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GB2563992A - Power unit boxes - Google Patents

Power unit boxes Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2563992A
GB2563992A GB1807237.1A GB201807237A GB2563992A GB 2563992 A GB2563992 A GB 2563992A GB 201807237 A GB201807237 A GB 201807237A GB 2563992 A GB2563992 A GB 2563992A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
power
power unit
unit mounting
mounting box
working surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1807237.1A
Other versions
GB2563992B (en
GB201807237D0 (en
Inventor
T Sharp William
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Snap On Inc
Original Assignee
Snap On Inc
Snap On Tools Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/959,976 external-priority patent/US10741981B2/en
Application filed by Snap On Inc, Snap On Tools Corp filed Critical Snap On Inc
Publication of GB201807237D0 publication Critical patent/GB201807237D0/en
Publication of GB2563992A publication Critical patent/GB2563992A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2563992B publication Critical patent/GB2563992B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
    • H01R13/74—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
    • H01R27/02—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/16—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes structurally associated with support for line-connecting terminals within the box
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/18—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/18—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets
    • H02G3/185—Floor outlets and access cups
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/06—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for computer periphery

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Distribution Board (AREA)

Abstract

A power unit mounting box 200 is adapted to couple to a working surface (300, Fig 1). The mounting box includes a first surface having one or more power outlets disposed thereon, and the first surface is angled with respect to the working surface when the power unit mounting box is coupled to the working surface. This provides for ease of access to the power outlet. USB ports (112, Fig 1), a power switch (114, Fig 1) and a circuit breaker may be provided. The angle may be 45°.

Description

POWER UNIT BOXES
Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/500,746, entitled Power Strip Box, filed May 3, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Technical Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to power units. More particularly, the present invention relates to power unit mounting boxes that couple to a working surface.
Background of the Invention [0003] Power units and/or power strips are used to provide power to one or more electronic devices, such as tools, tool chargers, computers, and other electrical devices. However, in certain areas, such as work areas, the location and ease of access of the ports on the power unit can be difficult to access.
Summary of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to a power unit mounting box adapted to couple to a working surface. The power unit mounting box includes a first surface including an aperture adapted to receive a power outlet. The first surface is angled with respect to the working surface when the power unit mounting box is coupled to the working surface. One or more universal serial bus (USB) ports, and power switch/circuit breaker may also be disposed on the first surface, to provide for ease of access to the power outlet, USB ports, and power switch.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0005] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a power unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 2 is a view of an angled surface of the power unit of FIG. 1; [0008] FIG. 3 is another side view of the power unit of FIG. 1; [0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power unit mounting box according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the power unit mounting box of FIG. 4; and [0011] FIG. 6 is another side view of the power unit mounting box of FIG. 4.
Detailed Description [0012] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. As used herein, the term “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention and is instead a term used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only.
[0013] The present application discloses a power unit mounting box that is adapted to couple to a working surface. The mounting box includes a first surface having a power outlet disposed thereon, and the first surface is angled with respect to the working surface when the power unit mounting box is coupled to the working surface. This provides for ease of access to the power outlet.
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a power unit 100 includes first and second housing portions 102 and 104, respectively. The first housing portion 102 may be coupled to the second housing portion 104, and have a flange 106. The power unit 100 may be installed or disposed in a working surface 300, such as a tool storage cabinet, a tool box, or other working surface. When installed, the first housing portion 102 is disposed or positioned on a first side of the working surface 300, with the flange 106 adjacent the working surface 300, and the second housing portion 104 is disposed or positioned on a second opposite side of the working surface 300.
[0015] The first housing portion 102 may have a first surface 108 that is angled with respect to the working surface 300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first surface 108 may be disposed at an angle a. The angle a may be about 20-60 degrees, about 30-50 degrees, and more particularly, about 45 degrees.
[0016] A power strip may be disposed in an aperture in the first surface 108, and form at least a portion of the first surface 108. For example, one or more power outlets 110, universal serial bus (USB) ports 112, and a power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be disposed on or in the first surface 106.
[0017] The one or more power outlets 110, universal serial bus (USB) ports 112, and power switch/circuit breaker 114 extend into the first housing portion 102 and are accessible by a user on the first surface 108. As illustrated, four power outlets llOa-llOd may be disposed on the first surface 108. However, it should be appreciated that more or less than four power outlets 110 may be included, and the dimensions of the power unit 100 may be modified accordingly.
[0018] Each power outlet llOa-llOd may include a neutral port 116, a hot port 118 (which is smaller in size compared to the neutral port 116), and a ground port 120. As illustrated, power outlets 110a and 110b are disposed on the first surface 108 proximate to a first end of the first surface 108, and power outlets 110c and llOd are disposed on the first surface 108 proximate to a second end of the first surface 108. The power outlet 110a is also oriented 180 degrees with respect to the power outlet 110b. For example, the ground port 120 of power outlet 110a is proximate a top end of the first surface 108, and the ground port 120 of power outlet 110b is proximate a bottom end of the first surface 108. Further, the power outlets 110a and 110b are staggered with respect to each other. For example, the power outlet 110a is disposed proximate a central portion of the first surface 108, and the power outlet 110b is disposed proximate an end of the first surface 108.
[0019] Power outlets 110c and llOd have a similar arrangement with respect to each other.
For example, the power outlet 110c is oriented 180 degrees with respect to the power outlet llOd. For example, the ground port 120 of power outlet 110c is proximate the top end of the first surface 108, and the ground port 120 of power outlet llOd is proximate the bottom end of the first surface 108. Further, the power outlets 110c and llOd are staggered with respect to each other. For example, the power outlet 110c is disposed proximate an end of the first surface 108, and the power outlet 110b is disposed proximate a central portion of the first surface 108.
However, it should be appreciated that the power outlets llOa-llOd may have differing orientations or and/or arrangements.
[0020] The USB ports 112 and power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be disposed in or on a central portion of the first surface 108. The power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be disposed above the USB ports 112. For example, the power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be disposed between power outlets 110a and 110c, and the USB ports 112 may be disposed between the power outlets 110b and llOd. As illustrated, there are two USB ports 112 disposed on the first surface 108, and have a length oriented to extend along a length of the first surface 108.
However, it should be appreciated that the orientation of the USB ports 112 and power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be altered to suite a particular need.
[0021] The second housing portion 104 may include a cavity that is adapted to house wiring and other internal components of the power unit 100. The second housing portion 104 may also include a power inlet port that is adapted to couple to a power source for supplying power to the power outlets 110a-l lOd, USB ports 112, and power switch/circuit breaker 114. The power inlet port, may also be a corded plug extending from the power unit 100. Power may be provided into the power unit 100 via the power inlet port, and to the power switch/circuit breaker 114. When the power switch/circuit breaker 114 is in an ON position, power is provided to the power outlets
llOa-HOd and USB ports 112. When the power switch/circuit breaker 114 is in an OFF position, power is prevented from flowing to the power outlets HOa-llOd and USB ports 112.
The power switch/circuit breaker 114 may also include a circuit breaker adapted to protect the power outlets llOa-HOd and USB ports 112, as well as any electrical device plugged into the power outlets 110a-l lOd and/or USB ports 112 from power surges, etc.
[0022] As described above, the power unit 100 may be installed or disposed in a working surface 300, such as a tool storage cabinet, a tool box, or other working surface. When installed, the first housing portion 102 is disposed or positioned on a first side of the working surface 300, with the flange 106 adjacent the working surface 300, and the second housing portion 104 is disposed or positioned on a second opposite side of the working surface 300. The power unit 100 (i.e., the first and/or second housing portions 102, 104) may be coupled to the working surface 300 via fasteners, adhesive, or other known means of coupling the power unit 100 to a working surface 300.
[0023] In another embodiment, the power unit may be coupled directly to a working surface without the need of a second housing portion. For example, a power unit box (similar to the first housing portion 102 described above) may be coupled directly to a working surface, and any internal components and/or wiring may be extended through the working surface.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a power unit mounting unit 200 is disclosed that includes a housing 202 having a flange 206 and a first face 208 (may also be referred to as a first surface 208) that is angled at an angle a with respect to the flange (or working surface onto which the power unit mounting unit 200 is mounted). The angle a may be about 20-60 degrees, about 30- 50 degrees, and more particularly, about 45 degrees.
[0025] A power strip may be disposed in an aperture 222 in the first surface 208, and form at least a portion of the first surface 208. For example, a power strip having one or more power outlets 110, universal serial bus (USB) ports 112, and a power switch/circuit breaker 114 may be disposed on or in the first surface 208. In this respect, a power inlet port may also be incorporated into the power unit mounting unit 200 that is adapted to couple to a power source for supplying power to the power outlets llOa-llOd, USB ports 112, and power switch/circuit breaker 114, as described above.
[0026] The power unit mounting unit 200 may also include one or more fastener apertures 224 and fasteners 226. This may allow the power unit mounting unit 200 to be coupled to a mounting bracket or area of a working surface. For example, a working surface may have protrusions that extend away from the working surface. The power unit mounting unit 200 may be disposed over the protrusions, and the fasteners may be inserted through the power unit mounting unit 200 and into the protrusions. Alternatively, the power unit mounting unit 200 may be coupled to the working surface via adhesive, or other known means of coupling the power unit mounting unit 200 to the working surface.
[0027] As used herein, the term “coupled” and its functional equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to direct, mechanical coupling of two or more components. Instead, the term “coupled” and its functional equivalents are intended to mean any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, work pieces, and/or environmental matter. “Coupled” is also intended to mean, in some examples, one object being integral with another object. As used herein, the term “a” or “one” may include one or more items unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0028] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors’ contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A power unit mounting box adapted to couple to a working surface, comprising: a first surface including an aperture adapted to receive a power outlet, wherein the first surface is disposed at an angle with respect to the working surface when the power unit mounting box is coupled to the working surface.
2. The power unit mounting box of claim 1, further comprising first and second power outlets disposed on the first surface.
3. The power unit mounting box of claim 2, further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) port disposed on the first surface between the first and second power outlets.
4. The power unit mounting box of claim 2, further comprising a power switch disposed on the first surface between the first and second power outlets.
5. The power unit mounting box of claim 4, wherein the power switch includes a circuit breaker.
6. The power unit mounting box of claim 1, wherein the angle is about 20-60 degrees.
7. The power unit mounting box of claim 1, wherein the angle is about 30-50 degrees.
8. The power unit mounting box of claim 1, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees.
GB1807237.1A 2017-05-03 2018-05-02 Power unit boxes Active GB2563992B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762500746P 2017-05-03 2017-05-03
US15/959,976 US10741981B2 (en) 2017-05-03 2018-04-23 Power unit boxes

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201807237D0 GB201807237D0 (en) 2018-06-13
GB2563992A true GB2563992A (en) 2019-01-02
GB2563992B GB2563992B (en) 2021-10-06

Family

ID=62495234

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1807237.1A Active GB2563992B (en) 2017-05-03 2018-05-02 Power unit boxes

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2563992B (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040242060A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Design Research And Development Corporation, King Of Prussia, Pa Electrical power distribution device
CN201623306U (en) * 2009-09-02 2010-11-03 邢智勇 Power socket mounting box
US20130316570A1 (en) * 2012-05-28 2013-11-28 Power Logic South Africa (Pty) Ltd Power Supply Unit
US20140106610A1 (en) * 2012-10-12 2014-04-17 Norman R. Byrne Table coupling system with power and data
CN204858208U (en) * 2015-06-25 2015-12-09 国网山东省电力公司济南供电公司 Power scheduling workstation circuit conversion equipment on duty

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD427973S (en) * 1999-08-05 2000-07-11 Intermatic Incorporated Electrical output plug strip

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040242060A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Design Research And Development Corporation, King Of Prussia, Pa Electrical power distribution device
CN201623306U (en) * 2009-09-02 2010-11-03 邢智勇 Power socket mounting box
US20130316570A1 (en) * 2012-05-28 2013-11-28 Power Logic South Africa (Pty) Ltd Power Supply Unit
US20140106610A1 (en) * 2012-10-12 2014-04-17 Norman R. Byrne Table coupling system with power and data
CN204858208U (en) * 2015-06-25 2015-12-09 国网山东省电力公司济南供电公司 Power scheduling workstation circuit conversion equipment on duty

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2563992B (en) 2021-10-06
GB201807237D0 (en) 2018-06-13

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