(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0159713 A1
`Nishihira et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 24, 2010
`
`US 20100159713Al
`
`(54) APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF
`MAGNETICALLY COUPLING STANDARD
`ELECTRICAL PLUGS
`
`(76) Inventors:
`
`Lance Sushin Nishihira, Union
`City, CA (US); Thomas Sukei
`Nishihira, Newark, CA (U S)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HAVERSTOCK & OWENS LLP
`162 N WOLFE ROAD
`SUNNYVALE, CA 94086 (US)
`
`(21) APP1- NOJ
`_
`_
`(22) Flled'
`
`12/637,538
`
`Dec‘ 14’ 2009
`.
`.
`Related U's' Apphcatlon Data
`(60) Provisional application No, 61/ 1389 54, ?led on Dec,
`19, 2008.
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int Cl
`H01R 11/30
`
`HoIR 31/ 00
`B231’ "/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(200601)
`(2006-01)
`
`(52) US. Cl. ............................ .. 439/39; 439/651; 29/428
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An adapter includes a device-side component and a Wall-side
`component. The device-side component has a male socket
`receptacle to receive an electrical plug and a male socket
`opposite the male socket receptacle. The Wall-side compo
`nent has a female socket plug to insert into an electrical outlet
`and a female socket opposite the female socket plug. The
`male socket is con?gured to interface With the female socket,
`regardless of orientation of the male socket With respect to the
`female socket.
`
`205
`
`205
`
`205d
`
`205C
`
`Page 1
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`POLYGROUP EX. 1030
`POLYGROUP V. WILLIS
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 1 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Fig. 1A
`Fig. 1
`(Prior Art)
`(Prior Art)
`110 A
`A
`
`110'
`
`120
`
`125
`
`\115
`
`130
`
`n n
`u u
`G
`
`120
`
`125 m
`@
`
`Fig. 1C
`rim‘ Art)
`
`Fig. 1
`(rior Art)
`
`Page 2
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`Page 3
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`7 205a
`
`'
`
`205a
`
`2050
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`Page 4
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 4 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Page 5
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`

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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 5 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`220])
`
`2206 W 220
`
`2206
`
`220i W 220
`
`220d
`
`220a
`
`220a
`
`220g
`
`Fig. 2F
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`Page 6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 6 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`,7/ 270
`
`ll
`.
`.
`Coupling an N-receptacle to an. N-rlng
`
`27 l
`/2/
`
`Couphng an L-receptacle to an L-r1ng W
`
`.
`
`272
`
`.
`
`V
`Threading a ground receptacle through a receptacle base ’/z/ 273
`
`V
`.
`274
`Securing a presser to the receptacle base 0
`
`ll
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Coupling a Contact rm g to the receptacle base 0
`
`275
`
`ll
`.
`Cclwphng c. teceptacle heustng tc the receptacle base
`
`276
`/_7,/
`
`Page 7
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 7 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
`
`200
`Male Socket Receptacle
`W 215
`
`Page 8
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 8 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Male Socket ff
`
`Page 9
`
`

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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 9 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Page 10
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`310
`
`305a
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`Page 11
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 11 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`3500
`
`350b
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`Page 12
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`Page 13
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 13 of 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Start
`
`f 370
`
`V
`Coupling a ground plug to a plug base 0 371
`
`A
`
`V
`Coupling an N-plug to an N-conductor W 372
`
`V
`Coupling an Lplug to an L-conductor
`
`/Z/ 373
`
`ll
`Inserting a plurality of magnets into a socket housing 4/ 374
`
`ll
`Placing an enhance ring Within the socket housing
`
`/Z/ 375
`
`B
`
`V
`Placing an insulator within the socket housing
`
`/Z/ 376
`
`V
`Coupling the cover casing to the body casing W 377
`
`V
`
`Fig. 3.]
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`Page 14
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 14 0f 18
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`Female Soda-2t Plug
`
`5 DU 3
`
`350
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`Page 15
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`300
`W Female Socket
`
`/
`
`345
`
`350
`
`200
`
`300
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`Page 16
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`US 2010/0159713 A1
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`/‘ 500
`
`V
`Plugging a wall-side component to an electrical outlet
`
`4/ 505
`
`V
`Plugging a device-side component to an electrical device
`
`4/510
`
`V
`Positioning the device-side component near the wall~side component 0515
`
`Ring Magnet
`
`Elongated Rectangular Magnets
`Fig. 6
`
`Page 17
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`A Q
`
`a
`
`200
`
`300'
`
`340C
`
`3306
`
`705
`
`710
`
`Fig. 7
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`300
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`Page 18
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`Jun. 24, 2010 Sheet 18 0f 18
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`@[
`200;
`
`200
`
`Fig. 9
`
`Page 19
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`

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`US 2010/0159713 A1
`
`Jun. 24, 2010
`
`APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF
`MAGNETICALLY COUPLING STANDARD
`ELECTRICAL PLUGS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present application claims priority to US. Pro
`visional Patent Application 61/138,954, ?led on Dec. 19,
`2008, and entitled “Apparatus for Magnetically Coupling
`Standard Electrical Plugs” to the same inventors underU.S.C.
`section 119(e). This application incorporates U.S. Provi
`sional Patent Application 61/ 138,954, ?led on Dec. 19, 2008,
`and entitled “Apparatus for Magnetically Coupling Standard
`Electrical Plugs” to the same inventors by reference in its
`entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to electrical plugs, and
`more particularly to an apparatus for and method of magneti
`cally coupling electrical plugs for standard electrical service.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] An electronic equipment typically has an electrical
`plug. FIG. 1A illustrates a three-prong electrical (Type B)
`plug 100, While FIG. 1B illustrates a tWo-prong electrical
`(Type A) plug 100'. An electrical plug 100, 100' is a male
`electrical connector having supply leads 105, 105', including
`both a hot supply lead and a neutral supply lead and some
`times a ground supply lead. The supply leads 105, 105' con
`nect mechanically and electrically to a female electrical con
`nector, such as an electrical outlet.
`[0004] FIG. 1C illustrates a faceplate 110 having three
`prong electrical outlets. Each electrical outlet 115 has tWo
`vertical slots 120, 125 and a round hole 130 centered beloW
`the slots 120, 125. The left slot 120 is a neutral slot. The right
`slot 125 is a hot slot. The round hole 130 is a ground slot.
`Behind the faceplate 110, for each electrical outlet 115, are
`three separate Wires (not illustrated) that are connected to the
`slots. A hot Wire (usually a black or blue Wire) is connected to
`the hot slot and brings poWer to the electrical outlet. The
`neutral Wire (usually a White Wire) is connected to the neutral
`slot and to an electrical panel of the house or building. The
`neutral Wire returns poWer back to the electrical panel from
`the electrical outlet. The ground hole is connected to a Wire
`(usually a green Wire) that is buried into the ground beneath
`the house or building. FIG. 1D illustrates a faceplate 110'
`having tWo-prong electrical outlets 115', Which is similarly
`con?gured as the faceplate 100 except that the tWo-prong
`electrical outlets 115' lack ground slots. These tWo-prong
`electrical outlets are the norm in older homes.
`[0005] An electrical outlet 115, 115' is dormant until the
`plug 100, 100' of an electrical device is slotted into place,
`because the hot Wire and neutral Wire are not connected With
`each another to form a complete circuit. To bring poWer to the
`electronic equipment, the circuit must be completed. As such,
`the plug 100, 100' must be slotted into place to pass electricity
`into the hot socket 120, into the hot side of the device’s plug,
`into the electronic equipment, then out through the neutral
`side of the device’s plug, and back into the neutral socket 125
`and to the electrical panel.
`[0006] To slot the electrical plug into the electrical outlet,
`the electrical plug must be precisely oriented. HoWever, in
`hard to reach areas, limited access areas or in loW lighting
`settings, slotting the electrical plug in place can be dif?cult,
`
`given the characteristics (e.g., siZe and location of each slot/
`hole) of the electrical outlet. In such scenarios, one normally
`must ?rst feel Where the slots of the electrical outlet are
`located With one hand and, With the other hand, orient the
`electrical plug properly, and then sloWly move the hand over
`the slots aWay as the other hand moves in toWard the electrical
`outlet With the electrical plug. HoWever, even in a proper
`setting, to a person of limited dexterity and/or vision, slotting
`the plug in place can be a great challenge.
`[0007] Fitt’s laW is a model that determines that the e?i
`ciency of moving toWard a target area is relative to the dis
`tance and siZe of the target. Simplistically put, the bigger the
`siZe of the target is, the more e?icient one is in hitting the
`target. Analogously, a user can be more e?icient in plugging
`an electrical plug into an electrical outlet if the siZe of the
`electrical outlet (i.e., the target) is bigger.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0008] In one aspect, an adapter includes a non-orientation
`dependent pair of connectors. The ?rst connector includes a
`male socket receptacle and a male socket. The male socket is
`at an opposite end of the male socket receptacle. In some
`embodiments, the male socket has at least tWo concentric
`rings that protrude from the ?rst connector. The second con
`nector includes a female socket plug and a female socket. The
`female socket is at an opposite end of the female socket plug.
`The female socket mates With the male socket, regardless of
`hoW the male socket is oriented With respect to the female
`socket.
`[0009] In yet another aspect, an adapter includes orienta
`tion independent connectors. The connectors are typically
`magnetically attractive. The connectors include a ?rst con
`nector and a second connector. The ?rst connector is con?g
`ured to couple With an electronic device. The ?rst connector
`includes a ?rst interface. The second connector is con?gured
`to couple With an electrical outlet. The second connector
`includes a second interface. Typically, the ?rst interface and
`the second face are pulled together and mate When the ?rst
`connector is Within an attraction vicinity of the second con
`nector.
`[0010] In another aspect, an adapter includes a ?rst remov
`able component and a second removable component. The ?rst
`removable component includes a piece capable of being
`attracted by magnets and a ?rst removable component inter
`face. The ?rst removable component interface typically has a
`radial design including a plurality of rings. The second
`removable component includes at least one magnet and a
`second removable component interface. The second remov
`able component interface typically receives the plurality of
`rings. In some embodiments, the magnet attracts the piece
`capable of being attracted by magnets to guide the ?rst
`removable component into electrical contact With the second
`removable component, regardless of hoW the ?rst removable
`component interface is oriented With respect to the second
`removable component interface.
`[0011] In yet another aspect, an adapter includes a device
`side component and a Wall-side component. The device-side
`component typically includes a ?rst device face con?gured to
`receive an electrical plug, a second device face opposite the
`?rst device face, an L-receptacle con?gured to receive a ?rst
`prong of the electrical plug, an L-ring abutting the L-recep
`tacle, an N-receptacle con?gured to receive a second prong of
`the electrical plug, and an N-ring abutting the N-receptacle.
`Typically, a portion of the L-ring and a portion of the N-ring
`
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`Jun. 24, 2010
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`protrude from the second device face. In some embodiments,
`the device-side component further includes a ground recep-
`tacle configured to receive a third prong ofthe electrical plug.
`In some embodiments, the device-side component further
`includes a ring capable of being attracted by at least one
`magnet. In some embodiments, the device-side component
`further includes at least one magnet.
`[0012] The wall-side component typically includes a first
`wall face configured to insert into an electrical outlet and a
`second wall face opposite the first wall face. The second wall
`face is typically configured to mate with the second device
`face, regardless of orientation of the second device face with
`respect to the second wall face. The wall-side component
`further includes an L-conductor configured to contact the
`portion of the L-ring protruding from the second device face,
`and an L-plug coupled to the L-conductor. Typically, a por-
`tion of the L-plug is configured to insert into a first slot of the
`electrical outlet. The wall-side component further includes an
`N-conductor configured to contact the portion of the N-ring
`protruding from the second device face, and an N-plug
`coupled to the N-conductor. Typically, a portion ofthe N-plug
`is configured to insert into a second slot of the electrical
`outlet. In some embodiments, the wall-side component fur-
`ther includes a ground plug configured to receive a ground
`receptacle. Typically, a portion of the ground plug is config-
`ured to insert into a hole of the electrical outlet. Alternatively,
`the wall-side component includes a grounding wire. In some
`embodiments, the wall-side component further includes at
`least one magnet.
`[0013]
`In yet another aspect, a device-side component of an
`adapter includes a receptacle housing including an interface
`to receive an electrical plug, and a receptacle base coupled to
`the receptacle housing. The receptacle base typically includes
`an interface to couple with a wall-side component. The
`device-side component further includes an L-receptacle con-
`figured to receive a first blade of the electrical plug, and an
`L-ring coupled to the L-receptacle. Typically, a portion of the
`L-ring extends away from a bottom of the receptacle base.
`The device-side component further includes an N-receptacle
`configured to receive a second blade ofthe electrical plug, and
`an N-ring coupled to the N-receptacle. Typically, a portion of
`the N-ring extends away from the bottom of the receptacle
`base. The L-ring and N-ring are preferably concentric rings.
`In some embodiments, the device-side component further
`includes a ground receptacle configured to receive a ground
`prong ofthe electrical plug. Typically, a portion ofthe ground
`receptacle extends through and away from the receptacle
`base. In some embodiments, the device-side component fur-
`ther includes a presser. In some embodiments, the device-side
`component further includes an element capable of being
`attracted by a magnet. That element can either be formed of a
`metal that can be attracted by a magnet or another magnet.
`The element typically couples to the bottom ofthe receptacle
`base. In some embodiments, the device-side component is
`formed as part of an electrical device.
`[0014]
`In yet another aspect, a wall-side component of an
`adapter includes a socket housing including an interface to
`couple to a device-side component, wherein the interface
`includes two recessed, concentric rings. The wall-side com-
`ponent further includes a plug base coupled to the socket
`housing, wherein the plug base includes an interface to plug
`into an electrical outlet. The wall-side component further
`includes an L-conductor configured to contact an L-ring of
`the device-side component, and an L-plug coupled to the
`
`L-conductor. Typically, a portion of the L-plug extends away
`from a bottom of the plug base, and the portion of the L-plug
`is configured to insert into a first slot of the electrical outlet.
`The wall-side component further includes an N-conductor
`configured to contact an N-ring of the device-side compo-
`nent, and an N-plug coupled to the N-conductor. Typically, a
`portion of the N-plug extends away from the bottom of the
`plug base, and the portion ofthe N-plug is configured to insert
`into a second slot of the electrical outlet. In some embodi-
`
`ments, the wall-side component includes at least one magnet
`positioned within the socket housing. In some embodiments,
`the wall-side component includes an enhanced ring sized and
`adapted to fit within the socket housing. In some embodi-
`ments, the wall-side component includes an insulator sized
`and adapted to fit within the socket housing. In some embodi-
`ments, the wall-side component includes a ground plug con-
`figured to receive a ground receptacle of a device-side com-
`ponent. Typically, a portion of the ground plug is configured
`to insert into a third slot of the electrical outlet. Alternatively,
`the wall-side component includes a grounding wire. In some
`embodiments, the wall-side component is formed as part of
`an electrical outlet, a power strip, or the like.
`[0015]
`In yet another aspect is for a method of using an
`adapter. The adapter includes a wall-side component and a
`device-side component. The method includes providing an
`attraction vicinity of the wall-side component, positioning
`the device-side component within the attraction vicinity,
`attracting the device-side component toward the wall-side
`component, and coupling the device-side component and the
`wall-side component, regardless of face orientation.
`[0016]
`In yet another aspect is for a method of manufactur-
`ing a device-side component of an adapter. The method
`includes coupling an N-receptacle to an N-ring via a first
`portion of apertures of a receptacle base, wherein the N-re-
`ceptacle is positioned within the receptacle base and a portion
`of the N-ring extends away from a bottom of the receptacle
`base. The method further includes coupling an L-receptacle
`to an L-ring via a second portion ofapertures ofthe receptacle
`base, wherein the L-receptacle is positioned within the recep-
`tacle base and a portion of the L-ring extends away from the
`bottom of the receptacle base. The method further includes
`enclosing the N-receptacle and the L-receptacle with a recep-
`tacle housing. In some embodiments, the method includes,
`after the step of coupling an L-receptacle to an L-ring, thread-
`ing a vertical prong of a ground receptacle through a center
`hole of the receptacle base, and securing a presser to the
`receptacle base.
`[0017]
`In yet another aspect is for a method of manufactur-
`ing a wall-side component of an adapter. The method includes
`coupling an N-plug to an N-conductor via a first vertical slot
`of a plug base, wherein the N-conductor is positioned within
`the plug base and a portion of the N-plug extends away from
`a bottom of the plug base. The method further includes cou-
`pling an L-plug to an L-conductor via a second vertical slot of
`the plug base, wherein the L-conductor is positioned within
`the plug base and a portion of the L-plug extends away from
`the bottom of the plug base. The method further includes
`enclosing the N-conductor and the L-conductor with a socket
`housing. In some embodiments, the method includes, before
`the step of coupling an N-plug to an N-conductor, positioning
`a plurality ofmagnets within the socket housing and coupling
`an insulator within the socket housing. In some embodiments,
`the step of positioning the plurality ofmagnets includes alter-
`nating the placement of each magnet based on polarity. In
`
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`some embodiments, the method includes, after the position-
`ing a plurality ofmagnets within the socket housing, coupling
`an enhanced ring within the socket housing.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0018] The novel features of the invention are set forth in
`the appended claims. However, for the purpose of explana-
`tion, several embodiments ofthe invention are set forth in the
`following figures. These embodiment are not intended to
`limit the scope the attached claims.
`[0019]
`FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate exemplary electrical plugs in
`the prior art.
`[0020]
`FIGS. 1C-1D illustrate exemplary electrical outlets
`in the prior art.
`[0021]
`FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of various
`pieces of the device-side component in accordance with the
`present invention.
`[0022]
`FIGS. 2B-2F illustrate the pieces of the device-side
`component in accordance with the present invention.
`[0023]
`FIG. 2G illustrates a process of assembling the
`device-side component in accordance with the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 2H illustrates an isometric view of the device-
`[0024]
`side component partially assembled in accordance with the
`present invention.
`[0025]
`FIGS. 2I-2] illustrate different isometric views of
`the device-side component fully assembled in accordance
`with the present invention.
`[0026]
`FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view of various
`pieces of the wall-side component in accordance with the
`present invention.
`[0027]
`FIGS. 3B-3I illustrate the pieces of the wall-side
`component in accordance with the present invention.
`[0028]
`FIG. 3] illustrates a process of assembling the wall-
`side component in accordance with the present invention.
`[0029]
`FIG. 3K illustrates an isometric view of the wall-
`side component partially assembled in accordance with the
`present invention.
`[0030]
`FIGS. 3L-3M illustrate different isometric views of
`the wall-side component fully assembled in accordance with
`the present invention.
`[0031]
`FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary
`adapter in accordance with the present invention.
`[0032]
`FIG. 5 illustrates a process of using the adapter in
`accordance with the present invention.
`[0033]
`FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary configurations of mag-
`nets within the wall-side component in accordance with the
`present invention.
`[0034]
`FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view ofanother exem-
`plary adapter in accordance with the present invention.
`[0035]
`FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary power strip in accor-
`dance with the present invention.
`[0036]
`FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary night light in accor-
`dance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following description, numerous details are
`[0037]
`set forth for purposes of explanation. However, one of ordi-
`nary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be
`practiced without the use of these specific details. Thus, the
`present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodi-
`
`ments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent
`with the principles and features described herein or with
`equivalent alternatives.
`[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to implemen-
`tations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompa-
`nying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used
`throughout the drawings and the following detailed descrip-
`tion to refer to the same or like parts.
`[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are directed
`to an apparatus for and method of magnetically coupling
`standard electrical plugs. In some embodiments, the appara-
`tus is an adapter that comprises two components: a device-
`side component and a wall-side component. The wall-side
`component typically plugs into an electrical outlet, such as
`that illustrated in FIG. 1C. The device-side component typi-
`cally receives an electrical plug of a device, such as that
`illustrated in FIG. 1A. In use, the device-side component and
`the wall-side component electrically and magnetically couple
`together, allowing electricity to flow to the electrical device
`via the adapter.
`[0040]
`For the sake of simplicity and brevity, only the
`adapter for Type B electrical plugs and electrical outlets will
`be discussed, although adapters for other types of electrical
`plugs and electrical outlets are similarly configured. FIG. 4
`illustrates an isometric view of the adapter 400 for Type B
`electrical plugs and electrical outlets in accordance with the
`present invention. The adapter 400 is configured to function
`when a device-side component 200 and a wall-side compo-
`nent 300 are engaged.
`[0041] The device-side component and the wall-side com-
`ponent each meets the National Electrical Code. Specifically,
`the male socket receptacle (of the device-side component)
`and the female socket plug (ofthe wall-side component) each
`complies with the ANSI/NEMA WD6 standard; and, the male
`socket (of the device-side component) and the female socket
`(of device-side component) each complies with the UL 498A
`standard. Each of the components will now be discussed in
`turn below.
`
`Device-Side Component Pieces
`
`FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of various
`[0042]
`pieces of a device-side component 200 in accordance with the
`present invention. The device-side component 200 typically
`includes a receptacle housing 205, a ground receptacle 210,
`an L-receptacle 215, a receptacle base 220, an N-ring 225, an
`L-ring 230, an N-receptacle 235, a presser 240, and a contact
`ring 245 that is capable of being attracted by a magnet. The
`receptacle housing 205, the presser 240 and the receptacle
`base 220 are typically made of non-conductive material, such
`as plastic. The contact ring 245 is typically made of steel and
`is zinc plated. The ground receptacle 210, the N-receptacle
`235, the L-receptacle 215, the N-ring 225, and the L-ring 230
`are typically made of conductive material, such as metal
`including phosphor bronze or beryllium copper.
`[0043]
`FIG. 2B illustrates a front view and a back view of
`the receptacle housing 205 in accordance with the present
`invention. As illustrated, the receptacle housing 205 typically
`comprises two vertical slots 205a, 205b. In some embodi-
`ments, the receptacle housing 205 further comprises a sub-
`stantially round hole 205c centered below the slots. The N-re-
`ceptacle 235, the L-receptacle 215 and the ground receptacle
`210 are typically positioned behind the two vertical slots
`205a, 205b and the round hole 205c, respectively, to receive
`supply leads of an electrical plug via the two vertical slots
`
`Page 22
`
`Page 22
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`

`
`US 2010/0159713 A1
`
`Jun. 24, 2010
`
`205a, 205b and the round hole 205c. The receptacle housing
`205 typically comprises a plurality of walls 205d therein to
`provide structural integrity of the receptacle housing 205. In
`some embodiments, the receptacle housing 205 is made by
`injection molding. Although the receptacle housing 205 is
`shown as having a circular shape, other shapes are contem-
`plated.
`FIG. 2C illustrates an isometric View of the ground
`[0044]
`receptacle 210 in accordance with the present invention. The
`ground receptacle 210 typically comprises a pair of receptors
`210a for receiving a ground supply lead of an electrical plug.
`The pair of receptors 210a is integrally coupled to a vertical
`prong 21 0b. In some embodiments, the ground receptacle 21 0
`is formed in a single stamping operation on sheet metal.
`[0045]
`FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the N-re-
`ceptacle 235 in accordance with the present invention. The
`N-receptacle 235 typically comprises a pair ofreceptors 23511
`for receiving a hot supply lead of an electrical plug. The pair
`of receptors 235a is integrally coupled to a horizontal open
`ring 235b, near one end of the open ring 235b. The ring 235b
`comprises a plurality of openings 235c. In some embodi-
`ments, the N-receptacle 235 is formed in a single stamping
`operation on sheet metal.
`[0046]
`FIG. 2E illustrates an isometric view ofthe L-recep-
`tacle 215 in accordance with the present invention. The L-re-
`ceptacle 215 comprises a pair of receptors 21511 for receiving
`a neutral supply lead of an electrical plug. The pair of recep-
`tors 215a is integrally coupled to a horizontal open ring 215b,
`near one end of the open ring 215b. The ring 215b comprises
`a plurality of openings 215c. In some embodiments, the L-re-
`ceptacle 215 is formed in a single stamping operation on sheet
`metal. In some embodiments, the open ring 215b is larger
`than the open ring 235b.
`[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the presser 240 is config-
`ured to couple to a top ofthe vertical prong 210b ofthe ground
`receptacle 210. In some embodiments, the presser 240 is
`made by injection molding.
`[0048]
`FIG. 2F illustrates a front view and a back view of
`the receptacle base 220 in accordance with the present inven-
`tion. The receptacle base 220 comprises a center hole 220g, a
`plurality ofapertures 220a and a plurality ofwalls that defines
`a plurality of sections 220b-220d within the receptacle base
`220. The section 220b is configured to accept the L-receptacle
`215; the section 220c is configured to accept the N-receptacle
`235; and, the section 220d is configured to accept the ground
`receptacle 210. The receptacle base 220 comprises a plurality
`of concentric rings 2201', 200e, 200fetched on the back side of
`the receptacle base 220 to help guide placement ofthe contact
`ring 245, the L-ring 230 and the N-ring 225, respectively. In
`some embodiments, the first concentric ring 2201' includes
`first and second portions of the plurality of apertures 220a.
`The first and second portions of the plurality of apertures
`220a are typically staggered along the inner and outer diam-
`eters of the first concentric ring 2201', as illustrated. The sec-
`ond concentric ring 200e comprises a third portion of the
`plurality of apertures 220a. The third concentric ring 200f
`comprises a fourth portion of the plurality of apertures 200a.
`In some embodiments, the receptacle base 220 is made by
`injection molding.
`[0049] Referring back to FIG. 2A, the contact ring 245
`comprises a flat ring 245a with a plurality of extenders 245b.
`The plurality of extenders 245b is sized and configured to
`insert through the first and second portions of the plurality of
`apertures 220a, allowing the flat ring 24511 to be positioned
`
`flush against the back side ofthe receptacle base 220. In some
`embodiments, each end of the extenders 245b are notched to
`fit through the first and second portions of the plurality of
`apertures 220a and to, thereby, securely couple the contact
`ring 245 to the receptacle base 220. In some embodiments,
`three extenders are equidistantly separated around the outer
`circumference of the contact ring 245 and three extenders are
`equidistantly separated around the inner circumference ofthe
`contact ring 245. In other embodiments, the placement of the
`three outer extenders and the placement of the three inner
`extenders are shifted by 60°.
`[0050] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the N-ring 225 is
`crown-shaped comprising a base 225a having a predeter-
`mined height and a plurality of extenders 225b. In some
`embodiments, to reduce sharpness of a bottom edge of the
`base 225a, the bottom edge is rolled. Each of the plurality of
`extenders 225b is equidistantly separated around the circum-
`ference of the N-ring 225. The plurality of extenders 225b is
`sized and configured to insert through the fourth portion ofthe
`plurality of apertures 220a and a first portion of the plurality
`of openings 235c of the N-receptacle 235. The plurality of
`extenders 225b is configured to contact the N-receptacle 235.
`[0051] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the L-ring 230 is
`crown-shaped comprising a base 230a having the same height
`as the base 225a and a plurality of extenders 230b. In some
`embodiments, to reduce sharpness of a bottom edge of the
`base 230a, the bottom edge is rolled. Each of the plurality of
`extenders 230b is equidistantly separated around the circum-
`ference of the L-ring 230. The plurality of extenders 230b is
`sized and configured to insert through the third portion of the
`plurality of apertures 220a and a first portion of the plurality
`of openings 215c of the L-receptacle 215. The plurality of
`extenders 230b is configured to contact the L-receptacle 215.
`
`Device-Component Assembly
`
`FIG. 2G illustrates a process 200 of assembling the
`[0052]
`device-side component 200 in accordance with the present
`invention. The process 270 begins at a step 271 where the
`N-receptacle 235 is coupled to the N-ring 225 by positioning
`the N-receptacle 235 within the section 220c ofthe receptacle
`base 220. The plurality of extenders 225b ofthe N-ring 225 is
`inserted through the fourth portion of the plurality of aper-
`tures 220a of the receptacle base 220, typically from the
`bottom of the receptacle base 220. The plurality of extenders
`225b of the N-ring 225 is then inserted through the first
`portion of the plurality of openings 235c of the N-receptacle
`235, typically from the bottom of the open ring 235b. In some
`embodiments, the N-receptacle 235 is coupled to the N-ring
`225 via spring urged pressure. In some embodiments, the
`N-receptacle 235 is soldered or welded to the N-ring 225 to
`provide a stronger coupling.
`[0053] At a step 272, the L-receptacle 215 is coupled to the
`L-ring 230 by positioning the L-receptacle 215 within the
`section 220b of the receptacle