Abstract:
A Shared Ground Multiple Socket (SGMS) sharing a common Ground to save space. In some embodiments a SGMS configured to allow simultaneous utilization of multiple electrical plugs where only one electrical plug utilization was previously possible. In some embodiments, multiple SGMSs configured to fit into a standard size wiring device. In some embodiments, multiple SGMSs configured to fit into a standard size wiring device and further incorporating Tamper Resistant Safety System(s).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional 61/817,303 (29 Apr. 2013). This application also cites the following U.S. Patents: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Filed: 
                 Issued: 
                 Inventors: 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 7,052,299 
                 02 FEB. 2005 
                 30 MAY 2006 
                 Kyung T. Kim, Kyung 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 H. Kim 
               
               
                 7,198,499 
                 04 APR. 2003 
                 03 APR. 2007 
                 Kyung T. Kim, Kyung 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 H. Kim 
               
               
                 7,214,079 
                 05 APR. 2006 
                 08 MAY 2007 
                 Kyung T. Kim, Kyung 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 H. Kim 
               
               
                 7,547,221 
                 10 APR. 2007 
                 16 JUN. 2009 
                 Kyung T. Kim, Kyung 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 H. Kim 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Multiple socket receptacles (MSRs) of the cited prior art allow the user to access different circuits. One weakness of these previous MSRs is that their larger size require larger wall cover openings. This necessitates non-standard wall covers with openings larger than the 1.31×2.63 inch National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard. 
         [0003]    Another weakness of the aforementioned patents was that in some configurations the MSRs required additional installation labor/wiring to install when compared to regular receptacles. 
         [0004]    Yet another weakness of the aforementioned patents was that although the sockets of the MSRs offered multiple circuits, the sockets could only accept one plug at any one time. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The objectives of the present invention is to provide features/solutions to the aforementioned weaknesses. The present invention comprises physical dimensions that are compatible with all standard NEMA wall covers and electrical boxes, requires no additional installation labor, and accommodates more than one plug per socket (in some configurations). 
         [0006]    Whereas the prior MSRs utilized a shared Neutral, the present invention utilizes a Shared Ground (SG). 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to following figures, of which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a view of a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 5-15 socket configuration. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view of two NEMA 5-15 sockets being combined. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a view of an embodiment of the present invention derived from NEMA 5-15 configuration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 10  is a view of a NEMA 5-20 socket configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 11  is a view of an embodiment of the present invention derived from NEMA 5-20 configuration. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 20 and 21  are views of multiple NEMA 5-15 derived configurations of the present invention incorporated into a duplex (dual) receptacle. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 30 and 31  are views of multiple NEMA 5-20 derived configurations of the present invention incorporated into a duplex receptacle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 40  is a top view of a Hot Terminal  20  of the duplex receptacles of  FIGS. 20 and 30 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 41  is an isometric view of the Hot Terminal of  FIG. 40 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 42  is a flat sheet metal pattern of the Hot Terminal of  FIG. 40 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 50  is an assembled isometric view of all primary sheet metal components of the duplex (dual) receptacles of  FIGS. 20 and 30 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 51  is an exploded isometric view of the sheet metal components  FIG. 50 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 52  is a flat sheet metal pattern  40 F of the Ground Terminal  40  of  FIG. 51 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 53  is a flat sheet metal pattern  41 F of the Yoke  41  of  FIG. 51 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 54  is a flat sheet metal pattern  42 F of one of the Neutral Terminal  42  of  FIG. 51 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 60 ,  61 ,  62 , and  63  illustrate alternate NEMA 5-15 derived embodiments. 
           [0024]      FIG. 64  is a view of an alternate embodiment multiple NEMA 5-20 derived configuration of the present invention incorporated into a duplex receptacle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a NEMA 5-15 socket  515  with a standard ground  1 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an upside-down NEMA 5-15 socket (shown with holes for illustration purposes only) with upside-down ground  2  being combined with another NEMA 5-15 socket with ground  1 .  FIG. 3  shows a NEMA 5-15 derived Shared Ground Multiple Socket ( 515 SGMS)  2515  embodiment of the present invention. The Shared Ground (SG)  12  is elongated in shape in this embodiment and the  515 SGMS  2515  can accept one grounded plug or two non-grounded plugs at any one time. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate NEMA 5-20 socket  520  and NEMA 5-20 derived  520  SGMS  2520  embodiment of the present invention respectively. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a NEMA 5-15 Duplex Multiple Socket (MS) Receptacle  4515  utilizing two  515 SGMSs  2515  which allow for a standard size NEMA wiring device face  3  (with standard NEMA 1.531 inch spacing between the dual  515 SGMSs). With two  515  SGMSs  2515 s, this device can accept (at any one time) up to two grounded plugs, up to one grounded plug plus two additional non-grounded plugs, or up to four non-grounded plugs. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate a NEMA 5-20 Duplex MS Receptacle  4520  utilizing two  520  SGMSs  2520 . 
         [0029]    The invention could be manufactured from industry standard materials (e.g.—plastics, sheet metals, screws, springs, etc.) using industry standard assembly techniques (e.g.—adhesives, screws, nuts/bolts, ultrasonic welding, stakes, etc.). 
         [0030]      FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate a Hot Terminal  20  of the NEMA 5-15 Duplex MS Receptacle  4515  or the NEMA 5-20 Duplex MS Receptacle  4520  which is installation labor neutral (i.e.—no additional labor is required for installation when compared to regular duplex receptacles). The Hot Terminal  20  comprises four Hot Contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  and one Half Separator Tab  30  and one Quarter Separator Tab  31 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 42  illustrates a flat sheet metal pattern  20 F of the Hot Terminal  20 . Half 
         [0032]    Separator Tab  30  could be removed at its Separation Line  30 SL to isolate Hot Contacts  21  and  22  from Hot Contacts  23  and  24 . Quarter Separator Tab  31  could be removed at its Separation Line  31  SL to isolate Hot Contact  24  from Hot Contacts  21 ,  22 , and  23 . 
         [0033]    By not removing either Separator Tab  30  or  31  all Hot Contacts  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  communicate with each other and therefore only one electrical connection is required to the Hot Terminal  20  to make all four Hot Contacts active (thus no increase in installation labor when compared to a regular duplex receptacle). 
         [0034]      FIGS. 50 through 54  illustrate sheet metal components of the duplex MS receptacles  4515  and  4520 . These sheet metal components also allow enough space within the duplex MS receptacles to accommodate Tamper Resistant Systems which provide electrical shock hazard protection. 
         [0035]      FIG. 60  illustrates an alternate SG embodiment  12 C where the axes of the ground apertures are coincident (and thus the SG is non elongated) and sockets are oriented 180 degrees in respect to each other. 
         [0036]      FIG. 61  illustrates an alternate embodiment where the sockets are oriented 90 degrees from each other. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 62 and 63  illustrate three and four socket embodiments utilizing the coincident SG  12 C. 
         [0038]      FIG. 64  illustrates an alternate embodiment multiple NEMA 5-20 derived configuration duplex receptacle where the SG is shifted to allow more room for the incorporation of Tamper Resistant Systems around the “T” plug prong aperture. 
         [0039]    Alternative embodiments and/or uses of the methods and devices described above and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0040]    Although described embodiments show only NEMA socket configurations, the invention could be adapted to any (world wide) socket configuration (AC or DC). Different combinations of socket configurations could be utilized (e.g.—NEMA 5-15 Socket utilizing the same Ground with a NEMA 5-20 Socket). 
         [0041]    Additionally, the invention could be incorporated into other than rectangular faced devices (e.g.—devices with multiple island/oval shaped faces). 
         [0042]    Alternate embodiment of the duplex MS receptacles ( 4515 ,  4520 ) could incorporate two permanently separated circuits (i.e.—two separate hot terminals and two separate neutral terminals). One hot terminal and one neutral terminal could communicate with the first two of the four sockets while the other hot and neutral terminals could communicate with the last two of the four sockets. 
         [0043]    The invention could be adapted into extension cords, powerstrips, current taps, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. 
         [0044]    Alternate embodiments could integrate additional safety/convenience/energy saving features (e.g.—GFCI, AFCI, EFCI, circuit breakers, fuses, timer controlled circuitry, occupancy sensor controlled circuitry, automation program controlled circuitry, light sensor controlled circuitry, noise sensor controlled circuitry, etc.). 
         [0045]    Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the following claims.