A multipurpose shaver socket assembly

Abstract

A multipurpose shaver socket assembly comprising a rear assembly mounting 11 (Figure 16), a transformer 16 and an electric circuit for at least one primary electrical connector socket 13 of a first ty

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electrical connection sockets. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a multipurpose shaver socket with an all-in-one 5 design. Background to the Invention A prior art shaver socket in the market is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. This socket, which fits a standard 47mm back box, is a popular dual voltage shaver socket design. A pair of sockets are provided on the face plate, one socket 10 operating at 230V and the other socket operating at 115V. To accommodate the dual voltage shaver socket, the electronic supply at the rear of the shaver socket illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 includes an isolated transformer at an upper half of the rear assembly, and the other half of which is assembled with the dual-voltage shaver socket supplies. 15 According to the applicable Standard, it is not permissible to install a mains switch and mains socket such as a shaver socket inside a wet area such as a bathroom and connect them to mains voltage electricity, unless the mains socket is connected to the mains voltage electricity using an isolated transformer as a protection. Due to the provision of the dual voltage shaver socket, alternative socket 20 configurations are difficult. There very little room to provide different sockets to power different devices, fitted into the 47mm standard back box, particularly if the main shaver socket is to be retained. Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a 25 useful or commercial choice. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a multipurpose shaver socket assembly comprising 19 06 25 a) A rear assembly mounting i. A transformer and an electric circuit for at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug associated with the transformer; 5 ii. An electric circuit for at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type; wherein the transformer is mounted in a first half of the rear assembly and the electric circuit for the at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type and the electric circuit for the at least one secondary 10 electrical connector socket of a second type are located in a second half of the rear assembly; b) A faceplate configured for engagement with the rear assembly to cover the rear assembly, the faceplate comprising: i. at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured 15 for a shaver plug; ii. at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type located to one lateral side of the at least one primary electrical connector socket; wherein the at least one primary electrical connector socket of the first type and the at least one primary electrical connector socket of the second type 20 are located beside each other in the faceplate over the second half of the rear assembly. Providing a multipurpose shaver socket with at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug and at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type allows an “all-in-one design” (for example, 25 one or more USB outlets and shaver socket can be provided by the one module and built-in the same plate) and can fit into 47mm standard back box; whereas, the traditional shaver sockets in the market are without secondary electrical connector sockets built-in or just with 2 different modules built into the same plate, but cannot be fitted into 47mm standard back box. 19 06 25 The multipurpose shaver socket assembly will normally be mounted relative to a wall, with the longer dimension oriented vertically, but the orientation is not as important as the fact that the socket assembly can be fitted into 47mm standard back box (whether oriented vertically or horizontally). 5 The multipurpose shaver socket assembly of an embodiment is configured for use as an electrical shaver socket, with the at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug, and at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type allowing the supply of power to a different type of and / or more than one other electrical device. 10 The multipurpose shaver socket assembly will typically be wall mounted. As outlined above, the multipurpose shaver socket assembly will generally comprise at least a faceplate and a rear assembly. The rear assembly will typically mount the transformer (which is preferably an isolated transformer), an electric circuit for at least one primary electrical connector 15 socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug, and associated with the transformer, and an electric circuit for at least one secondary electrical connector socket of the second type. The rear assembly will preferably be of a standard size. The standard size preferred allows the shaver socket assembly to fit in a standard 47 mm. The shaver 20 socket of an embodiment can be retrofit to replace a dual voltage shaver socket, which may also fit a 47 mm back box. The rear assembly is generally rectangular. In an embodiment, the rear assembly includes a perimeter frame relative to which components are mounted. The perimeter frame is preferably metal or another strong and rigid material. In use, the faceplate 25 generally attaches to the perimeter frame, typically using a snap fit assembly. The perimeter frame will generally be mounted to the wall or wall structure in order to mount the multipurpose shaver socket assembly. The components of the rear assembly will generally be mounted relative to the perimeter frame such that the components are located at least partially within a wall cavity. One or more mounting openings are 19 06 25 typically defined in the perimeter frame in order to mount the perimeter frame relative to the wall or wall structure. A mounting plate or mounting structure may be provided. Where provided, the mounting plate or mounting structure will typically attach to the perimeter frame, 5 generally from the rear of the perimeter frame, and the components of the rear assembly are generally mounted to the mounting plate or mounting structure. The mounting plate or structure will generally be shaped to specifically mount the components. The mounting plate or structure will generally attach to the perimeter frame within the dimension of the perimeter frame. The mounting plate or structure may extend 10 rearwardly from the perimeter frame. Any rearwardly extending portions of the mounting plate or structure will normally be received within the wall cavity once the multipurpose shaver socket assembly is mounted. The transformer for the at least one primary electric circuit will normally be mounted at one end of the mounting plate or structure. As mentioned, a specific 15 receiving portion may be provided to mount the transformer. The specific receiving portion may be provided in order to define a position in which the transformer is to be located. The transformer may be located in an upper position or a lower position if the shaver socket assembly is vertically mounted, or at the right end or left and if the shaver socket assembly is horizontally mounted. 20 Generally, the electric circuits for the at least one primary electrical connector socket and the electric circuit for the at least one secondary electrical connector socket will normally be located in the other end of the mounting plate or structure. In an embodiment, the transformer may account for approximately half the dimension of the mounting plate or structure, and the electric circuits will typically be located in the other 25 half of the mounting plate or structure. The primary socket and secondary sockets will normally be located beside each other in one half of the mounting structure. In an embodiment, a single primary electrical connector socket is provided. As mentioned above, the primary electrical connector socket will generally allow an 30 electrical plug, preferably for a shaver or similar, to be inserted thereinto. The primary 19 06 25 electrical connector socket may be a universal electrical socket allowing different electrical plug configurations to be inserted thereinto. An earth pin hole may be provided in the primary electrical connector socket or not. In an embodiment, the earth pin hole is preferably not provided. If the earth pin hole is not provided, then the 5 secondary electrical connector sockets can be positioned where the earth pin hole would normally be on a primary electrical connector socket. The electric circuit for the at least one primary electrical connector socket is normally positioned to be accessible through one or more openings provided in the faceplate to allow the pins of the plug to extend therethrough. 10 At least one secondary electrical connector socket is normally provided. In an embodiment, two or more secondary electrical connector sockets are provided. Where multiple secondary electrical connector sockets are provided, the secondary electrical sockets may be of the same type or of one or more different types. Any combination of types of secondary electrical connector sockets may be provided. The secondary 15 electrical connector sockets may be chosen from the group including a USB-A, a USB-C, a mini-USB, a micro-USB or other electrical connector socket of the proprietary nature such as a Lightning™ socket for example. At least two secondary electrical connector sockets are provided in a preferred embodiment. The at least two secondary electrical connector sockets may be provided 20 adjacent to one another. In an embodiment, the generally rectangular shaver socket assembly can be divided into two halves, with two segments in each half of the shaver socket assembly. One of the halves may be provided allowing the transformer to be mounted thereto. The other half may be notionally divided into two segments with the primary electrical 25 connector socket in one of the segments and at least two secondary electrical connector sockets provided in the other of the segments. The segments may be different sizes. The secondary electrical connector sockets may be physically separated from the primary electrical connector socket by a divider wall. The secondary electrical connector sockets may be provided on one side of the divider wall and the primary 30 electrical connector socket on the opposite side of the divider wall. The primary 19 06 25 electrical connector socket may be a larger component than the secondary electrical connector sockets. Therefore, the approximately half of the shaver socket assembly provided for the primary electrical connector sockets and secondary electrical connector sockets may be divided unequally in size with the primary electrical 5 connector socket taking up more room in that half then the secondary electrical connector sockets. The provision of a divider wall may assist with positioning the secondary electrical connector sockets within the rear assembly. The secondary electrical connector sockets may be mounted on or relative to the divider wall, within the rear 10 assembly and extend forwardly to be accessible through respective openings provided in the faceplate. The electric circuit for the at least one primary electrical connector socket is connected to the transformer. The electric circuit for at least one secondary electrical connector socket will preferably be associated with a separate transformer and 15 protection function in addition to the main transformer for the electric circuit for the at least one primary electrical connector socket. The electric circuit for the at least one primary electrical connector socket may be connected to the electric circuit for the at least one secondary electrical connector socket as well. A rear housing cover may be provided to cover the electric circuits to protect 20 the electric circuits from any detritus that may fall within the wall cavity. The rear housing cover will normally be attached to the mounting plate or structure. The at least two secondary electrical connector sockets will normally be located in a side-by-side position with the primary electrical connector socket, in approximately half of the shaver socket assembly. The primary electrical connector sockets powered 25 from the transformer, which is normally an isolated transformer (located in the other approximately half of the shaver socket assembly) which will normally be connected to a mains power supply. As mentioned above, at least two secondary electrical connector sockets are normally associated with the electric circuit for the at least one secondary electrical connector socket which will normally have its own transformer 30 and protection functions. 19 06 25 The faceplate will normally be releasably attachable to the rear assembly. Normally, the faceplate will be releasably attachable to the surround frame of the rear assembly. As mentioned above, normally a snap fit or press fit attachment structure is used to attach the faceplate relative to the rear assembly. However other mechanisms 5 of attachment such as threaded fasteners may be used. The faceplate will generally include openings provided for each of the electrical connector sockets. The socket openings will normally be aligned with the electrical contacts of the respective electric circuits provided in the rear assembly. A user will typically insert the pins of a connector plug or a portion of the plug 10 itself through the appropriate opening (s) in the faceplate in order to connect the plug to the respective electric circuit provided in the rear assembly. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to 15 the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 20 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 25 Figure 8 is an isometric view of a prior art dual voltage shaver socket. is an isometric view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 1 with the faceplate removed. is an isometric rear view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 1. is an isometric view of a shaver socket of an embodiment. is an isometric view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 4 with the faceplate removed. is an isometric rear view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 4. is a front elevation view of a shaver socket of an embodiment with a square edge on the faceplate. is a front elevation view of a shaver socket of an embodiment with a metal faceplate and socket insert. 19 06 25 Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a shaver socket of an embodiment with a square edge on the faceplate. Figure 10 is an isometric view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 11 is an isometric view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. 5 Figure 12 is an isometric view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 13 is a left side elevation view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 14 is a rear elevation view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 15 is a right side elevation view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 16 is a top view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. 10 Figure 17 is a bottom view of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 18 is an isometric view from the rear of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8 with the transformer and the lower cover removed. Figure 19 is an exploded view of the rear of the shaver socket illustrated in Figure 8. 15 Figure 20 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electric circuit in a prior art dual voltage shaver socket. Figure 21 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electric circuits in the shaver socket of an embodiment. With reference to the accompanying figures, a multipurpose shaver socket 20 assembly 10 is illustrated. The illustrated multipurpose shaver socket assembly 10 comprises a rear assembly 11 and areleasably attachable faceplate 12. The multipurpose shaver socket assembly 10 will normally be mounted relative to a wall with the longer dimension oriented vertically as illustrated in Figures 4 to 12 in particular. Importantly, the socket assembly can be fitted into 47mm standard rear 25 assembly which allows the socket assembly of the inventio to be retrofit in replacement of the prior art dual voltage socket assembly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. 19 06 25 The multipurpose shaver socket assembly 10 illustrated is configured for use as an electrical shaver socket, with the primary electrical connector socket 13 configured for a shaver plug and the secondary electrical connector sockets (USB-A 14 and USB-C 15) allowing the supply of power to a different type of and / or more than one other 5 electrical device. As outlined above, the multipurpose shaver socket assembly will generally comprise at least a faceplate 12 and a rear assembly 11. The rear assembly 11 of the illustrated socket assembly mounts a transformer 16, an electric circuit for the primary electrical connector socket 13 associated with the 10 transformer 16 and an electric circuit for the secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15. The electric circuit for the secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 will normally be provided with its own transformer and protection functions, separate from the transformer 16. The rear assembly 11 will typically mount the transformer 16, an electric circuit 15 for at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug, and associated with the transformer, and an electric circuit for at least one secondary electrical connector socket of the second type associated with the transformer, together referred to as 17 in the illustrated socket assembly. The rear assembly 11 is a standard size which can be retrofit to replace a dual 20 voltage shaver socket which typically fits a 47 mm back box, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The rear assembly 11 is generally rectangular. In the illustrated socket assembly, the rear assembly 11 includes a perimeter frame 18 relative to which the other components are mounted. The perimeter frame 18 of the illustrated socket assembly is 25 metal. In use, the faceplate 12 generally attaches to the perimeter frame 18, typically using a snap fit assembly but screws or similar could be used. The perimeter frame 18 will generally be mounted to the wall or wall structure in order to mount the multipurpose shaver socket assembly 10. The components of the rear assembly 11 will 30 generally be mounted relative to the perimeter frame 18 such that the components are 19 06 25 located at least partially within a wall cavity. One or more mounting openings 19 are typically defined in the perimeter frame 18 in order to mount the perimeter frame 18 relative to the wall or wall structure. A mounting plate 20 is also provided in the illustrated socket assembly to attach 5 to the perimeter frame 18, from the rear of the perimeter frame 18 and the components of the rear assembly 11 are generally mounted to the mounting plate 20. The mounting plate 20 shown is shaped to specifically mount the components. The mounting plate 20 is attached to the perimeter frame 18 within the external dimensions of the perimeter frame 18. The mounting plate 20 or portions thereof may extend rearwardly from the 10 perimeter frame 18 as illustrated in Figure 19 in particular. Any rearwardly extending portions of the mounting plate 20 will normally be received within the wall cavity once the multipurpose shaver socket assembly 10 is mounted. The transformer 16 is mounted at an upper end of the mounting plate 20. As shown in Figure 19, a specific receiving portion is provided to mount the transformer 15 16. The receiving portion defines a position in which the transformer 16 is to be located. The transformer 16 is located in an upper position when the illustrated shaver socket assembly 10 is vertically mounted. The electric circuits 17 are located in the other end of the mounting plate 20. In the illustrated shaver socket assembly 10, the transformer 16 accounts for approximately half the dimension of the mounting plate 20 and the 20 electric circuits 17 and the sockets 14, 15 are located in the other half of the mounting plate 20. The primary socket 13 and secondary sockets 14, 15 are located beside each other in the half of the mounting plate 20, in a side-by-side configuration (USB-A 14 and USB-C 15). 25 In illustrated shaver socket assembly 10, a single primary electrical connector socket 13 is provided. As mentioned above, the primary electrical connector socket 13 allows an electrical plug, preferably for a shaver, to be inserted thereinto. The primary electrical connector socket 13 illustrated is a universal electrical socket allowing different electrical plug configurations to be inserted therein to. As shown, the earth pin 30 hole is not provided, allowing the secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 to 19 06 25 positioned where the earth pin hole would normally be on a primary electrical connector socket. The electric contacts for the primary electrical connector socket 13 are positioned to be accessible through one or more openings provided in the faceplate 12 5 to allow the pins of the plug (not shown) to extend therethrough. In the illustrated shaver socket assembly 10, two secondary electrical connector sockets are provided. The secondary electrical sockets may be of the same type or of different types as shown. Any combination of types of secondary electrical connector sockets may be provided. The secondary electrical connector sockets may be chosen 10 from the group including a USB-A, a USB-C, a mini USB, a micro USB or other electrical connector sockets of the proprietary nature such as a Lightning™ socket for example. The two secondary electrical connector sockets in the illustrated shaver socket assembly 10 are a USB-A 14 and a USB-C 15. In the illustrated shaver socket assembly 10, the generally rectangular shaver 15 socket assembly 10 can be notionally divided into two halves, an upper half and a lower half, with two segments in each half of the shaver socket assembly. The upper half allows the transformer 16 to be mounted relative thereto. The primary electrical connector socket 13 and the two secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 are provided in the lower half. 20 The secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 are physically separated from the primary electrical connector socket 13 by a divider wall. The secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 are provided on one side of the divider wall and the primary electrical connector socket 13 is provided on the opposite side of the divider wall. The primary electrical connector socket 13 is a larger component than the secondary 25 electrical connector sockets 14, 15. Therefore, the half of the shaver socket assembly 10 provided for the primary electrical connector socket 13 and secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 is divided unequally in size with the primary electrical connector socket 14 taking up more room in that half than the secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15. 19 06 25 The provision of a divider wall may assist with positioning the secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 within the rear assembly 11. The secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 are mounted on one side of the divider wall, within the rear assembly 11 and extend forwardly to be accessible through respective openings 5 provided in the faceplate 12. Electric circuits 17 are connected to the transformer 16 and be connected to each other. A rear housing cover 22 is provided to cover the USB circuits 21 to protect the USB circuits 21 from any detritus that may fall within the wall cavity. The rear housing 10 cover 22 will normally be attached to the mounting plate 20. The two secondary electrical connector sockets 14, 15 are located in a vertical position, with the primary electrical connector socket 13 to one lateral side thereof in approximately half of the shaver socket assembly 10, with all electrical connector sockets powered from the transformer 16 and USB circuits 21 which will normally be 15 connected to a mains power supply (not shown). The faceplate 12 is releasably attachable to the rear assembly 11, normally to the surround frame 18 of the rear assembly 11. As mentioned above, normally a snap fit or press fit attachment structure is used to attach the faceplate 12 relative to the rear assembly 11. However other mechanisms of attachment such as threaded fasteners may 20 be used. The faceplate 12 as illustrated includes openings provided for each of the electrical connector sockets. The respective socket openings are normally aligned with the electrical contacts of the respective electric circuits 17 provided in the rear assembly 11. 25 A user will typically insert the pins of a connector plug or a portion of the plug itself through the appropriate opening (s) in the faceplate 12 in order to connect the plug to the respective electric circuit 17 provided in the rear assembly 11. A schematic circuit diagram of an electric circuit in a prior art dual voltage shaver socket is shown in Figure 20. It can be seen from that diagram that both of the 30 115V and 230V shaver sockets are provided power through the isolated transformer. In contrast, in the schematic circuit diagram of the electric circuits in a shaver socket of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figure 21, the isolated transformer 16 only provides power to the primary socket. The secondary sockets 14, 15 are provided power from the same mains supply as the primary socket but through 5 a separate circuit board which includes its own transformer and protection functions for the secondary sockets. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims. 10 LO CXI 19 06 25

Claims

1. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly comprisinga. A rear assembly mountingi. A transformer and an electric circuit for at least one primary 5 electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaverplug associated with the transformer;ii. An electric circuit for at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type,wherein the transformer is mounted in a first half of the rear 10 assembly and the electric circuit for the at least one primaryelectrical connector socket of a first type and the electric circuit for the at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type are located in a second half of the rear assembly;b. A faceplate configured for engagement with the rear assembly to cover 15 the rear assembly, the faceplate comprisingi. at least one primary electrical connector socket of a first type configured for a shaver plug;ii. at least one secondary electrical connector socket of a second type located to one lateral side of the at least one primary 20 electrical connector socket,wherein the at least one primary electrical connector socket of the first type and the at least one primary electrical connector socket of the second type are located beside each other in the faceplate over the second half of the rear assembly.25 2. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rearassembly fits a standard size 47 mm back box.

3. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the rear assembly includes a perimeter frame to attach the faceplate thereto.19 06 254. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rear assembly includes a mounting plate or structure attached to the perimeter frame and configured to mount the transformer and electric circuits.

5. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the 5 mounting plate or structure is shaped to mount the transformer and electriccircuits in defined locations.

6. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the transformer is mounted at one end of the mounting plate or structure.

7. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein a10 receiving portion is provided at a first end of the mounting plate or structure tomount the transformer.

8. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the at least one primary electrical connector socket and at least one secondary electrical connector socket are located beside each other at a second end of the15 mounting plate or structure.

9. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a single primary electrical connector socket is provided.

10. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one primary electrical connector socket is a universal 20 electrical socket allowing different electrical plug configurations to be insertedthereinto.

11. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the precedingclaims wherein an earth pin hole in the at least one primary electrical connector socket.25 12. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the precedingclaims wherein two or more secondary electrical connector sockets are provided.

13. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein two secondary electrical sockets of different types are provided.19 06 2514. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a divider wall is provided with the at least one secondary electrical connector sockets provided on one side of the divider wall and the at least one primary electrical connector socket on an opposite side of the divider 5 wall.

15. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the at least one secondary electrical connector socket is mounted on or relative to the divider wall, within the rear assembly and extend forwardly to be accessible through respective openings provided in the faceplate.10 16. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the precedingclaims further comprising a rear housing cover provided to cover the electric circuits.

17. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least two secondary electrical connector sockets are located 15 in a side-by-side position with the primary electrical connector socket, inapproximately one half of the shaver socket assembly.

18. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the faceplate is releasably attachable to the rear assembly.

19. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding 20 claims wherein the faceplate includes socket openings provided for each of theat least one primary electrical connector socket and at least one secondary electrical connector socket.

20. A multipurpose shaver socket assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the socket openings are aligned with electrical contacts of the respective electric 25 circuits provided in the rear assembly.

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