Abstract:
A disposable, non servicable, illuminating electrical adapter ( 205 ) that quickly illuminates and attaches to a conventional electrical plug ( 285 ) and functions to illuminate both an electrical receptacle  220  and the adapter face itself for the purpose of locating and safely inserting electrical adapter between electrical plug and an electrical receptacle. Additional features include opaque  255  and translucent  260  image applications that enable the adapter  205  to function as a combination promotional/awareness generating product and also a safety promoting, useful tool.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,595B1 to Stoddard and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/812,558 file Jun. 10, 2006 to Stoddard and Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/354,330 to Stoddard 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to disposable electrical adapters of all types and voltages, including 120 V.A.C. plug adapters, all equipped in some capacity with light emitting diodes and power sources used to illuminate receptacles for the purpose of safe receptacle recognition and connection. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Presently existing electrical plugs are very common and vital components providing a convenient and safe way to quickly provide electrical connection to electrical devices. 
     There are situations where plugging a device into a receptacle can be somewhat difficult; one such example is attempting to align a plug to an electrical outlet where the view of the outlet is obscured by darkness. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,533 (2001) to Major discloses a flashlight plug which is an illuminated, 110 v.a.c., male, electrical plug &amp; cord assembly designed to illuminate an electrical outlet while a user is in the process of inserting the plug into the receptacle. Drawbacks to this device include: disclosed in the form of a plug/cord, it cannot be used on existing devices without replacing the original electrical cord. Considering the vast difference of electrical cord designs, including mounting, strain relief, amperage ratings, and differences of electrical attachment found on electrical appliance power cords, providing this plug/cord with a safe and suitable universal design could become a very daunting and expensive proposal. Incorrect installation of the Flashlight Plug as disclosed may cause potential for electrical shock and damage to the appliance. If not provided by the manufacturer as original equipment, to mount this plug/cord on an existing appliance may void a warranty (for equipment with a warranty). Even if this plug were designed to replace the plug component of an existing power cord (cutting off the plug and attaching the Flashlight Plug to the end of the power cable), the same hazards and shortcomings as mentioned above may still apply. For appliances using a wall mount transformer, this plug/cord, or plug only, is of no practical use. While this plug may be a useful device for a manufacturer to install as original equipment on electrical appliances, it has very limited use as a replacement cord or plug on the vast majority of existing appliances. Additionally, once the Flashlight Plug is installed onto an appliance, it becomes a semi-permanent component of that appliance and cannot easily be unattached for use on other electrical devices. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,595 B1 (2004) to Stoddard discloses the ideal lighted plug adapter but offers a limitation in manufacturing terms. The replaceable battery/power source disclosed in the patent prescribes the need for a hatch or door which tremendously increases the cost of manufacturing. The present invention prescribes a disposable embodiment which will allow the user to more easily afford the adapter and still have a useful tool beyond the life of the battery. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/354,330 with notice of allowance of claim  1  to Stoddard (2007) discloses an illuminating module that is attachable to an electrical transformer for the purpose of illuminating a receptacle. This is a useful product but it fails to reference the possibility of attachment to a plug adapter of any voltage or type. 
     It becomes apparent that a disposable illuminated adapter or adapter module for receptacle illumination, designed for temporary attachment to existing power plugs can be useful and provide substantial improvement over a non-disposable illuminated power cord or plug. No disposable, illuminated adapter or adapter modules designed for receptacle illumination could be found in the prior art. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     (a) to provide the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter using a light emitting diode as the light source; 
     (b) to provide the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter using a battery and switch to provide and control power to the light emitting diode; 
     (c) to provide the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter to project illumination towards the receptacle as well as towards the electrical plug that it is being attached to; 
     (d) to provide the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter in a manner that allows it to be manufactured affordably and without any serviceable parts; 
     (e) to design the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Adapter to effortlessly function on any and all types and voltages of electrical plugs be they audio, power, signal or other; 
     (e) to design the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Adapter to function as an effective marketing, advertising and awareness tool in conveying a marketable or significant message to the end user; 
     Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present invention, my Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter comprises a body, a light emitting diode, a power source, a switch, and electrical conductors fashioned to connect to and between an electrical receptacle and an electrical plug. So too does my Disposable Illuminated Adapter Module comprise a body, a light emitting diode, a power source, a switch and attachment means to attach to an electrical adapter. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the intended function of providing this device to connect to an electrical power plug and cord in order to provide illumination onto an electrical receptacle. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear, perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front, perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a cut away, front view of the preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of additional embodiment—safety or marketing message applied in an opaque, non illuminated capacity. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of additional embodiment—safety or marketing message applied in a translucent, illuminated capacity. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an additional embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of illuminating adapter module installed on a typical electrical plug in a semi-permanent manner. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of illuminating adapter module installed on a typical electrical plug in an alternative manner. 
         FIG. 11  presents a ¾ view of disposable adapter module and a typical audio/computer plug in a pre-attachment state. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of disposable adapter module removeably attached to a typical audio/computer type plug. 
         FIG. 13  Is a midline sectional view of the current invention, preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a midline sectional view of the current invention showing a variation of light source location and light transmission pathways in a preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a midline sectional view of a single direction illumination embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a midline sectional view of a disposable module equipped adaptor or plug. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 205 
                 Disposable Illuminated Electrical Adapter 
               
               
                 210 
                 Disposable Illuminated Electrical Adapter Body 
               
               
                 212 
                 Encased electrical connections 
               
               
                 215 
                 Switch boot 
               
               
                 217 
                 Light source actuation switch 
               
               
                 220 
                 Electrical Receptacle 
               
               
                 230 
                 Electrical current conveyance means 
               
               
                 235 
                 Adapter openings accomodating electrical conveyance means 
               
               
                 240 
                 Light source 
               
               
                 241 
                 Diffusing lens 
               
               
                 245 
                 Disposable illuminated electrical adapter texture for grip 
               
               
                 246 
                 Disposable illuminated electrical adapter translucent body 
               
               
                 250 
                 Sound emitting orifices 
               
               
                 255 
                 Adapter body opaque advertising/marketing/informational image 
               
               
                 260 
                 Adapter body advertising/marketing/informational translucent image 
               
               
                 265 
                 Solar Panels for adapter power supply recharging 
               
               
                 275 
                 Disposable illumination module temporary attachment means 
               
               
                 280 
                 Disposable illumination module permenant attachment means 
               
               
                 285 
                 Electrical Plug power type 
               
               
                 290 
                 Electrical Plug audio/computer type 
               
               
                 300 
                 Electrical Plug wire, audio/computer type 
               
               
                 310 
                 Electrical Wire 
               
               
                 320 
                 Disposable illuminated electrical plug module 
               
               
                 324 
                 Disposable illuminated electrical adapter plug body light passage means 
               
               
                 325 
                 Power source 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred Embodiment 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Specific language will be used to describe same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications of the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The word “user” is to mean a person using the disposable illuminated electrical plug adapter. The words “light source” are used throughout as a shortened term for “light emitting diode” and “light emitting diodes”. 
       FIG. 1  Shows the preferred embodiment of the invention, disposable illuminated electrical adapter  205  in use, being inserted into receptacle  220  while it is being illuminated by the light source, having been energized by the user depressing switch boot  215 . 
       FIG. 2  Defines a rear perspective view of adapter  205  showing the body of adapter  210 , Switch boot  215 , electrical conveyance means  230 , light diffusing lens  241  illuminating adapter openings for electrical conveyance means  235 . 
       FIG. 3  Provides a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment. Body texture for grip  245  facilitates safe insertion of electrical conveyance means  230  into a receptacle illuminated by light diffuser lens  241 . Notice switch boot  215  built into adapter body  210 . 
       FIG. 4  Provides a front perspective, cut away view of the preferred embodiment where shown is the electrical switch  217  positioned beneath switch boot  215  and above disposable illuminated electrical adapter power supply  325 . Encased electrical connections  212  supplying power to light source  240  permit light transmission fore and aft in adapter body  210  to light diffusing lenses  241  via translucent passages  324 . Additionally is shown are electrical conveyance means  230  and adapter body texture for grip  245 . 
       FIG. 5  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Body texture for grip  245  facilitates safe insertion of electrical conveyance means  230  into a receptacle illuminated by light diffuser lens  241 . Notice switch boot  215  built into adapter body  210 . Additional sound emitting orifices  250  are shown in approximation to internal electronic circuitry not shown. 
       FIG. 6  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Body texture for grip  245  facilitates safe insertion of electrical conveyance means  230  into a receptacle illuminated by light passing through light diffuser lens  241 . Notice switch boot  215  built into adapter body  210 . Additional features shown are opaque marketing image  255 . 
     Additional Embodiments 
       FIG. 7  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Body texture for grip  245  facilitates safe insertion of electrical conveyance means  230  into a receptacle illuminated by light passing through light diffuser lens  241 . Notice switch boot  215  built into adapter body  210 . Additional features shown are translucent marketing image  260  that are illuminated by various means including light passages or casting of adapter body with translucent material  246 . 
       FIG. 8  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Body texture for grip  245  facilitates safe insertion of electrical conveyance means  230  into a receptacle illuminated by light passing through light diffuser lens  241 . Notice switch boot  215  built into adapter body  210 . Additional features shown are solar charging cells  265 . 
       FIG. 9  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Electrical plug  285  is shown attached to electrical cable  310 . Disposable illuminated receptacle illumination module  320  with electrical switch boot  215  and light source  240  are shown permanently attached to electrical plug with adhesive  280 . 
       FIG. 10  Provides a front perspective view of an additional embodiment. Electrical plug  285  is shown attached to electrical cable  310 . Disposable receptacle illumination module  320  with electrical switch boot  215  and light source  240  are shown temporarily attached to electrical plug with band  275 . 
       FIG. 11  Provides a front perspective view of an addition embodiment. Audio/computer type electrical plug  290  attached to electrical cable  300  is shown being permanently attached via adhesive panel  280  to disposable illuminated electrical plug module  320 . Additionally shown is switch boot  215  and light source  240 . 
       FIG. 12  Provides a front perspective view of an addition embodiment. Audio/computer type electrical plug  290  attached to electrical cable  300  is shown being temporarily attached via temporary attachment means  275  to disposable illuminated electrical plug module  320 . Additionally shown is switch boot  215  and light source  240 . 
       FIG. 13  Presents a midline, sectioned, sideview revealing Switch boot  215  above and protecting electrical switch  217  which is adjacent to and electrically connected via encased electrical connectors  212  to power supply  325  and light source  240 . Light from light source  240  travels through passages  324  to diffusing lenses  241 . Additional items shown are Disposable illuminated electrical adapter body  210  and electrical conveyance means  230 . 
       FIG. 14  Presents a midline, sectioned, sideview revealing switch boot  215  above and protecting electrical switch  217  which is adjacent to and electrically connected via encased electrical connectors  212  to power supply  325  and light source  240 . Light from light source  240  travels through passages  324  to diffusing lenses  241 . Additional items shown are Disposable illuminated electrical adapter body  210  and electrical conveyance means  230 . 
       FIG. 15  Presents a midline, sectioned sideview revealing Switch boot  215  above and protecting electrical switch  217  which is adjacent to and electrically connected via encased electrical connectors  212  to power supply  325  and light source  240 . Additional items shown are Disposable illuminated electrical adapter body  210  and electrical conveyance means  230 . 
       FIG. 16  Presents a midline, sectioned, sideview revealing disposable illuminated electrical plug module  320  attached to adapter body  210  with permanent adhesive  280 . Additionally shown is switch boot  215 , switch  217 , power source  325 , diffusing lenses  240  and electrical conveyance means  230 . 
     Operation of Preferred Embodiment and Additional Embodiments 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the operation of this device is quite fundamental. The user, by depressing switch boot  215  will energise the light source and in so doing, illuminate a receptacle to facilitate a safe and complete insertion of the adapter. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the presence of 2 count sources of illumination  241 . With this embodiment, the insertion of the electrical plug&#39;s electrical conveyance means  230  into the illuminated adapter openings  235  ( FIG. 2 ) are illuminated as well as the insertion of the adapter into the receptacle  220  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Additional useful advantages are presented in both  FIGS. 6 and 7  in that Marketing logos, images, slogans and safety messages  255  can be applied to the side of the adapter body  210  in one of several ways.  FIG. 6  presents an opaque image  255  printed, decaled or cast into or onto the adapter body  210 . Image visibility will only occur with external lighting of some sort be it sunlight or ambient room lighting.  FIG. 7  presents a more effective form of information presentation in that the image can be negatively printed on a clear adapter body  246  ( FIG. 7 ) with a light source  240  imbedded within adapter body  210  or light passages  324   FIGS. 13 and 14  can be made to fortify the images with light. 
     Depending on the users message conveyance objectives, the addition of sound can be facilitated by sound emitting orifices  250  ( FIG. 5 ). Utilizing known and universally accepted and affordable sound generating electronics imbedded in the body of the adapter, a message of safety or advertising could be easily conveyed to the user at any time the adapter  205  is in use. 
     The addition of the solar recharging panels  265  ( FIG. 8 ) could easily lengthen the useful life of the illuminated electrical adapter power source  325 . Conventional and established electronics could be imbedded adjacent to encased electrical connections  212  ( FIGS. 4 ) and ( 13 - 16 ). 
     Advantages: 
     From the description above, a number of advantages of my disposable illuminated electrical plug adapter become evident: 
     (a) Use of the disposable electrical adapter provides a directed light source, clearly illuminating both the intended electrical receptacle as well as the electrical plug/wire assembly that is insertable into the adapter. 
     (b) the present invention combines the features of separate devices (electrical adapters and portable lighting) into one device. Combined, these features offer a higher level of safety and convenience. An example of this would be the ability to locate and illuminate a receptacle in a darkened area using just the Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug Adapter. 
     (c) Effective marketing and branding opportunities abound with this useful product as auditory and visual media can be employed to aesthetically communicate with end user. 
     (d) The Disposable Receptacle Illuminating Module uses a low power light emitting diode so the power source will have a long run-time. When the power source is out of power, the adapter will still function as a non-illuminating adapter for a very long time, 
     (e) The Disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug adapter can utilize a solar recharging circuit that will keep the battery recharged, enabling very long battery life. Situations where battery life may be shortened by constant use can benefit from use of this configuration. 
     (f) The disposable nature of the current invention affords a very reasonable cost to tooling and manufacturing. This affordability can be extended to the consumer. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that compared to using a standard plug or adapter, my disposable Illuminated electrical plug adapter can provide a user with an unobtrusive and inexpensive means to more safely and easily perform this very common, everyday task of plugging an electrical device into a receptacle. Furthermore, my disposable Illuminated Electrical Plug adapter provides additional advantages in that: 
     (a) The present invention enables user to easily locate receptacles in dark environments; 
     (b) The present invention is designed to be used with all electrical plugs and voltages including audio, computer and conventional electrical cord/plugs thereby allowing use of the adapter on any device having a corresponding electrical plug. 
     (c) The illuminating module is disposable and affordable. 
     (d) The present invention and additional embodiments enable user to provide to a variety of electrical plugs an affordable, temporary, and quick conversion from non-illuminated to illuminated. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. 
     Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.