Patent Publication Number: US-10777948-B2

Title: Modular extendable outlet assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/691,523 filed Jun. 28, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to outlet extensions, and, more particularly, relates to modular extendable outlet extensions that provide and extend power from a convention wall outlet or other power source 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Typically, an electrical outlet is a socket that connects an electrical device to a supply of electricity. Most electoral sockets are installed in the wall, or floor, or even ceiling. A power cord terminates at a plug that mates with the electrical socket. The power cord temporarily connects an electrical device to the electrical socket, so as to supply a current thereto. In most electrical outlets, the female electrical sockets are oriented in a fixed position. This fixed orientation reduces the flexibility of the electrical outlet. Also, most power cords have a fixed length, and only one plug for connecting to the socket. Further, electrical sockets are not constructed with USB ports for transfer of data or recharging electrical devices, such as smart phones. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a modular extendable outlet assembly that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that overcomes known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type and that efficiently and effectively provides and extends power from a convention wall outlet or other power source. The assembly provides a plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units that detachably couple together to provide myriad combinations of electrical sockets and plugs that can be arranged for complex electrical and data connectivity means. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide an electrical housing having a first electrical socket and a second electrical socket on separate faces of the housing to receive electrical plugs and USB plugs from multiple power and data sources. The assembly enables connectivity for both supplying electricity and transferring data. The assembly also allows a power cord to retract into a housing through a spring-loaded spool assembly, for efficient stowage of the power cord. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a modular extendable outlet assembly comprising a plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units. Each of the couplable outlet units have an electrical housing with a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a front face, and a rear face opposing the front face. The electrical housing further has a mount wall forming mount holes, and a sidewall enclosing, with the front and rear faces of the electrical housing, a unit cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the modular extendable outlet assembly comprises a first electrical socket that is defined by and disposed on the front face of the electrical housing. On another section of the electrical housing is a second electrical socket defined by and disposed on the second end of the electrical housing. Further, a plug cord aperture is defined by, and disposed on the first end of the housing. 
     In another embodiment, a spool assembly is disposed within the unit cavity and with a spring-loaded spool member. An electrical cord is coupled to and wrapped around the spring-loaded spool member. The electrical cord has a portion disposed within the plug cord aperture and including an electrical plug disposed at a terminal end of the electrical cord. The electrical plug has an electrical prong configuration corresponding to a prong configuration of the second electrical socket, and electrically coupled to the first electrical socket and the second electrical socket. 
     In some embodiments, a cord release switch is disposed on the electrical housing. The cord release switch is operably coupled to the spring-loaded spool member, and operably configured to selectively translate and cause the spring-loaded spool member to rotate and extend in length the electrical cord a distance from the electrical housing. In this manner, each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units are operably configured to be selectively and independently electrically couplable, extendable, and retractable with respect to one another. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spring-loaded spool member comprises a ratchet wheel, a spring, and a lever that enable linear motion of the electrical cord in one direction. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a unit activation switch electrically couples to the first electrical socket, the second electrical socket, and the electrical plug. Further, the unit activation switch is disposed on the electrical housing and operably configured to selectively translate to a first position closing a circuit with respect to the first electrical socket and at least one of the second electrical socket and the electrical plug. The unit activation switch selectively translates to a second position opening a circuit with respect to the first electrical socket and at least one of the second electrical socket and the electrical plug. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of cantilevered plug fastening members coupled to and extending away from the second end of the electrical housing, the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members flanking the second electrical socket, the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members operably configured to directly couple with the electrical plug. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members further comprises a flange disposed thereon. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the flange of each of the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members is disposed at the distal end thereof and is of a rounded shape. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electrical plug on each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units further comprises an outer perimeter surface surrounding the electrical plug, a first plug end, a second plug end opposing the first plug end, and two plug recesses corresponding in size to one another and the flange of each of the pair of cantilevered plug fastening member and each disposed on first and second plug ends, respectively, of the outer perimeter surface. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the outer perimeter surface surrounding the electrical plug is of a deformably resilient material. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the flange of each of the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members is operably configured to have a plug coupling configuration restricting longitudinal movement of the electrical plug when coupled thereto. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members are flexible. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the outer perimeter surface surrounding the electrical plug is of a deformably resilient material. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the cord release switch is disposed on the sidewall of the electrical housing. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electrical plug on each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units further comprises a PCB board. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first face of the electrical housing comprises a USB port. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electrical plug on each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units further comprises one or more holes on the rear face of the housing for hanging each individual unit. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, an outer perimeter surface surrounding the electrical plug, a first plug end, a second plug end opposing the first plug end, and two plug recesses corresponding in size to one another and the flange of each of the pair of cantilevered plug fastening member and each disposed on first and second plug ends, respectively, of the outer perimeter surface. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first electrical socket and the second electrical socket comprises a USA standard 3 prong outlet. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electrical plug comprises a USA standard 3 prong female plug. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electrical housing is separable into a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the housing portions being detachably attachable through a housing fastening bracket. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a Modular Extendable Outlet Extension, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user&#39;s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the electrical housing. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary modular extendable outlet assembly, showing two units operatively coupled together, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing two units operatively coupled together, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the front face with first electrical socket and an electric plug retracted into the plug recess, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the front face with first electrical socket and an electric plug retracted into the plug recess, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a blow-up view of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the internal components, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a frontal view of the electrical housing of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the rear face, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the electrical housing of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the mount wall, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the electrical housing of the modular extendable outlet assembly, showing the mount wall, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectioned side view of the electrical housing of the modular extendable outlet assembly, the section taken along section A-A of  FIG. 6 , detailing the internal components, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a portion of the first electrical socket, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the housing, showing the electric plug retracted into the recess, in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the cantilevered plug fastening members, in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     The present invention provides a novel and efficient modular extendable outlet extension that overcomes known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type and that efficiently and effectively provides and extends power from a convention wall outlet or other power source. Embodiments of the invention provide a plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units that detachably couple together to provide myriad combinations of electrical sockets and plugs that can be arranged for complex electrical and data connectivity means. 
     In addition, embodiments of the invention provide an electrical housing having a first electrical socket and a second electrical socket on separate faces of the housing to receive electrical plugs and USB plugs from multiple power and data sources. The assembly enables connectivity for both supplying electricity, and transferring data. The assembly also allows a power cord to retract into a housing through a spring-loaded spool assembly, for efficient stowage of the power cord. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an isometric view.  FIG. 1  shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a modular extendable outlet assembly  100 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , includes a plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units  102   a - n,  wherein “n” represents any number greater than one. Each of the outlet units  102   a - n  form a modular assembly, with each unit operably configured to be selectively removable by a user or joined together for the desired number of outlets, and at the desired amount of length separating each unit. 
     The unique, modular arrangement of the outlet units  102   a - n  is possible because the electrical sockets  112 ,  402  are on different faces, the electrical cord  114  is extendable and retractable, and multiple outlet units  102   a - n  can be detachably mated with each other in different patterns and with different external electrical components. This modular connectivity allows a plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units that detachably couple together to provide myriad combinations of electrical sockets and plugs that can be arranged for complex electrical and data connectivity means. 
     For example, multiple couplable outlet units  102   a - n  can be connected in a linear arrangement to create greater length and reach to an electrical outlet. Or the couplable outlet units  102   a - n  can be connected along a path that follows electrical equipment, such as a network of computers, or industrial machines, or tables in a cyber cafe. In either case, the capacity to arrange the couplable outlet units  102   a - n  in series multiplies the power supply effect. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , each couplable outlet unit  102   a - n  includes an electrical housing  104  that serves as the foundation for the outlet units  102   a - n.  The electrical housing has a first end  106  and a second end  300  that opposes the first end  106 . The ends  106 ,  300  are oriented along the longitudinal of the electrical housing  104 . As described below, the ends  106 ,  300  are interconnected in a longitudinal series through an electrical cord  114  terminating an electrical plug  118 , and mating with a first electrical socket  112  of an adjacent electrical housing. This creates a linear continuity of electrical outlets that can be arranged in myriad combinations, directions, and mated with eclectic electrical components, or simply mated together for enlarging electrical outlet capacity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the electrical housing  104  also has a front face  108 , and a rear face  700  that may oppose the front face  108 . The front face  108  is configured to face outwardly, so as to be visible and accessible for mating with corresponding electrical plugs, USB port  122 , and the like. In this manner, the assembly enables connectivity for both supplying electricity (socket), and transferring data (USB port). In addition to these functions, the electrical housing  104  further includes a mount wall  124  and sidewalls  110  that may continuously surround and couple to the front and rear faces  108 ,  700  (also referred to as “walls”). 
     The rear face  700  of the housing for each modular unit  102   a - n  is the face that is not visible, and often mounted to a surface, or resting on the ground. In some embodiments, the rear face  700  may be substantially planar and define wall-hanging apertures or recesses shaped and sized to receive a fastener, e.g., screw. The mount wall  124  is configured to mount the outlet unit  102   a  to a surface. To assist in these mounting functions, the mount wall  124  may form one or more holes  702   a,    702   b  for hanging each individual outlet unit  102   a - n  ( FIG. 7 ) In one non-limiting embodiment, the holes  702   a - b  have a round shape with a slot extending from one end. This unique shape allows the holes  702   a - b  to receive a peg or other linear mounting surface through the slot, and then slidably receive the peg into the round hole for a secure mount. In an alternative embodiment, the mount wall  124  is coated with an adhesive to enable mounting the housing  104  to a flat mounting surface, either vertically or horizontally. 
     The electrical housing  104  is sized and dimensioned to encapsulate the electrical components employed to transfer power/electricity from the conventional wall outlet, for example, to each individual unit(s). In some embodiments, the electrical housing  104  may have rounded corners to prevent snagging objects. Such rounded edges and corners may be useful in an office environment, where skirts, pant suits, wires, and desks are moving near the electrical housing  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the sidewalls may be flat and/or protrusion-free, other than recesses employed to effectuate use of the module unit, e.g., a switch to engage with or retract the plugs. While the electrical housing  104  of each unit is depicted as octagonal with a diameter of approximately 3-6 inches, the shape and size may vary based on design constraints or applications. In one non-limiting embodiment, the front face  108  follows an octagonal shape. However, other shapes may also be used. 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the electrical housing  104  is separable into a first housing portion  510   a  and a second housing portion  510   b.  The housing portions are detachably attachable through a housing fastening bracket  506 . The separation of the housing  104  may be possible due to a friction snap-fit relationship between the separate portions. Each portion may have an equal size. In some embodiments, the first portion  510   a  is the rear face  700 , and smaller than second portion  510   b,  which can include the sidewall  110  and front face  108 . 
     In some embodiments, all or part of electrical housing  104  may be of a plastic material, or other polymer-based material. In other embodiments, all or a portion of the housing may be made of other materials, but is preferably of a relatively rigid, low cost, non-electrically conductive material, and generally is operable to shield the internal components from the external environment, i.e., encapsulate. 
     It should be understood that terms such as, “front,” “rear,” “side,” top,” “bottom,” and the like are indicated from the reference point of a viewer viewing the unitary wall outlet charging station  100  from its front wall  104  when the electrical plug is plugged into the first and second electrical sockets  112 ,  402  disposed on the electrical housing  104  (see  FIG. 7 ). As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the front face  108  of the housing  104  for each module unit is the face that is visible and accessible for mating with different power and data transfer plugs/cords. The front face  108  includes a first electrical socket  112 , and as plug recesses  126  that are adapted to resemble a standard wall outlet faceplate. The front face  108  also supports a USB port  122  and/or other electrical or data socketing mechanisms known in the art. As shown back in  FIG. 1 , subsequent outlet units  102   n  may also include a subsequent USB port  123  on the front face, as shown in the first outlet unit  102   a.  In one non-limiting embodiment, the first electrical socket  112  comprises a USA standard 3 prong outlet. In another embodiment, a standard USB port forms in the front face  108 . The electricity from a power source flows through the housing through a circuitry to the first electrical socket  112  and the USB port  122 . In one additional embodiment, each modular unit  102   a  will also include an AC-to-DC converter  514  in order to convert AC power to DC power, e.g., to power the USB port  122 . In an alternative embodiment, the modular unit assembly may not include an AC-to-DC converter. 
     Similarly, the second end  400  of the electrical housing  104  has a second electrical socket  402  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). The second electrical socket  402  is substantially the same as the first electrical socket  112  in functionality for receiving an electrical plug, but on a different wall of the housing  104 . For example, the second electrical socket  402  is disposed on the second end  400  of the housing  104 , oriented 90° away from the first electrical socket  112  on the front face  108  of the housing  104 . In one alternative embodiment, a third or fourth electrical socket (not shown) can also be operational on any of the other faces/walls of the housing  104 . As with the first and second electrical sockets  112 ,  402 , such additional electrical sockets allow for greater combinations of electrical and data connectivity with other outlet units and/or external electrical devices. 
     The first end  106  of each module unit  102   a  may include an electrical plug  118 . For example,  FIG. 11  is a side view of the housing, showing the electric plug retracted into the recess. In one non-limiting embodiment, the electrical plug  118  comprises a USA standard 3 prong female plug. However, other types of electrical plugs known in the art may also be used. The electrical plug  118  is configured to receive and electrically communicate with prongs/plugs disposed at the second end  400  of an adjacent modular unit  102   n.  Thus, the orientation of the first electrical socket  112  in relation to the outlet plug recesses  126  on the first end  106  of the housing  104  allows for a modular mating arrangement between multiple couplable outlet units  102   a - n.  This creates a series of n-units that carry the same electrical current or data packets in series. 
     The electrical plug  118  is extendable and retractable with respect to the electrical housing  104  through an electrical cord  114 . Once extended, the electrical plug  118  removably can couple to conventional wall outlets, as generally known to those of skill in the art, because most residential and commercial units, homes, etc. have several in each room. However, due to the multi-faceted configuration involving electrical sockets  112 ,  402 , the electrical plug  118  also has the functionality to removably couple to an adjacent couplable outlet unit  102   a - n.  In some embodiments, a plug cord aperture  116  is disposed on the first end  106  of the housing  104  to enable passage (retraction/extension) of the electrical cord  114 . 
     In one embodiment, each individual modular unit  102   a - n  may be operably configured to extend the electrical cord  114  a maximum length range of approximately 6″-32″, thereby providing an assembled modular unit operably that easily extends to a desired length dictated by how many modular units are part of the assembled modular unit assembly  102   a - n.  In other embodiments, each modular unit may extend other distances. For example, the assembly  100  may include modular units sold in varying maximum extendable lengths or as one standard maximum extension length. The electrical cord and plug on each unit are also operably configured to retract using, for example, a spring-based reel assembly housed within each unit. 
     In operation, the user would plug the electrical plug  118  disposed at a first end  106  of the assembled modular unit(s) into the conventional electrical outlet(s). The second end  400  of the assembled modular unit  102   a  may then be extended through independently extending intermediate modular unit(s) or the unit  102   n  disposed at the second end  400  of the assembled modular unit. 
     The electrical plug  118  may include a three (3) prong plug referred to as a Type B electrical outlet plug according to the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (USDCITA), which is a standard power outlet plug in the United States of America, as is known generally in the art. In other embodiments, the plug recesses may be operable to receive and/prongs may be formed as a two-prong plug referred to as a Type B electrical outlet plug by the USDCITA, or other plugs configurations that may be standard in various different countries (e.g., Type C used commonly in Europe, Type D used commonly in India, Type E used commonly in France and other European countries, Type F used commonly in Russia, Types G through Type O, and the like. 
     An electrical cord  114  is used to electrically couple the electrical plug  118 , disposed at the terminal end  120  of each modular unit to the first electrical socket  112 . The electrical cord  114  may be any type of conductor, cable, cord, etc. operable to transmit power. In a retracted configuration thereof, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 2 , the cord  114  and plug  118  are disposed at least partially within a cavity of each electrical housing  104  so as to be visually concealed within the electrical housing  104 . 
     As used herein, the term “visually concealed” means entirely visually concealed or substantially visually concealed when viewed in a top plan view. As used herein, the phrase “retracted configuration” is intended to indicate a configuration of the respective retractable cable in which the retractable cable is retracted/withdrawn into the housing of each modular unit along a cable translation path for visual and physical concealment when the corresponding connector is not desired to be in use to connect with another modular unit. When in the retracted position, each housing of the modular unit is configured to be substantially adjacent to or directly coupled with a neighboring housing. 
     As the sectioned view of  FIG. 9  illustrates, the assembly also allows the electrical cord  114  to retract into the unit cavity  900  of the electrical housing  104  through a spring-loaded spool member  500 , for efficient stowage of the electrical cord  114 . In some embodiments, a cord release switch  200  is disposed on the electrical housing  104 . The cord release switch  200  is operably coupled to the spring-loaded spool member  500 , and operably configured to selectively translate and cause the spring-loaded spool member to rotate and extend in length the electrical cord a distance from the electrical housing  104 . When multiple outlet units  102   a - n  are used, a second cord release switch  201  is operable on the second outlet unit  102   n.    
     In this manner, each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units are operably configured to be selectively and independently electrically couplable, extendable, and retractable with respect to one another. In one non-limiting embodiment, the spring-loaded spool member  500  comprises a ratchet wheel  508 , a spring  516 , and a lever  512  that enable linear motion of the electrical cord in one direction. The rotational articulation of the ratchet wheel  508  is biased to retract the electrical cord  114  into the unit cavity  900  of the electrical housing  104 . The lever  512  restricts motion of the ratchet wheel  508  in one direction, until released by a release switch  200 , as described below. 
     The plug recesses  126  in the first electrical socket  112  may be operable to receive the electrical plug  118  or prong that are employed with the modular outlet assembly. In one embodiment, one of the sidewall faces or ends from which the electrical plug  118  extends may define two plug recesses  126 . The plug recesses  126  may be sized so that at least a portion of the plug may be disposed within the plug recesses  126  in the retracted configuration thereof. As used herein, the term “recess” is intended to indicate a space provided by a sidewall that is set further back from the rest of the sidewall. 
     In a further embodiment, the plug recesses  126  are sized and shaped to receive at least one finger of the user so as to permit the user to grip the plug in order to apply a pulling force to outwardly extend the retractable cable in a longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the plug recesses  126  may be sized and shaped to receive two fingers of the user so as to permit the user to grip the plug in order to outwardly extend the plug/cable. In yet another embodiment, the sidewall may be substantially planar/flat without a recess and may instead provide for at least a portion of the plug to protrude from the sidewall. 
     Alternatively, in an extended configuration along the respective cable path, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 1 , one or more of the cables are increased in length by, for example, pulling on the plug outwardly into an external environment or an adjacent modular unit with the plug coupled thereto. The length of the electrical cable  114  may be selectively adjustable in distance from a respective sidewall of the housing. In one embodiment, the cable may only be adjusted through use of a switch that requires depression before the cable can be extended and/or retracted. 
     In other embodiments, the electrical cable  114  may be unwrapped around one or more specifically designed retention portions of the housing, as seen in other figures. Internally or externally within the housing, the cable may be rotating about a reel axis from which the electrical cable  114  is rotated onto or from. As used herein, the term “cable path” is intended to indicate a path that a respective retractable cable travels during retraction and/or extension thereof respective to the housing of each respective modular unit. 
     Looking again at  FIG. 5 , a first spool is provided within the cavity of the housing to implement the retractable functionality of the electrical ca. As is known in the art, a spool may be considered a cylindrical device on which the retractable cable may be wound and unwound. In other embodiments, the retractable functionality may be provided through other apparatuses and methods. The spool may also include a locking or biasing mechanism, e.g., a switch, to prevent the cable from retracting when in the extended configuration and/or to facilitate in reeling the cable into the cavity when not desired for use. 
     Although a mirror-image-type configuration of each modular unit is depicted in the exemplary embodiment (including the recesses and apertures described herein above), it is understood that some embodiments may not be an exact mirror. For example, some embodiments may have differently shaped recesses on each side, or differently sized apertures. In yet other embodiments, additional connectors, cables, ports and the like may be provided on each modular unit. 
     To prevent the electrical plug  118  from being inadvertently pulled out of an adjacent plug recess  126 , each modular unit may include a locking member  512  and release switch  200  ( FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment, each electrical plug  118  may include a retention member coupled thereto, wherein the retention member is caught on a catch preventing the retention member and electrical plug  118  from being released. The catch may be spring-loaded and operably configured to move back-and-forth through use of a release switch exposed externally on the housing. 
     In other embodiments, the plug and recess may have a locking and corresponding tongue-and-groove configuration, whereby a user would insert and rotate the electrical plug  118  while in the plug recess  126  to prevent the retention member/plug from being removed. To remove the electrical plug  118 , the user would rotate the electrical plug  118  in the opposite direction used to lock the plug within the recess  126 . 
     To power on the outlet units, a unit activation switch  202  is electrically coupled to the first electrical socket  112 , the second electrical socket  402 , and the electrical plug  118 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the unit activation switch  202  is disposed on the electrical housing  104  for selectively translating between a first and second position. The first position closes a circuit with respect to the first electrical socket  112  and at least one of the second electrical socket  402  and the electrical plug  118 . The second position opens the circuit with respect to the first electrical socket  112  and at least one of the second electrical socket  402  and the electrical plug  118 . In this manner, the electrical current passes through the outlet units  102   a - n  in series. Furthermore, the unit activation switch  202  illuminates when in the second, or open, position. To help in regulating the electrical current, and illumination, the electrical plug on each of the plurality of selectively removably couplable outlet units further comprises a PCB  504  board. When multiple outlet units  102   a - n  are used, a second unit activation switch  203  may be operable on the second outlet unit  102   n,  whereby each outlet unit powers on and off independently of the other. 
     In one exemplary method of use, a first outlet unit  102   a  is placed in position for electrical connectivity. A user will pull the terminal end  120  of the electrical plug  118  out of the housing  103 . The spool assembly creates a tension while the cord is being pulled out. The first electrical plug  118  may then be plugged into a wall outlet thereby electrically coupling the wall outlet to each electrical socket  112 ,  402  disposed on each individual unit coupled together through individual cords. Next, a second outlet unit  102   n  is positioned adjacently to the first outlet unit  102   a.  The electrical plug for the second outlet unit  102   n  is mated with the first electrical socket  112  or the second electrical socket  402  (See for example,  FIG. 2 ). Subsequent outlet units  102   n  may also include a subsequent electrical socket  113  on the front face, as depicted in the first outlet unit  102   a.  Additional outlet units may then be connected in series in the same manner. Further, an external electrical device, or a USB cord may also be plugged into the electrical sockets for any of the outlet units. 
     Looking again at  FIG. 4 , the assembly  100  provides a pair of cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a,    404   b  that are coupled to and extend away from the second end  400  of the electrical housing  104 . The cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  flank the second electrical socket  402 , and are configured to directly couple with the electrical plug  118 , creating a snug fastening mechanism that holds the electrical plug  118  into connectivity with the second electrical socket  402 . In this manner, the cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  clamp to the electrical plug  118 , to maintain a stable connection with the second electrical socket  402 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the pair of cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  are flexible, creating a friction fit gripping effect. In another embodiment, a second outlet unit  102   n  has its own pair of cantilevered plug fastening members  404   c,    404   d  for fastening subsequent electrical plugs in series. 
     In one embodiment, the cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  may have a flange  406  that clips onto the edge of the electrical plug  118  in a snap-fit relationship to maintain connectivity therewith.  FIG. 12  is a side view of exemplary cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  with flange  406 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the flange  406  of each of the cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  is disposed at the distal end thereof and is of a rounded shape. The flange  406  of each of the cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b  is operably configured to have a plug coupling configuration restricting longitudinal movement of the electrical plug  118  when coupled thereto. 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , an outer perimeter surface  130  surrounds the electrical plug  118 , a first plug end  128   a,  a second plug end  128   b  opposing the first plug end  128   a,  and two plug recesses  126  corresponding in size to one another, and the flange  406  of each of the cantilevered plug fastening members  404   a - b.  Each plug recess  126  is disposed on first and second plug ends  106 ,  400 , respectively, of the outer perimeter surface. In one non-limiting embodiment, the outer perimeter surface  130  that surrounds the electrical plug  118  is of a deformably resilient material. 
     The first electrical plug  118 , which is plugged into the wall outlet, provides electrical current for all attached outlet units  102   a - n  that are coupled together through individual cords. Thereafter, a user may individually adjust one or more of the outlet units  102   a - n  to provide the desired length of the assembled modular unit assembly  100 . Also, the user may add on more outlet units  102   a - n  or remove units as desired. The unique, modular arrangement of the outlet units  102   a - n  is possible because the electrical sockets  112 ,  402  are on different faces, the electrical cord  114  is extendable and retractable, and multiple outlet units  102   a - n  can be detachably mated with each other in different patterns and with different external electrical components. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.