阅读说明：本技术 电气端口装置 (Electrical port device ) 是由 乔纳森·里维斯·努克 老威廉·奈特·努克 詹姆斯·理查德·斯坦菲尔德 德里克·迈克尔·昂德希尔 于 2020-03-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种电气端口装置,具有电气端口和可去除地连接至具有插头的电气端口的帽或盖。电线或电缆或电缆部分将电气端口连接至电线或电缆连接器或电缆分离器,形成一对电线或电缆或电缆部分,每一个均设置有电插座。另外,帽或盖和电气端口具有配合的密封表面,以确保当帽或盖安装在电气端口上时紧密防水密封,从而防止水或湿气到达插头。(An electrical port device having an electrical port and a cap or cover removably connected to the electrical port having a plug. The electrical wires or cables or cable sections connect the electrical ports to the electrical wire or cable connectors or cable splitters, forming a pair of electrical wire or cable sections, each provided with an electrical socket. In addition, the cap or cover and the electrical port have mating sealing surfaces to ensure a tight waterproof seal when the cap or cover is installed on the electrical port, thereby preventing water or moisture from reaching the plug.)

1. An electrical port device comprising:

an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver;

a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug;

an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle;

two or more electrical receptacles; and

an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together.

2. An electrical port device comprising:

an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver;

an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle;

a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and uncover the electrical plug;

two or more electrical receptacles; and

an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical wire or cable including one electrical wire or cable portion connected to a pair of electrical wire or cable portions.

3. An electrical port device comprising:

an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver;

an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle;

a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and uncover the electrical plug;

two or more electrical receptacles; and

an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical wire or cable including one electrical wire or cable portion connected to a pair of electrical wire or cable portions; and

a wire or cable connector for connecting said one wire or cable portion to said pair of wire or cable portions.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port and electrically connect a pair of wire or cable portions between the wire or cable connector and the two or more electrical receptacles, respectively.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one wire or cable connector portion is connected to one side of the wire or cable connector and the pair of wire or connector portions are connected to opposite sides of the wire or cable connector.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the wire or cable connector is configured such that the one wire or cable portion is oriented parallel with respect to the pair of wire or cable portions.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the one wire or cable portion and the pair of wire or cable portions each have one or more slots to enhance flexibility of a wire or cable connection with the wire or cable connector.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the wire or cable connector is an electrical separator that mechanically and/or electrically separates the one wire or cable portion into the pair of wire or cable portions.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the length of the wire or cable connector is greater than the width of the wire or cable connector.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire or cable connector is provided with an X-shaped protrusion to enhance a user's grip of the wire or cable connector.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the flange has a circular sealing ridge and the cap includes an inner circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with the circular sealing ridge of the flange of the electrical port.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port is provided with a flat sealing surface.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the flat sealing surface of the circular ridge is raised a predetermined distance above an outer surface of a flange of the electrical port.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of a flange of the electrical port.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the cap or lid is connected to the gasket.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the cover or cap is connected to the gasket by a flexible connector.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the cap, the gasket, and the flexible connector are configured as a single piece.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a collar for fitting into the receptacle of the electrical port.

19. The device of claim 11, wherein the collar comprises one or more external ridges.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is provided with a protrusion to facilitate gripping of the receptacle by a user.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the wire or cable connector is provided with an X-shaped protrusion.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a vent/drain hole.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical port device, such as an AC electrical port, that provides one or more electrical connections.

Background

Us D684,929 discloses an AC port. There is a need for an improved electrical port, such as an AC port.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical port device comprising an electrical port provided with a removable cap or cover. The electrical port is provided with a receiver fitted with an electrical connector (e.g., an electrical plug, an electrical socket). The electrical port device also includes another electrical connector (e.g., electrical socket, electrical plug) having an electrical wire connecting the electrical port and the other electrical connector together.

The electrical port is connected to an electrical wire or cable having one wire portion connected to a wire or cable connector and a pair of wire portions connecting the wire or cable connector to a pair of electrical receptacles. Thus, the wire or cable connector functions as a wire or cable separator for electrically separating one wire or cable portion into a pair of wire or cable portions.

The electrical port and the removable cap or cover are configured to provide a watertight seal between the electrical port and the removable cap or cover when the removable cap or cover is installed "over" the electrical port to prevent water or moisture from entering the receptacle of the electrical port. The electrical port includes a flange surrounding a receptacle of the electrical port.

An enhanced water-tight seal is achieved by providing a raised annular ridge having a raised flat annular surface on the front face of the flange of the electrical port. Specifically, the annular ridge is raised a predetermined distance above the front face surface of the electrical port. This arrangement reduces the size of the sealing area of the flat annular surface of the annular ridge to concentrate the sealing force between the cap or lid and the annular ridge to a smaller sealing area. In addition, the inner and outer edges of the annular ridge may be pressed into the soft or resilient material of the cap or lid, such that the inner and outer edges of the annular ridge seal the cap or lid more effectively with the annular ridge.

Additionally, another electrical connector, such as an electrical socket connected to an electrical port via a wire or cable, may be provided with protrusions to enhance a user's ability to grip and connect or disconnect another electrical connector electrically connected to another electrical connector. For example, an X-shaped protrusion may be provided to allow a user to grasp the electrical connector with his or her fingers to connect or disconnect the electrical connector from another connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device.

The presently described subject matter relates to an enhanced electrical port device.

The presently described subject matter relates to an enhanced AC port device.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the wire or cable comprising one wire or cable portion connected to a pair of wire or cable portions.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the wire or cable comprising one wire or cable portion connected to a pair of wire or cable portions; and a wire or cable connector for connecting the one wire or cable portion to the pair of wire or cable portions.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port and electrically connect a pair of wire or cable portions between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port and to electrically connect a pair of wire or cable portions between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle, and wherein the wire or cable connector is configured to have one connector portion disposed on one side of the wire or cable connector and a pair of connector portions disposed on an opposite side of the cable or cable connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port, and a pair of wire or cable portions electrically connected between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle, wherein the wire or cable connector is configured to have one connector portion disposed on one side of the wire or cable connector and a pair of connector portions disposed on an opposite side of the cable or cable connector, and wherein the one connector portion is oriented in parallel with respect to the pair of connector portions.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port, and a pair of wire or cable portions electrically connected between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle, wherein the one wire or cable portion and the pair of wire or cable portions each have one or more slots to enhance flexibility of connection with the wire or cable connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port and to electrically connect a pair of wire or cable portions between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle, wherein the wire or cable connector is an air separator and electrically separates the one wire or cable portion into the pair of wire or cable portions.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the length of the wire or cable connector is greater than the width of the wire or cable connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the wire or cable comprises a wire or cable connector configured to connect one wire or cable portion between the wire or cable connector and the electrical port, and a pair of wire or cable portions electrically connected between the wire or cable connector and a respective electrical receptacle, wherein the wire or cable connector is provided with an X-shaped protrusion to enhance a user's grip of the wire or cable connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the flange has a circular ridge, and the cap includes an internal circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the flange has a circular ridge and the cover comprises an internal circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port, and wherein the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port is provided with a flat face.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and electrical wires or cables electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the flange has a circular ridge and the cover includes an internal circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port, wherein a planar face of the circular ridge is elevated a predetermined distance above an outer surface of the flange of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap or cap is connected to the gasket.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap or cap is connected to the gasket, wherein the cap is connected to the gasket by a flexible connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap or cap is connected to the gasket, wherein the cap is connected to the gasket by a flexible connector, and wherein the cap, gasket, and flexible connector are configured as a single piece.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the cap comprises a collar for fitting into a receptacle of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and a wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the flange has a circular ridge and the cap includes an inner circular sealing surface for sealing engagement with the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the collar includes one or more outer ridges.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical cord or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical receptacles together, wherein the receptacles are provided with protrusions facilitating gripping of the electrical receptacles by a user.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and an electrical wire or cable electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical sockets together, wherein the electrical wire or cable connector is provided with an X-shaped protrusion.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug; two or more electrical receptacles; and electrical wires or cables electrically connecting the electrical port and the two or more electrical sockets together, wherein the housing is provided with vent/drain holes.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing provided with a receiver and a flange surrounding the receiver; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge with a flat face; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug, the cover including an inner circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a housing with a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge with a flat sealing surface; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including a collar having one or more external sealing ridges and an internal circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a flat sealing surface of the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose the plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, wherein the circular ridge of the flange of the electrical port is provided with a flat face.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, wherein the flat face of the circular ridge is raised a predetermined distance above the outer surface of the flange of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical wire electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap is connected to the gasket.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cover is connected to the gasket by a flexible connector.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical wire electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap is connected to the gasket by a flexible connector, wherein the cap, gasket, and flexible connector are configured as a single piece.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical wire electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap comprises a collar for fitting into the receptacle of the electrical port.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical wire electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of the flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap comprises a collar for fitting into the receptacle of the electrical port, wherein the collar comprises one or more external ridges.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, wherein the electrical receptacle is provided with a protrusion for facilitating gripping of the electrical receptacle by a user.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, wherein the protrusion is an X-shaped protrusion.

The presently described subject matter relates to an electrical port device comprising or consisting of: an electrical port having a flange surrounding a receptacle, the flange having a circular ridge; an electrical plug disposed within the receptacle; a cover removably disposed within the receptacle to cover and expose a plug, the cover including an interior circular sealing surface for sealingly mating with a circular ridge of a flange of the electrical port; an electrical socket; and an electrical cord electrically connecting the electrical port and the electrical receptacle together, the electrical port device further comprising a gasket disposed on an inner side of a flange of the electrical port, wherein the cap comprises a collar for fitting into the receptacle of the electrical port, wherein the housing is provided with a vent/drain hole.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical port device according to the present invention with the cap or cover "open".

Fig. 2 is a front view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the electrical port device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an electrical port device according to the present invention with the cap or cover "closed".

Detailed Description

An electrical port device 10 according to the present invention is shown in fig. 1-8.

The electrical port device 10 includes an electrical port 12 having a flange 14 secured to a housing 15. The housing 15 is provided with a receptacle 16 defined by a cylindrical wall 18 and a bottom wall 20. The cylindrical wall 18 is provided with a lower drain hole 18a (fig. 1 and 7) for venting the receiver 16 and draining any water or moisture located within the receiver 16 that drains by gravity to the lowest point in the receiver 16.

The flange 14 is provided with an outer surface 14a and through holes 14b (fig. 1), the through holes 14b for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws, rust-resistant screws, stainless steel screws, anodized aluminum screws) for mounting the electrical port 12 into a hole provided in a wall or plate, for example.

The receiver 16 houses, for example, a male or female electrical connector, such as an electrical plug 22 (i.e., a male electrical connector), the electrical plug 22 having a neutral pin 22a, an active pin 22b and a ground pin 22c extending outwardly from the inner bottom wall 20 into the receiver 16. The housing 15 of the electrical port 12 is provided with a wire sleeve 24 (fig. 3), the wire sleeve 24 having a groove 24a for making the wire sleeve 24 flexible or bendable. The wire sleeve 24 may be, for example, a plastic injection molded sleeve that fits over the wire or cable 42 and connects to the housing 15 of the electrical port 12 (e.g., a snap fit, interference fit, mechanical fit, or adhesive fit).

A gasket 28 having an inner cylindrical bore (e.g., a flat flexible gasket injection molded of resilient plastic) is mounted on the housing 15 on the rear side surface of the flange 14. For example, the gasket 28 fits between the flange 14 and the wall surface on which the electrical port device 14 is mounted. The gasket 28 comprises a ring 28a, a flexible connector 30 and a cap or cover 32, the cap or cover 32 having tabs 34 and a cylindrical collar 36, the cylindrical collar 36 being provided with an outer annular sealing ridge 38. The cylindrical collar 36 is provided with an internal cylindrical cavity 36a for receiving the electrical plug 22 when the cap or cover 32 is mounted "on" the electrical port 12. The flexible connector 30 is sufficiently flexible that the flexible connector 30 can be bent over 180 ° to mount the cap or cover 32 "on" the receiver 16, thereby sealing the receiver from water. To remove the cap or cover 32, a user may grasp the tab 34 to pull and remove (i.e., unload) the cap or cover 32 from the receptacle 16.

The electrical port device 10 also includes another electrical connector, such as an electrical receptacle 40 (i.e., a female connector). The electrical receptacle 40 may be, for example, a plastic insert injection molded receptacle having electrical conductors, including a neutral pin receptacle 40a, an active pin receptacle 40b, and a ground pin receptacle 40 c. Electrical receptacle 40 is connected to a three (3) wire cord 42, the three (3) wire cord 42 electrically connecting electrical receptacle 40 to electrical port 12 of electrical port device 10.

The electrical receptacle 40 includes an X-shaped projection 40d and a wire cover 40e having a slot 40f to make the wire cover 40e flexible or bendable. The X-shaped projections 40d allow a user to firmly grasp the electrical receptacle 40 at the surface 40g on both sides of the electrical receptacle 40 using his or her fingers and thumb and then push or pull, remain stationary at the electrical receptacle 40 to connect or disconnect, respectively, the electrical receptacle 40 with another electrical connector (e.g., a plug).

Waterproof receiver

It is important and necessary to make the receiver 16 waterproof and to keep the receiver 16 and the plug 22 free of water and moisture to avoid the user from being accidentally shocked by an electrical short when connecting or disconnecting the plug 22, as shown in fig. 1. Thus, it is important that the cap or cover 32 properly seal with the flange 14 of the electrical port 12. In addition, in the event that water or moisture enters or condenses within the receptacle 16, it is important that the receptacle drains such water or moisture through the drain. Thus, the receptacle 16 is provided with a drain 18a (e.g., a drain hole) at the lowest point within the receptacle 16 so that water or moisture drains by gravity flow.

To properly seal the receiver 16 from water, the flange 14 is provided with a circular ridge 14c, the circular ridge 14c having an inner diameter D1 (fig. 1) equal to or the same as the diameter D1 of the receiver 16 and an outer diameter D2 that is greater than the inner diameter D1 of the circular ridge 14c, and D2 is less than the outer diameter D3 of the flange 14. The flange 14 is also provided with a radial ridge 14d extending radially outwardly from the outer edge of the circular ridge 14 c. A pair of ridges 14d are positioned adjacent the sides of each through hole 14b (fig. 2).

The circular ridge 14c is provided with a flat sealing surface 14ca (fig. 1). The circular ridge 14c is raised above the outer surface 14a of the flange 14 by a predetermined height. In addition, the radial ridge 14d rises above the outer surface 14a of the flange 14 by a predetermined height that is less than the predetermined height of the circular ridge 14 c. This arrangement allows the inner circular flat sealing surface 32a of the cap or cover 32 to seat only with the flat surface 14ca of the circular ridge 14c to ensure a good seal therebetween. In particular, this flat-to-flat sealing arrangement between the circular flat sealing surface 32a of the cap or cover 32 and the flat surface 14ca of the flange 14 of the electrical port 12 enhances the sealing and waterproofing capabilities of the receiver 16 and the plug 22 to keep water and moisture out of the receiver 16 and the plug 22.

In addition, the annular ridge 38 of the cap or lid 32 is sized (e.g., a predetermined diameter) and designed (e.g., a particular profile or cross-sectional shape of the ridge 38) such that the outer edge of the ridge 38 fits snugly and resiliently into the inner edge of the receiver 16. For example, a plurality of ridges 38 (e.g., two or more ridges) are used to provide a plurality of sealing engagements with, for example, the smooth inner cylindrical sealing surface 18 of the receiver 16. For example, the annular ridge 38 may have a square or rectangular profile to provide a flat arcuate sealing edge that sealingly engages the smooth inner cylindrical sealing surface 18 of the receiver 16.

Additionally, the housing 15 and flange 14 of the electrical port 12 may be injection molded from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, and the cap or cover 32 may be molded from a softer and/or more resilient plastic or rubber material, such that the smooth inner cylindrical sealing surface 18 applies a band-like stress to the annular outer edge 38a of the ridge 38 to improve the sealing strength of the cap or cover 32 mounted "on" the flange 14 of the electrical port 12 of the electrical port device 10.

The cap or cover 32 and the annular ridge 38 may be designed such that a retaining/sealing force is created between the ridge 38 and the inner cylindrical surface 18 of the receiver 16 to tightly seal and retain the cap or cover 32 within the receiver 16. In addition, the retention force applies a sealing force between the sealing surface 38a of the cap or cover 38 and the flat sealing surface 14ca of the circular ridge 14c of the flange 14 of the electrical port 12 of the electrical port device 10.

For example, cap or cover 38 may be made of a resilient plastic or rubber material such that when collar 36 of cap or cover 32 is fully inserted into receiver 16, the user may press the center of cap or cover 32 with his or her finger or thumb to further insert collar 36 into receiver 16 such that collar 36 exerts a resilient retention force on cap or cover 32 that exerts a resilient sealing force between inner circular flat sealing surface 32a of cap or cover 32 and flat surface 14ca of circular ridge 14c to enhance the sealing force between inner circular flat sealing surface 32a and flat surface 14ca and then maintain the sealing force.

Electric wire or cable connector

The electrical port device 10 includes a wire or cable connector 50, the wire or cable connector 50 being configured to connect one wire or cable portion 42a between the wire or cable connector 50 and the electrical port 12 with a pair of wire or cable portions 42b between the wire or cable connector 50 and the electrical receptacle 40, respectively. The wire or cable connector 50 functions as an electrical separator that separates the wire or cable section 42a into a pair of wire or cable sections 42 b. Thus, one path of current flowing through the wire or cable section 42a is split into two paths of current flowing through the wire or cable section 42 b.

The wire or cable connector 50 is configured with one wire or cable portion 50a connected to one side of the wire or cable connector 50 and a pair of wire or cable portions 50b connected to the opposite side of the wire or cable connector 50.

The one wire or cable section 50a is oriented parallel with respect to the pair of wire or cable sections 50 b. The wire or cable sections 50a, 50b each have one or more grooves 50c (fig. 1) to enhance flexibility of connection between the wire or cable sections 50a, 50b and the wire or cable connector 50.

The length of the wire or cable connector 50 shown in fig. 2 is greater than the width of the wire or cable connector. This allows a wire or cable connector to be easily passed through a hole, such as a hole cut into a wall, in order to mount the electrical port device 10 in the wall.

The wire or cable connector 50 is provided with an X-shaped protrusion 50d to enhance gripping of the wire or cable connector between the user's fingers and/or thumb.

For example, the cable or cable connector 50 is made of a resilient plastic material that is injection molded with the electrical connection between the wire or cable portion 50a and the pair of wire or cable portions 50 b.

Alternatively, the wire or cable connector 50 may be configured to provide two separate circuits for the electrical port 12. For example, the wire or cable section 42a includes two wire sets (e.g., ground, neutral, ground), each of which is wired directly to each of the pair of wire or cable sections 42 b.