Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A power outlet/charger (100) for charging a portable electric/electronic device, the power outlet/charger (100) comprising:
an electrically insulating housing (102) having a proximal end (104) having an opening (106) and a distal end (108) having an electrical connector;
an electronic converter circuit fixedly housed in the housing (102);
a USB connector (112) disposed through the proximal end opening (106);
a front cover (114) hingedly attached at the proximal end (104) of the housing (102);
a spring (116) for providing a closing force to the front cover (114) when the USB connector (112) is not in use;
the front cover (114) including a through hole (118) having disposed within a fixed lock (120) and a movable lock (122) that co-operate with the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) thereby locking the front cover (114) with respect to the proximal end (104) of the housing (102).

2. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) defines a first set of a pivot bosses (124), the front cover (114) defines a second pivot boss (126) and a pivot shaft (128) couplesthe first set of a pivot bosses (124) and the second pivot boss (126).

3. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the spring (116) for providing a closing force to the front cover (114) is a torsion springwhich is located so as to be concentric to the pivot shaft (128).

4. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) defines a set of spaced apart arms (130) that extend outwardly and co-operate with the fixed lock (120) and the movable lock(122).

5. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 4, wherein a distance between proximal ends (132) of the arms (130) is having a first value, a distance between intermediate locations (134) of the arms (130) is having a second value, and a distance between distal ends (136) of the arms (130) is having a third value, wherein the first value is greater than the third value and whereinthe second value is lesser than the third value.
6. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proximal ends (132) of the arms (130) are connected to the intermediate location (134) via asloping surface (138).

7. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable lock (122) includes a compression spring (140) located within the through hole(118) and a ball (142) which protrudes partially from the through hole (118).

8. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed lock (120)includes a non-movable member (144) having a curved outer surface (146).

9. The power outlet/charger as claimed in claims 5 to 8, wherein the ball (142) is compressed against the compression spring (140) when the movable lock (122) traverses between the proximal ends (132) and the intermediate locations (134) of the arms (130) and returns to a non-compressed state when the movable lock (122) traverses between the intermediate locations (134) and the distal ends (136) of the arms (130).

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power outlet/charger and, more particularly, to a universal serial bus (USB) charger for vehicles which is capable of charging the electric/electronic devices such as a smart phone using the power of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The utilization of USB-devices as the power source and for data-transmission has now become commonplace. The same has also become rampant in respect of vehicles, since the same allows the vehicle-engine/battery to energize the electric/electronic devices such as mobile devices, hand-held computing devices, Tablet computer, PDAs etc.

USB-receptacles may be seen present within the handlebar, beneath the seat, or any other user-accessible place within the vehicle. As far as handlebar is concerned, the USB device may be made a part of the handlebar switch-assembly or mounted anywhere within the instrument cluster or may be disposed in a concealed area (say beneath the seat).

Yet, the problem with such installation is that the USB device remains prone to seepage of dust, moisture owing to exposure to outside environment. As a result, the USB module undergoes physical and functional damage over a period of time and needs to be replaced periodically, thereby leading to added expenditure.

In order to overcome this shortcoming, numerous attempts have been made in the past and is still continued. One of the most conventional way to reduce such seepage of dust or moistureis to provide a cap or cover which closes the entry point where the USB cable is inserted.

Numerous attempts were made to design and construct the cap or cover, which not only effectively seals the USB receptacles but also undergoes minimal damage over a period of time.

By way of example, Indian Patent Application No. 201811010088 (hereafter prior art 1) relates to an electronic charging component. Referring to Figure 1, which is a perspective view of the prior art 1,illustrates an electronic charging component (10) which comprises a universal serial bus(USB) port (12).The electroniccharging component (10) further comprises a cap (14). The cap (14) is configured to be manually movedfrom opened position to closed position and vice versa. The disadvantage with such type of cap (14) is that it requires user’s effort to close the cap, when USB port (12) is not in use. Since user may/may not take the effort in closing the same, it remains in the open position for most of the time and hence fail to serve the purpose for which it is designed/constructed.

By way of example, Indian Patent Application No. IN201624036724 (hereafter prior art 2) relates to a universal serial bus (USB) chargerfor vehicles. Referring to Figure 2, which is a perspective view of the prior art 2, illustrates aUSB charger (20) which comprises a casing (22) accommodating a USB charging port (24) and a cover (26) to open and close a front surface of the casing (22). The casing (22) comprises a caulking groove (28) to co-operate with a corresponding snap fit flap (30) disposed on the cover (26). The cover (26) is hinged to the casing (22) with the help of a pin/shaft (32). This pin/shaft (32) aids in opening and closing of the cover (26). However, due to absence of any resilience means or spring, the cover (26) falls short of the minimum force required for the cover (26) to travel to the casing’s caulking groove (28) and hence stops at an intermediary location between the open position and the close position. This may protect the USB charging port (24) from ingress of dust/moisture to some extent but lacks the effectiveness which is desired from an auto-closable cover. Also, such snap-fit flaps cannot be closed without user’s effort and hence need to be manually closed.
In other words, the cover exemplified in prior art 2 is better than the type of cover exemplified in prior art 1, but it does not effectively serve the purpose as USB charging port is still exposed to foreign contaminants.

To overcome the above shortcoming, a spring or resilient means is provided concentric to the pin/shaft in order to impart such levelof forces which enables the cover to effectively travel towards the casing and also seal the USB port properly.

By way of example, US Patent No. US9438051 (hereafter prior art 3) relates to a power outlet/charger (40). Referring to Figure 3, which is a perspective view of the prior art 3, illustrates an power outlet/charger (40) which comprises a housing (42) accommodating a USB charging port (44) and a cover (46) to open and close the front surface of the housing (42). The housing (42) comprises caulking grooves (48) to co-operate with their corresponding snap-fit locking teeth (50) disposed on the inner surface of the cover (46). The cover (46) is hinged to the housing (42) with the help of a pin/shaft (52), under the force of a spring (54). Due to presence of the spring (54), the cover (46) travel towards the housing’s caulking grooves (48) but stops at the verge of closing position and waits for the user to manually snap fit the locking teeth (50) into their respective grooves (48). This protect the USB charging port (44) from ingress of dust/moisture to a much greater extent as compared to prior art 2 but lacks the effectiveness which is desired from an auto-closable cover as USB charging port is still exposed to foreign contaminants.

Hence, it is the object of the present invention to solve the problems/shortcomings exemplified via Prior art 1, 2 and 3 but just not limiting to the disadvantages of prior art 1, 2 and 3 only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a power outlet/charger (100) for charging a portableelectric/electronic device. The power outlet/charger comprises an electricallyinsulating housing (102) having a proximal end (104) having an opening (106) and a distal end (108) having anelectrical connector. The power outlet/charger (100) comprises an electronic convertercircuit fixedly housed in the housing (102). The power outlet/charger (100)further comprises a USBconnector (112) disposed through the proximal end opening (106). The power outlet/charger (100) further comprises a front cover (114) hingedly attached at the proximal end (104) of the housing (102). Thepower outlet/charger (100) further comprises a spring (116) for providing a closing force to the frontcover (114) when the USB connector (112) is not in use. In an embodiment of the invention, thefront cover (114) including a through hole (118) having disposed within a fixed lock (120) and amovable lock (122) that co-operate with the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) thereby lockingthe front cover (114) with respect to the proximal end (104) of the housing (102).

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the Prior Art 1in relation to the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the Prior Art 2 in relation to the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the Prior Art 3 in relation to the present invention;
Figure 4 (a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4 (d) illustrates the front, back and two isometric views of a power outlet/charger respectively, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates anexploded view of thepower outlet/charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6illustrates a sectional view of the movable lock and the fixed lock of the power outlet/charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the movable lock and the fixed lock of the power outlet/charger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the power outlet/charger with the front cover in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of the power outlet/charger with the front cover in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 4 (a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) illustrates the front, back and two isometric views of the power outlet/charger (100), in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Now referring to Figure 5, which illustrates an exploded view of the power outlet/charger (100), in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.The power outlet/charger comprises an electricallyinsulating housing (102) having a proximal end (104) and a distal end (108). The electricallyinsulating housing (102) further comprises side wall (s) extending from the proximal end (104) to the distal end (108). The proximal end (104) comprises an opening (106) and the distal end (108) having anelectrical connector.

The power outlet/charger (100)further comprises a USBconnector (112) disposed through the proximal end opening (106). The USB connector (112) is aUSB style female connector for receiving a male USBconnector to connect anelectric/electronic devices such as mobile devices, hand-held computing devices, Tablet computer, PDAs etc.

In an embodiment of the invention, an orifice is providedat the distal end (108) of the housing (102) to allow passage of the electrical connectors through them. A protective member (110) is provided around said orifice to prevent any ingress of contaminations such as water, dust, moisture etc.

The power outlet/charger (100) comprises an electronic convertercircuit (not shown) fixedly housed in the housing (102).In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic converter circuit includes a DCto DC converter which converts the 12-14 volts supply voltage from the vehicle to the 5 volts USB standard. Details of the electronic converter circuit on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)are not described herein as it is well known in the art.

Either of the proximal end (104)/ distal end (108) can be manufactured non-fixedly with the side wall (s) of the electricallyinsulating housing (102) so as to have at least one of the end open/available to dispose the electronic converter circuit inside the electricallyinsulating housing (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the proximal end (104) may be overmolded to the side wall (s) of the electricallyinsulating housing (102).

The power outlet/charger (100) further comprises a front cover (114) hingedly attached at the proximal end (104) of the housing (102). Thepower outlet/charger (100) further comprises a spring (116) for providing a closing force to the frontcover (114) when the USB connector (112) is not in use. In an embodiment of the invention, the spring (116) for providing a closing force to the front cover (114) is a torsion spring. The parameters of the spring (116) is optimized to provide optimum closing force to the frontcover (114) so that it travels from opened to fully closed position.

In an embodiment of the invention, thefront cover (114) includes a through hole (118) having disposed within a fixed lock (120) and amovable lock (122) that co-operate with the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) thereby lockingthe front cover (114) with respect to the proximal end (104) of the housing (102).

In an embodiment of the invention, the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) defines a first set of a pivot bosses (124), the front cover (114) defines a second pivot boss (126) and a pivot shaft (128) couples the first set of a pivot bosses (124) and the second pivot boss (126). The spring (116) for providing a closing force to the front cover (114) is located so as to be concentric to the pivot shaft (128).

Now referring to Figure 6 , which is a sectional view of the movable lock (122) and the fixed lock (120), illustrates that the proximal end (104) of the housing (102) further defines a set of spaced apart arms (130) that extend outwardly and co-operate with the fixed lock (120) and the movable lock (122). Each spaced apart arms (130) includes a proximal end (132), a distal end (136) and an intermediate location (134) between the proximal end (132) and the distal end (136). Further, the proximal ends (132) of the arms (130) are connected to the intermediate location (134) via a sloping surface (138). In an embodiment of the invention, a distance between proximal ends (132) of the arms (130) is having a first value, a distance between intermediate locations (134) of the arms (130) is having a second value, and a distance between distal ends (136) of the arms (130) is having a third value, wherein the first value is greater than the third value and wherein the second value is lesser than the third value.

Now referring to Figure 7 , which is a top view of the movable lock (122) and the fixed lock (120), illustrates that that the movable lock (122)includes a compression spring (140) which is located within the through hole (118) and a ball (142) which protrudes partially from the through hole (118).The fixed lock (120) includes a non-movable member (144) having a curved outer surface (146).In an embodiment of the invention, the compression spring (140) and the ball (142) of the movable lock (122) is made up of metal, for example steel, preferably stainless steel. In an embodiment of the invention, the non-movable member (144) of the fixed lock (120) is made up of a non-metallic material, preferably a plastic-type material.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ball (142) is compressed against the compression spring (140) when the movable lock (122) traverses between the proximal ends (132) and the intermediate locations (134) of the arms (130) and returns to a non-compressed state when the movable lock (122) traverses between the intermediate locations (134) and the distal ends (136) of the arms (130).Once the fixed lock (120) and the movable lock (122) traverse from the intermediate location (134) to the distal ends (136) of the arms (130), the front cover (114) is completely/effectively locked between the spaced apart arms (130) and hence protect the USB connector (112) from ingress of any foreign contaminant thus making the power outlet/charger (100) more water-resistant or dust-resistant or contamination resistant.

Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the power outlet/charger (100) with the front cover (114) in an open position and Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of the power outlet/charger (100) with the front cover (114) in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages of the present invention:

1. The construction of the power outlet/charger (100) is such that it requires no/negligible effort from the user to close the front cover (114) when USB connector (112) is not in use. Hence, front cover (114) effectively serve the purpose of protecting the USB connector (112) from ingress of any foreign contaminant thus making the power outlet/charger (100) more water-resistant or dust-resistant or contamination resistant.

2. The construction of the front cover (114) is such that it transit from an opened position to a fully closed position and not to any intermediate position in between the opened and closed position.

3. The construction of the electrically insulated housing (102) and its proximal/distal ends (104,106) is such that they are well joined/bonded/welded/overmolded.

4. The construction of spring (116) and pivot shaft (128) is such that it allows smooth pivotal movement of the front cover (114).

5. The construction of the fixed lock (120) and the movable lock (122) is such that it completely/effectively locks the front cover (114) between the spaced apart arms (130).

6. The construction of the power outlet/charger (100) is such that it is compact yet user friendly andergonomic in nature.

7. The construction of the power outlet/charger (100) is such that it is simple in terms of its construction, easy to manufacture, manufactured at a reasonable price and has precisionin operation.

8. The construction of the power outlet/charger (100) is such that it undergoes less functional or physical damage over a prolonged period of time and hence possess better life span/operation cycles.

9. The construction of the protective member (110) is such that it protects the electrical connector and the PCB/electronic converter circuit from damage due to ingress of contamination and hence makes the charger more water-resistant, dust-resistant or contaminationresistant.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising onaccount of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, variousworking modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive conceptas taught herein.

The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a singlefunctional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functionalelements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. Moreover, all elements shown in the diagrams need not be implemented. The scope of embodiments is by nomeans limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in thespecification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, arepossible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

List of Numerals 10 Electronic Charging Component
12 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port
14 Cap
20 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Charger
22 Casing
24 USB Charging Port
26 Cover
28 Caulking Groove
30 Snap-fit Flap
32 Pin/Shaft
40 Power Outlet/Charger
42 Housing
44 USB Charging Port
46 Cover
48 Caulking Grooves
50 Snap-fit Locking Teeth
52 Pin/Shaft
54 Spring
100 Power Outlet/Charger
102 Electrically Insulating Housing
104 Proximal End
106 Opening
108 Distal End
110 Protective Member
112 USB Connector
114 Front Cover
116 Spring
118 Through Hole
120 Fixed Lock
122 Movable Lock
124 First Set Of a Pivot Bosses
126 Second Pivot Boss
128 Pivot Shaft
130 Spaced Apart Arms
132 Proximal Ends
134 Intermediate Locations
136 Distal Ends
138 Sloping Surface
140 Compression Spring
142 Ball
144 Non-Movable Member
146 Curved Outer Surface