DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an improved power socket strip having better load absorbing capabilities.

BACKGROUND

Owing to the increase in the number of electrical appliances being used in our routine lives, it is quite common nowadays to plug an extension power socket board or panel into a mains supply power socket to accommodate multiple appliances through the single mains supply power socket. In fact, considering that it is not practical to have one mains supply power socket for each appliance, such boards or panels have become quite a necessity in today’s times. The usually long cords of these boards allow for ease in positioning and handling of these boards.

However, when multiple plugs of appliances are inserted into the extension power socket board, the board usually loses its stability in positioning. This is because the existing boards are generally not built by considering weight and alignment of the power plugs. This instability may further lead to falling or tumbling of the boards leading to damage to the inserted plugs and the nearby products. Moreover, such incidents may also disrupt the mains supply to the appliances causing inconvenience to a consumer. Furthermore, the existing boards are not constructed to absorb high loads, for example, in case of rough handling or tumbling. Therefore, they tend to get damaged in such circumstances incurring additional cost of repair and associated inconvenience.

SUMMARY

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.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power socket strip is disclosed. The power socket strip includes a base component having a front surface and a back surface formed opposite to the front surface, and a plurality of power sockets disposed on the front surface of the base component. Each power socket is adapted to receive a power plug of an appliance. The power socket strip includes a supporter adapted to accommodate the base component. The supporter includes a slot to receive the base component such that the front surface and the back surface of the base component are facing the exterior, and a pair of legs formed at opposite edges of the slot in a direction towards the back surface of the base component and adapted to be positioned on a resting surface. The supporter is adapted to absorb the physical load of the power socket strip.

To further clarify the 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 DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a power socket strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates a front view and a back view of the power socket strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B illustrates a first side view, a bottom view, a second side view, and a top view of the power socket strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the power socket strip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 FIGURES

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 system, 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. 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 system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more element is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

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

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a power socket strip 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A illustrates a front view 202 and a back view 204 of the power socket strip 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B illustrates a first side view 206, a bottom view 208, a second side view 210, and a top view 212 of the power socket strip 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the power socket strip 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity and ease in understanding of the invention, Figure 1, Figure 2A, Figure 2B, and Figure 3 are explained in conjunction with each other.

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2A, Figure 2B, and Figure 3, the power socket strip 100 may include, but is not limited to, a base component 102, a plurality of power sockets 104 disposed in the base component 102, and a supporter 106 adapted to accommodate the base component 102.

In an embodiment, the base component 102 may be formed by a base plate 302 and a cover plate 304 adapted to be disposed on the base plate 302, as illustrated particularly in Figure 3. Further, the power sockets 104 may individually be referred to as the power socket 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the power socket strip 100 is shown to include four power sockets 104, individually referred to as the power socket 104-1, the power socket 104-2, the power socket 104-3, and the power socket 104-4. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the number of power sockets 104 to be disposed in the power socket strip 100 may vary depending on operational requirements of the power socket strip 100. Therefore, in other embodiments, the power socket strip 100 may include less or greater number of power sockets 104, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The power socket strip 100 may also include a cord 108 connecting a plug 306 to other electrical components of the power socket strip 100. The plug 306 may be adapted to be inserted into a mains supply power socket for supplying the mains supply to the power sockets 104.

Further, the power socket strip 100 may include an actuating switch 110 disposed in the base component 102 and adapted to be operated to control power supply to the power sockets 104. Therefore, in an activated operational state of the actuating switch 110, the mains supply to the power sockets 104 is enabled. In an inactivated operational state, the mains supply to the power sockets 104 is disabled. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating switch 110 is a push-type switch. In other embodiments, the actuating switch 110 may include, but is not limited to, a sliding switch, a rotary switch, a toggle-type switch, and a rocker-type switch, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the power socket strip 100 may include an indicator 112 adapted to indicate the operational state of the actuating switch 110 and in turn of the power sockets 104. In an embodiment, the indicator 112 may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator. In an embodiment, an illuminated state of the indicator 112 may indicate that the actuating switch 110 is activated and the power sockets 104 are therefore receiving the mains supply. On the other hand, a non-illuminated state of the indicator 112 may indicate that the actuating switch 110 is inactivated and the power sockets 104 are therefore not receiving the mains supply.

The base component 102 may include, but is not limited to, a front surface 114 and a back surface 214 formed opposite to the front surface 114. The power sockets 104 may be disposed on the front surface 114 of the base component 102. Each power socket 104 may be adapted to receive a power plug of an appliance. For example, the appliance may be a television, a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop, a refrigerator, and a chimney.

In an embodiment, the supporter 106 may include a slot 116 to receive the base component 102. The base component 102 may be received such that the front surface 114 and the back surface 214 of the base component 102 are facing the exterior. The base component 102 may be accommodated in the supporter 106 such that the back surface 214 of the base component 102 is not in contact with the resting surface when the power socket strip 100 is positioned on the resting surface. Therefore, there is a gap between the back surface 214 and the resting surface when the power socket strip 100 is positioned on the resting surface. Further, the base component 102 may be accommodated in the supporter 106 such that a gap is formed between each side edge 120 of the base component 102 and the supporter 106. The side edges 120 are individually referred to as 120-1 and 120-2. Such gaps allow the power socket strip 100 to effectively absorb load without causing damage to the constituent components.

In an embodiment, the base component 102 is detachably accommodated in the supporter 106. In an embodiment, the base component 102 may include at least one first engaging part 308 and the supporter 106 may include at least one second engaging part 310. The first engaging parts 308 are individually referred to as 308-1, 308-2, 308-3, and 308-4 in the illustrated embodiment. Similarly, the second engaging parts 310 are individually referred to as 310-1, 310-2, 310-3, and 310-4. The second engaging part 310 may be formed based on positioning of the first engaging part 308 on the base component 102. The second engaging part 310 may be adapted to removably connect with the first engaging part 308 for forming the power socket strip 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engaging parts 308 are formed on an outer surface of the base plate 302 and the second engaging parts 310 are formed on inner surface of the supporter 106. In another embodiment, the engaging parts 308, 310 may be formed in any other alignment as far as they can be effectively engaged to form the assembly.

The supporter 106 may include a pair of legs 118 formed at opposite edges of the slot 116. The legs 118 may individually be referred to as 118-1 and 118-2. The legs 118 may be formed in a direction towards the back surface 214 of the base component 102 and adapted to be positioned on a resting surface. The resting surface may be a ground surface or a wall surface. The construction of the supporter 106 is such that the supporter 106 is adapted to absorb the physical load on the power socket strip 100, say, through the legs 118.

In an embodiment, each leg 118 may include a flat surface 216 adapted to be in contact with the resting surface for positioning the power socket strip 100. Further, the flat surface 216 may include a slot 218 to engage with a hook portion on the resting surface. Therefore, the power socket strip 100 can be stably placed on the resting surface through the engagement of the slots 218 with the hook portions. This would also enable the power socket strip 100 to be hung on a vertical surface if needed.

As would be gathered, the present disclosure offers the power socket strip 100 having improved load absorbing capabilities. First of all, the construction of the power socket strip 100 is such that it can be positioned on the resting surface in a stable manner. Further, owing to the detachable assembly of the power socket strip 100, the base component 102 and the supporter 106 can be individually replaced if needed. Therefore, the consumer does not have to replace the entire power socket strip 100 in case of damage to any part. This would ensure a cost-effective operation of the power socket strip 100.

Furthermore, the power socket strip 100 can be conveniently positioned in a vertical alignment as well as in a horizontal alignment. Moreover, the supporter 106 is formed such that it can absorb any physical load exerting on the power socket strip 100 during its usage. For example, the gaps formed between the side edges 120 of the supporter 106 and the base component 102 assist in absorbing the load. As a result, the load bearing capabilities and in turn durability of the power socket strip 100 are significantly improved. Therefore, the power socket strip 100 of the present disclosure is operation-effective, cost-effective, durable, load-absorbing, and offer significant convenience to the consumer.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. A power socket strip (100) comprising:
a base component (102) comprising a front surface (114) and a back surface (214) formed opposite to the front surface (114);
a plurality of power sockets (104) disposed on the front surface (114) of the base component (102), wherein each power socket (104) is adapted to receive a power plug of an appliance; and
a supporter (106) adapted to accommodate the base component (102), the supporter (106) comprising:
a slot (116) to receive the base component (102) such that the front surface (114) and the back surface (214) of the base component (102) are facing the exterior; and
a pair of legs (118) formed at opposite edges of the slot (116) in a direction towards the back surface (214) of the base component (102) and adapted to be positioned on a resting surface,
wherein the supporter (106) is adapted to absorb the physical load of the power socket strip (100).

2. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) is detachably accommodated in the supporter (106).

3. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
the base component (102) having at least one first engaging part (308); and
the supporter (106) having at least one second engaging part (310) formed based on positioning of the at least one first engaging part (308) on the base component (102),
wherein the at least one second engaging part (308) is adapted to removably connect with the at least one first engaging part (310) for forming the power socket strip (100).

4. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of legs (118) comprising a flat surface (216) adapted to be in contact with the resting surface for positioning the power socket strip (100).

5. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flat surface (216) comprising a slot (218) to engage with a hook portion on the resting surface.

6. The power socket strip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) is accommodated in the supporter (106) such that the back surface (214) of the base component (102) is not in contact with the resting surface when the power socket strip (100) is positioned on the resting surface.

7. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base component (102) is accommodated in the supporter (106) such that a gap is formed between each side edge (120) of the base component (102) and the supporter (106).

8. The power socket strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an actuating switch (110) disposed on the front surface (114) of the base component (102) and adapted to be operated to control power supply to the plurality of power sockets (104).