Patent Abstract:
A safety interlocking electrical supply apparatus including a base component housing at least two base electrical contacts which are wired to a source of electrical energy. The base component has a least two apertures. An intermediary component is provided having at least two intermediary electrical contacts extending therefrom. The apertures in the base component are adapted to removably receive the intermediary electrical contacts. The intermediary electrical contacts are adapted to make contact with the base electrical contacts. The intermediary component includes an end use mechanism. The intermediary component may be readily and safely connected to and removed from the base component without the need to make wire connections or disconnections.

Full Description:
RELATIONSHIP TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a U.S. non-provisional application relating to and claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/876,802, filed Dec. 21, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to electrical appliances. In particular, this invention relates to a two-component electrical supply apparatus and distribution system for human use whenever installation of electrical supply is needed and whenever access to electrical supply is needed. 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a safety interlock power supply apparatus and more particularly to a mechanical interlock connector mechanism for supplying power to an electrically powered device from a structure&#39;s permanently installed wiring. 
         [0004]    This invention relates to an interlocking electrical supply apparatus that allows for the harnessing of multiple levels of voltage power to be accessed via one intermediary component, without having to replace the intermediary component to access the different levels of power desired. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Various attempts have been made to overcome the problem of providing access to electrical current for the supply of power to electrical appliances while avoiding unnecessary hazards, such as electrical shock, burns, improper operating modes, and high labor costs. 
         [0006]    There exist options to provide electrical supply in a physical structure, such as the use of a metal box with specific slots for bringing a wire into the box to make a connection to an outlet used as a connector for an appliance or the like. 
         [0007]    There also exist electrical components that allow the user to adjust the placement of electrical supply for lighting specific appliances, as in the common track lighting systems. 
         [0008]    While the above electrical supply systems have worked, their one major flaw is the extensive installation and labor intensive electrical renovation required to change the electrical supply outlet&#39;s composition to allow the user the freedom to switch end use of a particular power supply outlet. An example is the switching from a standard 110 volt lamp to a ceiling fan unit or to a smoke detecting unit. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for the end user to be able to newly install or to retrofit the electrical supply in a structure based on current needs for a particular electrical supply at a specific point of electric distribution. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a multi-component electrical supply system. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Another object of the invention is to make it easy for the user to be able to achieve freedom from expensive installation charges without violating national electrical installation ordinances. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide an interlocking fastening system so as to conduct electricity via connected conducting contact surfaces. 
         [0013]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a swiveling motion so as to interconnect the conducting contact surfaces creating a locking mechanism by such action. 
         [0014]    A further object of the invention is to provide a handle on the public facing side of an intermediary component so as to allow ease of use of the intermediary component when attaching or un-attaching the components together. 
         [0015]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide the opportunity for the end user to install and or uninstall an intermediary component so as to achieve the necessary electrical supply for a particular location in the surface of the structure. 
         [0016]    Another object is to allow the conversion of the electrical supply into a variety of different configurations without the need for an electrician. An example of this object is the housing of a 440 volt electrical supply along with a 220 volt electrical supply to be housed in the same separate base and intermediary components and via the pivoting of a control on the intermediary component be able to switch access between the voltage options. 
         [0017]    Another object of the invention is to allow the full force of the available source of electrical supply to enter the base component and be selectively harnessed within the intermediary component by the interlocking of the metal contact surfaces in a multitude of configurations for the purpose of accessing multiple power configurations without the need to remove or replace the intermediary component. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    What is needed, therefore, is an inexpensive, easy to use and safe electrical supply apparatus consisting of two separate components which make up the whole of an interlocking electrical supply apparatus which is suitable for use in residential and commercial applications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side isometric view, partially cutaway, of safety interlocking electrical supply apparatus in a supinated position showing portions of the safety interlocking electrical supply apparatus including the intermediary component and the base component. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a bottom isometric view of the intermediary component showing conductor appendages. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a partially cutaway side isometric view of intermediary component showing some of its internal mechanisms and shown with two standard 110 volt electrical outlet configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a partially cutaway side isometric view of the intermediary component shown with two standard 110 volt electrical outlet configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an isometric side view of the intermediary component showing its external parts. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an isometric side view of the intermediary component shown in a smoke detector configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an isometric exploded view of the entire two part electrical supply apparatus in one of its configurations in which the intermediary component includes a ceiling fan. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a bottom isometric view of the base component shown with a four (4) wire configuration. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a partially cutaway side view of the base component shown with three (3) contact entrance points configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric side view of the external top and side of the base component showing the male glides and the finger grasp/connector. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a side isometric partially cutaway view of the base component shown with the multi-electrical supply configuration, as a dual electrical supply apparatus and a portion of the intermediary component. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a top partially cutaway view of the base component showing multiple metal contact points for the multi-power supply configuration within the base component. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the structural housing box unit. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the rim cover plate for the intermediary component. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a partial isometric view of the rim cover plate. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a side isometric view of the intermediary component configured to supply two (2) electrical supply options without necessitating the removal and replacement of the intermediary component. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    An interlocking electrical supply apparatus that is primarily made up of two components, namely an intermediary component and a base component, which are housed in a separate safety box housing. The electrical connection is made when the intermediary component is inserted into the base component with a pivoting action interlock and as a whole create an electrical supply system which can be installed and uninstalled by the consumer with a low risk to personal safety. 
         [0036]    The base component of the system, along with the electrical box, is installed by an electrical professional, permanently into the surface wall of the physical structure. The intermediary component is a replaceable unit. The intermediary component is designed to be installed, removed and reinstalled as is needed by the user. Furthermore, the intermediary component is also designed to allow for a multitude of electrical output options without necessitating the removal and replacement of the intermediary component. The intermediary component can also be removed and replaced by any one of a number of different intermediary units, which configure the electrical supply into different configurations for the end user&#39;s need. This electrical supply apparatus will supply an uninterrupted, grounded, electrical current to any product assumed to utilize electricity via the interlocking connection between the permanently installed base component and the semi-permanent intermediary component which can be physically unattached from the permanently installed base component and replaced with any number of configurations suiting a variety of electrical supply standards. This electrical supply apparatus will conduct energy through two separate, independent components the sum of whose parts will deliver the electrical supply to the end use (e.g., a ceiling fan or two 110 volt power outlets). The semi-permanently installed intermediary component will preferably include the end use mechanism, such as a smoke detector installed into the intermediary component. This will allow the user the ease of changing electrical supply options for a particular base location based on the need at the moment for that base location, without the need for a certified professional to install or uninstall the intermediary component, and with no risk to the user. 
         [0037]    Examples of another end use mechanism for the intermediary component would be a traditional 110-volt, three-prong, grounded electrical outlet, which is used to plug in standard 110-volt electrical products (e.g., a lighting fixture). Another example would be the standardized ceiling fan that would be built into the intermediary component. The electrical supply apparatus will provide a base component that will be installed at the time of construction or during retrofit of the electrical supply system which will be housed in the electrical housing box. 
         [0038]    In addition, the electrical apparatus having two interlocking components housed in one modified electrical support housing box can be utilized, within the intermediary component, to harness power in different configurations. This can be done without needing to replace the intermediary component. Access to a power source (e.g., between a 440 or 220 volts supply) can be obtained by simply adjusting and thence reengaging the electrical contact points within the intermediary component within the permanently installed base component. This adjustment and reengagement can be achieved in any number of ways including rotating the intermediary component in an opposite direction while staying engaged in the base component. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  shows the safety interlocking electrical supply apparatus (hereafter referred to as “Apparatus  1 A”) in an inverted position. Apparatus  1 A comprises a structural box  39  having a cavity into which a base component  50  may be slidably removed or inserted. Base component is a housing which receives electrical parts described below. Box  39  comprises two sliding female guides  31  to allow the male appendages  32  on the intermediary component  2 A to slidably attach to the internal wall of the structural box cavity  39 . The structural box cavity  39  is sized to closely mate with base component  50 , thereby properly aligning and positioning base component  50  so the base component can be properly clamped into position by the interaction of clamp  28  as seen in  FIG. 10  and clamp receiver  35  in  FIG. 13 . Apparatus  1 A also comprises an interlocking intermediary component  2 A appendages  2  which are inserted into openings in base component  50  by way of physical pressure. Once inserted, the intermediary component  2 A is pivoted or swiveled with the use of handle  1  which with the use of pressure creates a locked or snapped position of conductor appendage  2  and conductor platform  27  and therefore allows the conduction of electrical energy via the internal mechanism pathways as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0040]    When fully inserted into base component  50 , intermediary component  2 A is affixed with a trim cover plate  40  as seen in  FIG. 14 , which screws around the edge of the intermediary component  2 A′ at pathway  15  as seen in  FIG. 16 . The present invention is directed to a safety interlock power supply system that automatically eliminates component voltage upon removal of the intermediary component  2 A from base component  50 , thereby permitting safe installation and removal of the intermediary component  2 A from the base component  50 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  shows the intermediary component&#39;s  2 A bottom, or conductor appendages  2 ,  3 ,  4 . The number of appendages could vary within the realm of this invention, determined by the supply and configurations needed for the intermediary component&#39;s  2 A end point usage. Intermediary component  2 A handle  1  is illustrated and would be utilized to assist in the interlocking of the two components and thence the conductor appendages  2 ,  3 ,  4  together. 
         [0042]    The pathway of electrical current will now be described as seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9  and  11 . An electrical current pathway is established by the connection of the mother supply wires  80 ,  81 , and  82  to  16 ,  17  and  18  as seen in  FIG. 9 . What is now described is the electrical pathway for any electrical current brought through into the base component  50 . 
         [0043]    This pathway can be replicated any number of times to meet the electrical needs, but is shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 , and  9  as an example with only three conductors and pathways. Alternatively, there can be conduction of electricity with unlimited potential for number of conductors. Once the mother wire is connected to the supply wires  16 ,  17  and or  18  of base component  50 , the electrical current is carried up through into the internal mechanism of the base component  50  where it supplies electrical current to the conductors housed within  27  or  81 . The wire is affixed to a metal pin or screw  80  which is directly affixed to the metal conducting platform  27 ,  81  that when in contact with the pivoting conductor appendage  2  continues the electrical current up via the conducting appendage into the intermediary component  1 A which then carries the electrical current to metal pins or screw  8  and or  9  to which is connected either an individual wire or a number of wires up through holes  13  located in the distribution platform  14  ( FIG. 3 ). The distribution platform&#39;s  14  purpose is to isolate the individual wires  11 ,  12  which in and of themselves continue the pathway of electrical current so that they can be affixed to the appropriate undesignated conductor pins or screw which will attach to any number of configurations of the end product mechanism which will end the electrical pathway of the invention and allow the end user to utilize the intermediary component  2 A as intended. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is shown with the intermediary component  2 A configured to house two 110 volt electrical outlets. This intermediary component  2 A could be configured to house any number of electrical components. An example would be the intermediary component  2 A outfitted with a smoke detector fixture which would receive its electrical power supply as apart of the entirety of the Apparatus  1 A. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway view of the internal mechanism of the intermediary component  2 A configured to house two 110 volt electrical outlets. The metal conductor appendages  2  provide a pathway of electrical power supply which are attached securely via metal wire  11 ,  12  to the head of the metal conductor appendage  10  via screws or penetrating pins  8 ,  9 . The pathway is thus continued via the internal wires  11 ,  12  up through the distribution platform via holes  13  which are intended to keep the wires separated. The wires are then connected to the individual ground, neutral and hot plates within which are inserted the plug from the 110 volt appliance. The ground, neutral and hot plates  90 ,  91 ,  92  can be situated on a raised platform  93  above the distribution platform  14 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a view of the intermediary component  2 A in one of its potential configurations for higher voltage power supply, such as 220 or 440. Two handles  1  are potentially configured to assist in the attachment of the intermediary component  2 A to assist in the ease of connection of the intermediary component  2 A to the base component  50 . The view shows the ridged screw pathway  15  around which the rim cover plate  40  will be affixed via a turning motion. The insertion plug holes  7  show the location at which the 220 volt appliances plug will be inserted. This is just one potential configuration of the intermediary component  2 A. The intermediary component has multiple end use configurations. In one possible configuration, by turning the intermediary component within the base component, different levels of voltage are accessed. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is an isometric cutaway view of the intermediary component  2 A as configured in one of its potential configurations as a smoke detector unit. The metal conductor appendages are shown  2 ,  3 ,  4  along with the screws or penetrating pins  8  which are affixed to the heads of the conductor plates  10 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a view of the intermediary component  2 A shown in its configuration as a ceiling fan. The handles are shown  1 , as are the ceiling fan wings  61 , and the ridged screw edge  15  around which the rim cover plate  40  from  FIG. 14  would be affixed. The drawing also shows the base component  50  as housed in the box unit  39  which is attached to two supporting structures. The box unit  39  is affixed via the extendable support arms  60  via screws or nails which enter into the holes  60  penetrating the holes and entering into the supporting structure, thusly creating a firm support for the box unit  39 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is an isometric drawing showing the bottom of the base component  50 . The main supply wires  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  99  protrude from the bottom of the base component  50  through wire supply holes  24 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of the internal mechanism of the base component  50 . Conductor appendages  2  are inserted into the base component  50  via appendage entry points  19 . Such action causes the internal electrically insulated security covers  20  to depress inwards or downwards which causes the spring  21  to compress inwards. This action allows the conductor appendage  2  to enter into the base component  50  while also allowing the base component&#39;s internal electrical supply conductor platform  27 ,  81  ( FIG. 11 ) or platforms to be covered from unintended entrance of non-intentional material or materials. When the conductor appendage  2  is inserted, the user then turns or pivots, with the assistance of the intermediary component  2 A, handle  1 . The intermediary component  2 A thus causes the conductor appendage  2  and conductor platform  27  or  81  ( FIG. 11 ) to engage and create the pathway for the electrical current. 
         [0051]      FIG. 10  shows the external body of the base component  50 . The appendage entry points  19  are shown in one potential configuration. The male glides  32  which are slid into the female supports  31  ( FIG. 1 ) are shown. The finger press  28  which engages a further support feature  35  ( FIG. 11 ) is shown. 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  is a cutaway view of the base component  50  as configured for one of its potential purposes to harness multiple power options within the same base component  50 . The drawing shows the appendage entry points  19  and the internal security cover  21  which is described in  FIG. 9 . The screws or penetrating pins  80  serve to affix the main supply wires  16  to the metal conducting plates  27 ,  81  which continues the pathway of electrical force ultimately making it available for contact with the conductor appendages  2  from  FIG. 2 . In its intended configuration, the metal conductor plates  27 ,  81  can be engaged by rotating the intermediary component  2 A in different directions which will create two potential contact points between the metal appendages  2  and the conductor plates  27 ,  81  when rotated in opposite directions. The internal distribution platform  22  is shown, which separates the base component  50  into separate chambers. There are wire holes  24 ,  25  through which the supply wires  16  feed. 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  is an overhead view of the base component  50  and the potential relation between the appendage entry points  19  and the conductor plates  27 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 13  is a drawing of the box unit  39  which is supported by its supporting arms  60  and supporting plate  33 , each of which have holes  34  to use to affix the box unit  39  to the structure in question. Multiple potential punch-out mother wire supply openings  36 ,  37  are shown. The female support glide guide  31  is shown in the inside  38  of the unit  39  with the pathway  32  for the male glides to enter shown. The finger catch support  35  is shown on the surface of an internal wall, this engages with the finger catch  28  of  FIG. 10 . The supporting arms  60  are adjustable in length  98 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 14  is a top view of the rim cover plate  40 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 15  a view of the rim cover plate  40 . The rim cover plate  40  has ridges  41 ,  42 ,  43  on the inside of its cover plate which allow it to be threaded onto the intermediary component  2 A ridges  15  ( FIG. 1 ). The outside surface of the rim cover plate  40  is contoured to provide a smooth protective cover for the space surrounding the base component  50  and any surrounding surface. 
         [0057]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the intermediary component  2 A′ configured to provide dual power supply via the metal contact appendages  2 . Two handles  1  are affixed to the side of the component to assist in the rotation of the intermediary component  2 A. Insertion openings  90 ,  91 ,  92  are to provide entry way for the external appliances contact plugs in a variety of configurations. 
       Drawing Elements Guide 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               2 A Intermediary Component 
               1  Handle for Intermediary Component 
               2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  Metal Conductor Appendage 
               7  Opening for external plug 
               8 ,  9  Screw or penetrating pins Intermediary Component 
               10  Head of the metal appendage 
               11 ,  12  Supply Wire Intermediary Component 
               13  Supply Wire Holes Intermediary Component 
               14  Distribution Platform 
               15  Ridges for Rim Plate 
               16 ,  17 ,  18  Supply Wires Base Component 
               19  Appendage Entry Points 
               20  Internal Security Cover 
               21  Spring 
               22  Distribution Platform 
               24  Hole for Supply Wire Base Component 
               25  Supply Wire Base Component 
               27  Metal Conductor Plate 
               28  Finger Press 
               31  Female Glide Support 
               32  Male glides 
               33  Structural Support plate 
               34  Holes for external screws 
               35  Finger Press Catch 
               36 ,  37  Potential Punch Out Hole for Mother supply Wires 
               38  Internal area of Box Unit 
               39  Box Unit 
               40  Rim Cover Plate 
               41 ,  42 ,  43  Ridges for Rim Cover Plate 
               50  Base Component 
               61  Ceiling Fan wings 
               80  Screw or Penetrating Pins Base Component 
               81  Metal Conductor Plate 
               83  Wire connectors 
               90 ,  91 ,  92  Insertion openings for plug from external appliance 
               93  Support platform within Intermediary Component 
               94 ,  95  Metal Contact Points for external appliance plug 
               98  Slide portion of Adjustable Structural Support Arm  60

Technology Classification (CPC): 7