Patent Publication Number: US-9848727-B2

Title: Modular appliance

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/000,256 filed on Aug. 19, 2013, which is hereby incorporate by reference in its entirety, and which is a 35 U.S.C. 371 U.S. national stage application of PCT/US2013/033793 filed on Mar. 26, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/616,120 filed on Mar. 27, 2012 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/697,609 filed on Sep. 6, 2012. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF THE TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The inventive arrangements relate to modular appliances. More particularly, the inventive arrangements concern systems and methods for enabling two or more appliances to be selectively interconnected together. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     There are many types of appliances known in the art. One such appliance is a slow cooker. A slow cooker is generally a countertop electrical cooking appliance that is used for unattended cooking. The slow cooker generally consists of a lidded cooking container surrounded by a housing including a heating element. The cooking container is typically made of stoneware for optimum slow cooking. A power cable extends from the housing which has a conventional mains plug attached to its distal end for connection to a wall outlet. The slow cooker is typically absent of a means for mechanically and/or electrically interconnecting it with another cooking appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns first appliances (e.g., cooking appliances such as a slow cooker). The first appliances each comprise a base unit and a plug connector coupled thereto. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the first appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet or an outlet of another appliance). The plug connector can have an aperture formed therein that is configured to receive a guide protruding out and away from the first socket connector. The aperture and guide facilitate the alignment and mechanical coupling of the connectors. Also, the aperture and guide collectively provide a means for ensuring that plug connectors of other devices may not be electrically coupled to the first socket connector. 
     A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit in which the plug connector is disposed when in an engaged position. A lever defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the first plug connector between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position, and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position. A retractable cable coupled to the plug connecter may be removed from an internal chamber of the base unit when the first plug connector is in its disengaged position. In some scenarios, the cable can be retracted manually or electrically. 
     In some scenarios, the lever and a plurality of channel walls of the channel collectively facilitate an alignment of the first plug connector and the first socket connector when being electrically coupled together. Additionally or alternatively, the lever and the channel walls collectively facilitate a mechanical coupling of the base unit to the electrical receptacle. 
     In the same or other scenarios, the appliance further comprises a second socket connector. The second socket connector is generally configured to electrically couple the first appliance to a second plug connector of another appliance. The second socket connector may be disposed on a first side of the base unit which is opposed from a second side of the base unit on which the first plug connector is disposed. Also, the first plug connector and the second socket connector may be aligned with each other. 
     The invention also concerns second appliances. The second appliances each comprise a base unit, a first inductive coupler and a retractable plug-cable assembly. The first inductive coupler is configured to inductively couple the second appliance to a first adjacent appliance. The retractable plug-cable assembly is configured to electrically couple the second appliance to an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet or an outlet of another appliance). 
     In some scenarios, the second appliance supplies power to the first adjacent appliance from the electrical receptacle via the first inductive coupler. In other scenarios, the second appliance is exclusively supplied power from the first adjacent appliance via the first inductive coupler. In yet other scenarios, the appliance is exclusively supplied power from the electrical receptacle during a first period of time, and supplied power from the first adjacent appliance during a second period of time. 
     A second inductive coupler may be provided for inductively coupling the second appliance to a second adjacent appliance. The second inductive coupler may be disposed on a first side of the base unit opposed from a second side of the base unit on which the first inductive coupler is disposed. The first inductive coupler also may be aligned horizontally and vertically with the second inductive coupler. 
     A channel may also be provided. The channel can be formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit in which the plug connector of the retractable plug-cable assembly is disposed when in an engaged position. A channel wall of the channel is defined by a lever. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position. 
     The invention further concerns third appliances. The third appliances each comprise a base unit, a plate, and a first inductive coupler. The plate is pivotally coupled to the base unit such that the plate is transitionable from a closed position to an open position. The first inductive coupler is coupled to the plate. The first inductive coupler is configured to inductively couple the appliance to a first adjacent appliance. The first inductive coupler is disposed within a chamber of the base unit when the plate is in the closed position, and exposed when the plate is in the open position. 
     The third appliance may also comprise an electrical coupler configured to electrically couple it to a second adjacent appliance. The electrical coupler comprises an electrical connector or a second inductive coupler. The third appliance may further comprise a retractable plug-cable assembly configured to electrically couple it to an electrical receptacle. Accordingly, the third appliance can supply power from the electrical receptacle to the first adjacent appliance via the first inductive coupler. The third appliance can also be supplied power from the first adjacent appliance via the first inductive coupler. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing, figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front-left perspective view of a first exemplary appliance. 
         FIG. 2  is a front-right perspective view of the appliance shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the appliance shown in  FIG. 1  electrically connected to two other appliances. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the mains plug assembly of the appliance shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration that is useful for understanding a lever assembly of the appliance shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second exemplary appliance electrically coupled to other appliances. 
         FIG. 7  is a front-left perspective view of the second exemplary appliance shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front-right perspective view of the second exemplary appliance shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration that is useful for understanding how a third exemplary appliance can be electrically coupled to other appliances. 
         FIG. 10  is a front-left perspective view of the third exemplary appliance shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration that is useful for understanding a fold out connector of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of three exemplary apparatus coupled together via a mechanical-electrical interconnect mechanism. 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of three exemplary apparatus coupled together via a mechanical-electrical interconnect mechanism. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the mechanical-electrical interconnect mechanism of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     As used in this document, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is provided a front-left perspective view of a first exemplary appliance  100 . Although the appliance  100  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising a slow cooker, the present invention is not limited in this regard. In some scenarios, the appliance  100  may comprise a toaster, a water dispenser, a waffle iron, a kettle, or any other cooking appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the appliance  100  may have a function which is other than for the preparation of food and/or drinks. Examples of such appliances include, but are not limited to, televisions, radios, clocks and/or coolers. 
     The appliance  100  has a compact design such that it can be placed on a countertop when in use and stored in a cabinet when not in use. The appliance  100  is also configured for unattended cooking. As such, the appliance  100  includes internal electrical components (not shown) in a base unit  102 . Such electrical components of a slow cooker are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. For example, similar slow cooker appliances having similar electronic components are disclosed and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,740,855, 6,740,855, 7,312,425 and 6,587,739, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully rewritten herein. However, the manner in which these electrical components are supplied power will be discussed in detail below in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . A cooking container  130  is disposed in a recess (not shown) in the base unit  102 . The cooking container  130  may be comprised of a stoneware, glazed ceramic, porcelain, metal or other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The cooking container  130  may be round, oval, oblong or other shape and any capacity such as 1 quart, 2.5 quart, 3.5 quart or other capacity. In the illustrated embodiment, the base unit  130  has one cooking container disposed in the recess (not shown). It should be understood that there may be more than one cooking containers  130  disposed in a recess in the base unit  102  (see  FIG. 3 ) such as two or more cooking containers  130  of the same or other shape and of the same or different volume. A lid  135  may be provided to cover the cooking container  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the appliance  100  includes a base unit  102  which houses the electrical components (not shown) and a portion of a Power Supply Assembly (“PSA”)  106 . The PSA  106  includes a socket assembly  108  and a plug assembly  202 . The socket assembly  108  comprises a socket connector  114  disposed within a channel  116  formed by a protruding wall  118 . Similarly, the plug assembly  202  comprises a plug connector  204  disposed within a channel  216  formed by a protruding wall  218 . The present invention is not limited in this regard. For example, in other scenarios, the channels  116 ,  216  can alternatively be formed within the base unit  102 . More particularly, the channels  116 ,  216  can be formed within respective sidewalk  110 ,  210  of the base unit  102 . Accordingly, the socket assembly  108  and plug assembly  202  may be at least partially recessed within the base unit  102 . Also, the socket connector  114  and plug connector  204  can have a housing with any shape (e.g., a six-sided shape as shown in  FIG. 4  or a triangular shape). 
     The plug connector  204  is designed to mate with a socket connector  114  of another appliance (e.g., appliance  300  or  350  of  FIG. 3 ). In some scenarios, the socket connector  114  comprises a rigid guide  120  for facilitating a proper alignment of a plug connector  204  of another appliance (e.g., appliance  300  or  350  of  FIG. 3 ) therewith. Accordingly, the plug connector  204  comprises an aperture (e.g., aperture  408  of  FIG. 4 ) sized and shaped to receive the rigid guide  120  of another appliance (e.g., appliance  300  or  350  of  FIG. 3 ). The rigid guide  120  also facilitates the retention of a plug connector  204  of another appliance (e.g., appliance  300  or  350  of  FIG. 3 ) in the socket connector  114  of appliance  100  during use thereof. The rigid guide  120  can have any shape, such as a rectangular shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . Likewise, the corresponding aperture  408  formed in the plug connector  204  can have any shape, such as a rectangular shape as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Similar to the rigid guide  120 , the walls  118 ,  218  are designed to ensure proper alignment of mating connectors and the retention of a mated arrangement of said connectors during use thereof. Accordingly, in some scenarios, the wall  118  has an angled exterior surface  122  for frictionally engaging an angled interior surface  222  of the wall  218 . This frictional engagement between the walls  118 ,  218  ensures that two interconnected appliances (e.g., appliances  100  and  300  as shown in  FIG. 3 ) will not unintentionally be separated from each other when in use. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the socket assembly  108  is disposed on a first sidewall  110  of the base unit  102 . In contrast, the plug assembly  202  is disposed on a second sidewall  210  opposed from the first sidewall  110  of the base unit  102 . Notably, the assemblies  108 ,  202  are located on the sidewalls  110 ,  210  such that they both have the same center axis  112 , and therefore are horizontally and vertically aligned with each other. This alignment of the assemblies  108 ,  202  ensures that the appliance  100  can be mechanically and electrically interconnected with at least one other appliance  300 ,  350 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The other appliances  300 ,  350  can be the same as, similar to or different than the appliance  100 . If the other appliance  350  is different than the appliance  100 , then all that is needed to establish said interconnection is a socket or plug configured for mating with a corresponding component  114 ,  204  of the assembly  100 . Also, in this scenario and other scenarios, the assemblies  108 ,  202  may not be arranged so as to be horizontally and vertically aligned with each other. Furthermore, a light emitting diode can be provided to indicate (a) when at least two appliances are mechanically and/or electrically interconnected, and/or (b) when an appliance is being supplied power from an adjacent appliance. 
     In the interconnected arrangement of  FIG. 3 , the appliance  100  is directly connected to a first appliance  300  and indirectly connected to a second appliance  350  via the first appliance  200 . The present invention is not limited in this regard. In other scenarios, the appliance  100  may reside in between two appliances so as to be directly coupled to both adjacent appliances. The appliance  100  can also be indirectly coupled to any number of other appliances. 
     In the scenario of  FIG. 3 , the appliance  100  is directly coupled to a single other appliance  300 . As such, the appliance  100  may be selected as a master unit, while the other appliances  300 ,  350  are selected as slave units. Alternatively, the appliance  350  can be selected as the master unit, while the appliances  100 ,  300  are selected as the slave units. If the appliance  100  is selected as the master unit, then the slave units  300 ,  350  are supplied power from an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet) via the master unit  100 . Accordingly, a plug connector  204  of the master unit  100  is coupled to a retractable cable  502  shown in  FIG. 5 . Retractable cables are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known retractable cable can be used herein without limitation. Still, it should be understood that the cable  502  can be stored in and removed from a chamber (not shown) formed within the base unit  102 . The removal of the cable  502  from the chamber (not shown) is facilitated by a lever  402 . The cable  502  can be removed from or retracted into the chamber via manual or automatic operations. 
     The lever  402  is generally designed to engage the plug connector  204  when it is in its engaged position shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In this regard, the lever  402  comprises a resilient component  404  and a rigid component  406 . The resilient component  404  can include, but is not limited to, a spring. The resilient component  404  enables the depression of the rigid component  406  such that the plug connector  204  can be disengaged therefrom. The resilient component  404  also ensures that the rigid component  406  returns to its un-depressed position after being released. 
     The rigid component  406  comprises an engagement structure  504  for engaging the plug connector  204  so as to retain at least a portion thereof within the internal chamber (not shown) of the base unit  102 . In this regard, the engagement structure  504  has an engagement surface  506  sized and shaped to mechanically and frictionally engage a surface  508  of the plug connector  204 . The rigid component  406  also comprises posts  510  for securely and pivotally coupling the rigid component  406  to the base unit  102 . 
     Notably, in the scenario of  FIG. 3 , the lever  402  has at least the following purpose: (1) facilitate the retention of the cable  502  in the internal chamber of the base unit  102  when the appliance  100  is not in use; and (2) facilitate the removal of the cable  502  from the internal chamber when the appliance  100  is in use. However, in other scenarios where the appliance  100  constitutes a slave unit, the lever  402  can have at least the following purposes: (1) facilitate a retention of the cable  502  in the internal chamber of the base unit  102 ; (2) facilitate the alignment of the plug connector  204  and a mating socket connector of an adjacent appliance; and (3) facilitate a mechanical coupling of the mating socket assembly of the adjacent appliance and the plug assembly  202  of the appliance  100 . Notably, in both scenarios, the lever  402  has multiple purposes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is provided a perspective view of other exemplary appliances  600 ,  602 ,  604 . Similar to appliance  100  described above, each of the appliances  600 ,  602 ,  604  is designed to be electrically interconnected with at least one other appliance and/or an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet). However, the electrical interconnection may or may not be achieved in the same manner as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . In this regard, at least one electrical interconnection may be achieved via electrical connector coupling and/or inductive coupling. In the electrical interconnection scenario, a plug connector of an appliance  600 ,  602 ,  604  may be coupled with a socket connector of another appliance, such as appliance  100 . In the inductive coupling scenario, the inductive coupling is provided by horizontally and vertically aligned inductive couplers of two adjacent appliances  600  and  602  or  602  and  604 . Inductive couplers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known inductive coupler can be used with the present invention without limitation. 
     Perspective views of appliance  600  are provided in  FIGS. 7-8 . Appliances  602 ,  604  are the same as or similar to appliance  600 . As such, the discussion provided below in relation to appliance  600  is sufficient fir understanding appliances  602 ,  604 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , appliance  600  comprises a slow cooker. The present invention is not limited in this regard. The appliance  600  can include any type of cooking apparatus, such as a toaster or a kettle. Alternatively or additionally, appliance  600  may have a function which is other than for the preparation of food and/or drinks. Examples of such appliances include, but are not limited to, televisions, radios, clocks and/or coolers. 
     Notably, appliance  600  has two internal inductive coupling elements. A first inductive coupling element (not shown) is disposed adjacent to portion  702  of appliance  600 . A second inductive coupling element (not shown) is disposed adjacent to portion  802  of appliance  600 . The first and second inductive coupling elements are arranged so as to have the same center axis  704 . As a result, each inductive coupling element can be properly horizontally and vertically aligned with a corresponding inductive coupling element of an adjacent appliance (e.g., appliance  602  of  FIG. 6 ). The present invention is not limited in this regard. In other scenarios, the two inductive coupling elements may not have the same center axis, or be aligned with one another. 
     In order to facilitate the inductive coupling of two adjacent appliances, a plug assembly  710  may extend from a sidewall  708  of the appliance  600  which is different than the sidewalls  706 ,  806  on which portions  702 ,  802  exist. As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the sidewall  708  is a bottom sidewall of the apparatus  600 . The present invention is not limited in this regard. The plug assembly  710  may extend from any sidewall of the appliance. In some scenarios, the plug assembly  710  can extend from any sidewall except for sidewalls  706 ,  806 . However, in other scenarios, the plug assembly  710  may extend from a sidewall  706  or  806  in a manner that will not cause an interference with inductive coupling between two adjacent units. 
     The plug assembly  710  is configured to electrically connect the appliance  600  to an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet or a socket connector of an adjacent appliance). Plug assemblies of this type are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known plug assembly can be used without limitation. In some scenarios, the plug assembly comprises a retractable cable with a plug connector attached to a distal end thereof. The plug assembly  710  may be the same as, similar to or different than that discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . As such, the cable storage in and removal from a chamber (not shown) formed within the base unit can be facilitated by a lever (e.g., lever  406  of  FIG. 4 ) defining at least one sidewall of a channel in which the plug connector is disposed when in its engaged position. 
     Notably, the plug assembly  710  is arranged such that it does not interfere with an inductive coupling between appliance  600  and an adjacent appliance (e.g., appliance  602  of  FIG. 6 ). Also, the plug assembly  710  and inductive couplers (not shown) allow appliance  600  to selectively act as a master unit or a slave unit. The selection can be achieved using a manually or automatically controlled switch. For example, a switch can be provided in each appliance which is configured to automatically change an operational mode of the appliance from a master unit mode to a slave unit mode based on various parameters, and vice versa. For example, an operational mode of an appliance  600  can be automatically transitioned from a slave unit mode to a master unit mode in response to the depression of a lever, the removal of the cable from the chamber formed within the base unit, the coupling of the plug connector to a wall outlet, and/or a detected distance between the appliance and at least one adjacent appliance. In contrast, the operational mode of the appliance  600  can be automatically transitioned from the master unit mode to the slave unit mode in response to the retraction of the cable, an engagement of the plug connector and lever, and/or a detected distance between the appliance and at least one adjacent appliance. Such a switch arrangement ensures that each appliance will only receive power from a single source during any given period of time. 
     When acting as a slave unit, the appliance  600  is supplied power from an adjacent appliance via inductive coupling. In contrast, when acting as a master unit, the appliance  600  is supplied power via an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet). Also, the appliance  600  supplies power to any adjacent appliance (e.g., appliance  602  of  FIG. 6 ). The adjacent appliance (e.g., appliance  602  of  FIG. 6 ) may facilitate the indirect supply of power from appliance  600  to other appliances (e.g., appliance  604  of  FIG. 6 ), which are not directly adjacent to appliance  600 , via inductive coupling. In some scenarios, the indirect power supply may alternatively or additionally be achieved via electrical connector coupling. 
     Although the inductive coupling elements of appliance  600  are shown and described as being positioned therein such that the shape of a housing is not affected thereby, embodiments of the present invention are not limited in that regard. For example, in some scenarios, the inductive coupling elements may be disposed within channels formed by protruding walls that are similar to or the same as walls  118 ,  218  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-2 . In these scenarios, the inductive coupling elements would replace the socket connector  114  and plug connector  204  of appliance  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is provided a perspective view of other exemplary appliances  900 ,  902 ,  904 . Each appliance  900 ,  902 ,  904  is similar to appliance  100  and/or  600 , albeit different in some ways. For example, each appliance  900 ,  902 ,  904  is configured to be electrically interconnected with at least one other appliance. This interconnection may be achieved via an inductive coupling or an electrical connector coupling. The electrical interconnection is achieved via a Flip-Out Interconnection Assembly (“FOIA”)  906 . 
     The FOIA  906  will now be described in detail in relation to  FIGS. 10-11  and appliance  900 . The FOIAs of appliances  902 ,  904  are the same as or similar to that of appliance  900 . As such, the following discussion of FOIA  906  is sufficient for understanding the FOIAs of appliances  902 ,  904 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the FOIA  906  comprises a plate  1002  pivotally coupled to a base unit  1004  of the appliance  900 . Means for pivotally coupling a plate to another structure are well known in the art. Any known or to be known pivotal coupling means can be used herein without limitation. For example, the pivotal coupling means may comprise two posts (not shown) protruding, from two opposing side surfaces  1104 ,  1106  of the plate  1002 . The posts are sized and shaped to fit within respective apertures (not shown) formed in the base unit  1004 . 
     The pivotal coupling allows the plate  1002  to be transitioned from its closed position shown in  FIG. 10  to its opened position shown in  FIG. 11 . In the closed position, an electrical coupler  1100  is disposed in a chamber  1102  of the base unit  1004 . In the open position, the electrical coupler  1100  is exposed such that it can be coupled to a corresponding electrical coupler  910  of another appliance  902 . The corresponding electrical coupler  910  is disposed on a bottom  908  of the other appliance  902  so as to be positioned for electrical coupling with the electrical coupler  1100  of appliance  900 . Appliance  900  also comprises a corresponding electrical coupler  912  for mating with an electrical coupler  914  of another appliance  904 . 
     The electrical coupler  1100  and the corresponding electrical coupler  910  comprise electrical connectors or inductive couplers. Electrical connectors and inductive couplers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known electrical connector or inductive coupler can be used herein without limitation. Still, it should be understood that, in some first scenarios, the electrical coupler  1100  comprises a plug connector configured to mate with a corresponding socket connecter  910  of another appliance  902 . The plug and socket connectors can be of any type now known or to be known. In other second scenarios, the electrical coupler  1100  comprises an inductive coupler configured to be inductively coupled to an inductive coupler  910  of another appliance  902 . In yet other third scenarios, a combination of electrical coupling and inductive coupling can be employed. For example, the electrical coupler  1100  of appliance  900  can comprise a plug connector configured to mate with a corresponding socket connecter  910  of another appliance  902 . However, the electrical coupler  912  disposed on the bottom  908  of appliance  900  comprises an inductive coupler configured to inductively couple the appliance  900  with another appliance  904 . As such, the electrical coupler  914  of appliance  904  includes an inductive coupler. 
     Similar to appliances  100 ,  600  described above, appliance  900  can be selected as a master unit or a slave unit. If the appliance  900  is selected as a slave unit, then it will be supplied power from another appliance  902  or  904  via electrical coupler  1100  or  912 . In contrast, if the appliance  900  is selected as the master unit, then appliances  902 ,  904  constitute slave units. As such, appliances  902 ,  904  are supplied power from an electrical receptacle (e.g., a wall outlet) via the master unit  900 . Accordingly, the appliance  900  comprises a plug connector  1006  coupled to a retractable cable  1008  shown in  FIG. 10 . Retractable cables are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Still, it should be understood that the cable  1008  can be stored in and removed from a chamber (not shown) formed within the base unit  1004 . The plug-cable assembly may be the same as, similar to or different than that discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . As such, the cable storage in and removal from a chamber (not shown) can be facilitated by a lever (e.g., lever  406  of  FIG. 4 ) defining at least one sidewall of a channel in which the plug connector is disposed when in its engaged position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-13 , there are provided schematic illustrations of exemplary appliances  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206  coupled together. Similar to appliance  100  described above, each of the appliances  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206  is designed to be electrically interconnected with at least one other appliance. However, the electrical interconnection is not achieved in the same manner as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-5 . In this regard, the electrical interconnection is achieved via a bar interconnect  1208 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the bar interconnect  1208  has a generally “H” shape. The present invention is not limited in this regard. The bar interconnect  1208  can have any shape that is selected in accordance with a particular application. In the “H” shape scenario, the bar interconnect  1208  comprises two side bars  1402 ,  1408  and a central bar  1406 . Each side bar  1402 ,  1408  has two electrical contacts  1410 ,  1412  disposed thereon. The electrical contacts  1410 ,  1412  facilitate the electrical coupling of two adjacent appliances  1202 / 1204  or  1204 / 1206 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In this regard, each appliance  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206  has an Electrical Coupling Assembly (“ECA”)  1302  disposed on a bottom portion  1304  thereof for enabling said electrical coupling. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the ECA  1302  comprises a sidewall  1306  having a geometric shape matching that of an end portion  1308  of the bar interconnect  1208 . The sidewall  1306  defines an insert space  1310  for receiving the end portion  1308 . The sidewall  1306  helps to ensure that the end portion  1308  will not become unintentionally decoupled from an appliance  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206  during use thereof. The sidewall  1306  also helps to ensure that the electrical contacts  1410 ,  1412  are properly aligned with corresponding electrical contacts  1312  during the electrical coupling process. The sidewall  1306  further helps to ensure that the electrical contacts  1410 ,  1412 ,  1312  remain mechanically and electrically coupled during use of the appliances  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206 . 
     All of the apparatus, methods and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of steps of the method without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added to, combined with, or substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined.