AU2013203732B2 - A Power Board - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract 5 A power board comprising (10) comprising a primary housing (12) and one or more secondary housings (14). Each of the primary and secondary housings (12, 14) includes a first joint segment (35) on an end thereof and each of the secondary housings (14), other than an endmost secondary housing (14a) includes a second joint segment (34) on a second opposite side thereof. The 10 first joint segments (35) are connectable to the second joint segments (34) to allow rotatable connections between adjacent housings (12, 14) and the first and second joint segments (35, 34) include a means to limit the rotational movement of the first joint segment (35) relative to the second joint segment (34).

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "A Power board" Applicant: Peter Ronald Souris Associated provisional applications: Number 2012902030 filed on 17 May 2012 The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "A Power Board" Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to a power board Background to the Invention [002] Power boards are commonly used to provide a number of power sockets from a single outlet. A standard power board comprises a plug connected to a solid board that is provided with a number of sockets for receiving electrical appliances. [003] Many devices that require DC power have a power cable that includes transformer circuitry built into a housing on the back of the plug. The plug is connected into an AC socket and the cable extending from the housing supplies the appropriate DC supply to the device. The housings for the transformer circuitry in such devices are often relatively bulky and can extend beyond the area above the socket into which they are plugged. In the case of a power board, one such device can extend to the side of the socket such that the adjacent socket cannot be used. [004] Some power boards have been proposed in which a number of segments are provided having sockets, and where the sockets are moveable relative to each other. The present invention relates to an improved version of such a power board. Summary of the Invention [005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a power board comprising: a primary housing including a power lead for connection to a power supply and a first joint segment on an end thereof; 3 one or more secondary housings each including a socket and a second joint segment on a first side thereof; and first joint segments provided on second opposite sides of the secondary housings, other than an endmost second housing; wherein first joint segments are connectable to the second joint segments to allow rotatable connections between adjacent housings and wherein the first and second joint segments include a means to limit the rotational movement of the first joint segment relative to the second joint segment. [006] Preferably each of the first joint segments comprises a first sleeve and each of the second joint segments comprises a second sleeve, wherein the first sleeves are receivable within the second sleeves such that the first and second sleeves can rotate relative to each other. [007] Preferably the first and second sleeves are rotatable about a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second cylindrical sleeves. [008] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second sleeves is hollow and connector cables are provided connecting the sockets of each adjacent pair of secondary housings and connecting the primary housing to the adjacent secondary housing via the hollow first and second sleeves. [009] Preferably the means to limit rotation comprises a lug provided on the outer surface of the first sleeve to engage with the inner surface of the connected second sleeve. [010] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of notches are provided extending through a limited angle around the inner surface of the cylindrical second sleeve such that the lug engages in the notches. [011] In one embodiment, the first sleeves each include a lip around the periphery thereof which engages in a groove on the inner surface of the adjacent second sleeve.

4 [012] The primary housing preferably comprises an upper housing portion securable to a lower housing portion such that a cavity is defined within the primary housing. [013] In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower housing portions comprises an obround end wall having an edge wall extending transversely from the periphery thereof such that the edge wall of the upper housing portion connects to the edge wall of the lower housing portion to form a side wall of the primary housing. [014] The secondary housings each preferably comprise an upper housing portion securable to a lower housing portion such that a cavity is defined within the secondary housing. [015] In one embodiment, each of the upper and lower housing portions comprises a circular end wall having an edge wall extending transversely from the periphery thereof such that the edge wall of the upper housing portion connects to the edge wall of the lower housing portion to form a side wall of the secondary housing. [016] In one embodiment, the first and second sleeves comprise cylindrical sleeves. [017] In a further embodiment, the first and second sleeves comprise spherical sleeves such that the adjacent housings can rotate and pivot relative to each other. [018] The lower housing portions of the secondary housings may comprise a domed wall. The lower housing portion of the primary housing may also include a domed portion adjacent the first sleeve. [019] Preferably the primary housing is provided with a resettable circuit breaker for overload protection. [020] In one embodiment, the circuit breaker includes a reset button extending outwardly through a hole in a side wall of the primary housing.

5 Brief Description of the Drawings [021] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: [022] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a power board in accordance with the present invention; [023] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the power board of Figure 1, showing the housings moved into different positions; [024] Figure 3a is a top view of the power board of Figure 1; [025] Figure 3b is a side cross sectional view of the power board of Figure 3a through the line B-B; [026] Figure 4a is an upper perspective view of the primary housing of the power board of Figure 1; [027] Figure 4b is a top view of the primary housing of Figure 4a; [028] Figure 4c is a side view of the primary housing of Figure 4a; [029] Figure 4d is a top cross sectional view of the primary housing of Figure 4c through the line B-B; [030] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the primary housing of Figure 4; [031] Figure 6a is an upper perspective view of a secondary housing of the power board of Figure 1; [032] Figure 6b is a top view of the secondary housing of Figure 6a; [033] Figure 6c is a side view of the secondary housing of Figure 6a; [034] Figure 6d is a top cross sectional view of the secondary housing of Figure 6c through the line C-C; [035] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the secondary housing of Figure 6; [036] Figure 8a is an upper perspective view of an endmost secondary housing of the power board of Figure 1; [037] Figure 8b is a top view of the secondary housing of Figure 8a; [038] Figure 8c is a side view of the secondary housing of Figure 8a; [039] Figure 8d is a top cross sectional view of the secondary housing of Figure 8c through the line B-B; [040] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the secondary housing of Figure 8; 6 [041] Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a power board in accordance with the present invention; [042] Figure 11 a is a top view of the power board of Figure 10; [043] Figure 11 b is a side cross sectional view of the power board of Figure 11 a through the line B-B; [044] Figure 12a is an upper perspective view of the primary housing of the power board of Figure 10; [045] Figure 12b is a top view of the primary housing of Figure 12a; [046] Figure 12c is a side view of the primary housing of Figure 12a; [047] Figure 12d is a top cross sectional view of the primary housing of Figure 12c through the line C-C; [048] Figure 13a is an upper perspective view of the primary housing of the power board of Figure 10; [049] Figure 13b is an exploded view of the primary housing of Figure 13a; [050] Figure 14a is an upper perspective view of a secondary housing of the power board of Figure 10; [051] Figure 14b is an exploded view of the secondary housing of Figure 14a; [052] Figure 15a is an upper perspective view of an endmost secondary housing of the power board of Figure 10; [053] Figure 15b is a top view of the secondary housing of Figure 15a; [054] Figure 15c is a side view of the secondary housing of Figure 15a; [055] Figure 15d is a top cross sectional view of the secondary housing of Figure 15c through the line B-B; [056] Figure 16a is an upper perspective view of the endmost secondary housing of the power board of Figure 10; and [057] Figure 16b is an exploded view of the secondary housing of Figure 16a. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [058] Referring to Figures, there is shown a power board 10 comprising a primary housing 12 and one or more secondary housings 14.

7 [059] The primary housing 12 includes an upper housing portion 16 and a lower housing portion 17. The upper housing portion 16 is securable to the lower housing portion 17 by a plurality of securing screws 15 such that a cavity is defined within the primary housing 12. The upper housing portion 16 comprises an obround end wall 60 having an edge wall 61 extending transversely from the periphery thereof. The lower housing portion 17 also comprises an obround end wall 60 having a transversely extending peripheral edge wall 61. The edge wall 61 of the upper housing portion 16 connects to the edge wall 61 of the lower housing portion 17 to form a side wall 62 of the primary housing 12. [060] The primary housing 12 includes a power lead 20 having a plug 22 on a first end thereof. A second end of the power lead 20 extends into the cavity within the primary housing 12 through an opening 24 provided in the side wall 62. The primary housing 12 is provided with overload protection by a resettable circuit breaker 28 provided within the primary housing 12. The circuit breaker includes a reset button 64 which extends outwardly through a hole in the side wall 62 of the primary housing 12. The reset button 64 may be pressed to reset the circuit breaker 28. [061] A second end of the primary housing 12 is connected to a series of secondary housings 14. Each of the secondary housings 14 is provided with a socket 30. The secondary housings 14 also comprise an upper housing portion 32 and a lower housing portion 33. The sockets 30 comprise standard electrical socket apertures provided in an end wall 70 of the upper housing portion 16. [062] In the embodiment shown, the upper and lower housing portions 32 and 33 each comprise a circular end wall 70 having a cylindrical edge wall 71 extending therefrom. The edge wall 71 of the upper housing portion 32 connects to the edge wall 71 of the lower housing portion 33 to form a side wall 72 of the primary housing 12. When connected together, the upper and lower housing portions 32 and 33 thereby define a generally cylindrical cavity within.

8 [063] In the embodiment shown, the primary housing 12 is provided with a first joint segment 35 on an end thereof. The first joint segment 35 extends transversely out from the side wall 62 on thesecond end thereof. Each of the secondary housings 14 is provided with second joint segment 34 on a first side thereof. The second joint segments 34 extend transversely outward from the side walls 72 of the secondary housings 14. [064] Each of the secondary housings 14, with the exception of an endmost secondary housing 14a, is provided with a first joint segment 35 on a second opposite side thereof. The first joint segments 35 extend outwardly from the side walls 72 of the secondary housings 14 in a direction opposite to the second joint segments 34. [065] Each of the first joint segments 35 is connectable to one of the second joint segments 34 such that a secondary housing 14 can be connected to either the primary housing 12 or a previous secondary housing 14 to create a series connection between the primary housing 12 and one or more secondary housings 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there is provided the primary housing 12 and four secondary housings 14. [066] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9, each of the first joint segments 35 comprises a cylindrical first sleeve 45 and each of the second joint segments 34 comprises a cylindrical second sleeve 44. The cylindrical first sleeves 45 are receivable within the cylindrical second sleeves 44 such that the first and second cylindrical sleeves 45 and 44 are connected but can rotate relative to each other. The first and cylindrical second sleeves 45 and 44 are rotatable about a longitudinal axis passing through the first and cylindrical second sleeves 45 and 44. [067] Each of the secondary housings 14 is provided with a plurality of connectors 26 secured in the cavity. The connectors 26 are arranged such that when a plug is inserted into the socket 30, the pins of the plug contact the connectors 26 to provide power to the plug. A connector cable 27 is also provided between each adjacent pair of housings 12 and 14. The connector cable 27 passes through the first and second cylindrical sleeves 45 and 44 9 between each adjacent pair of housings 12 and 14. The connector cables 27 passing between each adjacent pair of secondary housings 14 connect each of the connectors 26 of one of the secondary housings 14 with the corresponding connector 26 of the other secondary housing 14. The connector cable 27 passing between the primary housing 12 and the adjacent secondary housing 14 connects the connectors 26 of the secondary housing 14 with the output of the circuit breaker 28. The input of the circuit breaker 28 is connected to the cord 20. In this way, electrical power from the cord 20 is passed through to the sockets 30 of each of the secondary housings 14. [068] The cylindrical first sleeves 45 each include a lip 46 around the periphery thereof. The lip 46 is provided to be received in a groove 48 (as best seen in Figure 7) on the inner surface of the cylindrical second sleeve 44. [069] Also provided is a lug 50 on the outer surface of the cylindrical first sleeve 45. The lug 50 is provided to limit rotational movement of the cylindrical first sleeve 45 relative to the cylindrical second sleeve 44. In this way, twisting of the connector wires 27 is prevented. [070] An inner surface of the cylindrical second sleeve 44 is provided with a series of notches 52 around the location of the lug 50 for receiving the lug 50. The notches 52 extend through a limited angle around the cylindrical second sleeve 44. The lug 50 can therefore move to rest in locations between the notches 52 but cannot move past the extent of the notches 52. The lug 50 and notches 52 therefore provide the limitation to the rotational movement of the cylindrical second sleeve 44 relative to the cylindrical first sleeve 45. Also, the lug 50 is dimensioned to engage with the regions between the notches 52 such that the pressure must be applied to move the lug 50 from one of the notches 52 to an adjacent notch 52. The lug 50 and notches 52 therefore also restrict rotational movement of the adjacent housings 12 and 14 such that the housings 12 and 14 will not be free to rotate relative to each other. The relative positions of adjacent housings 12 can therefore be set and the housings 12 and 14 will tend to stay in the set positions.

10 [071] The endmost secondary housing 14a (as shown in Figures 8 and 9) is provided with only a second joint segment 34 but is otherwise of the same construction as the other secondary housings 14. [072] With this arrangement, it will be appreciated that each of the secondary housings 14 is rotatable relative to the primary and/or previous secondary housing 14. The orientations of each of the sockets 30 can therefore be varied to allow the plugs of electrical devices inserted into those sockets 30 to stay clear from the plugs inserted into the adjacent sockets 30. [073] Each of the secondary housings 14 may be provided with a light in the first housing portion 32. The light comprises a disc 54 located centrally on the end wall 70 of the upper housing portion 32. The disc 54 in the embodiment shown is located centrally between the apertures of the socket 30. The disc 54 may be transparent and illuminated by a light emitting device located adjacent the disc 54 within the secondary housing 14. Alternatively, the disc 54 may be constructed of a luminescent material that glows in the dark. [074] Figures 10 to 16 show a second embodiment of a power board 10 in accordance with the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and like numerals are used to denote like parts. [075] In the embodiment of Figures 10 to 16, the first and second joint segments 35 and 34 comprise spherical first and second sleeves wherein the first spherical sleeve is received in the spherical second sleeve. The arrangement is therefore the same as the first embodiment in that the spherical second sleeve can be rotated relative to the first spherical sleeve about the longitudinal axes of the sleeves 45 and 44. The second sleeve 44 however can also be pivoted relative to the first spherical sleeve. In this way, each housing can be rotated and pivoted relative to the adjacent housings 12 and/or 14 to provide further flexibility in the arrangement. As seen in Figure 10, the housings 12 and 14 can be pivoted such that the housings 12 and 14 are no longer in a linear configuration and can also be rotated such that the sockets 30 point in different directions to avoid plugs of electrical devices interfering with each other.

11 [076] The lower housing portions 33 of the secondary housings 14 also comprise a domed wall 75, rather than comprising a cylindrical shape as in the first embodiment. The lower housing portion 17 of the primary housing 12 also includes a domed portion 76 adjacent the first joint segment 35. [077] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. 2. A power board in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the first and 20 second sleeves is hollow and connector cables are provided connecting the sockets of each adjacent pair of secondary housings and connecting the primary housing to the adjacent secondary housing via the hollow first and second sleeves.
2. 3. A power board in accordance with claim 2, wherein the means to limit 25 rotation comprises a lug provided on the outer surface of the first sleeve to engage with the inner surface of the connected second sleeve.
3. 4. A power board in accordance with claim 3, wherein a plurality of notches are provided extending through a limited angle around the inner surface of the cylindrical second sleeve such that the lug engages in the notches. 30 5. A power board in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sleeves each include a lip around the periphery thereof which engages in a groove on the inner surface of the adjacent second sleeve. 13
4. 6. A power board in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary housing comprises an upper housing portion securable to a lower housing portion such that a cavity is defined within the primary housing.
5. 7. A power board in accordance with claim 6, wherein each of the upper 5 and lower housing portions comprises an obround end wall having an edge wall extending transversely from the periphery thereof such that the edge wall of the upper housing portion connects to the edge wall of the lower housing portion to form a side wall of the primary housing.
6. 8. A power board in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, 10 wherein the secondary housings each comprise an upper housing portion securable to a lower housing portion such that a cavity is defined within the secondary housing.
7. 9. A power board in accordance with claim 8, wherein each of the upper and lower housing portions comprises a circular end wall having an edge wall 15 extending transversely from the periphery thereof such that the edge wall of the upper housing portion connects to the edge wall of the lower housing portion to form a side wall of the secondary housing.
8. 10. A power board in accordance with any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first and second sleeves comprise cylindrical sleeves. 20 11. A power board in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and second sleeves comprise spherical sleeves such that the adjacent housings can rotate and pivot relative to each other.
9. 12. A power board in accordance with claim 11, wherein the lower housing portions of the secondary housings comprise a domed wall. 25 13. A power board in accordance with claim 12, wherein the lower housing portion of the primary housing includes a domed portion adjacent the first sleeve. 14
10. 14. A power board in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary housing is provided with a resettable circuit breaker for overload protection.
11. 15. A power board in accordance with claim 14, wherein the circuit breaker 5 includes a reset button extending outwardly through a hole in a side wall of the primary housing.
12. 16. A power board substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10 Peter Ronald Souris by his Patent Attorneys Armour IP