US20140035363A1

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Publication number: US20140035363A1
Application number: US13/653,655
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Fleisig
Original assignee: PUCline LLC
Current assignee: PUCline LLC
Priority date: 2009-09-25
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: US9912154B2; US20170025852A1

Abstract

An electrical power-supplying device includes a housing portion having a 3D interior volume with a capacity for holding a plurality of power adapters, power transformer modules and power plugs associated with a group of electrical appliances. A power-receptacle assembly or structure is supported within the interior region of the housing portion, and supports a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, electrically connected to a power supply cord. A cord portal formed in the housing allows a group of electrical power cords associated with the group of electrical appliances, to enter/exit the 3D interior volume in a bundled manner. A housing cover portion is adapted to cover the power-receptacle assembly, and conceal appliance power plugs plugged into the electrical receptacles, appliance power cords associated with the electrical appliances, and power adapters and transformer modules contained in the housing portion.

Description

RELATED CASES

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/275,437 filed Oct. 18, 2011; which is a CIP of application Ser. No. 12/586,746 filed Sep. 25, 2009; application Ser. No. 12/586,734 filed Sep. 25, 2009; application Ser. No. 12/586,735 filed Sep. 25, 2009; application Ser. No. 12/586,745 filed Sep. 25, 2009; and application Ser. No. 12/586,742 filed Sep. 25, 2009, each of which is commonly owned by PUCLine, LLC, and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to new and improved methods of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances and managing the power cords and concealing the power adapters associated therewith in diverse environments, such as desktops, workstations, retail point of sale (POS) stations, home and office environments and the like, and anywhere multiple power receptacles are required.

2. Brief Description of the State of Knowledge in the Art

The use of electrical appliances having power cords and adapters is well known in the contemporary period. In any given work environment, such as a home office desk, countertop workstation or retail POS station, electrical power cords and associated power adapter plugs and mid-line type modules (e.g. transformer blocks) are often strewn about, creating a “rats' nest” type of environment, which is not only aesthetically unpleasant, but potentially hazardous, posing all sorts of risks to human beings inhabiting the environment.

Hitherto, numerous efforts have been made to manage the power cords and conceal the power adapters of electrical appliances employed in diverse environments. Examples of devices for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. and Publication Nos. 7,518,265; 7,501,580; 7,442,090; 7,436,087; 7,435,901; 7,399,199; 7,397,654; 7,361,050; 7,335,053; 7,329,152; 7,324,334; 7,318,567; 7,247,799; 7,247,798; 7,242,577; 7,239,892; 7,233,086; 7,223,122; 7,167,372; 7,083,421; 7,077,693; 6,966,791; 6,573,617; 6,486,407; 6,410,855; 6,315,604; 6,011,221; 5,589,718; 5,382,172; 4,731,029; 4,373,761; 2007/0235222; 2007/0111585; 2004/0160150; 2003/0121742; 2003/0066936; 20080113563; 20080111013; 20080302687; 20080194139; 20070180665; 20070111585; 20070295529; 20070039755; 20060196995 and D588,000; D560,609; D547,486; D542,123; D533,063; D520,951; D504,112; D502,924; D467,879; D467,877; D467,552; D467,246; D447,119; D446,504; D446,503; D446,189; D445,401; D445,400; D444,450; D443,591; wherein each said patent publication above is incorporated herein by reference.

While the above US patents and Publications disclose various kinds of devices for the purpose of supplying electrical power to appliances and managing the power cords and power adapters thereof, the designs of the devices disclosed and proposed in such patents and Publications do not make power cord management and power adapter concealment easy, and, in contrast, oftentimes impossible, when working with a relatively large number of electrical appliances in a given work environment. Consequently, the “rats' nest” problem is not sufficiently resolved in most applications, and results in power cable lengths which are not minimized along their designated routes in the workspace or environment, and many power adapters and unused electrical receptacles are not concealed in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Therefore, there is a great need in the art for a new and improved method of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances, managing the excess length of appliance power cords, and concealing their power plugs and adapters in diverse environments, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art methods and apparatus.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances and managing the power cords and concealing the power adapters associated therewith and unused electrical receptacles deployed in diverse environments, such as workstations, playstations, entertainment stations, retail POS stations, hotel rooms, guest rooms, cubicles, kitchens, traditional offices and wherever a multitude of power outlets are required, while overcoming the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art methods and apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus in the form of an electrical power supplying device (i) adapted for either floor, wall, shelf or inverted mounting, (ii) having a power-receptacle supplying structure supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, (iii) containing power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or mid-line type power adapter modules, and (iv) managing the excess length of power cords associated therewith.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein a power cord management surface is disposed on the power-receptacle supplying structure, for taking up the excess length of power cords associated with such electrical appliances, while allowing the remaining portion of such power cords to pass through a power cord portal, and extend along a route to their corresponding electrical appliances.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein electrical power plugs, power adapter plugs and power adapter modules/blocks are completely concealed behind a removable housing cover portion, to restrict unauthorized access thereto by children.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which safely conceals and protects electrical power plugs, power adapter plugs and mid-line type power adapter modules/blocks, from liquid spills in diverse environments, such as at workstations, playstations, retail POS stations, hotels, guest rooms, cubicles, kitchens, traditional offices and wherever a multitude of power outlets are required.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which allows excess power cords to be easily managed about a power-receptacle structure supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles within a concealed 3D interior volume, while permitting power cords to exit/enter the housing through a power cord portal formed through the housing structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which employs a centrally-located power-receptacle within a concealed space for receiving the electrical power plugs of electrical appliances, and within which excess power cord length is neatly managed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein a passive-type system of thermal management is employed to maintain the interior temperature within safe limits during operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing appliance power cords using a single device that may be mounted on the floor, wall or other counter-top surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing the length of excess power cords of electrical appliances that are routed from a power supply device within an environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a central power-receptacle assembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing design for containing and concealing the same during power supply operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power-supplying device having a central power-hub assembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing excess power cord length therewithin in a concealed manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wall-mountable electrical power supplying device having a central power-hub structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing for containing and concealing the same during power supply operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power-supplying device which employs a central power-hub structure, and is adapted for mounting vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in an inverted position, as the application requires or end-user desires.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a central power-hub structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and thermal management system integrated within the device, for maintaining the temperature within the 3D interior volume of the device within safe operating limits during power supplying operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such electrical power-supplying device, wherein the thermal management system is realized as an electrically-passive type air ventilation system for passively cooling the 3D interior volume of the device during power supplying operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of cooling the 3D interior volume of a concealed electrical power supplying device containing power adapters for a plurality of electrical appliances deployed in diverse environments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances in an environment, while managing excess power cord therewithin.

These and other objects of invention will become apparent hereinafter and in the Claims to Invention appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the objects of the present invention, the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figure Drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention is deployed on the surface of a desktop to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention is deployed on a wall surface, adjacent a desktop, to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the first illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention is deployed on the underside surface of a desk, to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 1A through 1C;

FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 1A through 1C;

FIG. 2C is an elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3A is a first elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, without any power cords or power adapters contained and concealed therewithin;

FIG. 3B is a second elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, without any power cords or power adapters contained and concealed therewithin;

FIG. 3C is a third elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, without any power cords or power adapters contained and concealed therewithin;

FIG. 3D is a plan view of the top surface of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, without any power cords or power adapters contained and concealed therewithin;

FIG. 3E is a plan view of the bottom surface of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, without any power cords or power adapters contained and concealed therewithin;

FIG. 4A is a first exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 4B is a second exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the electrical power supplying device taken alongline5A-5A inFIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, with its housing cover portion lifted off its housing base portion;

FIG. 6A is an expanded view of the power cable channel leading from the external power cord of the device towards its central power-hub assembly shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, with its housing cover portion lifted off its housing base portion;

FIG. 7A is an expanded view of the power button cable channel leading from the externally-mounted power button on the device, towards its central power power-hub assembly, shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a third perspective view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, with its housing cover portion lifted off its housing base portion;

FIG. 8A is an expanded view of the cable management channel leading extending along the interior of the housing base portion, around the central power power-hub assembly, shown inFIG. 8, for releasably retaining excess power cable within the housing;

FIG. 9 is an elevated front view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, with its housing cover portion completely removed from the housing base portion;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the housing base portion taken alongline9A-9A inFIG. 9, showing bottom air vents, cord wrap guides, and the central power power-hub assembly;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-hub assembly shown inFIGS. 2A through 3E;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 2A through 2C, with its housing cover portion completely removed from the housing base portion, and showing a plurality of power adapters and power plugs plugged into electrical receptacles within the central power power-hub assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIG. 11, with the housing cover portion being mounted upon the housing base portion, to contain and conceal a plurality of power adapters and power plugs plugged into electrical receptacles within the central power power-hub assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 13, with the housing cover portion mounted upon the housing base portion, and containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 13, with a pair of USB cords and a power adapter plugged into receptacles available through the housing cover portion;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 13, with a pair of USB cords and a power plug plugged into receptacles available through the housing cover portion;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electrical power-supplying device shown inFIGS. 13,14 and15, illustrating the flow of air through the device during operation to achieve cooling and thermal management;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second illustrative embodiment of the electrical power-supplying device of the present invention, shown deployed on the surface of a desktop to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 17A is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 16, shown containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 17B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 16, shown containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, illustrating the flow of air through the device during operation to achieve cooling and thermal management;

FIG. 19 is an elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B;

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, taken alongline19A-19A inFIG. 19;

FIG. 19B is an enlarged section indicated inFIG. 19A, illustrating how the housing cover portion snap-fits into the center housing portion, and the housing base portion snap-fits into the center housing portion;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, but with its housing cover portion removed, and without any power plugs or adapters plugged into the central power-hub assembly;

FIG. 21A is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, showing its components and several exemplary power plugs and adapters plugged into the central power-hub assembly, for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 21B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, showing its components and several exemplary power plugs and adapters plugged into the central power-hub assembly, for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 22 is an elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, containing and concealing multiple power plugs and adapters, with excess power cord from appliances;

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-hub assembly shown inFIGS. 17A,17B and17C;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, but with its housing cover portion removed, and several power plugs and adapters plugged into the central power-hub assembly;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 24, showing the housing cover portion being attached to the housing base portion, with power plugs and adapters plugged into the central power-hub assembly;

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of the third illustrative embodiment of the electrical power-supplying device of the present invention, shown deployed horizontally on the surface of a desktop to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the third illustrative embodiment of the electrical power-supplying device of the present invention, shown deployed vertically on the surface of a desktop to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown with its housing cover portion removed to reveal the interior volume of the housing, and its central power-receptacle structure mounted therein;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, showing its components, including, base housing portion, central housing portion, a power-receptacle structure mounted on the central housing portion, and a cover housing portion;

FIG. 29 is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown with its housing cover portion removed to reveal the interior volume of the housing, and its central power-receptacle structure mounted therein, and several power adapters about to be plugged into respective power receptacles;

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown inFIG. 29, showing its components, including, base housing portion, central housing portion, a power-receptacle structure mounted on the central housing portion, and a cover housing portion, and several power adapters about to be plugged into respective power receptacles;

FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-hub assembly shown inFIGS. 26A,26B and26C;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown mounted vertically on a horizontal surface, containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 33A is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown mounted horizontally on a horizontal surface, containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 33B is an elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown mounted horizontally on a horizontal surface, containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 33C is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIGS. 26A and 26B, shown mounted horizontally on a horizontal surface, containing and concealing a plurality of power adapter and plugs, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal;

FIG. 34A is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIG. 33A through 33C, shown with its housing cover portion removed to reveal a plurality of power adapter and plugs mounted in the 3D interior volume, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal; and

FIG. 34B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device ofFIG. 32A through 33C, shown with its housing cover portion removed to reveal a plurality of power adapter and plugs mounted in the 3D interior volume, and with the excess power cord of the appliances managed within the housing, and extending out the power cord portal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides a new and improved method of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical-energy consuming appliances, and managing the power cords and concealing the power plugs and power adapters thereof, and unused receptacles, when employed in diverse environments, such as workstations, playstations, entertainment stations, retail POS stations, hotel rooms, guest rooms, cubicles, kitchens, traditional offices and wherever a multitude of power outlets are required, and the like.

In a first illustrative embodiment, depicted inFIGS. 1A through 15, the apparatus is realized in the form of an electricalpower supplying device1 that can be mounted on or under thedesktop2, or on a wall-surface3, and supplied with electrical power through a flexiblepower supply cord15, plugged into a standard 120Volt power receptacle11 bypower plug3.

In a second illustrative embodiment, depicted inFIGS. 16 through 26, the apparatus is realized in the form of a desktop-supported electricalpower supplying device1′ that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible coiledpower supply cord15, also plugged into a 120Volt power receptacle11 by itspower plug16. These illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be disclosed and described in greater detail hereinafter.

The Electrical Power Supplying Device According to a First Illustrative Embodiment of the Present Invention

InFIG. 1A, a desktop-supportedpower supplying device1 is supplied with electrical power through aflexible power cord15 whoseelectrical plug16 is plugged in a standardelectrical power receptacle11. As shown, a number of different electrical power consuming appliances (e.g. LCD6, WIFI power-hub5, backup hard-drive8,printer9, and computer CPU10) are powered bydevice1 through a plurality ofpower cords12, routed through the environment into thedevice1 via itspower cord portal17. Thedevice1 powered up by depressing power switch/ON-OFF indicator18 mounted on thehousing base portion22.

InFIG. 1B, a wall-supportedpower supplying device1 is supplied with electrical power through aflexible power cord15 whoseelectrical plug16 is plugged in a standardelectrical power receptacle11. As shown, a number of different electrical power consuming appliances (e.g. lamp4,phone5,LCD6, WIFI power-hub7, backup hard-drive8,printer9, and computer CPU10) are powered bydevice1 through a plurality ofpower cords12, routed through the environment into thedevice1 via itspower cord portal17.

InFIG. 1C, an under-the-desktop-supportedpower supplying device1 is supplied with electrical power through aflexible power cord15 whoseelectrical plug16 is plugged in a standardelectrical power receptacle11. As shown, a number of different electrical power consuming appliances (e.g. lamp4,phone5

LCD

6, WIFI power-hub7, backup hard-drive8,printer9, and computer CPU10) are powered bydevice1 through a plurality ofpower cords12, routed through the environment into thedevice1 via itspower cord portal17.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the electricalpower supplying device1 can be supported on a horizontal surface (e.g. floor surface) or vertical surface, and provides external access to anexternal power receptacle19 and a pair of

USB power ports

20 and21, while a bundle ofpower cables12 from electrical appliances enter/exit thepower cable portal17 provided on the side of the device of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 2A through 4B, the electricalpower supplying device1 comprises an assembly of components, namely: a central power-hub assembly25 having a central power-hub structure26 supporting a first plurality ofelectrical receptacles27A through27E on its outer surface, andelectrical power receptacle19 and of

USB power ports

20 and21 supported on the top surface of the power-hub structure26; a flexibleelectrical power cord15 connected topower port28, for supplying primary electrical power to the device through the central power-hub structure and all electrical appliances connected to it, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; ahousing base portion22; ahousing cover portion23; and a set of four pliant power cord management channels (i.e. cord wrap guides)33A through33D.

As shown inFIGS. 4A,4B,5A and6, thehousing base portion22 comprises: acentral aperture22A, within which the central power-hub structure (e.g. assembly)25 is supported and installed in theaperture22A, via a snap-fit connection usingfoot flange26C. As shown, thehousing base portion22 further comprises: a 3D interior volume with geometrical dimensions suitable for containing a group of power adapters, power plugs and mid-wire power transformer blocks30A through30E as shown; air circulation vents31A through31D on the base panel to allow air currents to flow therethrough during device operation and facilitate cooling of its interior space; and an end aperture12B on the end of the housing base portion, for allowing a bundle ofpower cords12 to pass therethrough.

As shown inFIGS. 4A,4B,5A and6, thehousing cover portion23 is adapted to slide over and attach to the upper portion of thehousing base portion22 and snap into position, for covering and concealing the central power-hub structure25 and any power adapter blocks, plugs andadapters30A through30E being stored within the 3D interior volume of the base portion of the housing.

As shown inFIGS. 5A,6,7,8 and8A, the pliant (i.e. flexible) power cord management channels (i.e. cord wrap guides)33A through33D, are installed about the perimeter of the central power-hub structure25, and anchored on its inside diameter (closet towards the central power hub structure25), while being free, on the outer diameter, to be picked or lifted up so thatexcess power cord12A can be dropped down into the cord wrap guides all around the perimeter of the central power-hub structure25, within thehousing base portion22, so that the pliant cord wrap guides neatly manage excess power cord length within thedevice1.

As shown, thehousing cover portion23 also comprises: (i)air vents34A through34E for passage of warm (i.e. heated) air and providing ventilation to the 3D interior volume of the device; (ii) anend aperture17A on the edge of the cover portion, and spatially aligned withend aperture17B on the housing base portion, for forming apower cable portal17 that allows the passage of electrical cords therethrough17; and (iii) apertures35 for providing access to theexterior power receptacle19 and

USB power ports

20 and21 supported within the central power-hub structure25.

Within the power-hub structure25, the

electrical receptacles

19,27A through27F andelectronic circuit boards37A and38B are snap-fit mounted into mounting brackets within the interior of thepower post housing26 along with electrical wiring among electrical and circuit board components, making the necessary interconnections as specified inFIG. 10.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, thehousing cover portion23 can be easily lifted off thehousing base portion22 of the power supplying device to reveal a number of features, namely: (i) electrical power provided to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation ofFIGS. 1A,1B and1C; (ii) several power adapter blocks30A through30D supported about the central power-hub structure25; and (iii) the excess length of a plurality ofelectrical cords12A, associated with the electrical appliances, being neatly managed about the cord wrap guides33A through33D in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention, and ultimately extending out thepower cord portal17.

As best shown in the exploded diagrams ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the power-hub assembly25 comprises: a substantiallyplanar base portion26A;central hub portion26A extending from the substantiallyplanar base portion26A and containing a plurality of

electrical receptacles

19,27A through27E, an electronic

PC circuit boards

37A and37B, electrical components and electrical conductors (e.g. wires or bus bars) specified inFIG. 10; afoot flange26C, extending about the substantiallyplanar base portion27B, for snap fitting into thecentral aperture22A of thehousing base portion22, as shown inFIGS. 4A,4B,5A, and6.

As shown inFIG. 6, thehousing cover portion23 is removed from the electrical power-supplying device, and there are no electrical appliances connected to and powered by the device. Also,FIGS. 6 and 6A reveals a number of features: (i) that the

electrical receptacles

19,27A through27E are arranged about the centralized power-hub25 to optimize space within the interior volume of the device, and accommodate the storage of power adapters, modules and plugs formed at the terminal portions of appliance power cords; and (ii) thecable channel40 leading from theexternal power cord15 of the device, towards its central power power-hub assembly25 shown inFIG. 6, for interconnection with the power circuitry illustrated inFIG. 10.FIG. 6A illustrates the geometry of this channel in the illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 7 and 7A reveal the powerbutton cable channel41 leading from the externally-mountedpower button18 on the device, towards its central power power-hub assembly25, shown inFIG. 7, for interconnection with the power circuitry illustrated inFIG. 10.FIG. 7A illustrates the geometry of this channel in the illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 8A show the cord wrap guides33A through33D extending along the interior of the housing base portion, covering thecable management channels32 extending all around the central power power-hub assembly25, shown inFIG. 8, for releasably retainingexcess power cable12A within the base portion of the housing.FIG. 8A illustrates the geometry of the power cord wrap guides and cable management channel of the illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 9 and 9A reveal: (i) thebottom air vents31A through31E formed in thehousing base portion22 around the perimeter region thereof; (ii) cord wrap guides33A through33D formed within the inside of the housing base portion, about its perimeter region, for retainingexcess power cable12A within the channels; and (iii) dry-wall anchors42 for mounting thedevice1 to a wall surface, as shown inFIG. 1B, or to the underside surface of a desktop, as shown inFIG. 1C.

As shown inFIG. 10, the electrical andelectronic circuitry44 contained in the central power-hub structure25 and within the device housing, comprises: theelectrical power cord15 having apower plug16 and a distal end that plugs intoport plug port28 formed on the exterior of the base portion of the housing; an isolation-type power transformer45;surge protection circuitry46 connected to the output terminals of theisolation transformer45; ON/OFF switch andindicator18 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g. Green=READY, Red=NOT READY); asignal conditioning circuit47; multiple

electrical receptacles

19,27A through27E supplied AC power from thesignal conditioning circuit47; and AC/DC converter48 supplying the

USB power ports

20 and21.

As shown inFIG. 15, taken together, air circulation vents31A through31E formed in the base portion ofhousing22, andair vents34A through34E formed in thehousing cover portion23, form a passive-type of thermal management system embodied within the device so that all power adapters contained therein are maintained within safe interior operating temperature limits. As shown, illustrative cool and warm airflows are shown moving through the thermal management system.

Referring toFIGS. 11 through 15, a method of using the power-supplying device ofFIGS. 2A through 2C will now be described.

As shown inFIG. 11, the first step of the method involves removing thehousing cover portion23 from thehousing base portion22, to allowseveral power adapters30A through30D and power plug30E to be plugged into the central power-hub structure25 stored within thehousing base portion22, as shown.

Then, the excess length of theelectrical power cord12A for these electrical plugs is managed within the cord wrap guides33A through33D. This is achieved by routing each power cord from its electrical appliance, along an intended route within the workstation environment, back through thepower cord portal17 on the device, and then wrapping/routing any excess length ofpower cord12A (beyond the power cord portal to its power adapter) behind the cord wrap guides33A through33D and into the cablemanagement channel space32 extending about the perimeter of the housing base portion, so as to take up any and all excess cord (i.e. cord slack), and ensure that excess power cord is neatly managed within the interior volume of the device, as shown inFIG. 12, andFIGS. 1A,1B and1C.

As shown inFIG. 13, the next step of the method is to replace thehousing cover portion23 onto thehousing base portion22 of the power-supplying device. Then as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B, several additional USB power plugs50A,50B andAC power plug51 are plugged into

receptacles

20,20 and19 of the centralized power-hub assembly25, respectively. At any time, thehousing cover portion23 can be easily removed from the power-hub housing portion22, and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within the power supplying device, to meet requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, as the case may be.

In general, the electricalpower supplying device1 can also be supported on a variety of surfaces other than floor surfaces, such as, for example, countertop surfaces, shelf surfaces, pedestals, table surfaces, kitchen countertop surfaces, and the like, where electrical appliances are deployed for use and require electrical power for operation. Also, while the device is shown in an interior workspace inFIGS. 1A,1B and1C, it is understood that the device of the present invention can also be used safely outdoors, provided it is protected from the natural elements, to protect from electrical shock and shorting.

The Electrical Power Supplying Device According to a Second Illustrative Embodiment of the Present Invention

InFIG. 16, a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown realized in the form of an electricalpower supplying device1′ that is supplied with electrical power through a flexiblecoiled power cord15 plugged into a standardelectrical power receptacle11. The primary difference betweendevice1′ anddevice1 is that thehousing base portion66 ofdevice1′ is designed deeply, and not with a low-profile housing design as employed in thedevice1 of the first illustrative embodiment. Alsodevice1′ employs a cord managingpost structure62C that is integrated with the central power-hub assembly orstructure62 installed in central aperture66A of thehousing base portion66.

As shown inFIGS. 17A,17

B

18,19,19A and19B, the electricalpower supplying device1′ comprises an assembly of components, namely: a central power-hub assembly orstructure62; ahousing base portion66 with a central aperture66A, through which the power-hub assembly62 is snap-fit mounted; a housing spacer/riser portion68 for snap-fit mounting to the edge regions of thehousing base portion66; ahousing cover portion69 for snap-fit mounting onto the edge regions of thehousing spacer portion68; a set of four pliant power cord wrap guides67A through67D for retaining excess power cord in a neat and orderly manner within the power cord management channel67E extending about the power-hub assembly62 within thehousing base portion66; and apower cord portal72 formed in thehousing base portion66 for passing ofappliance port cords12 into and out of the device.

As shown inFIGS. 19A,20,21A,21B and22, the central power-hub assembly62 comprises: (i) a planar (plateau-like)region62A, beneath which are mountedelectrical receptacles63A through63F for receiving AC power cords, and printed circuit (PC)

boards

64A and64B shown inFIG. 24; (ii) acentral post structure62B extending fromregion62A, and containingelectrical power receptacle63G and

USB port ports

65A and65B; (iii) a power cordmanagement post region62C for winding up excess power cord from appliances being supplied power from the device; (iv) afoot flange portion62D extending about the perimeter of the planar plateau-like region62A, and engaging the central aperture66A in a snap-fit manner to hold the central power-hub assembly62 within the central aperture66A of thehousing base portion66; and (v)bottom base portion62E on the bottom side of the planar plateau-like region62A, containing electrical receptacles, PC boards and other components shown inFIG. 24.

As shown inFIGS. 19A,20,21A,21B and22, thehousing base portion66 comprises: central aperture66A for supporting the central power power-hub assembly62, via thefoot flange portion62D; a 3D interior volume having geometrical dimensions for containing power adapter, modules and plugs and excess power cable, as shown; anedge aperture72B formed in the upper edge of the base housing side wall, aligned with therise opening68A, andedge aperture72A of thehousing cover portion66; acable connector67 mounted in the side wall of thehousing base portion66, for receiving the distal end ofelectrical power cord15 that supplies primary electrical power to the device, and all electrical appliances connected to the device.

As shown inFIGS. 19A,20,21A,21B and22, the pliant (i.e. flexible) power cord wrap guides67A through67D are installed about the perimeter of the central power-hub structure62, anchored on its inside diameter and free on its outer diameter to be picked up so thatexcess power cord12A can be gently tucked therebeneath, around the perimeter of the central power-hub assembly62 within thehousing base portion66, to neatly manage excess power cord length within the device.

As shown inFIGS. 21A,21B and22, the center spacer (e.g. several inches high)68 has a cut-outopening68A, aligned with

edge apertures

17B and72 snap-fits onto the top portion of thehousing bottom portion66, to increase the height dimension of the base portion of the housing. As shown, thehousing cover portion69 attaches to the top portion of the center riser/spacer portion68 as shown, and covers and conceals the power-hub assembly62 and power adapters and plugs plugged into the power-hub structure62.

As shown inFIGS. 17A,17B and18, thehousing cover portion69 further comprise:air vents70A through70E about its top perimeter region allowing the passage of warm heated air from within the 3D interior volume of thehousing base portion66, and thus providing ventilation to the interior of the device; a set of

plug apertures

71A,71B and71C for passing the electrical plugs ofAC power cord87 and USB power plugs86A and86B shown inFIG. 21A; anedge aperture72A, formed at the upper edge region of the cover housing side wall, and aligned withedge aperture17B formed inhousing base portion66, to form apower cord portal72 formed in thehousing base portion66,riser portion68, andhousing cover portion69, thereby allowing a group or bundle ofelectrical power cords12A associated with a set of electrical appliances, to enter/exit the device, when the housing base and cover portions are connected together, as shown inFIG. 22; ON/OFF power switch andindicator73, mounted within the side wall of thehousing base portion66, and electrically connected to the circuitry contained in the central power-hub structure62 and schematically depicted inFIG. 24.

As shown inFIG. 18, when taken together, air circulation vents61A through61E formed in thehousing base portion66 andair vents70A through70F formed in thehousing cover portion69, provide a passive-type of thermal management subsystem embodied within the device so that all power adapters contained therein are maintained within safe interior operating temperature limits. As illustrated, cool and warm airflows move through the thermal management subsystem.

As best shown in the exploded diagrams ofFIGS. 21A and 21B, the planar (plateau-like)region62A of the power-hub assembly62 snap fits into the central aperture of thehousing base portion66. Also,electrical receptacles63A through63E, electronic

PC circuit board

64A,64B and other electrical components specified in the electrical circuit diagram ofFIG. 24, are contained beneath planar (plateau-like) region, and interconnect the components ofFIG. 24, together, and supply electrical power thereto, during device operation.

As shown inFIG. 22, thehousing cover portion69 is installed on thehousing base portion66, and several electrical appliances are connected to and powered by the device. Also,FIGS. 6 and 6A reveals a number of features: (i) that theelectrical receptacles63A through63F are arranged about the centralized power-hub62 to optimize space within the 3D interior volume of the device, and accommodate the storage of power adapters, modules and plugs formed at the terminal portions of appliance power cords; and (ii) thecable channel76 leading from theexternal power cord15 of the device, towards its central power power-hub assembly62 shown inFIG. 6, for interconnection with the power circuitry illustrated inFIG. 24.FIG. 20 illustrates the geometry of this channel in the illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B reveal dry-wall anchors78 for mounting the device to a wall surface, or to the underside surface of a desktop.FIGS. 21A and 21B reveal thebottom air vents70A through70F formed in thehousing base portion66 around the perimeter region thereof.FIGS. 23A and 23B reveal the spatial relationship among the components in the device, and how components are assembled together.

As shown inFIG. 24, the electrical andelectronic circuitry80 contained within the device housing, comprises: theelectrical power cord15 that plugs intopower plug port67 formed on the exterior of thebase portion66 of the housing; an isolation-type power transformer81;surge protection circuitry82 connected to the output terminals of theisolation transformer81; ON/OFF switch andindicator73 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g. Green=READY, Red=NOT READY); asignal conditioning circuit83; multipleelectrical receptacles63A through63G supplying AC power from thesignal conditioning circuit83; and an AC/DC converter84 supplying the

USB power ports

65A,65B.

As shown inFIG. 22, the electricalpower supplying device1′ is on a desktop or floor surface, and provides external access to anexternal power receptacle63G and a

USB power ports

65A,65B, while a bundle ofpower cables22 from electrical appliances enter/exit the power cable portal77 provided on the side of the device of the present invention. However,device1′ can be mounted on a wall surface, or other horizontal or vertical surface.

As shown inFIG. 22, thehousing cover portion69 can be easily lifted off the power-hub housing portion of the electricalpower supplying device1′ to reveal a number of things, namely: (i) electrical power provided to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation ofFIGS. 1A and 1B; (ii) several power plugs and power adapter plugs supported about thecentral power post62B; and (iii) the length of a plurality ofelectrical cords22A, associated with the electrical appliances, being neatly managed about thecord management post62D and/or beneathcable management elements67A through67D in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention, and ultimately extend out thepower cord portal72.

Referring toFIGS. 25 and 26, a method of using the power-supplying device ofFIGS. 17A through 17C will now be described.

As shown inFIG. 25, the first step of the method involves removing thehousing cover portion69 from the housing spacer/riser portion68, to allowseveral power adapters85A through85D and power plugs to be plugged into the central power-hub structure62 stored within the 3D interior volume of thehousing base portion66, as shown.

Then, the excess length of the electrical power cords of these electrical plugs is managed by routing each power cord from its electrical appliance, along an intended route within the workstation environment, back to thepower cord portal72 on the device, and then wrapping/routing any excess length ofpower cord22A (beyond the power cord portal to its power adapter) about postregion62C, and/or behind the power cord wrap guides67A through67D, to take up any and all excess cord (i.e. cord slack), and ensure that the excess power cord is neatly managed within the interior volume of the device, as shown inFIG. 25.

As shown inFIG. 25, the next step of the method is to replace thehousing cover portion69 onto thehousing spacer portion68 of thepower supplying device1′. Then as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B, several additional USB power plugs86A and86B andAC power plug87 are plugged into

electrical receptacles

86A and86B of the centralized power-hub assembly87. At any time, thehousing cover portion69 can be easily removed from the power-hub housing portion, and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks85A through85E can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within the power supplying device to meet requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, as the case may be.

In general, the electricalpower supplying device1′ can be supported on a variety of surfaces other than floor surfaces, such as, for example, countertop surfaces, shelf surfaces, pedestals, table surfaces, kitchen countertop surfaces, and the like, where electrical appliances are deployed for use and require electrical power for operation. Also, while the device is shown in an interior workspace inFIG. 16, it is understood that the device of the present invention can also be used safely outdoors, provided it is protected from the natural elements, to protect from electrical shock and shorting.

The Electrical Power Supplying Device According to a Third Illustrative Embodiment of the Present Invention

InFIGS. 26A through 34B, a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown realized in the form of an electricalpower supplying device1″ that is supplied with electrical power through a flexiblecoiled power cord15 plugged into a standardelectrical power receptacle11. The primary difference betweendevice1″ anddevice1 is that the power-receptacle assembly (i.e. central power-hub structure)162 in thedevice1″ of the third illustrative embodiment is realized not as an island-like structure, but rather as a peninsula-like structure162A, centrally located and extending towards the perimeter of thecentral housing portion166 of thedevice1″, as shown inFIGS. 27,28 and29.

As shown inFIGS. 26A through 30, the electrical power supplying device1″ comprises an assembly of components, namely: a power supply cord15 for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a power supply plug, and supplying electrical power to said electrical power supplying device; a central housing portion166 having a central aperture166A defined by the perimeter edges166C of the central housing portion166 as shown inFIG. 27, and a 3D interior volume166B having a capacity for holding a plurality of power adapter modules85A,85B associated with the group of electrical appliances located in the environment, wherein each power adapter module is terminated in a power plug as shown; a power-receptacle assembly or structure162 supported within a central portion of the central housing portion166, and adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles63A through63G and one or more electronic circuits depicted inFIG. 31, which are electrically connected to the power supply cord15, and wherein the power plugs of the power adapter modules can be plugged into the electrical receptacles63A through63G and the power adapter modules85A,85B, power plugs85C,85D,85E and85F and excess power cord associated therewith stored and concealed within the 3D interior volume166B; a housing cover portion169 for covering the central aperture166A and power-receptacle assembly162 and concealing the power plugs, and the power adapter modules85A,85B plugged into the central power-receptacle structure162; a power cord portal177 having a first portal portion177A formed in the central housing portion and a second portal portion177B formed in the housing cover portion169, to allow a group of electrical power cords associated with the group of electrical appliances, to enter/exit said 3D interior volume in a bundled manner; and a base housing portion168 snap mounted beneath and covering the bottom and certain side portions of the central housing portion166, as shown inFIG. 28 and having a portal cut-out portion177C that is spatially aligned with portal portions177A, when the central housing portion166 and the base housing portion168 are assembled together, as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29.

In general, the centralreceptacle housing portion162A supports, internally, the assembly of electrical power-receptacles63A through63G indicated inFIG. 31, and a printedcircuit board80A supporting electrical andelectronic circuitry80, and being mounted on abase plate162B attaching to and closing off anaperture166C formed in thebottom surface166B of thecentral housing portion166. Thebase plate162B has perimeter dimensions that match perimeter dimensions of centralreceptacle housing portion162A, and onto which the centralreceptacle housing portion162A is snap-fit mounted to form a unitary structure when assembled as shown inFIGS. 27 and 28; and apower cord portal172, realized as a firstportal portion172A formed in thecentral housing portion166 for passing ofappliance port cords12 into and out of thedevice1″.

As shown inFIGS. 26A through 30, the central power-receptacle assembly162 comprises: central power-receptacle housing162A extending from the central housing floor166D, and containingelectrical receptacles63A through63F for receiving AC power cords, and printed circuit (PC)board80A, and alsoelectrical power receptacle63G and one or moreUSB port ports65A (and65B) that are accessible from outside the device, as shown inFIGS. 26A,26B.

As shown inFIGS. 28,29 and30, the 3Dinterior volume166B of thecentral housing portion166 has geometrical dimensions providing the capacity to contain power adapters and

modules

85A,85B, and plugs85C through85F and excess power cable associated therewith, as shown.

As shown inFIGS. 26A,27A and29, the edge orperimeter aperture166C formed in the upper edge of the side wall of thecentral housing portion166, spatially aligns with edge aperture of thehousing cover portion169 when thehousing cover portion169 is snap-fitted onto thecentral housing portion166, as shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B.

As best shown in the exploded diagrams ofFIGS. 28 and 30, the power-receptacle assembly162 snap fits into the bottom floor of thehousing base portion66. Also,electrical receptacles63A through63E, electronic

PC circuit board

64A,64B and other electrical components specified in the electrical circuit diagram ofFIG. 24, are contained within the power-receptacle assembly housing, and interconnect the components ofFIG. 24, together, and supply electrical power thereto, during device operation.

As shown inFIGS. 31A and 31B, thehousing cover portion169 is installed on thehousing portion166, and several electrical appliances are connected to and powered by the device. Also,FIGS. 27 and 29 reveal that theelectrical receptacles63A through63F are arranged about the power-receptacle assembly162 to optimize space within the 3D interior volume of the device, and accommodate the storage of power adapters, modules and plugs formed at the terminal portions of appliance power cords.

The electrical andelectronic circuitry80 contained within the device housing are shown inFIG. 31, comprising: theelectrical power cord15 that plugs into a power plug port formed on the side exterior wall of thecentral housing portion166; an isolation-type power transformer81;surge protection circuitry82 connected to the output terminals of theisolation transformer81; ON/OFF switch andindicator73 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g. Green=READY, Red=NOT READY); asignal conditioning circuit83; multipleelectrical receptacles63A through63G supplying AC power from thesignal conditioning circuit83; and an AC/DC converter84 supplying the

USB power ports

65A,65B, all components contained indevice1″.

Preferably, thehousing cover portion169 includes air vents about its top perimeter region allowing the passage of warm heated air from within the 3D interior volume of thehousing portion166, and thus providing ventilation to the interior of the device. Also, an ON/OFF power switch and indicator173 can be mounted within the side wall of thehousing portion166, and electrically connected to thecircuitry80 contained in the central power-receptacle structure162 and schematically depicted inFIG. 31. When taken together, air circulation vents formed in thehousing base portion166 and air vents formed in thehousing cover portion169, provide a passive-type of thermal management subsystem embodied within the device so that all power adapters contained therein are maintained within safe interior operating temperature limits. As illustrated, cool and warm airflows move through the thermal management subsystem.

InFIGS. 32A through 32D, the electricalpower supplying device1″ is shown mounted on a desktop or floor surface, either vertically inFIG. 32 and horizontally inFIG. 33A through 33C, and in both configurations provides external access toexternal power receptacle63G and

USB power ports

65A,65B, through apertures formed in the side wall ofcentral housing portion166, while a bundle ofpower cables22 from electrical appliances enter/exit the power cable portal177 provided on the side of thehousing166. However,device1″ can be mounted on a wall surface, or other horizontal or vertical surface.

As shown inFIGS. 34A and 34B, thehousing cover portion169 can be easily lifted off the power-hub housing portion of the electricalpower supplying device1″ to reveal a number of features, namely: (i) that electrical power provided to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation ofFIGS. 1A and 1B; (ii) several power plugs and power adapter plugs are supported about the central power structure (i.e. peninsula)162; and (iii) the length of a plurality ofelectrical cords22A, associated with the electrical appliances, are neatly managed within the housing, in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention, and ultimately extend out thepower cord portal172.

The method of using the power-supplyingdevice1″ is similar to that described for other embodiments, except that in the third embodiment, excess length of the electrical power cords of these electrical plugs is managed by winding up neatly within the interior volume of the device, as shown. Once power plugs are plugged into the power-receptacle assembly, and cords bundled and routed through port177 and towards respective appliances. Thereafter, thehousing cover portion69 is replaced onto thehousing spacer portion68 of thepower supplying device1′. Thereafter, several additional USB power plugs and AC power plug can be plugged into external

electrical receptacles

86A and86B of the power-receptacle assembly162. At any time, thehousing cover portion169 can be easily removed from thecentral housing portion166, and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks85A through85E can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within thepower supplying device1″ to meet requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, as the case may be.

In general, the electricalpower supplying device1″ can be supported on a variety of surfaces other than floor surfaces, such as, for example, countertop surfaces, shelf surfaces, pedestals, table surfaces, kitchen countertop surfaces, and the like, where electrical appliances are deployed for use and require electrical power for operation. Also, while the device is shown in an interior workspace inFIGS. 32 and 33A through33C, it is understood that the device of the present invention can also be used safely outdoors, provided it is protected from the natural elements, to protect from electrical shock and shorting.

Some Modifications that Readily Come to Mind

While the thermal management subsystem employed in the illustrative embodiments was of the passive-type, it is understood that the thermal management subsystem can be realized as an electrically-active type air circulation system, designed to actively force cooler air from the ambient environment to flow the device to maintain the temperature within the 3D interior volume thereof within safe operating limits during power supplying operations.

In the event that a significant electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are generated by 60 HZ electrical currents flowing through appliance power cords managed/organized within the device during operation, then EMF shielding measures or techniques known in the EMF shielding art can be practiced to reduce or eliminate the electromagnetic field strength outside the device during operation. Such EMF shielding measures might include applying metallic foil to the interior surfaces of the housing components, as well as other suitable measures known in the art.

Also, in general, the housing and other components of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention can be manufactured using injection molded plastics and/or other materials having suitable characteristics and properties which will be known to those skilled in the art.

While several modifications to the illustrative embodiments have been described above, it is understood that various other modifications to the illustrative embodiment of the present invention will readily occur to persons with ordinary skill in the art. All such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying Claims to Invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment, wherein each said electrical appliance has a power cord routed through the environment and into said electrical power supplying device, and terminates with an appliance power plug, said electrical power supplying device comprising:

a power supply cord for plugging into a standard power receptacle by way of a power supply plug, and supplying electrical power to said electrical power supplying device;

a housing portion having a central aperture, and a 3D interior volume with a capacity for holding a plurality of power adapter modules associated with said group of electrical appliances located in said environment, wherein each said power adapter module is terminated in a power plug;

a power-receptacle assembly supported within an interior region of said housing portion, and adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to said power supply cord, and wherein the power plugs of said power adapter modules can be plugged into said electrical receptacles and said power adapter modules and excess power cord stored and concealed within said 3D interior volume;

a housing cover portion for covering said central aperture and said power-receptacle assembly and concealing said power plugs, and said power adapter modules; and

a power cord portal formed in at least a portion of said housing portion and/or said housing cover portion, to allow a group of electrical power cords associated with said group of electrical appliances, to enter/exit said 3D interior volume in a bundled manner.

2. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said housing portion includes a bottom surface, supporting a power-assembly housing extending from said bottom surface and containing said plurality of electrical receptacles, and an electronic PC circuit boards and electrical components.

3. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said power-receptacle assembly housing comprises a side wall surface through which an electrical power receptacle and at least one USB power port are supported.

4. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said power-receptacle assembly is centrally located within the interior region of said housing portion and extends towards the perimeter of said housing portion.

5. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said power-receptacle assembly is disposed like a peninsula within the interior region of said housing portion, extending from the perimeter of said housing portion, towards the center region of said housing portion.

6. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said power-receptacle assembly is centrally located within the interior region of said housing portion and is disposed like an island within the interior region of said housing portion.

7. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said housing portion is adapted for support on a horizontal support surface.

8. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 1, wherein said housing portion is adapted for support on a vertical wall surface using anchoring devices.

9. An electrical power supplying device for supplying electrical power to a group of electrical appliances located in an environment, wherein each said electrical appliance has a power cord routed through an environment and into said electrical power supplying device and terminating with an appliance power plug, said electrical power supplying device comprising:

a housing portion having a 3D interior volume with a capacity for holding a plurality of power adapter modules associated with said group of electrical appliances located in said environment, wherein each said power adapter module is terminated in a power plug;

a power-receptacle assembly supported within the central region of said housing portion, and adapted for supporting a plurality of electrical receptacles and one or more electronic circuits, which are electrically connected to said power supply cord, and wherein the power plugs of said power adapter modules can be plugged into said electrical receptacles and said power adapter modules and excess power cord stored and concealed within said 3D interior volume;

a housing cover portion for covering said power-receptacle assembly and said housing base portion and concealing said power plugs, and said power adapter module; and

a power cord portal formed in at least a portion of said housing base portion, to allow a group of electrical power cords associated with said group of electrical appliances, to enter/exit said 3D interior volume in a bundled manner.

10. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said housing base portion includes a central aperture, and wherein said power-receptacle assembly comprises:

a substantially planar base portion;

a central hub portion extending from said substantially planar base portion and containing said plurality of electrical receptacles, and an electronic PC circuit boards and electrical components; and

a foot flange, extending about the substantially planar base portion, for snap fitting into said central aperture of said housing portion.

11. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 7, wherein said central hub portion further comprises a top surface through which an electrical power receptacle and at least one USB power ports are supported; and wherein said housing cover portion includes a first set of apertures for allowing an electrical plug to be plugged into said electrical power receptacle and at least one USB power plug said at least one USB power ports.

12. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 2, wherein said housing portion further comprise a set of flexible power cord wrap guides mounted within said 3D interior volume, about the perimeter of said central power-receptacle assembly, and being anchored on its inside diameter closet towards said central power-receptacle assembly, while being free on the outer diameter away from said central power-receptacle assembly, to be picked or lifted up so that excess power cord can be dropped therebehind, within said housing portion, to neatly manage excess power cord length within said device.

13. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 6, wherein said housing base portion further comprises a first set of air vents for passage of cool air into said 3D interior volume from a first region in said ambient environment; and wherein said housing cover portion further comprises a second set of air vents for passage of warmed air said 3D interior volume to a second region within said ambient environment.

14. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 6, wherein said housing base portion includes a central aperture, through which said power-receptacle assembly is snap-fit mounted.

15. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 14, which further comprises a housing spacer/riser portion for snap-fit mounted to edge regions of said housing portion; and wherein said housing cover portion for snap-fit mounts onto edge regions of said housing spacer portion.

16. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 14, wherein said power-receptacle assembly comprises:

a planar plateau-like region, beneath which are mounted said electrical receptacles for receiving AC power cords, and one or more printed circuit (PC) boards;

a central post structure extending from said planar plateau-like region, and containing said electrical power receptacle and at least one USB port;

a foot flange portion extending about the perimeter of said planar plateau-like region, and engaging the central aperture in a snap-fit manner to hold the central power-hub assembly within the central aperture of said housing base portion; and

a bottom base portion on the bottom side of said planar plateau-like region.

17. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 14, wherein said central post structure further comprises a top surface through which an electrical power receptacle and at least one USB power ports are supported; and wherein said housing cover portion includes a first set of apertures for allowing an electrical plug to be plugged into said electrical power receptacle and at least one USB power plug said at least one USB power ports.

18. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 16, wherein said central post structure allows excess power cord to be wound about central post structure.

19. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 18, wherein said housing portion further comprise a set of flexible power cord wrap guides mounted within said 3D interior volume, about the perimeter of said power-receptacle assembly, and being anchored on its inside diameter closet towards said central power-hub assembly, while being free on the outer diameter away from said power-receptacle assembly, to be picked or lifted up so that excess power cord can be dropped therebeneath, to neatly manage excess power cord length within said device.

20. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said housing cover portion has at least one plug aperture aligned with said electrical receptacles, and allowing a power plug associated with said electrical appliance to plug into said electrical receptacle.

21. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said housing cover portion further comprises at least one USB power port.

22. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said power cord portal is formed in said housing base portion, allowing the passage of electrical cords through said power cord portal.

23. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said housing portion is adapted for support on a horizontal support surface.

24. The electrical power supplying device ofclaim 9, wherein said housing portion is adapted for support on a vertical wall surface using anchoring devices.