(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0099287 A1
`Colburn et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 22, 2010
`
`US 20100099287A1
`
`(54) BIDIRECTIONAL SOCKET
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`.
`(76) Inventors.
`
`.
`Eric R. Colburn, Wexford, PA
`(US); Michael Laskowski,
`Pittsburgh, PA (US); Juan C.
`Escobar’ New York’ NY (Us);
`Ryan Vernon, New York, NY (U S)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SEYFARTH SHAW LLP
`131 S. DEARBORN ST., SUITE 2400
`CHICAGO, IL 60603-5803 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/573,018
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 2, 2009
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/195,020, ?led on Oct.
`2, 2008, provisional application No. 61/270,747, ?led
`on Jul. 13, 2009.
`
`51) Int. Cl.
`(
`H 01R 2 7/00
`
`(200601)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ...................................................... .. 439/224
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electrical socket is provided. The electrical socket
`includes a face, a ?rst pair of plug receptacles and a second
`pair of plug receptacles. The ?rst pair of plug receptacles is
`de?ned Within the face and separated by a distance having a
`?rst center point. The ?rst pair of plug receptacles is con?g
`ured to provide an electrical connection to a poWer source.
`The second pair of plug receptacles is de?ned Within the face,
`substantially perpendicular to the ?rst pair of plug recep
`tacles, and separated by a distance having a second center
`point. The second pair of plug receptacles is con?gured to
`provide an electrical connection to a poWer source. Further,
`the ?rst and second center points are the same point.
`
`15
`
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`
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`
`Page 1
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`POLYGROUP EX. 1029
`POLYGROUP V. WILLIS
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`US 2010/0099287 A1
`
`Apr. 22, 2010
`
`BIDIRECTIONAL SOCKET
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present application claims priority to Us. Ser.
`No. 61/195,020 ?led Oct. 2, 2008, and to U.S. Ser. No.
`61/270,747 ?led Jul. 13, 2009, the entire disclosures ofWhich
`are hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present device relates to an electrical socket.
`Particularly, the present device relates to a non-polarized
`bidirectional socket for charging electronic devices, such as
`cellular phones and personal MP3 players.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Faceplates and outlet con?gurations for electrical
`sockets, adapters, and poWer strips have, of course, been
`around since at least the inception of household electrical
`Wiring. HoWever, the groWing presence and multiplication of
`electrical devices in nearly every modern household has
`spurred the improvement upon a common electrical outlet
`con?guration to accommodate such devices. Despite these
`improvements, such as that disclosed in Us. Pat. No. 7,347,
`724 to Crupi disclosing a multiple receptacle outlet to trans
`form a standard electrical Wall box, such multi-receptacle
`outlets are bulky and cumbersome and oftentimes confusing
`as to the manner in Which plugs are to be inserted into the
`receptacles. This is particularly true Where grounded and
`polariZed receptacles are adapted to accommodate multiple
`devices requiring such safety features. HoWever, many com
`mon devices such as cell phones, personal portable music
`devices, and digital cameras, do not require polariZed recep
`tacles or grounding con?gurations.
`[0004] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate common disadvantages
`encountered by users attempting to plug a number of modern
`devices into existing outlet structures 144. In particular, elon
`gated plugs and adapters 150 engaged in a ?rst outlet 146
`block neighboring outlets 148 from being utiliZed, thereby
`decreasing the effectiveness of the outlet design, requiring
`increased clearance and extra outlets, even though not all of
`the outlets Will be accessible to a standard plug design. Addi
`tionally, standard Wall outlets present similar problems When
`an elongated plug or adapter 150 is positioned in one outleti
`many plug and outlet designs thereby render the neighboring
`free outlet inaccessible. One reason for this inconvenience is
`that standard outlet designs arrange sockets along a single
`axis 152, therefore automatically creating constraints for the
`manner in Which a device plug 150 may be positioned in the
`outlet structure 144. The single axis 152 of the outlet 146,
`148, combined With the orientation of devices plugs inevita
`bly requires that suf?cient spacing is permitted betWeen out
`lets 146, 148, resulting in free neighboring outlets 148 being
`blocked.
`[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for a space-saving
`con?guration for electrical sockets, and particularly for use in
`electric device chargers to accommodate one or a number of
`plugs for charging devices and in electrical adapters for com
`pact, effective, and safe retention of one or more male plugs.
`The present invention solves these and other issues related to
`prior art devices by providing a bidirectional socket in several
`
`embodiments for enabling a selection of plug orientations to
`accommodate one or a series of non-polariZed male plugs.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] In one form, an electrical socket is provided. The
`electrical socket includes a face, a ?rst pair of plug receptacles
`and a second pair of plug receptacles. The ?rst pair of plug
`receptacles is de?ned Within the face and separated by a
`distance having a ?rst center point. The ?rst pair of plug
`receptacles is con?gured to provide an electrical connection
`to a poWer source. The second pair of plug receptacles is
`de?ned Within the face, substantially perpendicular to the ?rst
`pair of plug receptacles, and separated by a distance having a
`second center point. The second pair of plug receptacles is
`con?gured to provide an electrical connection to a poWer
`source. Further, the ?rst and second centerpoints are the same
`point.
`[0007] According to one form, electrical poWer strip is
`provided. The electrical poWer strip includes a housing and a
`plurality of receptacle sets. The housing includes an outlet
`face and a male plug extending from the housing and is
`con?gured to provide an electrical connection to a poWer
`source. The plurality of receptacle sets each includes a ?rst
`pair of plug receptacles and a second pair of plug receptacles.
`The ?rst pair of plug receptacles is de?ned on the outlet face
`and separated by a distance having a ?rst center point. The
`?rst pair of plug receptacles is con?gured to provide an elec
`trical connection to the male plug. The second pair of plug
`receptacles is de?ned on the outlet face, substantially perpen
`dicular to the ?rst pair of plug receptacles, and separated by a
`second distance having a centerpoint. The secondpair of plug
`receptacles is con?gured to provide an electrical connection
`to the male plug. Further, the ?rst and second center points are
`the same point.
`[0008] In accordance With one form, an electrical socket is
`provided. The electrical socket includes a face, a ?rst pair of
`plug receptacles and a second pair of plug receptacles. The
`?rst pair of plug receptacles is de?ned Within the face, is
`oriented along a ?rst axis and de?nes a ?rst plug area. The ?rst
`pair of plug receptacles is con?gured to provide an electrical
`connection to a poWer source. The second pair of plug recep
`tacles is de?ned Within the face, is oriented along a second
`axis and de?nes a secondplug area. The second axis intersects
`the ?rst axis. The secondpair of plug receptacles is con?gured
`to provide an electrical connection to a poWer source. Further,
`the ?rst plug area overlaps the second plug area.
`[0009] According to one form, the ?rst pair and the second
`pair of plug receptacles are non-polarized.
`[0010] In one form, the electrical socket further includes a
`housing and a male plug. The face is coupled to the housing.
`The male plug is con?gured for insertion into a poWer outlet.
`The male plug is operably coupled to the housing for provid
`ing an electrical connection to the outlet and is electrically
`coupled to the ?rst pair and second pair of plug receptacles.
`[0011] In accordance With one form, the male plug is rotat
`able With respect to the housing to alloW the socket to be
`oriented regardless of the poWer outlet con?guration.
`[0012] According to one form, the male plug is retractable
`to alloW prongs of the plug to be collectively moved from an
`open and usable position to a closed position.
`[0013] In one form, the electrical socket further includes
`Wiring connectors electrically coupled to the ?rst pair and
`second pair of plug receptacles for electrical Wiring to a
`poWer source.
`
`Page 13
`
`

`
`US 2010/0099287 A1
`
`Apr. 22, 2010
`
`[0014] In accordance With one form, the ?rst pair of plug
`receptacles and secondpair of plug receptacles de?ne a recep
`tacle set, and Wherein the face comprises a plurality of recep
`tacle sets de?ned thereon.
`[0015] According to one form, the plurality of sets are
`linearly arranged.
`[0016] In one form, the plurality of sets are arranged in a
`block.
`[0017] In accordance With one form, the electrical poWer
`strip is an adapter.
`[0018] According to one form, the socket is an adapter
`comprising a male plug for insertion to a poWer outlet, the
`male plug being electrically coupled to the outlet.
`[0019] In one form, the ?rst axis is perpendicular to the
`second axis and the ?rst plug area substantially overlaps the
`second plug area.
`[0020] In accordance With one form, the ?rst pair of plug
`receptacles and secondpair of plug receptacles de?ne a recep
`tacle set, and Wherein the face comprises a plurality of recep
`tacle sets de?ned thereon.
`[0021] These and other aspects of the invention may be
`understood more readily from the folloWing description and
`the appended draWings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] 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 pro
`tected, its construction and operation, and many of its advan
`tages should be readily understood and appreciated.
`[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a prior art outlets
`installed in a fumiture structure;
`[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective vieW of a prior art electrical
`poWer strip;
`[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective vieW of a bidirectional
`socket;
`[0026] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective vieW of a bidirectional
`charging station;
`[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the electrical con
`nections for a bidirectional socket;
`[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective vieW of one form ofa block
`of bidirectional outlets;
`[0029] FIG. 7A is a perspective vieW of one form of a
`bidirectional socket adapter being installed on a standard
`outlet;
`[0030] FIG. 7B is a perspective vieW of the bidirectional
`socket adapter after being installed on a standard outlet;
`[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective vieW ofone form ofa plural
`ity of bidirectional sockets on an electrical poWer strip;
`[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective vieW ofone form ofa plural
`ity of bidirectional sockets installed on a fumiture structure;
`and
`[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective vieW of the plurality of
`bidirectional sockets of FIG. 9 having device plugs installed
`thereon.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0034] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments
`in many different forms, there is shoWn in the draWings and
`Will herein be described in detail embodiments of the inven
`
`tion With the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
`considered as an exempli?cation of the principles of the
`invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the
`invention to embodiments illustrated.
`[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3-10, there is illustrated a variety
`of embodiments disclosing a bidirectional socket for provid
`ing multiple orientations for receiving male plug portions of
`a variety of devices. The socket is generally designated by the
`numeral 10. Most generally, the socket 10 comprises a face 12
`to provide a surface for both supporting a male plug or device
`received by the socket 10 and enclosing and concealing the
`internal circuitry and Wiring of the socket 10, as Will be
`described and as is generally understood by those having
`ordinary skill in the art. The face 12 may be in the form of a
`standard electrical socket faceplate, or may take others forms,
`but has de?ned Within it a ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles 15.
`A second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15 is de?ned in the face
`12, as Well.
`[003 6] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the multi-orientation feature
`of each of the embodiments of the present device is provided
`by the ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles 15 being separated by
`a distance having a ?rst center point 16 equidistant betWeen
`the receptacles 14. Similarly, the second pair 18 of plug
`receptacles 15 are de?ned in the face 12 With a center point 17
`equidistant betWeen the receptacles 15, With the ?rst center
`point 16 of the ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles 15 being at the
`same position as the second center point 17 of the second pair
`18. Additionally, in an embodiment, the ?rst pair 14 and
`second pair 18 are substantially perpendicular to each other.
`[0037] An embodiment of the socket 10 as illustrated in
`FIG. 6 discloses that the socket 10 may comprise, as previ
`ously described, a face 12 into Which a ?rst pair 14 of plug
`receptacles 15 is de?ned. The ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles
`15 is oriented along a ?rst axis 100 and de?nes a ?rst plug area
`110. Similarly, a second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15 is
`de?ned Within the face 12 oriented along a second axis 120
`and de?ning a second plug area 130. As seen in FIG. 6, the
`second axis 120 intersects the ?rst axis 100, and the ?rst plug
`area 110 may overlap the second plug area 130. In an embodi
`ment, the ?rst 100 and second 120 axes may be perpendicular
`to each other, and the ?rst plug area 110 may substantially
`overlap the second plug area 130, as illustrated in FIG. 6. It is
`suggested, hoWever, that persons having ordinary skill in the
`art Would understand that alternative con?gurations provid
`ing the bidirectional functionality are possible.
`[0038] Referring to the prior art device illustrated in FIG. 1
`and the present socket 10 as implemented in FIG. 10, it should
`be understood that the bidirectional socket 10 provides that a
`device plug 150 may be oriented either along a ?rst axis 100
`or along a second axis 120. It is the multiple axes 100, 120
`available in positioning a non-polarized plug 150 in the bidi
`rectional socket 10 that may prevent the insertion of a device
`plug 150 in a ?rst socket 156 from blocking a neighboring
`socket 158, thereby optimiZing the number of sockets 10
`available fore receiving a device plug 150. In the prior art
`devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 the outlets are positioned along a
`single axis 152, thereby potentially restricting the positioning
`of the plug 150 in the ?rst outlet 146 depending on the orien
`tation of the plug 150 itself.
`[0039] As illustrated in the schematic diagram presented in
`FIG. 5, each of the ?rst pair 14 and second pair 18 of plug
`receptacles 15 is con?gured to provide an electrical connec
`tion 190 to a poWer source 24 and are non-polarized to pro
`vide the disclosed bidirectional functionality. In an embodi
`
`Page 14
`
`

`
`US 2010/0099287 A1
`
`Apr. 22, 2010
`
`ment, the electrical connection 190 provides the ?rst pair 14
`of plug receptacles 15 With a ?rst live terminal 200 and a ?rst
`return terminal 202, and the second pair 18 of plug recep
`tacles 15 With a second live terminal 204 and a second return
`terminal 206. The poWer source 24 includes a source live
`terminal 210 and a source return terminal 208. The socket 10
`in all embodiments may comprise Wiring connectors 29 elec
`trically coupled to each of the ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles
`15 and the second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15 for electrical
`Wiring to a poWer source 24. The ?rst pair of plug receptacles
`14 may include Wiring connectors 29 independent from those
`of the second pair of plug receptacles 18, or the receptacles
`14, 18 may be jointly Wired by Wiring connectors 29. Other
`forms of connections and connectors may be utiliZed as
`understood by those skilled in the art. Further, such electrical
`Wiring for non-polar socket receptacles is Well knoW to those
`having ordinary skill in the art for providing poWer to elec
`trical devices.
`[0040] In one embodiment, the poWer source 24 may be an
`electrical box hard Wired into a structure (not shoWn), as is
`knoWn to one having ordinary skill in the art, or the poWer
`source 24 may also include a generator or other source of
`electrical poWer. In FIGS. 7A, and 7B, the poWer source 24 is
`represented by a standard electrical poWer outlet 24 generally
`found in housing or other structures and into Which a user may
`plug a device.
`[0041] Preferably and as depicted in the schematic diagram
`of FIG. 5, the ?rst pair 14 and second pair 18 of plug recep
`tacles 15 are non-polarized and do not require a ground. As is
`knoWn in the art, non-polariZed plug and plug receptacles do
`not include a ground pin and both prongs 26 are of the same
`siZe rather than one prong being larger than the other, as
`occurs in polariZed plugs and receptacles. The provision of
`non-polariZed plug receptacles in the instant socket 10
`enables the ability to accommodate large poWer supply adapt
`ers or aWkWardly-shaped plugs Which polarized plug con
`?gurations may not be able to accommodate. Polarized plug
`con?gurations automatically impose positioning constraints
`because of the larger and smaller prongs and the grounding
`pin. Non-polarized sockets, hoWever, may receive a non
`polariZed plug in multiple positions, as is illustrated in FIG.
`10.
`[0042] Because the socket 10 is of standard nonpolar con
`struction as it relates to electrical Wiring knoWn in the art, the
`socket 10 may be used in any assembly in Which an electrical
`socket is used. In particular, and as described herein, the
`socket 10 design may be integrated into a Wall outlet such as
`that depicted in FIGS. 3 and 6 of the type typically installed in
`a structure and corresponding to an electrical box. Addition
`ally, the socket 10 may be incorporated into a single-unit
`outlet charger 22, such as that depicted in FIG. 4, used as an
`adapter 30 as in FIGS. 7A and 7B, or a series of sockets 10 can
`be incorporated into an electrical poWer strip 80, as in FIG. 8.
`Even further, the socket may be included in an electrical
`station on a fumiture unit or other structure 300, such as that
`illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.
`[0043] Each of these embodiments is described in greater
`detail herein, hoWever these particular designs are not
`intended to restrict the manner in Which the socket 10 may
`otherWise be used. It is considered that the socket 10 may be
`incorporated into other devices or structures that require an
`electrical outlet enabling multiple orientations for receiving a
`non-polariZed plug, such as in outlet extender portions, gen
`erators, light-stand Workstations, or other structures. In one
`
`form, the center points 16, 17 of the ?rst pair 14 of plug
`receptacles 15 and the second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15
`share the same position, as Will be recogniZed by persons
`having skill in the art, may be utiliZed in a variety of space
`ef?ciency Ways.
`[0044] With regard to the embodiment of the socket 10
`illustrated in FIG. 4, the socket is incorporated into a single
`device charging station 19. The charging station 19 may have
`a housing 20 With a front face 21 onto Which the socket 10 is
`de?ned. The socket 10 of the charging station 19 is bidirec
`tional as in the other disclosed embodiments, having a ?rst
`pair 14 of plug receptacles 15 and a second pair 18 of plug
`receptacles 15 offset and sharing a common position for ?rst
`and second center points 16, 17, respectively. The charging
`station 19 also has a male plug 22 extending from the housing
`20. The housing 20 may be of any shape to accommodate the
`socket 10 and the male plug 22, and provides for a compact
`manner of transporting the bidirectional socket 10 and retro
`?tting standard socket designs. In an embodiment, the male
`plug 22 may be operably coupled to the housing 20 opposite
`the face 12, the male plug 22 being con?gured to be received
`by a poWer outlet 24 such as that illustrated in FIG. 7A. The
`male plug 22 is further con?gured so to provide an electrical
`connection to the outlet, and so the plug 22 is electrically
`coupled to the ?rst pair 14 of plug receptacles 15 and the
`second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15.
`[0045] In one con?guration, the male plug 22 of the charg
`ing station 19 may be rotatable With respect to the housing 20,
`along a direction of rotation represented by, for example,
`arroW 23. This alloWs the station 19 to be held in the necessary
`orientation, regardless of the poWer outlet 24 con?guration
`(i.e., vertical outlets vs. horiZontal outlets). Additionally, the
`prongs 26 of the male plug 22 may be retractable along the
`movement represented by arroW 27, the prongs 26 being
`received in recesses 25. Again, by alloWing the prongs 26 to
`fold or retract, storage and/or carrying of the charging station
`19 is made easier.
`[0046] Additionally, and as depicted in FIG. 6, the face 62
`may have de?ned thereWithin a plurality of receptacle sets 61,
`With each receptacle set 61 comprising a ?rst pair 14 of plug
`receptacles 15 and second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15.
`Although FIG. 6 depicts the plurality of receptacle sets 61
`arranged in a block, the receptacle sets 61 may otherWise be
`arranged linearly or in other con?gurations Where the ?rst
`pair 14 and second pair 18 of plug receptacles are offset, as
`Would be understood by those having skill in the art.
`[0047] The bidirectional socket 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7A
`as being an adapter 30, With FIG. 7B illustrating the adapter
`30 installed in poWer outlet 24. The adapter 30 may include a
`male plug 32, similar to that provided on the outlet charger 22
`depicted in FIG. 4, for insertion into and electrical coupling to
`poWer outlet 24. It is to be understood that the ?rst pair 14 and
`second pair 18 of plug receptacles 15 are, accordingly, elec
`trically coupled to the poWer source 24. The socket 10 as an
`adapter 30 provides for a means of converting a traditional
`electrical socket into one in Which devices may be plugged in
`a variety of orientations, thereby accommodating more
`device plugs and avoiding the blockage resulting from stan
`dard outlet orientation.
`[0048] The implementation of the socket 10 in FIG. 8 pro
`vides the same bene?ts of the embodiments previously
`described, but is included in an electrical poWer strip 80
`having a plurality of receptacle sets 83. As previously
`described, each receptacle set is comprised of a ?rst pair 84 of
`
`Page 15
`
`

`
`US 2010/0099287 A1
`
`Apr. 22, 2010
`
`plug receptacles 85 and a second pair 88 of plug receptacles
`85. The electrical poWer strip 80 includes a housing 81 on
`Which an outlet face 82 is disposed, the receptacle sets 83
`de?ned Within the outlet face 82. In one form, the socket 10 is
`characterized by the ?rst pair 84 of plug receptacles 85 and
`the second pair 88 of plug receptacles 85 being perpendicular
`to each other and sharing a common center point 86. A male
`plug 87 extends from the housing 81 for providing electrical
`connection to a poWer source, as previously described. The
`electrical poWer strip 80 may, in an embodiment, be an
`adapter providing for a plurality of bidirectional sockets 10 to
`be directly inserted into a standard electrical outlet, thereby
`converting the standard outlet into a series of bidirectional
`sockets 10.
`[0049] 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 modi?cations may be made With
`out departing from the broader aspects of applicants’ contri
`bution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended
`to be de?ned in the folloWing claims When vieWed in their
`proper perspective based on the prior art.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electrical socket comprising:
`a face;
`a ?rst pair of plug receptacles de?ned Within the face and
`separated by a distance having a ?rst center point, the
`?rst pair of plug receptacles being con?gured to provide
`an electrical connection to a poWer source; and
`a second pair of plug receptacles de?ned Within the face,
`substantially perpendicular to the ?rst pair of plug recep
`tacles, and separated by a distance having a second cen
`ter point, the second pair of plug receptacles being con
`?gured to provide an electrical connection to a poWer
`source;
`Wherein the ?rst and second center points are the same
`point.
`2. The electrical socket of claim 1, Wherein the ?rst pair and
`the second pair of plug receptacles are non-polarized.
`3. The electrical socket of claim 1, further comprising:
`a housing, the face coupled to the housing; and
`a male plug for insertion to a poWer outlet, the male plug
`being operably coupled to the housing for providing an
`electrical connection to the outlet and being electrically
`coupled to the ?rst pair and second pair of plug recep
`tacles.
`4. The electrical socket of claim 3, Wherein the male plug is
`rotatable With respect to the housing to alloW the socket to be
`oriented regardless of the poWer outlet con?guration.
`5. The electrical socket of claim 3, Wherein the male plug is
`retractable to alloW prongs of the plug to be collectively
`moved from an open and usable position to a closed position.
`6. The electrical socket of claim 1, further comprising
`Wiring connectors electrically coupled to the ?rst pair and
`second pair of plug receptacles for electrical Wiring to a
`poWer source.
`7. The electrical socket of claim 1, Wherein the ?rst pair of
`plug receptacles and second pair of plug receptacles de?ne a
`receptacle set, and Wherein the face comprises a plurality of
`receptacle sets de?ned thereon.
`
`8. The electrical socket of claim 7, Wherein the plurality of
`sets are linearly arranged.
`9. The electrical socket of claim 7, Wherein the plurality of
`sets are arranged in a block.
`10. The electrical socket of claim 1, Wherein the socket is
`an adapter comprising a male plug for insertion to a poWer
`outlet, the male plug being electrically coupled to the outlet.
`11. An electrical poWer strip comprising:
`a housing comprising an outlet face and a male plug
`extending from the housing and being con?gured to
`provide an electrical connection to a poWer source; and
`a plurality of receptacle sets, each set comprising:
`a ?rst pair of plug receptacles de?ned on the outlet face
`and separated by a distance having a ?rst center point,
`the ?rst pair of plug receptacles being con?gured to
`provide an electrical connection to the male plug; and
`a second pair of plug receptacles de?ned on the outlet
`face, substantially perpendicular to the ?rst pair of
`plug receptacles, and separated by a second distance
`having a center point, the second pair of plug recep
`tacles being con?gured to provide an electrical con
`nection to the male plug;
`Wherein the ?rst and second center points are the same
`point.
`12. The electrical poWer strip of claim 11, Wherein the ?rst
`pair and the second pair of plug receptacles are non-polarized.
`13. The electrical poWer strip of claim 11, further compris
`ing Wiring connectors electrically coupled to the ?rst pair and
`second pair of plug receptacles.
`14. The electrical poWer strip of claim 11, Wherein the
`plurality of sets are linearly arranged.
`15. The electrical poWer strip of claim 11, Wherein the
`plurality of sets are arranged in a block.
`16. The electrical poWer strip of claim 11, Wherein the
`electrical poWer strip is an adapter.
`17. An electrical socket comprising:
`a face;
`a ?rst pair of plug receptacles de?ned Within the face
`oriented along a ?rst axis and de?ning a ?rst plug area,
`the ?rst pair of plug receptacles being con?gured to
`provide an electrical connection to a poWer source; and
`a second pair of plug receptacles de?ned Within the face
`oriented along a second axis and de?ning a second plug
`area, the second axis intersecting the ?rst axis and the
`second pair of plug receptacles being con?gured to pro
`vide an electrical connection to a poWer source;
`Wherein the ?rst plug area overlaps the second plug area.
`18. The electrical socket of claim 17, Wherein each of the
`?rst pair and the second pair of plug receptacles are non
`polariZed.
`19. The electrical socket of claim 17, Wherein the ?rst axis
`is perpendicular to the second axis and the ?rst plug area
`substantially overlaps the second plug area.
`20. The electrical socket of claim 17, further comprising
`Wiring connectors electrically coupled to each of the ?rst pair
`and second pair of plug receptacles for electrical Wiring to a
`poWer source.
`21. The electrical socket of claim 17, Wherein the ?rst pair
`of plug receptacles and second pair of plug receptacles de?ne
`a receptacle set, and Wherein the face comprises a plurality of
`receptacle sets de?ned thereon.
`
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