Foldable electric plug and related method

Abstract

An electric plug (100) including a first pin (110), a second pin (120), a third pin (130), a first follow gear (360), and a second follow gear (370). The first pin (110) and the second pin (120) can be rotatable in a first direction (401) between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration. The third pin (130) can be rotatable in a second direction (402) between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration. The second direction (402) can be opposite the first direction (401). The first and second follow gears (360, 370) can be configured to link rotation of the first and second pins (110, 120) in the first direction (401) to rotation of the third pin (130) in the second direction (402). Other embodiments are described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to electric plugs and relates more specifically to a foldable electric plug.BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric plugs are connectors generally attached to an electrically operated device, often by a cable. Electric plugs typically are insertable into electric sockets (also called receptacles or outlets), which are often installed, such as on walls of a building, and connected to alternating current (AC) main electric supply of the building. There are various different types of plug designs that are design to be used with the various different socket types in various different jurisdictions.SUMMARY

[0003] According to the invention there is provided an electric plug as defined by claim 1 and a method of providing an electric plug as defined by claim 2. Optional features are defined by the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a front, bottom, left side perspective view of an electric plug in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of the electric plug of FIG. 1 in an unfolded configuration; FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of the electric plug of FIG. 1 with the housing of FIG. 1 removed, showing an inner side of the plug panel and other components of the electric plug, with the electric plug in the unfolded configuration; FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of the electric plug of FIG. 1 with the housing of FIG. 1 removed, showing the inner side of the plug panel and other components of the electric plug, with the electric plug in the unfolded configuration; FIG. 5 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of the electric plug of FIG. 1 with the housing of FIG. 1 removed, showing the inner side of the plug panel and other components of the electric plug, with the electric plug in an intermediate configuration between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration; FIG. 6 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of the electric plug of FIG. 1 with the housing of FIG. 1 removed, showing the inner side of the plug panel and other components of the electric plug, with the electric plug in the folded configuration; FIG. 7 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of the electric plug of FIG. 1 with the housing of FIG. 1 removed, with the electric plug in the unfolded configuration, showing the inner side of the plug panel and other components of the electric plug, including a live wire and a neutral wire; and FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of providing an electric plug, according to another embodiment.

[0005] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0006] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0007] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0008] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and / or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. "Electrical coupling" and the like should be broadly understood and include electrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.

[0009] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

[0010] As defined herein, two or more elements are "integral" if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-integral" if each is comprised of a different piece of material.

[0011] As defined herein, "approximately" can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Various embodiments include an electric plug. The electric plug can include a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, a first follow gear, and a second follow gear. The first pin and the second pin can be rotatable in a first direction between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration. The third pin can be rotatable in a second direction between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration. The second direction can be opposite the first direction. The first and second follow gears can be configured to link rotation of the first and second pins in the first direction to rotation of the third pin in the second direction.

[0013] A number of embodiments include a method of providing an electric plug. The method can include providing a first pin. The method also can include providing a second pin. The method additionally can include providing a third pin. The method further can include providing a first follow gear. The method additionally can include providing a second follow gear. The first pin and the second pin can be rotatable in a first direction between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration. The third pin can be rotatable in a second direction between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration. The second direction can be opposite the first direction. The first and second follow gears can be configured to link rotation of the first and second pins in the first direction to rotation of the third pin in the second direction.

[0014] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front, bottom, left side perspective view of an electric plug 100 in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of electric plug 100 in an unfolded configuration. Electric plug 100 is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the electric plug are not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The electric plug can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a housing 101, a plug panel 102, and / or a power end 103. In some embodiments, power end 103 can be a power adapter, such as a USB-C power adapter with one or more USB-C ports 104 (or other suitable types of power adapters, such as USB-A, lightning, etc.) to provide power to devices, such as mobile devices, etc. For example, electric plug 100 can be a wall charger for a electronic devices. In other embodiments, power end 103 can be a power cord (not shown), which in some embodiments can provide AC power, and in other embodiments can provide direct current (DC) power to an electric appliance, electronic device, etc. When providing DC power through a power cord or providing a power adapter (which also provides DC power), electric plug 100 can include an adapter (such as a conventional power adapter, not shown) to convert AC power to DC power.

[0015] In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a pin 110, a pin 120, and a pin 130 that extend from plug panel 102. In the unfolded configuration of electric plug 100, such as shown in FIG. 2, pins 110, 120, and 130 each can be unfolded and extend frontward (e.g., substantially perpendicularly) from an outer face 109 of plug panel 102. In the unfolded configuration of electric plug 100, pins 110, 120, and 130 can be deployed such that electric plug 100 can be plugged into a power socket to provide power to power end 103. Plug panel 102 can include a slot 210, a slot 220, and / or a slot 230.

[0016] In the folded configuration of electric plug 100, such as shown in FIG. 1, pin 110 can be folded and positioned within slot 210, pin 120 can be folded and positioned within slot 220, and pin 130 can be folded and positioned within slot 230. In the folded configuration of electric plug 100, pins 110, 120, and 130 can stowed such that electric plug 100 cannot be plugged into a power socket. In the folded configuration of electric plug 100, pins 110, 120, and 130 can be substantially parallel to outer face 109 of plug panel 102.

[0017] In many embodiments, when electric plug 100 is in the folded configuration, pins 110, 120, and 130 sit fully within slots 210, 220, and 230, respectively, and do not extend frontward beyond outer face 109 of plug panel 102. In other embodiments, when electric plug 100 is in the folded configuration, pins 110, 120, and 130 do not extend frontward more than 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm beyond outer face 109 of plug panel 102. In the folded configuration of electric plug 100, the front-to-rear dimension of electric plug 100 is less than when electric plug 100 is in the unfolded configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the front-to-rear dimension of electric plug 100 in the folded configuration is approximately 22.73 mm less than the front-to-rear dimension of electric plug 100 in the unfolded configuration. In other embodiments, the front-to-rear dimension of electric plug 100 in the folded configuration is approximately 23 mm, 22, mm, 21 mm, 20 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, or 17 mm less than the front-to-rear dimension of electric plug 100 in the unfolded configuration. The smaller dimension of electric plug 100 in the folded configuration can advantageously facilitate storage, shipping, travel, etc. of electric plug 100. Further, stowing pins 110, 120, and 130 in the folded configuration of electric plug 100 can advantageously prevent pins 110, 120, and / or 130 from snagging on or damaging other items when electric plug 100 is being stored, shipping, or taken on travel.

[0018] In many embodiments, pins 110 and 120 can fold in the same direction in a folded configuration (e.g., topward as shown in FIG. 1), and pin 130 can fold in the opposite direction in a folded configuration (e.g., bottomward as shown in FIG. 1). In many embodiments, pins 110 and 120 can fold and unfold parallel to each other, such that when pins 110 and 120 are unfolded in a first unfolded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 2, pins 110 are parallel with each other, and when pins 110 and 120 are folded in the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, pins 110 and 120 are parallel with each other. In the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, pins 110 and 120 can extend frontward from a bottomward end of plug panel 102. In many embodiments, pin 130 can unfold from the folded configuration (e.g., bottom ward as shown in FIG. 1) to a second unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, to extend frontward from a topward end of plug panel 102. In many embodiments, as described below, the action of unfolding pin 130 from the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to the second unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, can result in pins 110 and 120 being unfolded from the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, in many embodiments, as described below, the action of folding pin 130 from the second unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, to the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, can result in pins 110 and 120 being folded from the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, to the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can be a British Standard BS 1363 Type plug, also known as a Type G plug, in which pins 110 and 120 are neutral and live pins respectively (or vice versa), and pin 130 is a ground (earth) pin. In other embodiments, electric plug 100 can be another suitable type of plug, such as another type of plug in which there are two pins used for live and neutral wiring, and a third pin use for a ground that is positioned outside the plane of the first two pins.

[0020] In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a recess 105, which can facilitate raising pin 130 from the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to the second unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. In many embodiments, recess 105 can be an indentation in housing 101 and / or plug panel 102 through which an end portion 131 of pin 130 extends. For example, recess 105 can include a right portion 106, a left portion 107, and / or a rear portion 108. As shown in FIG. 1, end portion 131 can extend bottom ward (to the right in FIG. 1) beyond a topmost end (to the left in FIG. 1) of right portion 106, left portion 107, and / or rear portion 108. For example, a user can place a finger under end portion 131 in rear portion 108 and lift pin 130 from the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to the second unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, which in many embodiments can also result in pins 110 and 120 being unfolded from the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, to the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of electric plug 100 with housing 101 (FIGs. 1-2) removed, showing an inner side 300 of plug panel 102 (opposite outer side 109 (FIG. 1)) and other components of electric plug 100, with electric plug 100 in the unfolded configuration. In many embodiments, plug panel 102 can include a pin housing 381 for pin 110, a pin housing 382 for pin 120, and / or a pin housing 383 for pin 130. Pin housing 381 can include a slot housing 301 that forms slot 210 (FIG. 2), and an aperture in plug panel 102 through which pin 110 extends (from a front to rear side of plug panel 102), which can be located between a wall 378 and a wall 373. Pin housing 382 can include a slot housing 302 that forms slot 220 (FIG. 2), and an aperture in plug panel 102 through which pin 120 extends (from a front to rear side of plug panel 102), which can be located between a wall 377 and a wall 376. Pin housing 383 can include a slot housing 303 that forms slot 230 (FIG. 2), and an aperture in plug panel 102 through which pin 130 extends (from a front to rear side of plug panel 102), which can be located between a wall 374 and a wall 375.

[0022] In many embodiments, plug panel 102 can include a gear channel 391 and / or a gear channel 392. In many embodiments, gear channel 391 can be located between wall 373 and wall 374. In many embodiments, gear channel 392 can be located between wall 375 and wall 376. In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a follow gear 360 and a follow gear 370 (e.g., gears that follow (e.g., are driven by) the rotation other, drive gears (e.g., pin gear 310, pin gear 320, and / or pin gear 330)). In many embodiments, follow gear 360 can include a side gear 361 and a side gear 362, which can be configured to rotate with each other, and in many embodiments can be integral. In many embodiments, follow gear 360 can be rotatably seated in walls 373, 374, 375, and / or 376. In many embodiments, follow gear 370 can include a side gear 371 and a side gear 372, which can be configured to rotate with each other, and in many embodiments can be integral. In many embodiments, follow gear 370 can be rotatably seated in walls 373, 374, 375, and / or 376. In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a pin gear 310, which can be a gear configured to rotate with pin 110. In some embodiments, pin gear 310 and pin 110 can be integral (e.g., formed as one piece). In other embodiments, pin gear 310 and pin 110 can be separate pieces that are coupled together. In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a pin gear 320, which can be a gear configured to rotate with pin 120. In some embodiments, pin gear 320 and pin 120 can be integral (e.g., formed as one piece). In other embodiments, pin gear 320 and pin 120 can be separate pieces that are coupled together. In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a pin gear 330, which can be a gear (or gear assembly) configured to rotate with pin 130. In some embodiments, pin gear 330 and pin 130 can be integral (e.g., formed as one piece). In other embodiments, pin gear 330 and pin 130 can be separate pieces that are coupled together. In many embodiments, pin gear 330 can include a side gear 331 and a side gear 332, which can be configured to rotate with each other and with pin 130, and in many embodiments can be integral. In many embodiments, pin gear 330 can be rotatably seated in walls 374 and 375. In many embodiments, pin gear 310, side gear 361 of follow gear 360, side gear 371 of follow gear 370, and / or side gear 331 of pin gear 330 can be located in gear channel 391. In many embodiments, pin gear 320, side gear 362 of follow gear 360, side gear 372 of follow gear 370, and / or side gear 332 of pin gear 330 can be located in gear channel 392.

[0023] In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a contacting pillar 311 and a contacting pillar 321. In many embodiments, contacting pillar 311 can rotate with pin 110, and in many embodiments, contacting pillar 311, pin 110, and pin gear 310 can be integral (e.g., formed as one piece). In many embodiments, the piece that forms contacting pillar 311, pin 110, and pin gear 310 can be rotatably seated in walls 378 and 373. In many embodiments, contacting pillar 311 can have a square cross-section across the pillar. For example, contacting pillar 311 can include sides 312, 313, 314, and 315, forming a square cross-section. In many embodiments, contacting pillar 321 can rotate with pin 120, and in many embodiments, contacting pillar 321, pin 120, and pin gear 320 can be integral (e.g., formed as one piece). In many embodiments, the piece that forms contacting pillar 321, pin 120, and pin gear 320 can be rotatably seated in walls 377 and 376. In many embodiments, contacting pillar 321 can have a square cross-section across the pillar, similar to contacting pillar 311.

[0024] In many embodiments, electric plug 100 can include a contacting spring 340 and / or a contacting spring 350. In many embodiments, contacting spring 340 can include a wire connection point 341, a mounting point 342, a contacting surface 343, a bend 344, and / or a contacting surface 345. In many embodiments, contacting spring 340 can be mounted at mounting point 342 to plug panel 102 using a fastener 304 (e.g., a screw or other suitable fastener). Contacting spring 350 can be similar or identical to contacting spring 340. For example, contacting spring 350 can include a wire connection point 351, among other components. In many embodiments, contacting spring 350 can be mounted to plug panel 102 using a fastener 305 (e.g., a screw or other suitable fastener). In many embodiments, contacting spring 340 can provide electrical connection to contacting pillar 311, and contacting spring 350 can provide electrical connection to contacting pillar 321.

[0025] In many embodiments, plug panel 102, follow gear 360, and / or follow gear 370 can be made of one or more materials that are not electrically conductive. In many embodiments, (i) the piece that forms contacting pillar 311, pin 110, and pin gear 310, (ii) the piece that forms contacting pillar 321, pin 120, and pin gear 320, (iii) contacting spring 340, and / or (iv) contacting spring 350 can be made of one or more materials that conduct electricity.

[0026] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGs. 4-6 show operation of electric plug 100 when electric plug 100 is folded from the unfolded configuration (in FIG. 4) to the folded configuration (in FIG. 6), with FIG. 5 being intermediate between the unfolded and folded configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of electric plug 100 with housing 101 (FIGs. 1-2) removed, showing inner side 300 of plug panel 102 and other components of electric plug 100, with electric plug 100 in the unfolded configuration. FIG. 5 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of electric plug 100 with housing 101 (FIGs. 1-2) removed, showing inner side 300 of plug panel 102 and other components of electric plug 100, with electric plug 100 in an intermediate configuration between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration. FIG. 6 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of electric plug 100 with housing 101 (FIGs. 1-2) removed, showing inner side 300 of plug panel 102 and other components of electric plug 100, with electric plug 100 in the folded configuration.

[0027] As shown in FIGs. 4-5, pins 110 and 120 can be pushed / rotated in a first direction 401, and / or pin 130 can be pushed / rotated in a second direction 402, which can cause electric plug 100 to be folded from the unfolded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 4 to the folded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 6. The action of pushing / rotating pins 110 and 120 in first direction 401, can cause pin gear 310 and pin gear 320 (FIG. 3) to rotate counterclockwise (from the vantagepoint of FIGs. 4-6), which can cause follow gear 360 to rotate clockwise, which can cause follow gear 370 to rotate counterclockwise, which can cause pin gear 330 to rotate clockwise, which can cause pin 130 to rotate in second direction 402. Alternatively, the action of pushing / rotating pin 130 in second direction 402 can cause pin gear 330 to rotate clockwise, which can cause follow gear 370 to rotate counterclockwise, which can cause follow gear 360 to rotate clockwise, which can cause pin gear 310 and pin gear 320 (FIG. 3) to rotate counterclockwise, which can cause pins 110 and 120 to rotate in first direction 401. The transmission through four gears (e.g., pin gears 310 / 320, follow gear 360, follow gear 370, and pin gear 330) can cause pins 110 and 120 on the one hand, and pin 130 on the other hand, to rotate in opposite directions. Similarly, pin 130 can be lifted from a folded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 6 to an unfolded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 4, and pins 110 and 120 can simultaneously unfold from the folded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 6 to an unfolded configuration, such as shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] In many embodiments, contacting spring 340 can be configured to provide a holding force for contacting pillar 311 when pin 110 is in the unfolded configuration (as shown in FIG. 4) and when pin 110 is in the folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 4, when pin 110 is in the unfolded configuration, sides 312 is aligned with contacting surface 343 of contacting spring 340, and side 314 is aligned with contacting surface 345 of contacting spring 340. The action of rotating pin 110 and contacting pillar 311 from the unfolded configuration in FIG. 4 toward the folded configuration, such as shown in the intermediate configuration shown in FIG. 5, causes contacting surface 343 and 345 to be pushed further apart, which is against a bias of contacting spring 340. Similarly, when pin 110 is in the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, sides 313 is aligned with contacting surface 343 of contacting spring 340, and side 315 is aligned with contacting surface 345 of contacting spring 340. The action of rotating pin 110 and contacting pillar 311 from the folded configuration in FIG. 6 toward the unfolded configuration, such as shown in the intermediate configuration shown in FIG. 5, causes contacting surface 343 and 345 to be pushed further apart, which is against a bias of contacting spring 340. Accordingly, contacting spring 340 can provide a holding force when pin 110 is in the unfolded configuration of FIG. 4 and when pin 110 is in the folded configuration of FIG. 6. Contacting spring 350 (FIG. 3) can be configured to provide a similar holding force for contacting pillar 321 (FIG. 3) when pin 120 is in the folded configuration and when pin 120 is in the unfolded configuration.

[0029] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 7 illustrates a rear, bottom, right side perspective view of a portion of electric plug 100 with housing 101 (FIGs. 1-2) removed, with electric plug 100 in the unfolded configuration, showing inner side 300 of plug panel 102 and other components of electric plug 100, including wires 740 and 750. As shown in FIG. 7, contacting spring 340 can be connected (e.g., soldered or otherwise electrically coupled) to wire 740, such as at wire connection point 341 of contacting spring 340. Similarly, contacting spring 350 can be connected (e.g., soldered or otherwise electrically coupled) to wire 750, such as at wire connection point 351 of contacting spring 350. Electric current can pass through wire 740 to contacting spring 340 to contacting pillar 311 to pin 110 (and / or vice versa). Similarly, electric current can pass through wire 750 to contacting spring 350 to contacting pillar 321 to pin 120 (and / or vice versa). In some embodiments, pin 120 can be a "live" (L) pin, and wire 750 can be a live (L) wire, while pin 110 can be a "neutral" (N) pin, and wire 740 can be a neutral (N) wire. In other embodiments, the polarity can be reversed. In many embodiments, wires 740 and 750 can be connected to a power adapter (now shown, e.g., a PCB (printed circuit board) to convert AC power from pins 110, 120 to DC power) of electric plug 100 and / or a cord (not shown) extending from power end 103 of electric plug 100.

[0030] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 800 of providing an electric plug, according to another embodiment. Method 800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 800 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and / or the activities of method 800 can be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and / or the activities of the method 800 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes, and / or the activities in method 800 can be combined or skipped. The electric plug can be similar or identical to electric plug 100 (FIGs. 1-7).

[0031] Referring to FIG. 8, method 800 can include an activity 805 of providing a first pin. The first pin can be similar or identical to pin 110 (FIGs. 1-5, 7). In some embodiments, the first pin is a live pin. In other embodiments, the first pin is a neutral pin.

[0032] In a number of embodiments, method 800 also can include an activity 810 of providing a second pin. The second pin can be similar or identical to pin 120 (FIGs. 1-5, 7). In some embodiments, the second pin is a neutral pin. In other embodiments, the second pin is a live pin.

[0033] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 815 of providing a third pin. The third pin can be similar or identical to pin 130 (FIGs. 1-7). In many embodiments, the third pin is a ground pin. In many embodiments, the first pin and the second pin can be rotatable in a first direction between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration. The first direction can be similar or identical to first direction 401 (FIGs. 4-5). The first folded configuration can be similar or identical to the configuration of pins 110 and 120 in FIG. 1, and / or the first unfolded configuration can be similar or identical to the configuration of pins 110 and 120 in FIGs. 2-4 and 7. In many embodiments, the third pin can be rotatable in a second direction between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration. The second direction can be similar or identical to second direction 402 (FIGs. 4-5). The second folded configuration can be similar or identical to the configuration of pin 130 in FIG. 1 and 6, and / or the second unfolded configuration can be similar or identical to the configuration of pin 130 in FIGs. 2-4 and 6-7. In many embodiments, the second direction can be opposite the first direction.

[0034] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 820 of providing a first follow gear. The first follow gear can be similar or identical to follow gear 360 (FIGs. 3-6). In many embodiments, the first follow gear can include a first side gear and a second side gear. The first side gear can be similar or identical to side gear 361 (FIG. 3), and / or the second side gear can be similar or identical to side gear 362 (FIG. 3).

[0035] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 825 of providing a second follow gear. The second follow gear can be similar or identical to follow gear 370 (FIGs. 3-6). In many embodiments, the first follow gear can engage with the second follow gear. In a number of embodiments, the first and second follow gears can be configured to link rotation of the first and second pins in the first direction to rotation of the third pin in the second direction.

[0036] In many embodiments, the second follow gear can include a first side gear and a second side gear. The first side gear can be similar or identical to side gear 371 (FIG. 3), and / or the second side gear can be similar or identical to side gear 372 (FIG. 3). In many embodiments, the first side gear of the first follow gear can engage with the first side gear of the second follow gear. In many embodiments, the second side gear of the first follow gear can engage with the second side gear of the second follow gear.

[0037] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 830 of providing a first pin gear. The first pin gear can be similar or identical to pin gear 310 (FIG. 3). In many embodiments, the first pin gear can be configured to rotate with the first pin. In some embodiments, the first pin and the first pin gear are integral.

[0038] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 835 of providing a second pin gear. The second pin gear can be similar or identical to pin gear 320 (FIG. 3). In many embodiments, the second pin gear can be configured to rotate with the second pin. In some embodiments, the second pin and the second pin gear are integral. In many embodiments, the first pin gear and the second pin gear engage with the first follow gear. In many embodiments, the first pin gear can engage with the first side gear of the first follow gear, and / or the second pin gear can engage with the second side gear of the first follow gear.

[0039] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 840 of providing a third pin gear. The third pin gear can be similar or identical to pin gear 330 (FIG. 3). In many embodiments, the third pin and the third pin gear are integral. In many embodiments, the third pin gear can be configured to rotate the third pin. In many embodiments, the third pin gear can engage with the second follow gear. In many embodiments, the third pin gear can include a first side gear and a second side gear. In many embodiments, the first side gear of the second follow gear can engage with the first side gear of the third pin gear, and / or the second side gear of the second follow gear can engage with the second side gear of the third pin gear. In many embodiments, the third pin can be located between the first side gear and the second side gear of the third pin gear.

[0040] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 845 of providing a first contacting pillar. The first contacting pillar can be similar or identical to contacting pillar 311 (FIGs. 3-7). In many embodiments, the first contacting pillar can be configured to rotate with the first pin. In many embodiments, the first contacting pillar and the first pin can be integral.

[0041] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 850 of providing a second contacting pillar configured to rotate with the second pin. The second contacting pillar can be similar or identical to contacting pillar 321 (FIGs. 3, 7). In many embodiments, the second contacting pillar can be configured to rotate with the second pin. In many embodiments, the second contacting pillar and the second pin can be integral.

[0042] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 855 of providing a first contacting spring. The first contacting spring can be similar or identical to contacting spring 340 (FIGs. 3-7). In many embodiments, the first contacting spring can be configured to provide a holding force for the first contacting pillar when the first pin is in the first folded configuration and when the first pin in the first unfolded configuration. In many embodiments, the first contacting spring can be configured to contact the first contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the first contacting pillar. For example, the two opposite sides can be similar or identical to sides 312 and 314 (FIGs. 3-6) in the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIGs. 3-4), and / or can be similar or identical to sides 313 and 315 (FIGs. 3-6) in the first folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 6).

[0043] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 860 of providing a second contacting spring. The second contacting spring can be similar or identical to contacting spring 350 (FIGs. 3, 7). In many embodiments, the second contacting spring can be configured to provide a holding force for the second contacting pillar when the second pin is in the first folded configuration and when the second pin in the first unfolded configuration. In many embodiments, the second contacting spring can be configured to contact the second contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the second contacting pillar. For example, the two opposite sides of the second contacting pillar can be similar to sides 312 and 314 (FIGs. 3-6) of the first contacting pillar in the first unfolded configuration, as shown in FIGs. 3-4), and / or can be similar to sides 313 and 315 (FIGs. 3-6) of the first contacting pillar in the first folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 6).

[0044] In several embodiments, method 800 additionally can include an activity 865 of providing a live wire. The live wire can be similar or identical to wire 750 (FIG. 7). In many embodiments, the live wire can be coupled to the first contacting spring.

[0045] In a number of embodiments, method 800 further can include an activity 870 of providing a neutral wire. The neutral wire can be similar or identical to wire 740 (FIG. 7). The neutral wire can be coupled to the second contacting spring.

[0046] Although the foldable electric plug has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any element of FIGs. 1-8 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. For example, one or more of the elements of FIGs. 1-7 can be swapped with, interchanged, modified, or added to other embodiments described herein. As another example, one or more of the procedures, processes, or activities of FIG. 8 may include different procedures, processes, and / or activities and be performed in many different orders.

[0047] Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claim.

[0048] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and / or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric plug comprising: a first pin; a second pin; a third pin; a first follow gear; and a second follow gear, wherein: the first pin and the second pin are rotatable in a first direction between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration; the third pin is rotatable in a second direction between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration; the second direction is opposite the first direction; and the first and second follow gears are configured to link rotation of the first and second pins in the first direction to rotation of the third pin in the second direction.

2. A method of providing an electric plug, comprising: providing a first pin; providing a second pin; providing a third pin; providing a first follow gear; and providing a second follow gear, wherein: the first pin and the second pin are rotatable in a first direction between a first folded configuration and a first unfolded configuration; the third pin is rotatable in a second direction between a second folded configuration and a second unfolded configuration; the second direction is opposite the first direction; and the first and second follow gears are configured to link rotation of the first and second pins in the first direction to rotation of the third pin in the second direction.

3. The electric plug of claim 1 further comprising: a first pin gear configured to rotate with the first pin; a second pin gear configured to rotate with the second pin; and a third pin gear configured to rotate the third pin; wherein: the first pin gear and the second pin gear engage with the first follow gear; the first follow gear engages with the second follow gear; and the third pin gear engages with the second follow gear.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: providing a first pin gear configured to rotate with the first pin; providing a second pin gear configured to rotate with the second pin; and providing a third pin gear configured to rotate the third pin; wherein: the first pin gear and the second pin gear engage with the first follow gear; the first follow gear engages with the second follow gear; and the third pin gear engages with the second follow gear.

5. The electric plug of claim 3 or the method of claim 4, wherein: the first follow gear comprises a first side gear and a second side gear; the first pin gear engages with the first side gear of the first follow gear; and the second pin gear engages with the second side gear of the first follow gear.

6. The electric plug of claim 5 or the method of claim 5, wherein: the second follow gear comprises a first side gear and a second side gear; the third pin gear comprises a first side gear and a second side gear; the first side gear of the first follow gear engages with the first side gear of the second follow gear; the second side gear of the first follow gear engages with the second side gear of the second follow gear; the first side gear of the second follow gear engages with the first side gear of the third pin gear; and the second side gear of the second follow gear engages with the second side gear of the third pin gear.

7. The electric plug of claim 6 or the method of claim 6, wherein the third pin is located between the first side gear and the second side gear of the third pin gear.

8. The electric plug of any one of claim 3 or claim 5 to claim 7 or the method of any one of claim 4 to claim 7, wherein: the first pin and the first pin gear are integral; the second pin and the second pin gear are integral; and the third pin and the third pin gear are integral.

9. The electric plug or the method of any preceding claim, wherein: the first pin is a live pin; the second pin is a neutral pin; and the third pin is a ground pin.

10. The electric plug of any preceding device claim further comprising: a first contacting pillar configured to rotate with the first pin; a second contacting pillar configured to rotate with the second pin; a first contacting spring configured to provide a holding force for the first contacting pillar when the first pin is in the first folded configuration and when the first pin is in the first unfolded configuration; and a second contacting spring configured to provide a holding force for the second contacting pillar when the second pin is in the first folded configuration and when the second pin is in the first unfolded configuration.

11. The electric plug of claim 10, wherein: the first contacting spring is configured to contact the first contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the first contacting pillar; and the second contacting spring is configured to contact the second contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the second contacting pillar.

12. The electric plug of any one of claim 10 or claim 11 further comprising: a live wire coupled to the first contacting spring; and a neutral wire coupled to the second contacting spring.

13. The method of any preceding method claim further comprising: providing a first contacting pillar configured to rotate with the first pin; providing a second contacting pillar configured to rotate with the second pin; providing a first contacting spring configured to provide a holding force for the first contacting pillar when the first pin is in the first folded configuration and when the first pin in the first unfolded configuration; and providing a second contacting spring configured to provide a holding force for the second contacting pillar when the second pin is in the first folded configuration and when the second pin in the first unfolded configuration.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the first contacting spring is configured to contact the first contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the first contacting pillar; and the second contacting spring is configured to contact the second contacting pillar on two opposite sides of the second contacting pillar.

15. The method of any one of claim 13 or 14 further comprising: providing a live wire coupled to the first contacting spring; and providing a neutral wire coupled to the second contacting spring.

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