Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
USB LAMP BASE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is generally related to the field of
electrical devices, and, more
particularly, to a lamp base configured to serve as a power supply and
charging station.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Even in today's wireless technological environmental, users of
portable electronic
devices rely on wired connections of their devices for charging and various
other purposes on a
regular if not daily basis. These devices include cell phones and smartphones,
tablets and e-readers,
portable hotspots and portable speakers, external charging batteries, GPS
devices and cameras, as
well as a multitude of other portable devices capable of being recharged via a
USB or other known
connection.
[0003] However, these devices must be charged regularly, which makes for an
inconvenient
task. Opportunities to charge throughout the day are unpredictable. When an
individual is at work
or returns home, he or she must capitalize on any or all available wall
outlets; however, wall outlets
are almost always limited to two discrete outlets, and this is often not
enough for all of an
individual's devices, let alone the multiple individuals that may be sharing
the same space.
[0004] If a user leaves home without a charged device, that user will
eventually find himself
or herself unable to use the wireless portable device to its full extent for
one reason or another.
Accordingly, users will develop systems or routines for regularly charging
devices. Typically users
will keep various AC converters or power adapters, suitable for each device,
plugged into power
outlets around one's home or office. Or a user will have unsightly power
outlet strips or surge-
protectors unceremoniously sitting on the floor or on furniture nearby a
precious open wall socket
outlet.
1
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
[0005] Users sometimes will overload that scarce open wall socket with a
socket multiplier
only to find that the bulky size of the requisite AC converters or power
adapters blocks access to the
added outlets. Even with a surge protector providing a greater number of
outlets, the outlets are
often situated in an inconvenient place, such as under desks or behind
furniture. Furthermore, many
outlets on the surge protector are frequently used for powering other
electronic devices or
components, sueh as TVs and other AV components, computer and printers or
other computer
peripherals, or lamps and cordless phones.
[0006] Even charging ones phone at night is a small ordeal as a user
reaches over the
bedside nightstand to access the wall socket found behind the furniture, while
realizing that the
ubiquitous and outlet hogging alarms clock and table lamp sitting on the
nightstand have claimed
that outlet space generations ago. Moreover, alarm clocks and other devices
with charging docks
incorporated in them often suffer the invariable fate of having the dock
become obsolete by new
and improved models of the devices, or must rely on unstable and inconvenient
adapters.
[0007] The fact that the AC converters or power adapters have shrunk in
size over time only
helps to the extent outlets are available. And while these devices are capable
of eschewing AC
converters or power adapters in favor of a direct USB connection, this is only
helpful to extent a
user has an open and powered USB port available. Typically a USB port on a
laptop is only
powered while the laptop is powered on. The ability to charge via a USB port
is often limited to the
time a user is actively using his computer. Or if a dedicated USB hub is
purchased, that hub is yet
another unsightly device on ones desk with other USB cables powering a mouse,
or a keyboard, or a
printer, or other computer peripherals permanently emanating from it. The
increasing popularity
and availability of portable electronic devices has resulted in an increasing
demand for a
convenient, elegant, and technologically up-to-date solutions for a user to
charge his electronic
2
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
device without crawling under or behind furniture while maintaining one's
uncluttered living or
working environment.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a more convenient charging option,
one that may
provide greater accessibility, thereby allowing the user to plug in and plug
out without having to
bend behind or below furniture. This charging option may also reduce the
problem of having lamps
or other electronic devices or fixtures occupying the available outlets
without resorting to devices
that take up desk or table space or that look inelegant or interfere with ones
decor, but rather one
that can integrate into ones existing decor.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present apparatus provides weight-bearing support for a number
of devices,
including a lamp. Also, the apparatus provides electrical and perhaps data
connectivity to one or
more devices, such as smart phones, mp3 players, and other portable devices
that require charging.
The apparatus may itself be powered electrically through a cable plug and wall-
outlet system, or by
a rechargeable or replaceable battery.
[00010] The apparatus may be structurally made of a base, a wall, and a
lid, althought other
embodiments are possible as well. The base provides a contact area for the
surface on which the
apparatus rests, and that contact may be either immediate or mediated by
knobs, pads, or other
support components. These support components may be height-adjustable, so that
a user of the
apparatus can control the proximity between the surface on which the apparatus
sits and the base.
They may also provide protection for the surface against scratches or dents.
The lid provides a
contact area for the object(s) placed on top of the apparatus, and connects
externally to the base by
the wall. The lid and side walls may feature ornamentation, such as designs or
textures, or fixtures
providing certain functional advantages, such as means to hold wires in place,
etc. In some
embodiments, the apparatus is fitted with USB ports, data ports and/or
electrical outlets of various
3
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
kinds. These outlets may conceivably be fitted for any international standard
or voltage levels, and
may include grounding channels. Control of the electrical components may be
available to the user
in the form of any number of buttons or switches.
[00011] The base, wall, and lid may be molded together as one piece.
Alternatively, one or
more parts may be molded as one and connected to one or more of the other
parts using any
selection or combination of threads, click-in-place mechanisms, or the like.
The apparatus may be
made of any appropriate material, such as a metal or metal alloy, plastic, or
a combination of
materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00012] Fig. 1 provides an aerial front view of an embodiment of the
apparatus.
[00013] Fig. 2 provides an aerial back view of an embodiment of the
apparatus.
[00014] Fig. 3 provides a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
[00015] Fig. 4 provides a back view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
[00016] Fig. 5 provides a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
[00017] Fig. 6 provides an alternative side view of an embodiment of the
apparatus.
[00018] Fig. 7 provides a top view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
[00019] Fig. 8 provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
[00020] Fig. 8a provides a bottom view of another embodiment of the
apparatus.
[00021] Fig. 8b provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatus
illustrated in Fig
8a in use.
[00022] Fig. 8c provides a bottom view of another embodiment of the
apparatus.
[00023] Fig. 8d provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatus
illustrated in Fig
8c in use.
[00024] Fig 9 provides an aerial view of an embodiment of the apparatus in
use on a tabletop.
4
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] Fig. 1 discloses an embodiment in which apparatus 101 comprising a
lid 102, at least
one wall 103, at least one groove section 104, and a bottom 116. The wall 103
may be attached to
the lid 102 or it may be attached to the bottom 116 in an embodiment. The lid
102 features a top
surface 105, and may include a bevelled section 111. Although in other
embodiments the top
surface of the lid 105 and the wall 102 may meet at right angles to each
other, and in other
embodiments, the top surface 105 and the wall 102 may meet at a rounded
corner.
[00026] An aerial view of top surface 105 can also be seen in Fig. 7. In
this view, the lid is
circular and thus the wall is in the form of a circle as well. However, in
other embodiments it is
contemplated that the apparatus 101 be configured in different geometrical
shapes, such as square,
rectangular, ovular, polygonal, as well as combinations thereof; also, the
shape may be symmetrical
or asymmetrical. Accordingly, the apparatus is not limited to a single wall.
In order to match the
shape of the lid, or for other reasons disclosed below, the apparatus may
comprise one or more
walls. The lid 102 may be separable from the apparatus 101, in whole or in
part, by a user allowing
access to an interior portion of the apparatus.
[00027] The top surface of the lid 105 may receive and support the weight
of another object,
such as a lamp 170 (Fig. 9). The shape of the lid may be configured to
complement the shape of
base of an existing lamp. Thus, to support a lamp 170 having a circular base,
an apparatus 101 with
a circular shaped lid may be used as illustrated in Fig. 9, but for use with a
lamp with a square base,
an apparatus 101 with a square lid may be used.
[00028] The apparatus 101 may be made of various materials to best
complement the design
an existing lamp under which it will sit and to have sufficient strength to
support the weight of a
lamp. The apparatus 101 may also come in numerous colors, textures and
surfaces, also to best
complement the design an existing lamp under which it will sit. A user may
wish the apparatus to
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
blend in and be unnoticed. A user may also wish the apparatus to be an accent
to an existing lamp.
No limitation on the on the aesthetic result on the apparatus 101 and lamp 170
combination is
intended.
[00029] The top surface 105 may be substantially flat, free of
obstructions, and greater than
three inches in diameter. In another version, the top surface 105 is greater
than five inches in
diameter. In one embodiment, the lid comprises one or more magnets to
magnetically couple with
an object placed upon it. In another embodiment, the lid comprises one or more
protrusions. These
one or more protrusions may be shaped and/or positioned so as to help secure
the object placed on
top of the lid. In yet another embodiment, the lid comprises one or more areas
of texture. The
texture may be jagged and random, such as gravel or sand textured, or comprise
a pattern such as
ridges or cocentric circles, or even a combination thereof, such that a
geometical pattern is created
using a jagged surface. The texture and pattern increases the friction that
must be overcome before
an object placed upon the lid can slide off the lid. Additionally, the texture
may be ornamental.
[00030] In one embodiment, the one or more walls comprise one or more
openings that
facilitate access to the interior of the apparatus, including an electronics
portion. In some versions,
these opening can be configured to be fitted with one or more USB or data
ports 115 electrical
outlets or plugs 112, 152, switches to operate or control the apparatus 108,
charging or power cables
110, or openings 150 to provide access to a compartment, cavity or recess
internal or underneath the
apparatus 101 in which to gather and/or hide charging/data cables 174 or power
cables 160. In some
versions, these openings may be closeable. For example a sliding door may be
disposed behind a
wall and adjacent to an opening, where the sliding door features a tab or
uneven surface accessible
to a human finger or a device such as a pen, such that the sliding door can be
slided across the
opening. Other door or closing methods known in the art are also contemplated.
These doors may
help protect the opening from dust and debris, or may be used to provide a
cleaner appearance to
6
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
the apparatus to help it blend into the existing decor rather than appearing
like a utilitarian charging
device. In some versions, these one or more openings are "framed" or bordered
by rubber, plastic,
or other partially cushioning material 121, thereby preventing the part of the
wall 103 that surrounds
the openings from scratching, cutting, or otherwise damaging human fingers or
other objects placed
into or adjacent to the openings. The frames 121 may also provide an
ornamental value to the
apparatus and/or an electrically inductive barrier. Further, the frames 121
may provide a buffer
between the opening and an electrical component accessible through the
opening, in order to
balance or minimize inaccuracies made during the manufacturing process.
[00031] The openings that house the USB or data ports 115 may be disposed
on a wall 103 at
any location of the apparatus 101, however, in an embodiment, the USB or data
ports may be
located on a side of the apparatus 101 so as to be less visually conspicuous
than if directly in the
front of the apparatus, but still easily accessible to a user. There may be
one or more USB or data
ports on the apparatus. In an embodiment the apparatus may have one USB port
115 on each side.
However, this disclosure contained no limitations as to the number and
location of the USB or data
ports. Cables 174 for charging or data transmission may be plugging into the
USB or data ports
115.
[00032] The apparatus 101 may also have one or more switches 108 to control
the operation
of any of the electronic connections of the apparatus 101. In an embodiment, a
switch 108 may be
located near the front of the apparatus, embedded in a wall 103, or embedded
in the lid 102, so as to
be easily accessible by a user. The switch may control one or more an
electrical outlets or plugs
112, 152 into which a user may connect the lamp or other electronic device. In
this embodiment,
the user may then control the lamp 170 by the switch 108 on the apparatus 101
and thus not have to
reach under the lamp shade or otherwise search for the lamp switch. This
switch 108 may be
surrounded by a light emitting border or integrated with a light emitting
region or point 122 at least
7
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
partially located on the exterior and/or center of the switch. The one or more
switches may have
discrete on/off sections, or they may be punch switches, such that pressing
the same area of the
switch alternately turns the switch on and off. In an embodiment, the switch
108 may be dedicated
to just one outlet 112, where this outlet may be configured to receive the
plug from the lamp. In
this embodiment, outlet 112 may be surrounded by a light emitting border or
integrated with a light
emitting region or point, or perhaps labeled with a light bulb insignia 172 or
otherwise labeled to
indicate to a user that it is a dedicated outlet for the lamp.
[00033] In one embodiment, the one or more USB ports 115 and electrical
outlets 112, 152
are electrically connected to a power supply, possibly a surge protector
residing in the interior of the
apparatus. This power supply may comprise a replaceable battery, a chargeable
battery unit, and/or
an electrical plug and cable 109,110 that may coupled with a wall outlet. In
one version, the power
supply may also be controlled by a user of the apparatus by one or more
switches 108. Turning off
the power supply of the apparatus 101 would allow a user to control the amount
of stand-by or
"phantom" power the apparatus, or plugged in devices may consumed when not
actively in use or
charging. The electrical plug and cable 109,110 may be located on a back side
of the apparatus 101.
[00034] In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise one or more groove
sections 104
disposed in one or more walls 103. A groove section is a recess disposed at
least partially
circumferentially or along the perimeter of a wall. Multiple groove sections
may be spaced apart
such that each occupies a seperate arc or perimeter section broken up for one
of the openings
106,107,113,114. In one version, one or more openings are disposed within one
or more groove
sections such that the groove is not broken up into portions by the opening.
This may allow a USB
port 115, or other data port to be visually more hidden than otherwise, once
again providing the
apparatus 101 a more finished appearance, blending into the existing decor
rather than appearing
like a utilitarian charging device. Figs. 5-6 disclose an embodiment in which
a USB Port 115 is
8
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
disposed between two groove sections 106,113 and 107,114 respectively. Fig. 1
discloses that the
groove section may be split into at least two sections, 106 and 107 having
disposed on the wall and
between the two groove sections a button 108, which may be responsible for
turning on one or more
electrical components located within the apparatus. Fig. 2 discloses that the
groove section may be
split into at least two sections, 113 and 114 having disposed on the wall and
between the two
groove sections outlets 112, 152 and plug and cable 109,110, for powering the
lamp and another
120V device, as well for powering the apparatus 101 itself.
[00035] Electrical plug 109 is attached to electrical wire 110, which may
be disposed within
the apparatus 101 and may emerge from a wall 103. Electrical plug 109 may be
plugged into an
outlet (Fig. 9) to power the apparatus. Fig. 2 discloses an embodiment in
which electrical wire 110
is partly disposed within the apparatus and emerges from the apparatus through
an opening in wall
103 disposed between outlets 112 and 152. Electrical cable 110 may also be
retractable and thus
hidden within the interior of the apparatus or may have a compartment within
the apparatus where
the cable may be stored.
[00036] Fig. 8 discloses an embodiment in which the apparatus 101 comprises
a bottom 116
with a bottom surface 117. The bottom surface may comprise a soft pad 118. One
or more soft pads
disposed on the bottom surface may prevent scratching or otherwise damaging
the flat surface.
Additionally or alternatively, the soft pads in this embodiment have a high-
friction texture to
prevent the base from slipping off the flat surface.
[00037] As described herein, cavities or compartment may be disposed within
the interior or
beneath the apparatus. These cavities of compartments may be access directly
from the bottom of
the apparatus. Fig. 8a illustrates such a cavity 158 having a top cavity
surface 156. Cavity 158 is
disposed and sized to contain a portion of a cable used with the apparatus
while leaving sufficient
interior room for the apparatus to house all necessary electronics. Cavity 158
may also be closed
9
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
from the bottom, access via a door or gate in the apparatus through bottom 116
or wall 103. The
cavity may also be completely closed off at bottom 116, and accessed laterally
through a wall
opening 150 or an opening in the top surface 105.
[00038] Fig. 8b illustrates the embodiment shown in Fig 8a with a lamp
cable 160 coiled and
stored in cavity 158 while the lamp is plugged into outlet 112 for power. Lamp
cable 160 may fit
through an opening 150 in wall 103 so that the apparatus may sit flat while a
cable is kept in the
cavity. In Fig 8b, the lamp cable 160 is shown entering the cavity 158 via an
opening 150, where
excess cable may be gathered, but allowing the ends of the cable to exit at an
opening 150.
[00039] Such cavities may also be disposed at other places around the
apparatus to similarly
hide/store other cables that may be used. In another version, the one or more
opening 150 in the
wall 103 may be provide access to the interior of the apparatus along a
portion of the perimeter of
the apparatus, such that a wire or cable can be translated through a length of
the opening 150 into a
cavity 158 or compartment within the apparatus.
[00040] In another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an inner
compartment such as
cavity 158, but closed off by bottom 116. The compartment may comprise a
recess or a gate. The
gate may be hingedly or slidably attached to one or more walls, the base (to
be discussed below),
and/or the lid. The gate may comprise an opening that extends to an edge of
the gate, such that a
wire or cable can be inserted or slided through the opening and into the
recess of the compartment;
thereafter, the gate may close over the recess, thereby neatly organizing and
hiding a substantial
portion of the wire or cable.
[00041] In one embodiment, the lid 102 may comprise of one or more
openings. In an
embodiment, the apparatus 101 may have a top surface area greater than that of
the base of a lamp
170. Space on the lid 102 may be provided for one or more plugs to be disposed
on the surface 105
for the lamp to plug into. This space maybe configured to be behind the lamp
170 to make it less
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
obvious to an observer and help the apparatus 101 blend in to the existing
decor. In an embodiment
the lid 102 surface 105 may also have an opening for a compartment or cavity
in which to stash the
lamp cable or other cables. A closable compartment that may be used to gather
up excess wire or
cable from the lamp may have an opening in a wall 103 as well.
[00042] In another embodiment, a wall may be either a side wall or an
interior wall. In an
embodiment, one or more interior walls may be dimensioned to conform and fit
substantially flush
within one or more side walls 103, such that the interior walls are closer to
the interior of the
apparatus while the side walls form part of the exterior of the apparatus. In
a further version, the
interior walls 163 and side walls 103 are substantially concentric or
otherwise dimensioned to
conform, but they are not flush with one another; rather, they are spaced
apart so that a cable
wrapped or gathered within one or more interior or side walls and yet between
interior and side
walls as illustrated in Figs. 8c and 8d. Access to this inner cavity 159
between exterior 103 and
interior 163 walls may be through openings 150 in the side wall 103. Cavity
159 may have an inner
upper surface 161.
[00043] In Fig.8d, the lamp cable 160 is shown entering the cavity 159 via
an opening 150,
where excess cable may be wound around the interior of the apparatus, but
allowing the ends of the
cable to exit at openings 150. On end attaches to the lamp and the other end
may plug into the
apparatus at outlet 112.
[00044] The cavities, recesses, and compartments disclosed herein may also
be accessed via
closable opening in the side wall, or via openings in the surface 105 of the
lid 102 or via openings
in the lower surface 117 of the bottom 116. Opening 150 may be completely
surrounded by the
wall 103, or may be formed such that the wall does not meet the bottom 116
over a lateral distance
forming the opening as an archway in the side wall.
11
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
[00045] In another embodiment, the interior walls 163 are rotatably aligned
with the side
walls103, such that an axis of rotation passes through the center of the
apparatus 101 perpendicular
to the bottom 116. In this embodiment, the interior walls may be rotated so as
to close the one or
more openings of the side wall or close access to one or more cavities,
recesses, and compartments.
[00046] In another embodiment, one or more sets of two protrusions may be
disposed on one
or more walls. In this embodiment, two or more two protrusions are spaced
apart such that a wire or
cable can be snugly fitted between them, yet can be removed if a little force
is used when pulling
the wire or cable in order to temporarily deform one or both of the set of
protrusions.
[00047] In yet another embodiment, a flange may be disposed at least partly
around one or
more walls. This flange may comprise a lip, such that the flange extends
substantially
perpendicularly from one or more walls, and the lip extends substantially
perpendicularly from the
flange, thereby enabling a device, such as a smartphone, to be placed upon the
flange, rested against
a wall, and secured by the lip. This flange may be retractable, through a
spring loaded mechanism
or other known method, so that the flange may be hidden when not in use.
[00048] Fig. 9 discloses an embodiment in which the apparatus comprises a
base for a lamp
on which a lamp may be placed 124, which is positioned on a separate surface,
such as a table top
176. The base supports the weight and structure of the apparatus. Also, the
apparatus provides a
bottom surface that may sit substantially flush against a flat surface, such
as a table, or specifically,
a nightstand.
[00049] In one embodiment, one or more feet are disposed on the bottom
surface of the base,
thereby substantially preventing contact between the bottom surface of the
base and the flat surface.
The feet may be knobs, prongs, or protrusions of any kind. This embodiment
permits air flow
between the base and the flat surface, and at least in part, prevents the
components that may be
stored or located in or on the base from overheating. This embodiment may also
provide for
12
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
ornamentation Of the feet and the apparatus. In some versions, the one or more
feet may comprise
soft pads so as to decrease or prevent the feet from scratching the flat
surface. In some versions, the
one or more feet may comprise one or more height adjustment means, e.g., the
one or more feet
comprise female threading to receive male threads that protrude from the base;
alternatively, the
one or more feet comprise protruding male threads that are received by female
threads residing in
the base. These versions enable a user of the apparatus to raise and lower the
apparatus vis-a-vis the
flat surface so as to increase the air flow between the two. Additionally, if
the apparatus is placed on
a non-level or contoured surface, one or more height adjustment means may be
raised or lowered
more or less than other one or more height adjustment means, so as to level
the apparatus evenly
with respect to gravity. In some versions, the one or more feet may be removed
such that the base
may sit immediately on a surface. In these versions, the one or more feet may
also be replaced,
either in case of damage, or in order to provide for a diversity in shape,
size, or ornamentation.
[00050] The walls may be perpendicularly disposed with respect to the
bottom 116. In one
embodiment, at least one wall 103 is at an angle of between zero and ninety
degrees from the
bottom 116. This range of angle may provide an apparatus that may match or
complement of
bottom of a lamp having an angled or beveled base.
[00051] In one embodiment, one or more walls comprise thread rims, which
threadably
engage with threads disposed on the base and/or the lid. In yet another
embodiment, one or more
walls may attach to the base and/or the lid by means of one or more slide
protrusions. A slide
protrusion comprises an edge that is perpendicularly disposed on an extension,
and may be coupled
with a recess, where the recess has an exposed first opening sufficiently
large to receive the entire
slide protrusion and extension, and a concealed second opening, such that the
slide protrusion may
be slided into the second opening, while the extension sticks out of the first
opening. In an
additional embodiment, one or more walls are molded as one piece with the base
and/or the lid.
13
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
[00052] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a wireless charging pad.
In one version,
the charging pad may be postioned beneath the lid. In another version, the
apparatus may comprise
a sliding shelf, that shelf comprising a wireless charging pad. This sliding
shelf has one or more
edges that mate with one or more brackets structurally disposed in the
interior of the apparatus. In
one version a tab or gripping region on an exposed side of the shelf enables a
human finger to
contactedly slide the shelf substantially out of the apparatus. In another
version, the sliding shelf is
electronically engageable using the same mechanical parts that are used for
the ejecting action of
CD or DVD players.
[00053] The following examples pertain to further embodiments.
[00054] Example 1 is an apparatus comprising a base, a lid, one or more
walls, and an interior;
where the base is attached to one or more of the one or more walls and the lid
is attached to one or
more of the one or more walls; where the interior is bounded at least
partially by the base, the lid, and
the one or more walls; where the base comprises a bottom surface and the lid
comprises a top surface,
the top surface being sufficiently flat and greater than three inches in
diameter; where the lid is
disposed above the base; and where at least one USB port is disposed on one of
the one or more walls.
[00055] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example I can include, wherein
the lid is weight
bearing and shaped as a circle or a square to be disposed under and support a
lamp base.
[00056] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example I can include, wherein
at least one wall
comprises at least one opening that provides access to the interior.
[00057] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 1 can include, wherein
at least one
perimeteral design element is disposed to visually mask at least one USB port.
[00058] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 1 can include, wherein
at least on
electrical outlet is disposed on one or more of the one or more walls.
14
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
[00059] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example I can include, wherein
a button that
controls a power source is disposed on one or more of the one or more walls.
[00060] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 can include, wherein
the button
controls the power for an outlet to power an electrical device.
[00061] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 2 can include, wherein
the top surface of
the lid is greater than five inches in diameter.
[00062] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 2 can include, wherein
the top surface of
the lid comprises one or more areas of uneven texture to prevent a lamp base
from sliding.
[00063] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 1 can include, wherein
the apparatus
comprises at least one compartment.
[00064] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 can include,
wherein at least one wall
comprises an opening that provides access to at least one compartment.
[00065] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 10 can include,
wherein at least one
compartment is open to the bottom of the apparatus.
[00066] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 10 can include,
wherein at least one
compartment is formed in the bottom and encroaches into the interior.
[00067] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 10 can include,
wherein at least one
compartment is disposed in a substantially circumferential channel inside at
least one wall.
[00068] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 10 can include,
wherein at least one
compartment is configured to house excess cable used with the apparatus.
[00069] Example 16 is an apparatus comprising a base, a lid, one or more
walls, an interior and
a compartment; where the base is attached to one or more of the one or more
walls and the lid is
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
attached to one or more of the one or more walls; where the interior is
bounded at least partially by
the base, the lid, and the one or more walls; where the base comprises a
bottom surface and the
compartment is formed in the bottom surface; where the lid comprises a top
surface and the top
surface being sufficiently flat and greater than three inches in diameter;
where the lid is disposed
above the base; where at least one USB port and one outlet are disposed on one
or more walls;
where at least one power source providing electricity to the at least one USB
port is located in the
interior; and where a button that controls at least one power source is
disposed on the one or more
walls.
[00070] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 can include,
wherein at least one wall
comprises an opening that provides access to the compartment.
[00071] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 16 can include,
wherein at least one
compartment is configured to house excess cable used with the apparatus.
[00072] Example 19 is an apparatus comprising a base, a lid, one or more
walls, an interior and
a compartment; where the base is attached to one or more of the one or more
walls and the lid is
attached to one or more of the one or more walls; where the interior is
bounded at least partially by
the base, the lid, and the one or more walls and houses electronic components;
where the base
comprises a bottom surface and the compartment is formed in the bottom
surface; where the
compartment is configured to house excess cable used with the apparatus; where
the lid comprises a
top surface and the top surface being sufficiently flat and shaped as a circle
or a square to be
disposed under and weight bearing to support a lamp base that is greater than
three inches across;
where the lid is disposed above the base; where a plurality of USB ports are
disposed on a left side
and a right side on one or more walls, and a plurality of outlets are disposed
on a back side of one or
more walls; where at least one power source providing electricity to the
plurality of USB ports and
the plurality of outlets is housed in the interior; where a power switch that
controls at least one
16
CA 02951227 2016-12-12
power source is disposed on the one or more walls, and where a design element
is disposed
horizontally around the one or more walls at a height substantially equal to
the height of the
plurality of USB ports, the design element disposed between at least one of
the plurality of outlets
and at least one of the plurality of USB ports and between at least one of the
plurality of USB ports
and the power switch.
[00073] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 can include,
wherein the design
element is a groove.
[00074] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not
restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in
combination with each
other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention therefore should be determined with
reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
17
