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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to providing a multiple outlet strip having an
electronic clock and timer devices. In particular, the on and off times
can be set to provide power to the multiple outlet strip over a
predetermined time interval to be repeated each day.
Electrical outlet strips typically comprise a plurality of electrical
outlet receptacles each having a plurality of openings therein to receive
extension cords or other electrical components plugged into the outlet
strip. Each electrical outlet receptacle receives a respective extension
cord or other plug-in electronic component, such as a transformer. In
general, each cord or device requires the same voltage and the openings of
the strip receive the same standard-sized prong plug of each device. In
most conventional outlet strips the receptacles are serially-arranged,
such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos.: Des. 217,251; Des. 285,435;
Des. 304,324; Des. 379,965; 4,867,701; and 5,425,659. The patent of U.S.
Pat. No. 4,867,701 discloses an arrangements of openings for each
receptacle and a circuit breaker which are both conventional in the
industry. An alternative serially-arranged array of receptacles is
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,659.
The need to turn on and off the power to electrical devices during the 24
hour day remains. This need has increased as a result of more electrical
devices being used during specific times of the day. For example, the use
of computers requires a number of devices having separate power cords to
be turned on and off at the same time. In a further example, Christmas and
other seasonal events require the use of a number of lighting devices with
separate extension cords to be turned on at the same time and turned off
at the same time. Preset timers assist the user of outlet devices in
setting the time when the receptacles are activated. Conventional devices
for setting the time are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 288,177 and Des.
288,298. A timer dial is illustrated along with on and off tabs. The dials
are numbered to 24 with 96 divisions around each dial; indicating settings
in increments of 15 minutes. Receptacles are illustrated to be placed
around a base unit having the timer dial. Lighting timers are common in
the industry for installation between a power source and an outlet strip.
A typical 24 hour lighting timer is manufactured by Gem Electrical Mfg.
Co., Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y. and sold by CVS Pharmacy. This time can be
set to provide 4 On/Off settings per day with settings at increments of 30
minutes.
The use of multiple outlets which can be accurately set to come on at a
precise time and off at another precise time represent a further need for
certain electrical devices. This is particularly true for computing
devices in the workplace. Electronic timers are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. Des. 352,667 and Des. 391,177. These timers transfer power from a
single power receptacle through the timer to another single receptacle.
These patents do not disclose the nature of the timer or the type of
information displayed. The need remains to provide a self-contained
component to control the power supply by displaying the required
information to accurately know the present time and to accurately set the
on time as well as the off time for all receptacles of the outlet strip.
A further unfulfilled need is to provide a time references and displays
which are most commonly used by the public. The times most common used are
the twelve hours of the morning (AM) followed by twelve hours of the
afternoon (PM). These are the times which normally appears on clocks and
watches used by the public.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is provide a timed electric
outlet device for activating and controlling multiple receptacles of a
power strip during an accurately set time interval.
Another object of the present invention is to accurately display the
real-time of day as well as the on-time and the off-time during which
electrical power is provided to multiple receptacles of a power strip or
bar.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple
outlet bar unit in combination with a clock where electrical power can be
provided to multiple plug-in devices between an adjusted and displayed
on-time and an adjusted and displayed off-time.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to display times in the
morning AM and afternoon PM which are most commonly used by the public,
and further to display a different color for the morning compared with the
afternoon to further distinguish morning from afternoon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by
providing a timed electrical outlet strip or timed power supply. An outlet
bar unit has a plurality of plug opening sets or receptacles for receiving
a plug-in portion of an electrical plug-in component. Power is uniquely
supplied to the outlet bar through a controller unit. The power supply is
time controlled to provide a clearly displayed and easily set time period
when the outlet bar is activated. A clock is set to display real-time and
to provide a reference signal for setting the activation period of the
outlet strip. Activation times can be accurately set to the nearest minute
or less. Times are display in the conventional twelve hour increments and
time set portions may include different colors for the morning (AM) hours
compared with the afternoon (PM) hours. Overload protection and an on-off
switch is also provided. A continuous power supply is provided by setting
the activation period equal to zero.
In an embodiment of the invention a timed electrical outlet device provides
a power supply for multiple plug-in components. The outlet device
comprises an outlet bar unit having a plurality of plug opening sets to
receive the plug-in components and connect the power supply to the
components. A controller unit is connected between the outlet bar unit and
a main power cable for establishing and controlling a time interval when
the power supply is provided to the plug-in components. A time set portion
of the controller unit includes a clock for establishing a real-time with
a reference signal "T", an on-time device for establishing an on-time with
a reference signal "To" when the power supply is to be turned on and an
off-time device for establishing an off-time with a reference signal "Tf"
when the power supply is to be turned off, wherein the real-time, the
on-time and the off-time are digitally displayed on a display face of the
controller unit to be observed and set by a user. The outlet device
further includes a logic controller of the control unit for receiving the
reference signals and determining an activation period when the real-time
is greater than the on-time (T>To) and when the real-time is less than
the off-time (T<Tf) so that the time interval is established.
The outlet unit of the invention further includes a control power component
to provide a control voltage for the controller unit. The control power
component includes the clock, the on-time device and the off-time device.
Reference signals are established and times are set and displayed to the
nearest one minute or less.
In another embodiment of the invention a timed power supply is provided for
plug-in components having multiple outlet receptacles. The power supply is
provided in combination with a real-time clock and includes an outlet bar
unit having the receptacles in a serially-arranged array within an outlet
housing. A controller housing has a display face and is affixed to one end
of the outlet housing. A controller unit within the controller housing is
electrically connected to the receptacles of the outlet bar. A clock set
portion of the real-time clock is for setting real-time and establishing a
real-time reference signal. An on-time device of the controller unit is
interconnected with the clock for setting an on-time and supplying an
on-time reference signal To. An off-time device of the controller unit is
interconnected with the clock for setting an off-time and supplying an
off-time reference signal Tf. A logic controller within the controller
housing is for comparing real-time with the on-time and the off-time using
the reference signals. A control switch of the logic controller is for
establishing an activation period for the outlet receptacles between the
on-time and the off-time. The controller unit further includes a plurality
of displays in the display face of the controller housing for visually
displaying the real-time of the clock along with the on-time and the
off-time, wherein the activation period for the plug-in components is
clearly observed by a user. The activation period can be set within a
minute or less.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be
described, together with other features thereof.
The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the
following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings
forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the clock-timed power outlet strip of the
invention including multiple outlets with plug in devices, multiple time
display windows, time set devices, a overload device and an on-off switch;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the clock-timed power outlet strip of FIG. 1
showing a clock time, an on time and an off time being displayed;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the clock-timed power outlet strip of
FIG. 1 showing the plug devices in a position to be plugged into
respective outlets;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the components and devices of the invention
illustrating how they interconnect and operate electronically to provide
the timed power supply of this invention;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the clock-timed power strip of FIG. 1 showing the
battery access door and a location of electrical components and devices
within the power strip; and
FIG. 6 is an enlarged top view of the display face of the controller unit
illustrating the real-time, on-time and off-time being displayed, as well
as indicia on the display face to assist the user in operating the timed
electrical outlet device.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be
described in more detail. The timed electrical outlet device of this
invention includes an outlet strip with a controller unit attached at one
end for controlling the power supplied to multiple receptacle opening
sets. Each opening set can receive the plug of a plug-in component to
supply power to the component, The controller unit uniquely includes time
set portions and time displays so that a user can accurately set and
visually observe real-time of a clock as well as an activation period when
power is supplied to the outlet strip. The activation period is displayed
as an on-time when the supply power is initiated and an off-time when the
power supply is terminated until the on-time is again observed.
An embodiment of a timed electrical outlet device or timed power supply "A"
is illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 1. An outlet bar unit B
comprises an outlet housing 20 supporting an outlet strip or bar unit 30.
The outlet strip has a plurality of serially arranged plug opening sets
32. A pair of plug-in components in the form of extension cord plugs 34a
and 34b are shown. In addition, a safety plug 36 is shown to illustrate
the use of a non-active plug-in component for personal safety against
electrical shock an for helping to make the outlet device usable for both
indoor an all-weather outdoor purposes. Opening sets 32 can be alternately
arranged and individually supported by outlet housing 20 within the scope
of the invention.
A controller unit C includes a controller housing 40 attached to one end of
the outlet housing. The controller unit receives a main power cord 42
providing a main power supply for the outlet strip, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The controller unit comprises the electrical components
for providing a power supply for the plug-in components on a safe and
timely basis. A display face 40a of the controller housing contains set
portions and displays available to a user for setting and observing the
power supply provided by the timed electrical outlet device A. This
includes a digital clock display 62 of real-time, an on-time display 72
for observing an on-time when the power supply is to be turned on and an
off-time display 82 for observing an off-time when the power supply is to
be turned off. A clock set portion 64, shown in the form of a button, is
provided for setting real time when electrical power is supplied to outlet
device A through main power cable 42. An on-time set portion 74 is
provided for setting the on-time and an off-time set portion 84 is
provided for setting the off-time. The preferred on-time and off-time set
devices are in the form of a roller which can be rotated in one direction
to increase time and in the opposite direction to decrease time. The
on-time and off-time set devices each further include an AM-PM set switch
71; 81 so that a respective display 72;82 can show times over a
conventional 12 hour time interval. In addition, set switches 71 and 81
can be equipped so that displays 72 and 82 can have one color visibly
displayed in the morning (AM) and another different color visibly
displayed in the afternoon (PM). The unique 12 hour time intervals and
different color displays provide the user with a time frame or reference
times commonly used by the public, as illustrated in the plan view of FIG.
2.
Controller unit C further includes external access for the user to reset
the timed power supply after an overload protector has interrupted the
power supply. An overload problem occurs when the plug-in devices consume
more power than a predetermined limiting value. Overload reset button 48
is depressed to return the power supply to the plug-in components when the
overload problem has been resolved. In addition, the controller unit
includes a direct on-off switch 46, which is easily accessed by the user
on display face 40a, to override any effort of the other controller unit
components to provide the power supply to outlet switch 30.
A side view of timed electrical outlet device A of this invention is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The outlet device provides a timed power supply
which is commonly placed on a surface 10 so that plug-in components can
plugged into outlet strip 30 supported by outlet housing 20 of the outlet
bar unit B. The outlet housing is in contact with the surface which may be
at any angle from the horizontal including a vertical surface. A extension
cord plug 34 and a safety plug 36 are to be plugged into the outlet strip
as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3. Controller housing 40 of
controller unit C is attached to the outlet housing of the outlet bar unit
and also rests on surface 10. Display face 40a is on an opposite side of
the controller housing from the surface to provide easy access to various
set portions 64, 71, 74, 81 and 84, for setting respective times within
the controller unit. On-off switch 46 also accessed from the display face.
The various features of the timed electrical outlet device or timed power
supply are unique and important to the proper operation and use of the
present invention. The operational features of the timed electrical outlet
device are illustrated in the diagram of FIG. 4. The flow diagram
illustrates the structural components and devices of the invention and how
they interconnect and operate electronically to provide the timed power
supply of this invention. Basically, the timing devices, switches and
controller devices are housed within the controller housing (illustrated
in the bottom view of FIG. 6). A main power supply is provided to the
outlet device through a main power cable 42 directly connected to an
overload protector 44. If the supply voltage "V" and current "I" result in
excessive power to be supplied to the outlet device resulting in an unsafe
operation, the overload protector will interrupt the power supply to the
outlet device. The overload protector provides for protection against
excessive power consumed by the plug-in components. When the overload is
corrected, reset button 48 restores the power supply to outlet device A.
Additional power interrupt for outlet strip 30 is provided by an on-off
switch 46 placed in the electrical circuitry directly before the voltage
and current flows into outlet strip 30. The user operates the on-off
switch to prohibit the power supply from reaching the outlet strip. The
voltage and power rating of the timed electrical outlet device can be
selected to be consistent with the intended use of the device and the code
requirements established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) of Columbia,
S.C. for listed appliances. The commonly used main power supply voltage
for conventional plug-in components is 120 volts AC.
As previously disclosed, the controller unit provide for a timed power
supply when the power strip of the outlet device is activated between an
on-time and an off-time. The electrical components of a time set portion
C1 of controller unit C defined by dashed lines in FIG. 4. The time set
portion is energized by a control power component 50 which is powered by
either a battery 52 or a transformer 54. The battery provides for
independent operation of the time set portion of the controller unit
without a main power supply. Therefore, the clock and other devices will
operate continuously. The transformer uses the main power supply to power
the control power component, which requires the main power cable to be
plugged into the main power supply. The control power component supplies a
control voltage "v" and control current "i" for the time set portion of
the controller unit.
Having a control voltage and current, the various timing devices can be set
to their respective times. The clock is set by a set portion 64 to a
real-time represented by a reference signal "T" in FIG. 4. This step may
not be necessary if the clock is running from a battery and has been
previously set; as the real-time should already be set with the clock and
displayed by a clock display 62. The clock display preferably has
real-time digitally displayed within a twelve hour interval as commonly
used by the public (FIGS. 2 and 6). The clock display may also have a
morning "AM" display portion and an afternoon "PM" display portion for
clearly indicating which twelve hour period is being displayed. In
addition the clock real-time display portions may include an illumination
element for illuminating morning hours in one color and afternoon hours in
another different color.
The time at which the outlet strip is to have power turned on, called the
on-time, is determined by the user and controlled by an on-time device 70.
An AM-PM set switch 71 along with an on-time set portion 74 is used to
establish the on-time represented by an on-time signal "To" in FIG. 4.
Preferably, the on-time set portion has a roller device which can be
rotated in one direction to increase time and in the opposite direction to
decrease time. Once again, on-time is displayed in the normal twelve time
intervals commonly used by the public. Preferably the on-time display is a
digital display (FIGS. 2 and 6). In addition the on-time set portion and
display may include an illumination element for illuminating morning hours
in one color and afternoon hours in another different color.
The time at which the outlet strip is to have power turned off, called the
off-time, is determined by the user and controlled by an off-time device
80. An AM-PM set switch 81 along with an on-time set portion 84 is used to
establish the off-time represented by a off-time signal "Tf" in FIG. 4.
Preferably, the off-time set portion has a roller device which can be
rotated in one direction to increase time and in the opposite direction to
decrease time. Once again, off-time is displayed in the normal twelve time
intervals commonly used by the public. Preferably the off-time display is
a digital display (FIGS. 2 and 6). In addition the off-time set portion
and display may include an illumination element for illuminating morning
hours in one color and afternoon hours in another different color.
Having set the on-time and the off-time for the timed electrical outlet
device the activation time is defined as the interval of time between the
on-time and the off-time. All receptacles or plug opening sets of outlet
bar unit B are to have a power supply from main power supply 15 during
this interval. The activation time is realized by a logic controller C2 of
the controller unit, as indicated by the dashed lines of FIG. 4. The logic
controller is input by the real time reference signal T, the on-time
reference signal To and the off-time reference signal Tf from the time set
portion of the controller unit. These signals are compared with one
another to determine if an activation time exists and the outlet bar unit
is to be activated. Logic operation 92 compares real-time reference signal
T with the on-time reference signal To. If T>To a "yes" signal is
transmitted to a logic control switch 90. At the same real-time, logic
operation 94 compares real-time reference signal T with the off-time
reference signal Tf. If T<Tf another "yes" signal is transmitted to
control switch 90. A combination of the previous two yes signals provides
the logic control switch with enough information to allow the power
supply, represented by voltage V and current I, to be transmitted to
on-off switch 46 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
In an alternate operational mode of the controller unit, the need to supply
a continuous power supply (V,I) to the outlet bar unit is addressed. With
this mode of operation the outlet device can essentially be used in a
conventional manner. This need is solved by setting the on-time,
represented by reference signal To, and the off-time, represented by
reference signal Tf, equal to one another, or To=Tf. That is, logic
operation 96 essentially compares on-time with off-time to see if they are
equal. If they are equal, a "yes" signal is transmitted to control switch
90 and the power supply, represented by voltage V and current I, is
transmitted to on-off switch 46.
Additional structural features of the timed electrical outlet device are
illustrated in the bottom view of FIG. 5. Outlet housing 20 of outlet bar
unit B has one end connected to a first side 40c of controller housing 40
of controller unit C. A single housing can be provided for both the bar
unit and the controller unit within the scope of this invention. The
preferred configuration uses separate housings so that an outlet bar unit
with more or less than ten plug opening sets 32 (FIG. 2) can be used with
the same controller unit. An outlet bottom cover 22 and a controller
bottom cover 43 are provided to give easy access to the wiring and other
components within timed electrical outlet unit A. However, each cover is
attached to a respective housing so that safe operation of the outlet unit
is provided. A battery access 41 is provided for replacing battery 45 when
necessary for continued operation of the controller unit including the
real-time clock device. Main power cable 42 enters a second side 40b,
opposite the first side, of the controller housing. The main power cable
is affixed to the controller housing so that the cable can not be pulled
from the controller unit. Preferably, reset button 48 is also located at
the second side of the controller housing.
A number of components of the controller unit are internally located within
the controller housing and controller bottom cover for safety and
durability of the timed power supply, as illustrated by dashed rectangles
in FIG. 5. Transformer 54 and overload protector 44 are preferably
internally located near the entrance of the power cable into the
controller housing. Clock device 60, on-time device 70 and off-time device
80 are preferably internally located adjacent their respective displays
62, 72 and 82 of the controller housing (FIGS. 2 and 6). Logic controller
C2, including logic control switch 90, is internally located in a central
position within the controller housing to be easily connected to the clock
device, the on-time device and the off-time device. On-off switch 46 is
internally located near first face 40a of the controller housing to
directly interrupt the power supply to outlet bar unit B. Alternate
locations are possible for the components of the controller unit within
the scope of this invention; consistent with combining the functions of
certain components. For example, combining the functions of the on-time
device and the off-time device with that of the logic controller may
result in a single controller device and component.
Times are preferably displayed as digital numbers in clock display 62,
on-time display 72 and off-time display 82. Common to the industry,
numbers are displayed with a low energy device, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD) device. Additional features may be added in the form of
indicia on display face 40a of controller housing 40 of controller unit C,
as illustrated in FIG. 6. Indicia D on the display face is provided to
assist the user in setting and operating the timed electrical outlet
device. For example, words "on-time" and "off-time" can be used to
indicate the respective displays which provide the observer with an
indication of when the activation period starts and stops. In other
illustrated examples, the real-time set portion 64 is identified by a
"clock set" indicia and the on-off switch has the word "on" at one end and
the word "off" at the other end. As discussed in the previous sections,
times are displayed in the common used twelve hour increments. Therefore,
the on-time set portion and the off-time set portion require a morning AM
visual indicator and an afternoon PM visual indicator. The use of displays
with different colors to provide visual indications has been discussed. An
alternate means is illustrated in FIG. 6; where a toggle switch 171 is
used for the on-time set portion and another toggle switch 181 is used for
the off-time set portion. Morning "AM" and afternoon "PM" indicia are
added adjacent each one of the toggle switches. Different colored numbers
along with indicia is used in combination to clearly indicate and display
real-time, on-time and off-time.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using
specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it
is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
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