Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GO N...F1GU RAM,Le, SAFETY I I GHT R EC E PTA CI ,E
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 This invention relates generally to electrical wall receptacles. In
particular, this invention
relates to replacement wall receptacles that can house specific function
inserts having common
mechanical and electrical interfaces
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In most conventional buildings, both residential and commercial,
electrical receptacles
are spaced out on walls at fixed intervals. This allows for convenient
distribution of power, but
does not typically provide any additional functionality. Each receptacle
typically provides two
outlets. The style of the provided outlet is usually detelmined by
geographical location and the
electrical standards of region.
[0003] In many buildings, emergency lighting is required to provide a means
for navigating in
the dark. There are two common needs for navigation in the dark. The first is
a conventional
night light situation, whereby a light is required to provide illumination in
a dark environment on
a regular basis; the other is for backup lighting. Backup lighting is also
referred to as blackout
lighting, and is required when there is a lower failure and lighting cannot be
turned on.
[0004] The prior art has attempted to address this situation by developing a
number of solutions
including both nightlights and rechargeable lights. Nightlights are typically
plugged-in to one of
the outlets provided in a standard receptacle. They often include switches,
that can be either
photosensitive or manually controlled. This allows the nightlight to be
deactivated during
daylight when it is not needed. Rechargeable lights are also designed to be
connected to an
outlet. Many of these lights will activate when they are no longer in a
charging state. Thus, a
rechargeable flashlight of this design will activate both upon being unplugged
and upon a power
failure.
[0005] One problem with both of these designs is that they consume an
electrical outlet, and
require external components that can be removed and accidentally disconnected.
Thus, an
integrated solution provides advantages.
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[0006] Backup lighting is necessary to ensure that individuals can safely
navigate through dark
and even unfamiliar locations. The need for these lights to operate on
emergency power is
increased in locations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and both industrial
and commercial
buildings in which individuals may be unfamiliar with floor plans and layouts.
Residential homes
benefit from emergency lighting as it enables homeowners, residents, and
guests to safely
navigate the home when power outages occur. Emergency rescue personnel are
often hampered
by the lack of knowledge of floor designs, increasing the time and effort
required to rescue
people from potentially dangerous situations.
[0007] Many solutions to backup lighting involve a dedicated lighting unit
connected to the
electrical power main. When a loss of power is detected, these systems turn
on. Although they
provide blackout lighting, they require additional wiring, which is
inconvenient during
construction, and expensive as a retrofit. The external units are often
unsightly and are single
purpose infrastructure items that serve no function other than emergency
lighting.
[0008] A key limitation of conventional emergency lighting, especially
considering residential
utilization, is installation of bulky and generally unappealing systems that
require direct access to
electrical outlet. In addition, these conventional emergency lights have a
single operational
function and hence cannot be tailored different emergency lighting scenerios
(ie power loss, low-
light illumination, smoke/fire detection). In addition, alternate lighting can
be provided by
external devices (ie a night light plugged into a receptacle) however, these
tend to be bulky and
diminish the use of the wall receptacle for other purposes.
[0009] Thus, there remains a need for discrete emergency lighting that can
automatically
illuminate and can allow a user enough flexibility to select the appropriate
emergency
illumination situation.
[0010] Prior art attempts at addressing this need are discussed below.
Typically they do not
provide a sufficiently integrated and flexible system.
[0011] U.S. Patents 6,010,288 and 6,000,807 both describes a light switch
plate and wall
receptacle plate that are installed in place of the normal flush mounted
plastic cover plates. While
generally easy to install as this senses the absence of power wirelessly, this
type of fixture plate
(in both thickness and length) is bulky, potentially unappealing and only has
the power outage
lighting feature via LED lights. Similarly U.S Patent 5,473,517 also use this
same type of bulky
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light switch plate but utilizes direct connection to 120VAC to sense the
presence or absence of
power to both with the illumination source being a relatively inefficient
fluorescent tube
arrangement.
[0012] U.S. Patent 6,045,232 describe an emergency light arrangement that has
both the
capability of providing lighting for power out conditions and night light for
illumination during
low light levels. While this does have expanded utility as it provides more
than just one type of
emergency lighting and does not utilize bulky plates, this is a direct
replacement of the wall
receptacle removing the ability to use this as a normal outlet. This then
precludes the use of this
in certain locations where there are limited numbers of wall receptacles.
100131 U.S. Patent 6,805,469 describes the complete replacement of the
internal wall receptacle
and light switch units with a custom light switch and wall receptacle that
internally contain the
electronics and batteries for an emergency light. Both arrangements use
illumination (light
switch via the toggle, wall receptacle via the face of the receptacle body)
during power out
conditions and conform to the size and shape of normal light and wall
receptacles, thus
maintaining the normal appearance. However, both have only one possible
function and
importantly, when the batteries require replacement or the device has failed
and requires
replacement, the user must disassembly the unit from the electrical box
creating a potential
safety hazard for the user.
[0014] Thus there remains a need for an emergency lighting system that
conforms to the normal
configuration these standard wall receptacles, contain a level of flexibility
to allow the user to
select the desired functions, maintain the full use and capability of the
substituted wall
receptacle, and is easy and safe for the user. In addition, as technology
changes and advances,
there also is a need to ensure that the state-of-the-art can be utilized with
minimal user cost or
change to the installed system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at
least one disadvantage of
the prior art.
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[0016] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
electrical receptacle for
mounting in a wall or receptacle box, the receptacle having an externally
accessible face. The
receptacle comprises an electrical main connection point, an electrical out, a
cavity and a
removable insert. The electrical main connection point connects the receptacle
to the electrical
main. The electrical outlet is connected to the electrical main connection
point and is set into the
externally accessible face. The outlet has a standard interface for connecting
external loads to the
electrical main. The cavity is set into the externally accessible face of the
electrical outlet, and
has a connection to the electrical main connection point. The cavity receives
inserts and connects
them to the electrical main. The removable insert is sized for insertion in to
the cavity, and
receives power from the electrical main through the connection to the
electrical main connection
point.
[0017] In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the cavity
and the insert
include cooperating latches for releasably locking the insert into the cavity.
In other
embodiments, the insert includes a battery-powered light activated when power
from the
electrical main is not present. Optionally, the insert includes a battery
charger for charging the
battery connected to the battery powered light when power from the electrical
main is present. In
further embodiments, the insert includes a light activated by a photosensor.
In other
embodiments, the insert includes a current converter, such as a transformer,
and a socket. The
current converter receives power from the electrical main and converts the
power to a direct-
current signal. The socket, which may be a universal serial bus socket, is
connected to the current
converter and provides external access to the direct current signal. In other
embodiments, the
insert can include either a wireless network bridge or a powerline networking
bridge connected
to an externally accessible network jack. The insert can also provide a
further outlet, either
directly on the face of the receptacle on through an extension cord.
[0018] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
electrical receptacle for
mounting in a wall or receptacle box, the receptacle having an externally
accessible face. The
receptacle comprises an electrical main connection point, an electrical outlet
and a cavity. The
electrical main connection point connects the receptacle to the electrical
main. The electrical
outlet is connected to the electrical main connection point and is set into
the externally accessible
face. The outlet has a standard interface for connecting external loads to the
electrical main. The
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cavity is set into the externally accessible face of the electrical outlet,
and has a connection to the
electrical main connection point. The cavity is sized for receiving inserts
and connects the inserts
to the electrical main.
[0019] In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the
receptacle includes a
second electrical outlet set into the externally accessible face. The cavity
can be centrally located
between the two electrical outlets on the externally accessible face. The
cavity can include a
latch for interacting with a cooperative element on an insert to prevent
accidental removal of an
inserted insert. The cavity can include a connection point not connected to
the electrical main
connection point, such as a computer network connection point. The connection
point can
alternatively be used to provide an interface for controlling the connection
of the electrical outlet
to the electrical main.
[0020] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
insert, for insertion into a
cavity in the face an electrical receptacle. The insert comprises electrical
contacts and a substrate.
The electrical contacts connect to the receptacle and draw electrical power
from an electrical
main connected to the receptacle. The substrate supports the electrical
contacts.
[0021] In embodiments of the thirds aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a latch,
connected to the substrate, for mating with a respective latching system in
the cavity to prevent
accidental removal of the insert.
[0022] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become
apparent to those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific embodiments of
the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only,
with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the assembled wall receptacle and insert according to an
embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 2 shows the insert of Figure 1 removed from the interface cavity in the
wall receptacle;
Figure 3 is a representation of an exemplary layout of components on the
insert;
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Figure 4 shows a wall receptacle according to an embodiment of the present
invention with the
insert removed;
Figure 5 illustrates the floor illumination of an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 6 is an illustrative circuit diagram for use in an embodiment of a
power out lighting insert;
Figure 7 is an exemplary diode-based power out illumination insert circuit
design; and
Figure 8 is an exemplary night light insert circuit design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention is directed to a configurable receptacle, which
can be configured
with a variety of function specific inserts such as safety lights and motion
detectors.
[0025] Reference is made below to specific elements, numbered in accordance
with the attached
figures. The discussion below should be taken to be exemplary in nature, and
not as limiting of
the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is
defined in the claims,
and should not be considered as limited by the implementation details
described below, which as
one skilled in the art will appreciate, can be modified by replacing elements
with equivalent
functional elements.
[0026] Systems of the present invention provide a mechanism for making use of
standard
building wiring to provide additional functionality including emergency
lighting. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a modification to the design of an
electrical receptacle is
provided. This redesign allows for an insert to be placed into a cavity in the
receptacle body. A
standard electrical receptacle provides two outlets. When installed in a
receptacle box, the
receptacle is typically covered by a faceplate. It is preferable for the
receptacle of the present
invention to function with standard receptacle boxes, and in some designs
faceplates.
[0027] As illustrated in Figure 1, receptacle body 100 has been modified to
accept insert 200.
The receptacle body 100 provides two outlets in what is referred to as a
decora-style
configuration. In this configuration, the outlets are vertically spaced from
each other, and a
faceplate serves to surround the central structure that houses the outlets. In
such a configuration,
insert 200 is placed into a cavity between the two outlets. A decora-style
faceplate can be
attached to the receptacle without any modification. This allows for
compatibility with a large
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number of existing elements, and allows for easy retrofitting. A building can
be retrofit to these
receptacles with no tools other than a standard screwdriver.
[0028] Figure 2 provides an exploded view of the receptacle 100 and insert
200. Insert 200 is
inserted into cavity 110 in receptacle 100. As noted above, receptacle 100 can
be accommodated
into a standard decora-style faceplate. Insert 200 provides a physical an
electrical interface for
various insert configurations, each of which can provide alternate
functionality. In the illustrated
embodiment, insert 200 provides illumination, although alternate inserts can
provide other
functions such as chargers for different connection, additional outlet, smoke
detectors, and other
functions that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Insert 200
includes a printed circuit
board 210 that houses the control circuitry and elements for the intended
functionality. Faceplate
220 provides a cover that preferably matches with surface of the receptacle.
On the faceplate is
provided a light 230, preferably a light emitting diode (LED), and a test
switch 240 which can be
used to determine if the insert is functional.
[0029] As shown in Figure 3, PCB 210 includes contacts 211 that are connected
to the electrical
main that the outlets of the receptacle are connected to. This provides PCB
210, and any circuitry
thereupon, with power. As illustrated in Figure 3, embodiments of the present
invention can
provide a battery 212 on the PCB 210. Battery 212 is used to provide LED 230
with power
during blackout situations. Contacts 211 provide a mechanism for connection to
the 120VAC
once the insert 200 is fully inserted in the receptacle body 100. Although
reference is made
herein to 120VAC as a source, it will be understood that other power standards
can be used with
suitable modifications to electrical designs on the inserts. The assembled
insert 200 is held into
the receptacle body 100 by mounting mechanisms such as plastic latches 221 on
the insert cover
plate 220. These latches provide the necessary protection from accidental
removal and child
protection as the removal of this embodiment of the present invention requires
a small
screwdriver or specialized tool on both the left and right side of the insert
cover plate 220 to
unlock the latches 221 for removal. Note that dependent on the insert
function, all or a portion of
these elements may be present.
[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle body 100 provides the insert
cavity 110 and the
nominal wall receptacle interfaces for normal 120VAC power via the receptacle
plugs 102 and
installation screw terminals 101.
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[0031] For illumination-based inserts, a high intensity LED 230 provides floor
illumination 300
as indicated in Figure 5. Although this does may not provide the same degree
of illumination as a
dedicated emergency blackout light, a large number of distributed lights can
be employed. This
provides a distributed lighting in a room as opposed to a large centralized
point source of light.
If light 230 makes use of LEDs, as illustrated in the embodiments, the power-
on time provided
by the battery can exceed the time provided by a conventional battery backup
light that makes
use of halogen or standard incandescent lighting.
[0032] Below, exemplary designs for functional inserts are provided. One
skilled in the art will
appreciate that alternate designs are possible, as are designs for functions
not described herein.
[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a relay-based schematic for illumination during
power out conditions.
In operation, the design presented obtains a low power rectified signal from
the 120VAC main
voltage. Note that for 220-240AC, C2 is decreased in half. Connection to the
receptacle is
provided by contacts AC1 and AC2. The rectified voltage powers a relay such
that the NO
contact is engaged which disconnects the battery from the LED. When power is
removed (i.e. a
power black-out) the relay triggers the NC contact and the LED illuminates for
as long as power
is off or until the battery is drained (>60 hours). At any time, the LED and
battery can be tested
via an external push button. Higher illumination intensity can be achieved by
reducing R1 ¨ note
this would reduce the total illumination time. In an alternate embodiment, a
rechargeable battery
can be used and can be charged during non-blackout periods.
[0034] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary diode biased based schematic for
illumination during
power out conditions. While performing the same emergency lighting function,
the relay has
been removed and a passive voltage difference is used to enable or disable the
LED light. In
operation, a low power rectified signal is obtained from the 120 VAC main
voltage. Note that for
220-240AC, C2 is decreased in half This rectified voltage generates a
potential between R3 and
R1 that is higher than the battery voltage (3V). This creates a reverse bias
state in diodes D3 and
Dl. In this reverse bias state, current cannot flow from the battery to the
LED. When power is
removed (i.e. power black-out) the higher voltage potential is removed, power
can flow from the
battery, and the LED illuminates for as long as power is off or until the
battery is drained (>60
hours). At any time, the LED and battery can be tested via an external push
button. Higher
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illumination intensity can be achieved by reducing RI ¨ note this would reduce
the total
illumination time.
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a Night Light insert. In operation, the design
presented obtains a low
power rectified signal from the 120VAC main voltage. Note that for 220-240AC,
C2 is
decreased in half. The 6.3V rectified voltage is used to power the circuit and
drive the LED's.
The R1 /R3 voltage divider generates a input to the Voltage Comparator. The
photoconductive
cell has an impedance of 1M in the dark and 45K in the light. Internal to the
voltage comparator
is a 1.24Vref, so during the day (i.e. lighted conditions) the input voltage
to the comparator
would be between 3.0 and 2.0V. Once the light is sufficiently reduced, the
impedance of R1 is
decreased, the voltage input drops below 1.24V the LED's illuminate. One
skilled in the art will
appreciate that the photoconductive cell act as a photosensor to determine
ambient light levels.
When a threshold is crossed, the photosensor activates or deactivates the
light as required.
Numerous other implementations will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0036] Other, non-illustrated inserts are contemplated. As the insert provides
a mechanism for
drawing power from the 120VAC main, a number of different inserts can be
provided.
Rechargeable devices, such as cellular phones, can provide inserts that allow
charging without
occupying an outlet. Many devices now draw power for charging from a standard
Universal
Serial Bus (USB) connection. Typically a Type A connector to a computer or to
a power
converter is used to connect to a device. A current converter insert that
transforms the AC
current to a DC current and provides a USB connection can be provided to allow
for charging
devices such as cellular phones, cameras, portable music players and other
electronic devices.
The current converter be implemented using any of a number of standard devices
including
transformers, rectifiers and other devices that will be well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0037] Computer network connections can be provided in inserts. Additional
contacts can be
provided so that computer networking cabling can be connected to the
receptacle and accessed
through the insert. Alternatively, power-line networking connections can be
provided using
industry standard interfaces. Such a design provides network cormectivity to
any location that a
computer would need to be plugged in to an outlet. In an alternate embodiment,
a network jack
can be provided. To connect to a network, a wireless transceiver can be
employed, and powered
from the contacts connecting to the electrical main. The wireless connection
can be any of a
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number of standard connections, such as any of the IEEE802.11 family of
standards, or even
using a wide area networking standard such as WiMax. Alternatively, a
proprietary networking
standard can be provided.
[0038] Although reference has been shown to providing only two contacts, in
view of the above
discussion multiple contacts can be provided for any number of reasons. One
skilled in the art
will appreciate that a third contact to the electrical main can be provided to
offer grounded
connections. This allows the insert to connect to a cable that provides
further outlets. Thus, a
receptacle can provide standard outlets, and through the use of the insert can
provide further
outlets.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment, the receptacle provides a single outlet,
and provides at least
one insert connection point. Thus, in the shape of a conventional outlet, and
allowing
compatibility with a standard receptacle, a single outlet can be provided with
multiple inserts.
[0040] Further insert designs for motion detectors, security system sensors,
smoke detectors,
radon detectors, noxious gas detectors such as carbon dioxide detectors,
carbon monoxide
detectors and natural gas detectors, have been contemplated and can be
implemented by those
skilled in the art by placing standard designs for these system on an insert
and drawing electrical
power from the power main.
[0041] The additional contacts can be employed for any number of uses. In one
embodiment, the
extra connectors allow a timer insert to control the availability of the
outlets in accordance with a
predefined schedule. A receptacle can make use of logic circuitry to identify
the insert using a
set of contacts, and then handle the signals from the contacts appropriately.
This allows a single
set of contacts to be used for both outlet control, such as with a timer
insert, and for other
purposes such as networking, or other communications activities.
[0042] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention
provides not only for
designs of inserts, but also for receptacles that accept such inserts. By
providing power to an
insert in a receptacle, a variety of components can be distributed through a
commercial or
residential environment. Because they do not require external access to a
power supply, they
provide a simpler and more pleasing installation. Thus, motion detectors can
be installed and
powered off the connection, and can be connected to security systems. Because
installation of
these receptacles can be done during construction, or as a retrofit, data
connections to systems
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such as security systems can be provided using either a wired or wireless
connection. Power line
communication can also be employed.
[00431 Inserts can be provided with processors and communications interfaces
so that a set of
co-located inserts can communicate and provide functionality based on
conditions at a number of
different inserts.
[0044] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended
to be examples
only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the
particular embodiments by
those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention,
which is defined solely
by the claims appended hereto.
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