the outlet end  120  may include a fastening mechanism that does fasten or anchor into, or otherwise traverses, the surface of the abutting wall. Such fastening mechanisms can include nails, screws, pin and the like. 
     The exterior or housing of the outlet extender  100  may be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastics and polymers. Suitable materials may include polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene or styrofoam (PS), other plastics such as polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon, or a combination of one or more thereof. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 - 11    showing non-limiting detailed embodiments of the housing and components of an outlet extender,  FIGS.  5 - 11    show exploded views and components of an outlet end  120  (such as  FIGS.  5 - 6   ), extendable shaft  130  (such as  FIGS.  9  and  10   ), and plug end  110  (such as  FIGS.  8 ,  11   ). 
       FIG.  5    depicts an exploded view of a non-limiting embodiment of an outlet end  120  and extendable shaft  130  of an outlet extender  100 . In an embodiment, the outlet end  120  may include an outlet faceplate  128 , a front outlet housing  210 , a tamper preventer  214 , and a rear outlet housing  218 . The tamper preventer  214  may, as an example, ensure that only a corresponding plug (e.g. with two or three metal prongs) and not a foreign item, is able to plug into the outlet end  120  and make an electrical circuit or connection with the outlet extender  100 . The tamper preventer  214  may include a shutter/spring type mechanism so that full entry into the female receptacles of the outlet end  120  (opening of the shutters) is made possible only when each of the one or more springs are compressed at the same time (by insertion of a corresponding plug into each opening of the female receptacle at the same time). The extendable shaft  130  may include a first tube housing  222  and a contact plate  226 . In an embodiment, the first tube housing  222  may be part of an outer telescoping tube (i.e. a larger diameter tube that another tube with a smaller diameter nests within) or an inner telescoping tube (i.e. a smaller diameter tube that nests into a tube with a larger diameter).  FIGS.  6 A-D  show a non-limiting embodiment of the front outlet housing  210 , including female receptacles. 
       FIG.  7    shows an embodiment of a plug end  110  and extendable shaft  130  of an outlet extender  100  where  FIG.  8    depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the plug end  110  of the outlet extender  100  and  FIG.  9    depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the extendable shaft  130  of the outlet extender  10 . In an embodiment and as shown in  FIG.  8   , the plug end  110  may include a plug faceplate  230 , an inset band  234 , fasteners  238  or another type of fitting mechanism as described herein, a front plug housing  242 , an outer ring  246  and inner ring  250 , a swivel seat  254 , a plug  258 , and a rear plug housing  262 . The swivel seat  254  may facilitate rotation of the outlet extender  100  about an axis defined by the plug  258  as described herein.  FIGS.  11 A-C  show a non-limiting embodiment of the front plug housing  242 . 
     In embodiment and as shown in  FIG.  9   , the extendable shaft  130  may include a second tube housing  264 , a first cap  270 , a bend collar  274 , fasteners  278  or another type of fitting mechanism as described herein, and a cord assembly  282  and second cap  286 . In an embodiment, the second tube housing  264  may be part of an inner telescoping tube (i.e. a smaller diameter tube that nests into a tube with a larger diameter) or an outer telescoping tube (i.e. a larger diameter tube that another tube with a smaller diameter nests within). As an example, if the first tube housing  222  is an outer telescoping tube of a larger diameter, then the second tube housing  264  will be an inner telescoping tube of a smaller diameter, or vice versa, e.g., if the first tube housing  222  is an inner telescoping tube of a smaller diameter, then the second tube housing  264  will be an outer telescoping tube of a larger diameter. In an embodiment, the first cap  270  may selectively attach to the first tube housing  222  and the second cap  286  may selectively attach to the second tube housing  264 . The bend collar  274  may enable flexibility in the extendable shaft  130  and outlet extender  100 , such as during transition between different rotational and telescopic positions. The cord assembly  282 , shown in  FIGS.  10 A-B , may further comprise ground  290 , neutral  294 , and hot  298  cords and assemblies. 
     Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.