Patent Publication Number: US-6217390-B1

Title: AC adaptor for computer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of AC adaptors, and more particularly to an AC Adaptor for Computer. 
     Personal computers have been available for over twenty five years. It is common to have to plug in and power additional items relating to a computer such as a printer, monitor, and the like. To this end many computers are fitted with IEC type female power ports for providing electrical power to auxiliary pieces of equipment. The IEC port is different in configuration from a standard AC power outlet such as those found in a common wall outlet in a home or office. As an electronics technician working in television production I have seen a need for the ability to plug in a piece of test equipment while working on a computer. The most convenient location to plug in the test equipment would be the IEC port of the computer, however it, to computer does not allow a person to plug in a piece of equipment having a standard AC plug. There are some extension cords available such as ones available from Pacific Radio Electronics of Los Angeles, Calif. that have an IEC male prongs on one end and a standard AC at the opposite end, however, they are bulky and relatively expensive. There is therefore a need for a compact, inexpensive adaptor device that can convert an IEC type female receptacle located on the outer surface of a computer to a standard AC type female receptacle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary object of the invention is to provide an additional AC power outlet at the rear of a personal computer. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an adaptor that is compact and does not require an extension cord. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an economical means to obtain an additional AC power outlet within close proximity to a computer. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
     AC Adaptor for Computer comprising: a molded plastic housing containing a recessed portion at one end having standard IEC male type conductive prongs contained therein and at the housings opposite end having a standard female AC receptacle contained therein, and conductive connections within the housing connecting the IEC prongs to the standard AC, receptacle. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing IEC prong portion of the AC adaptor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the standard AC receptacle portion of the AC adaptor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side section view of the AC adaptor of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of the AC adaptor of the present invention  100  as seen from a concave end  8  with a tubular shroud  3  surrounding recessed IEC prongs  2 ,  4 ,  6  of identical rectangular cross-section. This IEC configuration is found at the rear portion of many of todays personal computers and is used to plug in computer peripheral components. Prongs  2 ,  4 ,  6  are made of conductive metal such as steel. Housing  10  is made of nonconductive rigid, molded plastic such as nylon or PVC or the like. FIG. 2 shows the female receptacle portion of the AC adaptor of the present invention  100  that is designed to accommodate standard 120 volt AC plugs found on most equipment requiring an electric AC power source. Female sockets  12 ,  14 ,  16  are molded into a flat end  18  of housing  10 . Sockets  12  and  16  are rectangular slots, and socket  14  is a semi-circular hole. Internally, as shown in side section FIG. 3, IEC prong  4  is connected by metal conductor  20  to metal receptacle  22  at the base of socket  14 . The same holds true for connections between prong  2  and socket  16  as well as prong  6  and socket  12 . In this way an AC adaptor is constructed in an economical and compact fashion that allows a person to convert an IEC type power port into a standard AC type outlet. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.