Patent Publication Number: US-2019181595-A1

Title: Support lighting for electrical power systems

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     When working at night, or in dark spaces, it is often difficult to locate items or necessary resources. In one particular example, when working in a location with very limited lighting, whether a darkened room or an outdoor location at night, it is typically very difficult to find electrical receptacles when needed. This is especially troublesome when attempting to find need power, which then can be used for lighting and/or necessary tools. In most cases, these situations require the use of a flashlight or some external lighting source. That said, this is often inconvenient since the flashlight may not be nearby or conveniently located. Additionally, this requires the handling of the flashlight, in addition to a cord and other tools that are being carried. 
     In these cases, it would be particularly beneficial if lighting components were convenient and available when handing the electrical power cords themselves, so that outlets and power sources could be easily located. Clearly, electrical lighting systems do not solve this problem, since the user is searching for a power source in the first place. Obviously, once power is located and sufficiently supplied, electrical spotlights, work lights, etc. can then be utilized. That said, this often requires use of additional components. More specifically, a work light or spotlight must be located and attached to a receptacle end of the cord. An integrated system would be beneficial, thus avoiding the need for additional components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In order to provide a useful tool for locating electrical power sources, a battery-operated lighting source is incorporated into the plug portion of the electrical cord. The battery-operated lighting system is relatively small and self-contained within the plug housing, thus avoiding obstructions with other components and/or other plugs. Further, the battery-operated lighting system is easily operable using a control button located on an outer surface of the plug housing. To provide further utility, this battery operated lighting system is incorporated at the plug-in end of an extension cord, which can then supply power to remote locations. In the extension cord embodiment, the receptacle end may also include a lighting system for use in further illuminating various locations. This lighting system in the receptacle end could be battery operated, or alternatively powered by the electrical power carried within the cord. Again, this receptacle end power lighting system would be easily operated using control buttons located on an outer surface of the receptacle housing. 
     In addition to the battery operated light being incorporated into one end, the utility of the lighting system is further enhanced by having lighting systems at both ends of an electrical cord. In those situations where an outlet has been located and power is being provided to the cord, additional lighting needs often exist. To address this need, a small light is incorporated into the receptacle end of the cord for use in further locating items. Once power is supplied to the cord, this power is used to supply a switchable light source. To allow easy identification, the switch is illuminated (i.e. a switch button at the receptacle end is illuminated) and a receptacle end light source can be operated to locate items and/or become familiar with the surrounding. This provides an immediate tool for the user, without the need for additional components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be seen from reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the lighting system as embodied in an extension cord; 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up view of the plug-in end of an electrical power cord; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of the receptacle end of an electrical power cord; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are a top view and an end view, respectively, of the plug-in end; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the plug-in end of an electrical power cord; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a top view and end view, respectively, of the receptacle end of an electrical power cord; and 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the receptacle end. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed lighting system can be incorporated in multiple electrical systems and/or electrical devices. In one particular embodiment, the incorporation of lighting features into an extension cord is outlined and discussed below. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the same features and advantages can be implemented in multiple devices. The following description is intended to describe the features and advantages of the present invention, and is not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of an extension cord  10  is illustrated. As will be recognized, extension cord  10  includes a plug-in end  20 , a receptacle end  40  and an electrical cord  12 . Plug-in end  20  and receptacle end  40  are both physically and electrically connected to one another via cord  12 . Similarly,  FIG. 2  shows a close-up view of plug-in end  20  while  FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up view of receptacle end  40 . As is well recognized, the extension cord is used in many different situations/settings. Some of these situations include use of the extension cord in rugged, dirty, and/or rough settings. As such, it is essential that the extension cord be rugged and capable of withstanding tough conditions. This includes significant levels of insulation and protection for the electrical element itself. It is contemplated that the structures outlined below would also have these characteristics and be capable of operating in these tough environments. 
     As part of the operating environments generally mentioned above, it should be recognized that the extension cords will be dragged, dropped and/or pulled across many different surfaces. Additionally, the size of plug-in end  20  and receptacle end  40  are important. It may be necessary to pull the extension cord through an opening, or place in a tight area. Thus, the plug-in end  20  and receptacle end  40  should be kept as small as possible. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lighting structure positioned within a ridge on an upper side of the housings ( 22  and  42 , discussed in further detail below) does not significantly increase the size of these structures. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the plug-in end  20  is illustrated in further detail. More specifically,  FIG. 4A  shows a top view of plug-in end  20  while  FIG. 4B  shows a front view thereof. As seen, plug-in end  20  includes a housing  22  with electrical prongs  24  and a ground prong  26  extending from one end thereof. As will be recognized, this is the classical American three-prong electrical plug. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration of plugs can vary, depending upon the specific need and international requirement involved. As also illustrated, a lighting system switch  32  is located on an upper side of housing  22 . Further, a lightbulb  30  is positioned within housing  22 , and is aimed or directed generally in the same direction as prongs  24  and  26 . As will be further discussed below in relation to  FIG. 5 , lightbulb  30  is part of a battery-operated lighting system contained within housing  22 , and which is operable using button  32 . It is contemplated that button  32  will be a press-and-hold button, so that the light is “on” only when the button is being held down. This helps to preserve battery power, and is most practical since lighting from this end of the cord is often needed for only a short period of time. That said, alternatives are possible, including a “click-on/click-off” type button. 
     To further illustrate the internal workings of plug-in end  20 ,  FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of this component. As previously mentioned, housing  22  contains lightbulb  30 , and accommodates switch  32 . Housing  22  will also include appropriate electrical connections or wires  14 ,  16 ,  18 , to provide electrical power down cord  12 . As recognized, these electrical connections are coupled to prongs  24  and ground prong  26 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 5  is switch  32 , which is coupled to an electrical switching mechanism  34 , and which will provide controlled connections so that power to and from a battery  36  is provided to lightbulb  30 . While multiple switching mechanisms are possible, this approach provides a relatively straightforward connection which is also unobtrusive and convenient for a user. 
     In one embodiment, battery operated lighting system illustrated in  FIG. 5  is a self-contained light unit, such as a flashlight. More specifically, lightbulb  30 , switch  32 , and battery  36  are all contained within a separate housing such as a cylindrical tube. This configuration should be recognized as a fairly well known flashlight structure. In practice, this separate housing is self-contained and sized to be easily molded into an upper portion of housing  22 . To be effective the self-contained housing of the light system must be sized efficiently to be contained within housing  22  so that the plug housing  22  does not become unreasonably large. 
     As will be recognized, the plug-in end  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  will easily allow a battery-operated light to be controlled by a user. Again, this could be incorporated into an extension cord as outlined above, or could be included in any appliance cord. This additional utility will allow any user to locate electrical receptacles when operating in dark environments or circumstances. 
     It will be appreciated that the battery  36  outlined above could be a standard battery, or could easily be rechargeable. Since line power will be present at certain times, there are certain advantages provided by a rechargeable battery. Further, the system could be configured so that the battery  36  is being recharged any time the cord is connected to electrical power. In this way, battery life becomes a very insignificant issue. 
     As generally discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention further includes a light source incorporated into the receptacle end  40  of an extension cord  10 . Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the receptacle end  40  is better illustrated. Further,  FIG. 7  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view, illustrating the internal components of receptacle end  40 , as contemplated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , receptacle end  40  similarly includes a housing  42  which is designed to contain the components needed to provide electrical connections. Specifically, this will generally include a pair of power receptacles  44 , and a ground receptacle  46 . Contained within a front side of receptacle end  40  is a light source  50 , which is operated by a push button switch  52  located on a top side of housing  42 . Referring now specifically to  FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional schematic view is illustrated, which helps illustrate the inner workings of receptacle end  40 . In this particular embodiment, bulb  50  is electrically connected to a switching mechanism  54 . Switching mechanism  54  is operably connected to push button  52  to accommodate convenient user operation. As will be anticipated, ground receptacle  46  is similarly connected to an electrical cable  18 . Power receptacle  44  is similarly connected to one of the required power cords  14  in order to provide necessary operation. Although not specifically illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a second electrical cord  16  will be operably connected to the other power receptacle  44 . In receptacle end, electrical power is provided to switch  54  via internal electrical connections to the power supply lines. In this way, electrical power for light  50  is obtained only when the plug-in end  20  is connected to an electrical power source. This provides yet a further utility for the present invention, as the user is able to illuminate a work area or surroundings after electrical connections are obtained. 
     As a further enhancement, push button  52  is configured to have an embedded light device (such as a light emitting diode, or LED), which will be illuminated whenever power is present. In this way, a user will be able to easily see and locate button  52 . Further, it is contemplated that button  52  is a click-on/click-off button which will allow the light to stay on for extended periods of time. Since this is driven by line power, the issues related to battery preservation do not exits. 
     In addition to the embodiments outlined above, another alternative may include the use of motion sensors to activate the relevant light source. In this embodiment, various types of motion sensors could be included in either the plug end housing or the receptacle end housing, which would then be used to activate or “wake” the cord when moved. The motion sensors could include an accelerometer which will detect movement of the cord end, or could include a hall-effect sensor which would detect the presence of other objects moving adjacent the relevant housing. Once movement is detected, a light within the housing would be activated. This could include the “spot light” itself, the light on the button, or an internal light to help find the cord end. In combination with the other features involved, this motion detection feature provides addition utility for the user. 
     Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.