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US 5,334,033 AGranted
Modular outlet strip
OwnerHenry Milaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular surge protector is provided where only the number and types of modules needed are purchased and connected together by quick connect means. Generally, the modular surge protector includes a power distribution module, which is connected to a source of line current and one or more power supply modules, which snap to each other by the use of the quick connect means. Each of the power supply modules will have at least one power supply outlet and may also have a modem surge protector.
Claims19
A surface-mounted modular outlet strip for delivering power from an electrical wall outlet, said modular outlet strip comprising:
- a) a power cord having a first end connectable to the electrical wall outlet;
- b) a power distribution means connected to a second end of said power cord, said power distribution means including a switch mounted in a first elongate housing and connected to a first quick connect means integrally formed at one end of the first elongate housing;
- c) an outlet means removably connected to said power distribution means, said outlet means including a second quick connect means integrally formed as part of one end of a second elongate housing, and at least one electrical outlet connected in series to the second quick connect means and integrally formed in the second elongate housing, the second quick connect means removably connected to the first quick connect means in said power distribution means, and the first and second elongate housings each having a first longitudinal surface in coplanar relationship for engaging a surface and a second longitudinal surface in a coplanar relationship for positioning the switch and the electrical outlets, whereby power is selectively distributed from the wall outlet through said power cord and said power distribution means to the electrical outlets of said outlet means.
A surface-mounted modular outlet strip for delivering power from an electrical wall outlet, said modular outlet strip comprising:
- a) a power cord having a first end connectable to the electrical wall outlet;
- b) a power distribution means connected to a second end of said power cord, said power distribution means including a switch mounted in a first elongate housing and connected to a female quick connect means integrally formed as part of one end of the first elongate housing;
- c) a plurality of outlet modules, each of said outlet modules including an elongate housing segment having a male quick connect means at one end of the housing segment, at least one electrical outlet, and a female quick connect means at an opposite end of the housing segment, said outlet modules having the male quick connect means, the electrical outlet, and the female quick connect means integrally formed in the housing segment and connected in series, a first said outlet module having the male quick connect means removably connected to the female quick connect means of the power distribution means, and the remaining outlet modules removably connected in series to the first outlet module;
- d) an outlet means removably connected to a final outlet module of said plurality of outlet modules, said outlet means including a male quick connect means at one end of a second elongate housing and at least one electrical outlet connected in series and integrally formed in the second housing, the male quick connect means of said outlet means removably connected to the female quick connect means of the final outlet module, and the first elongate housing, the housing segments and the second elongate housing each having a first longitudinal surface in coplanar relationship for engaging a surface and a second longitudinal surface in coplanar relationship for positioning the switch and the electrical outlets, whereby power is distributed from the wall outlet through said power cord and said power distribution means to the electrical outlets of said outlet modules and said outlet means;
- and
- e) a retention means for interlocking the female quick connect means of said power distribution means and said outlet modules to the male quick connect means of the adjacent outlet modules and said outlet means.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.