Patent Publication Number: US-2023146211-A1

Title: Power outlet

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an electrical power outlet for an electrical power supply strip. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electrical power supply strip provides electrical power. Typically, such a power supply strip is for a location, such as a desktop. Also, the power supply strip is connected (e.g., plugged-in) to a source of electrical power (e.g., approximately 110 volts AC at approximately 60 Hz, or approximately 230 volts AC at approximately 50 Hz or other AC format dependent upon local power infrastructure). Further, the power supply strip includes plural electrical power outlet, and the plural electrical power outlets may provide different electrical power formats. Such different electrical power formats may include: approximately 110 volts AC at approximately 60 Hz (or approximately 230 volts AC at approximately 50 Hz or other AC format dependent upon local power infrastructure) and 3 to 20 volts DC. Such a 3 to 20 volts DC format may be provided via a USB type outlet. 
     Power strips may be varied. For example, power strips have different sizes (e.g., different number of power outlets), different arrangements/configurations, etc. 
     Power strips have a main housing in which the power outlets are located. Different main housings may have varied constructions. For example, different main housings may be made of different materials, different main housings may have different housing material thicknesses. 
     As mentioned, each power strip may have plural electrical power outlets that provide different electrical power formats. If there is a power outlet that provides a power format (e.g., 3 to 20 volts DC) that is different from the supplied power format (e.g., approximately 110 volts AC at approximately 60 Hz, or approximately 230 volts AC at approximately 50 Hz or other AC format dependent upon local power infrastructure), the power strip will include a power converter/adaptor to convert/adapt from the supplied power format. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified example summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a power outlet for an electrical power supply strip. The strip is configured to receive a first electrical power type. The strip has a main housing. The main housing has a wall. The wall has an outer face and an inner face. The wall has a thickness between the outer face and the inner face. The wall has a shaped aperture therethrough. The power outlet includes a power outlet housing. The power outlet includes an electrical connection to connect within the electrical power supply strip to receive the first electrical power type. The power outlet includes electrical components located within the power outlet housing to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type. The power outlet includes a connection interface located at a front of the power outlet housing and supplying the second electrical power type. The power outlet housing has a body with a shape that corresponds to the shape of the shaped aperture of the main housing. The power outlet housing has a front portion at the front of the power outlet housing that is larger than the shaped aperture of the main housing to engage the outer face of the wall of the main housing and prevent the front portion from passing through the shaped aperture of the main housing. The power outlet housing has an elastically deformable arm extending from the body. The deformable arm deforms as the arm passes through the shaped aperture of the main housing. The deformable arm has an engagement portion that engages the inner face of the wall of the main housing after the arm passes through the shaped aperture of the main housing to entrap the wall of the main housing between the arm and the front portion and retain the power outlet housing relative to the wall of the main housing, and the deformable arm being configured to accommodate a variation of the thickness of the wall of the main housing. 
     In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides an electrical power supply strip configured to receive a first electrical power type. The power supply strip includes a main housing. The main housing has a wall. The wall has an outer face and an inner face. The wall has a thickness between the outer face and the inner face. The wall has a plurality of shaped apertures therethrough. The power supply strip includes a first power outlet that provides a supply of the first electrical power type. The first power outlet is located within one of the shaped apertures. The power supply strip includes a second power outlet. 
     The second power outlet includes a power outlet housing. The second power outlet includes an electrical connection to connect within the electrical power supply strip to receive the first electrical power type. The second power outlet includes electrical components located within the power outlet housing to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type. The second power outlet includes a connection interface located at a front of the power outlet housing and supplying the second electrical power type. The power outlet housing has a body with a shape that corresponds to the shape of the shaped aperture of the main housing. The power outlet housing has a front portion at the front of the power outlet housing that is larger than the shaped aperture of the main housing to engage the outer face of the wall of the main housing and prevent the front portion from passing through the shaped aperture of the main housing. The power outlet housing has an elastically deformable arm extending from the body. The deformable arm deforms as the arm passes through the shaped aperture of the main housing. The deformable arm has an engagement portion that engages the inner face of the wall of the main housing after the arm passes through the shaped aperture of the main housing to entrap the wall of the main housing between the arm and the front portion and retain the power outlet housing relative to the wall of the main housing, and the deformable arm being configured to accommodate a variation of the thickness of the wall of the main housing. 
     In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides an associated method for providing the power outlet and the electrical power supply strip. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example power outlet in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a back or rear view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a first side view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a second side view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a third side view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a fourth side view of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective photograph of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective photograph of an explosion of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   , and shows electrical components of the power outlet that are within a housing of the power outlet. 
         FIG.  11    is another perspective photograph of the explosion of the example power outlet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective photograph of the electrical components, which are inverted as compared to  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective photograph of electrical components, which are laid on side as compared to  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective photograph of an explosion/disassembly of the housing of the power outlet of  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
         FIG.  15    is another perspective photograph of the explosion/disassembly of the housing of the power outlet of  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective photograph of an example portion of an example main housing, having a wall thickness, of an example power strip within which a power outlet in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure may be utilized. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective photograph of an example portion of an example main housing, having a wall thickness, of another example power strip within which one or more power outlets in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure may be utilized. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion. 
     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject matter. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. 
     The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any illustrative embodiments set forth herein as examples. Rather, the embodiments are provided herein merely to be illustrative. 
     An example power outlet  10  for an electrical power supply strip is shown within  FIGS.  1 - 11   , with some selected portions of the power outlet  10  being shown in  FIGS.  12 - 15   . Examples of portions of an electrical power supply strips  12  (i.e.,  12 ′ and  12 ″), within which the power outlet  10  may be used, are shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . 
     In general, the power outlet  10  ( FIGS.  1 - 11   ) includes: a power outlet housing  20 , an electrical connection (e.g., two wire leads)  22  to connect within the electrical power supply strip  12  to receive a first electrical power type, electrical components  24  (see  FIGS.  10 - 13   ) located within the power outlet housing  20  (see  FIGS.  8 ,  10  and  11   ) to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type, and a connection interface  26  (see  FIGS.  1 - 3  and  10 - 12   ) located at a front  28  of the power outlet housing  20  and supplying the second electrical power type. Within an example, the connection interface  26  may be a USB type connection interface. Within an example, the second electrical power type may be approximately  3  to  20  volts direct current (DC) format. 
     Of course, the second electrical power type may be varied. One example variant includes other DC voltages. Within such variation, one more specific example may be approximately 40 volts DC. So, an example range may be approximately 3 to 40 volts DC. Moreover, the second electrical power type may be further varied, including being an alternating current at any voltage and any frequency. 
     Of course, the connection interface, and the second electrical power type supplied thereby, may be varied and such variation is within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, further variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the USB type outlet may be: USB A, USB B, USB C USB mini, USB micro, etc. Still further, the provision of power may be a variety of pin configurations, pin numbers, etc. As such, a wide variation of different electrical power formats, and associated provision configuration of such, are contemplated and thus within the scope of the present disclosure. According, the different electrical power formats, and associated provision configuration, is to be broadly interpreted. 
     It is to be appreciated that some of the aspects of the present disclosure include the following: The power outlet  10  is provided as a modular component that may be swiftly and economically installed within the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″, see  FIGS.  16  and  17   ). The installation may be a one-direction D motion of the entire power outlet  10  into a wall  30  of the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″). The installation may automatically accommodate for variable thickness T of the wall  30  of the power supply strip  12 . The power outlet  10  may be swiftly and economically connected to electrical supply within the power supply strip  12 . The power outlet  10  contains its own electrical components  24 , located within a power outlet housing  20 , to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type. Thus, a need for separate electrical components, located elsewhere within the power supply strip  12 , to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type is omitted. 
     Turning briefly to the electrical power supply strip  12  (see the examples of  FIGS.  16  and  17   ), the strip is configured to receive a first electrical power type. Examples of such first electrical power type are common wall outlet type power within a dwelling, office or similar. An example of such wall outlet type power is approximately 110 volts (e.g., plus or minus 10 volts variation), alternating current (AC) at approximately 60 Hz. Another example of such wall outlet type power is approximately 230 volts (e.g., plus or minus 10 volts variation), alternating current at approximately 50 Hz. Of course, example voltages may vary higher or lower (e.g., plus or minus 10 volts or more). Thus, one example general range is approximately 100 to 240 volts AC at approximately 50 to 60 Hz. It is to be appreciated that different power types (e.g., different voltages and/or different frequencies) are within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the first electrical power type may be further varied, including being a direct current at any voltage. 
     As mentioned, the power outlet  10  includes the electrical components  24  that are located within the power outlet housing  20  to change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type. So, the electrical power supply strip  12  does not need to include any other electrical components that change the first electrical power type to a second electrical power type. Recall that the electrical connection (e.g., two wire leads)  22  is to be connected within the electrical power supply strip  12  to receive a first electrical power type. To be clear, the electrical connection (e.g., two wire leads)  22 , and thus the electrical components  24  of the power outlet  10 , receive the first electrical power type, as is (i.e., directly, without alternation). 
     The power outlet  10 , with the included electrical components  24 , provides for its own needs regarding changing from the first electrical power type to the second electrical power type. Such is beneficial in that the electrical power supply strip  12  does not need to be constructed/configured with such electrical components. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the first electrical power type may be varied and the second electrical power type may be varied. The electrical power supply strip  12  does not need to be constructed/configured to have varied electrical components to accommodate variations in the first electrical power type and/or the second electrical power type. It is to be appreciated that an aspect of the present disclosure is that multiple, different power outlets  10  may be manufactured, available, etc. so that selection may be made among the multiple, different power outlets  10  according to the first electrical power type and/or the second electrical power type. 
     Within an example, the electrical components  24  of the power outlet  10  are constructed/configured to change (e.g., convert or transform) approximately 110 volts (e.g., plus or minus 10 volts) AC at approximately 60 Hz, as the first electrical power type, to approximately 3 to 40 volts DC, as the second electrical power type. Of course and as mentioned, another first electrical power type and/or another second electrical power type (e.g., approximately 230 volts AC at approximately 50 Hz) may be involved and the electrical components  24  of the power outlet  10  constructed/configured accordingly. Moreover, for such first electrical power type and/or another second electrical power type, the electrical components  24  is construction/configuration to accomplish the change (e.g., convert or transform) accordingly. 
     It is to be appreciated that  FIGS.  16  and  17    only show a portion of the electrical power supply strip  12 . Other portions of the electrical power supply strip  12  are not shown and may have a variety of constructions/configurations. Such variations, although contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, are not limitations upon the present disclosure. The present disclosure simply includes the knowledge/understanding of the existence of other portions of the electrical power supply strip  12 . 
     The electrical power supply strip  12  does have a main housing  32  (partially shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , i.e., only a portion is shown). The wall  30  is part of the main housing  32 . Focusing upon the wall  30 , the wall may have varied constructions/configurations, be made of varied materials, etc., and such variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. The wall  30  has an outer face  36  and an inner face  38  (hidden from view in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , and so designated via use of dash lead lines within the figures). The thickness T of the wall  30  is a measurement between the outer face  36  and the inner face  38 . 
     The wall  30  has a shaped aperture  42  therethrough. It is contemplated that more than one shaped aperture  42  may be provided through the wall  30 . For example,  FIG.  17    shows at least two shaped apertures  42 . It is to be appreciated that the shape (e.g., as defined within a plane of the wall  30 ) and size (e.g., as defined within the plane of the wall  30 ) of the aperture  42  may be varied and that such variation is within the scope of the present disclosure. Within the shown examples of  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the shape of the aperture  42  is generally rectangular, and specifically generally square. It should be noted that the shape need not be perfectly rectangular/square and that such difference from being perfectly rectangular/square is within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Focusing upon the power outlet  10 , the power outlet housing  20  has a body  48  that has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of the shaped aperture  42  through the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . Within the shown example of the figures, the cross-sectional shape of the body  48  is generally square. It should be noted that the shape need not be perfectly square and that such difference from being perfectly square is within the scope of the present disclosure. A cross-sectional size (i.e., area) of the body  48  is similar, but slightly smaller than the size of the shaped apertures  42 . So, the body  48  may pass into the shaped apertures  42 . 
     The body  48  of the power outlet housing  20  is hollow  50  and the electrical components  24  that are located within the power outlet housing  20  are located within the hollow  50  of the body  48 . The body  48  includes a rear portion  52  that closes the hollow  50 . Once the electrical components  24  are within the hollow  50  of the power outlet housing  20 , the rear portion  52  is connected/secured to the remainder of the body  48 . Such connection/securement may be varied. For example, the rear portion  52  may be connected to the remainder of the body  48  by a hinge, that permits pivoting between an open condition and a closed position. It is to be appreciated that  FIGS.  10 ,  11 ,  14  and  15    show a hinge that has been cut in order to provide exploded views. Further, the rear portion  52  may include a latch, tab or similar that secures the rear portion  52  in a closed position. Other examples to secures the rear portion  52  in a closed position may include various fastening structures, adhesives and the like. It is to be appreciated that the specifics regarding securing the rear portion  52  in a closed position need not be limitations upon the present disclosure and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The body  48  includes at least one port or opening  54  through which the electrical connection (e.g., two wire leads)  22  extend. Within the shown example, the rear portion  52  of the body  48  includes taper(s) or recess(es)  56  to accommodate the electrical connection (e.g., two wire leads)  22 . 
     The power outlet housing  20  includes a front portion  62  at the front  28  of the power outlet housing. An opening  66  extends through the front portion. The opening  66  is aligned with the connection interface  26  such that the connection interface  26  is accessible through the front portion  62 . 
     The front portion  62  has a cross-sectional size (i.e., area) that is larger than the cross-sectional size (i.e., area) of the body  48 . The front portion  62  is also larger than the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing  32  (see  FIGS.  16  and  17   ). Specifically, the front portion  62  has cross-sectional size (i.e., area) that is larger than the cross-sectional size (i.e., area) of the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing  32 . Such larger size results in the front portion  62  being engageable to the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . Such engagement prevents the front portion  62  from passing through the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing  32  (i.e., cessation of further movement in the direction D). 
     To be clear, when the power outlet housing  20  is inserted, in the direction D, into the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing  32 , the body  48  of the power outlet housing  20  passes into and through the shaped aperture  42 , but the front portion  62  abuts and stops against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . Thus, the front portion  62  helps to hold the power outlet housing  20  in the position with the front portion  62  against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32  (i.e., no further movement of the power outlet  10  in the direction D). 
     The power outlet housing  20  includes an elastically deformable arm  74  extending from the body  48 . Within the shown example, the power outlet housing  20  includes two elastically deformable arms  74 . Within the shown example, the deformable arms  74  are located on opposite sides of the power outlet housing  20 . Each deformable arm  74  is attached at one end of the deformable arm  74  to a side of the body  48  and the other end of the deformable arm  74  is free to move relative to the remainder of the body  48  via elastic deformation. The deformable arm  74  is constructed/configured such that the deformation may be inward relative to the remainder of the body  48 . 
     Each deformable arm  74  includes a head portion  76 . The head portion  76  has an outward extent, in a width-wise direction. When the deformable arm  74  is in a non-deformed condition, the outward extent of the head portion  76  is greater than the remainder of the body  48 . As the deformable arm  74  is increasingly deformed inward, the outward extent of the head portion  76  is lessened. Upon sufficient inward deformation, the outward extent of the head portion  76  may be lessened sufficiently such that the outward extent of the head portion  76  beyond the remainder of the body  48  is zero or substantially zero. At such an inwardly deflected condition, the head portion  76  thus has no more outward extent than the remainder of the body  48 . In other words, the head portion  76  of the deformable arm  74  essentially has the same outward extend or dimension as the remainder of the body  48 . It is to be noted that because the deformation is elastic, the deformable arm  74  has a bias that urges the deformable arm  74  outward toward the non-deformed condition. 
     Recall that the power outlet  10  is provided as a modular component that may be installed within the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″, see  FIGS.  16  and  17   ) via the one-direction D motion of the entire power outlet housing  20  into the shaped aperture  42  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . Also recall that upon sufficient inward deformation, the outward extent of the head portion  76  of the deformable arm  74  is essentially has the same outward extend or dimension as the remainder of the body  48 . Such a condition (i.e., inward deformation of the deformable arm  74 ) allows the power outlet  10  to be installed within the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″, see  FIGS.  16  and  17   ) via the one-direction D motion of the entire power outlet housing  20  into the wall  30  of the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″). The deformable arm  74  simply deforms inwardly as needed. In other words, the deformable arm  74  deforms as the arm passes through the shaped aperture  42  in the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . 
     Recall that the wall  30  has a thickness T. Dependent upon the placement of the deformable arm  74 , and the head portion  76  thereon, upon the body  48 , the thickness T of the wall  30 , and possibly other factors, some or all of the head portion  76  may move past the wall  30  upon complete installation of the power outlet  10  (i.e., the front portion  62  abuts and stops against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 ). As such, the bias force of the deformable arm  74  may cause at least some outward movement of the deformable arm  74 , and the head portion  76  thereon, adjacent to the inner face  38  of the wall  30 . It is to be appreciated that such outward movement may be associated with the head portion  76  of the deformable arm  74  engaging/bearing upon the wall  30  at the inner face  38 . Such engagement/bearing holds the power outlet  10  relative to the wall  30  of the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″) from the inner face  38  side of the wall  30 . Moreover, such holding provides for resisting a removal movement (i.e., opposite direction to the direction D) of the power outlet  10  relative to the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″). 
     It is to be recalled that the front portion  62  abuts and stops against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . Thus, the front portion  62  helps to hold the power outlet housing  20  in the position with the front portion  62  against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32  (i.e., no further movement of the power outlet  10  in the direction D). So, also with the head portion  76  of the deformable arm  74  engaging/bearing upon the wall  30  at the inner face  38  and holding to provide for resistance against a removal movement (i.e., opposite direction to the direction D), the power outlet  10  is held in place relative to the power supply strip (e.g.,  12 , such as examples  12 ′ and  12 ″). So, the deformable arm  74  has an engagement portion (e.g., the head portion  76 ) that engages the inner face  38  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32  after the arm passes through the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing  32  to entrap the wall  30  of the main housing  32  between the arm  74  and the front portion  62  and retain the power outlet housing  20  relative to the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . 
     The installation of the power outlet  10  into the shaped aperture  42  may automatically accommodate for variable thickness T of the wall  30  of the power supply strip  12 . By that, it is to be appreciated that the amount that the deformable arm  74  is permitted to move back toward the non-deformed condition may be related to the thickness T of the wall  30 . A smaller wall thickness may allow a larger amount of movement of the deformable arm  74  back toward the non-deformed condition. A larger wall thickness may allow a smaller amount of movement of the deformable arm  74  back toward the non-deformed condition. However, the resilience of the deformable arm  74  may retain a pressure (i.e., a pressing force) against the wall  30  despite such variation of wall thickness. 
     It is to be appreciated that the deformable arm  74 , and the head portion  76  thereon, may have a varied construction/configuration. Such variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. An example of a variant of the head portion  76  is shown within the figures. Specifically, the shown example includes a ramped or tapered surface  84  on a segment of the head portion that would first engage against the wall  30  as the power outlet  10  is inserted (i.e., moved in the direction D) into the shaped aperture  42 . As such, the tapered surface  84  may be considered to be on a leading location as the power outlet  10  is inserted (i.e., moved in the direction D) into the shaped aperture  42 . The tapered surface  84  helps to smoothly allow the deformable arm  74  to deform (e.g., deflect) inward, via pushing against the wall  30 , as the tapered surface  84  is engaged against the against the wall  30  as the power outlet  10  is moved in the direction D. Within an example, the tapered surface  84  cams against the wall  30  of the main housing  32  to cause the deformable arm  74  to deform as the arm passes through the shaped aperture  42  of the main housing. 
     Further regarding the shown example of the variant of the head portion  76 , the shown example includes a stair-step segment  86 . Such stair-step segment is located somewhat opposite of the location of the tapered surface  84  upon the head portion  76 . As such, the stair-step segment  86  may be considered to be on a trailing or following location as the power outlet  10  is inserted (i.e., moved in the direction D) into the shaped aperture  42 . Each step in the stair-step segment  86  is capable of directly engaging against the wall  30  at the inner face  38 . The stair stepping may provide an additional resistance to removal (i.e., in the direction opposite to the direction D) of the power outlet  10 . As the power outlet  10  in inserted (i.e., moved in the direction D) into the shaped aperture  42 , the stair-step segment  86  may act as click-locks. Dependent in part on the thickness T of the wall  30 , a varied number of steps of the stair-step segment  86  will sequentially “click-lock” against the inner face  38  of the wall  30 . Such sequential “click-locking” may occur until the front portion  62  abuts and stops against the outer face  36  of the wall  30  of the main housing  32 . As mentioned, the power outlet  10  is accordingly retained in place relative to the wall  30  of the main housing  32  of the electrical power supply strip  12 . As such, the stair-step segment  86  provides a sequential click-lock for the power outlet  10  to secure to the main housing  32 . The wall  30  of the main housing  32  is entrapped between the front portion  62  of the power outlet housing  20  and the stair-step segment  86 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the modular attribute of the power outlet  10  allows the overall power supply strip  12  to configured with various/varied power outlets  10  at various/varied locations on/along the power supply strip  12 . As such, various power supply strips  12  may have various configurations. As such, various power supply strips  12  may be individualized, customized, or the like. 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    show an example the power supply strip  12  in which at least two types of power outlets are provided. Within the example, a first type of power outlet  90  (e.g., a first power outlet), which provides a first electrical power type (e.g., approximately  110  volts AC at  60  Hz, with understanding that variations are contemplated) is shown as already located within the main housing  32 . With the above-described power outlet  10  installed (i.e., via the motion direction D as described above) in the main housing  32 , as described above, the power outlet  10  is thus a second type of power outlet. As mentioned above, the power outlet  10  (e.g., the second type of power outlet) may provide the power format (e.g., 3 to 20 volts DC). 
     Of course, the power supply strip  12  includes multiple locations, with each location being able to receive power outlet (e.g., either power outlet  10  or power outlet  90 ). Either power outlet  10  or power outlet  90  may be place at any location on the power supply strip  12 . Moreover, any number of power outlet(s)  10  and any complement number of power outlet(s)  90  may be placed into the power supply strip  12 . Of course, the numbers of each of power outlet(s)  10  and power outlet(s)  90  simply are limited by the total available spaces (e.g., apertures  42 ). 
     Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object and a second object generally correspond to object A and object B or two different or two identical objects or the same object. 
     Moreover, “example” is used herein to mean serving as an instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” and/or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims. 
     Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations are described herein should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments. 
     Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.