An all-in-one electric outlet plug and USB or lightening male part

Abstract

A single device comprising an electric outlet plug (and a male part of a connector for connecting to an electronic device, wherein the electric outlet plug and the male part of a connector are on the outside of the device and wherein a cable connects the male part of a connector to the electric outlet plug inside the device and the cable is either wound within the device, in part or completely, or is pulled to be extended and outside of the device, in part or completely. A method of using the disclosed device is provided

Description

AN ALL-IN-ONE ELECTRIC OUTLET PLUG AND USB OR LIGHTENING MALE PARTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to consumer electronics, specifically to an all-in-one electric outlet plug and a male part to connect to an electronic device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Consumer electronic devices are part of the fabric of our lives today. Currently, an electric outlet plug generally comes separately from a cabled male part plugging into an electronic device, such as a phone. The cabled male part has a separate male part, such as a USB- A male part to plug into the electronic outlet plug.SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a single device comprising an electric outlet plug (an AC power plug, to plug into an electric socket) and a male part of a connector for connecting to an electronic device, wherein the electric outlet plug and the male part of a connector are on the outside of the device and wherein a cable connects the male part of a connector to the electric outlet plug inside the device and the cable is either wound within the device, in part or completely, or is pulled to be extended and outside of the device, in part or completely.

[0004] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of plugging an electronic device to an electric outlet using a disclosed device, comprising plugging a disclosed device to an electric outlet and to an electronic device.

[0005] Numerous other aspects are provided in accordance with these and other aspects of the invention. Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed device.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed device.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed device; this side view is opposite to the side shown in FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows another front view of an embodiment of the disclosed device.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows a view of the disclosed device wherein the cable is pulled out of the device and visible.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the disclosed device.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, with emphasis on the electric outlet plug, which is unfolded and ready to be plugged into an electric outlet.

[0013] FIG. 8 shows another side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, with emphasis on the electric outlet plug, folded and recessed into the device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As used herein, the word “a” or “plurality” before a noun represents one or more of the particular noun.

[0015] For the terms “for example” and “such as,” and grammatical equivalences thereof, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “about” is meant to account for variations due to experimental error. All measurements reported herein are understood to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not the term is explicitly used, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1.0 to 10.0” should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1.0 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10.0 or less, e.g., 1.0 to 5.3, or 4.7 to 10.0, or 3.6 to 7.9.

[0017] All ranges disclosed herein are also to be considered to include the end points of the range, unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, a range of “between 5 and 10” or “5 to 10” or “5-10” should be considered to include the end points 5 and 10.

[0018] It is further to be understood that the feature or features of one embodiment may generally be applied to other embodiments, even though not specifically described or illustrated in such other embodiments, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the relevant embodiments. Likewise, compositions and methods described herein can include any combination of features and / or steps described herein not inconsistent with the objectives of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and / or adaptations of the compositions and methodsdescribed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the present subject matter.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are described herein for use in the present invention; other, suitable methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, sequences, database entries, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0020] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a single device comprising an electric outlet plug (an AC power plug, to plug into an electric socket) and a male part of a connector for connecting to an electronic device, wherein the electric outlet plug and the male part of a connector are on the outside of the device and wherein a cable connects the male part of a connector to the electric outlet plug inside the device and the cable is either wound within the device, in part or completely, or is pulled to be extended and outside of the device, in part or completely.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the electric outlet plug is foldable and is either folded and recessed into the device or unfolded and ready to be plugged into an electric outlet. The foldable plug can also exist in partially folded or unfolded states. The body of the device has a crevice allowing for the plug to be folded into it.

[0022] The male part of a connector is any male part that connects to an electronic device and carry audio, video, and other data. In some embodiments, the male part is a USB connector male part. In some embodiments, the male part is a USB type-C male part. In some embodiments, the male part is a USB type A male part. In other embodiments, the male part is a lightning connector male part.

[0023] The electric outlet plug is any suitable electric outlet plug. In some embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type C, a type E, or a type F plug. A type C, a type E, or a type F plug is used in some countries, such as countries in Europe. In other embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type G plug. A type G plug is used in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. In other embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type A or a type B plug. A type A or a type Bplug is used in some countries, such as the United States. In some embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type D plug, used in some countries. In some embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type H plug, used in some countries, such as in Israel. In some embodiments, the electric outlet plug is a type H, type I, type J, type K, type L, type M, type N plug, each used in some countries.

[0024] The electronic device is any suitable electronic device, including, for example, a phone, a tablet, an e-reader, a monitor, a television, and a computer.

[0025] The disclosed single device is made of any suitable materials, of any suitable size, and can be any color and suitable shape. The person skilled in the art is able to make the disclosed device.

[0026] The cable connecting the electric outlet plug and the male part to plug into an electronic device is of any suitable length and color, and is made of any suitable material. The cable connects the electric outlet plug and the male part to plug into an electronic device inside the disclosed device, by any suitable manner, known in the art.

[0027] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of plugging an electronic device to an electric outlet using a disclosed device, comprising plugging the disclosed device to an electric outlet and to an electronic device.

[0028] The electronic device is any suitable electronic device, including, for example, a phone, a tablet, an e-reader, a monitor, a television, and a computer.

[0029] These and other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to FIGs. 1-8.

[0030] An exemplary embodiment of the disclosed device 100 is shown in FIG. 1. An USB type C male part connector 101 protrudes out of the body of device 103 and an electric plug 102 is also outside of the body of the device 103 at another part of the device 100. A cable 104 connects the USB type C male part connector 101 and the electric plug 102 is not visible as it is wound inside the body of the device 103.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed device 200. An USB type C male part connector 201 protrudes out of the body of device 203. An electric plug 202 is also outside of the body of the device 203 but not visible from this angle. A cable 204 connects theUSB type C male part connector 201 and the electric plug 202 is not visible as it is wound inside the body of the device 203.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a different side view from FIG. 2 of an embodiment of the disclosed device 300. An USB type C male part connector 301 protrudes out of the body of device 303. An electric plug 302 is also outside of the body of the device 303. A cable 304 connects the USB type C male part connector 301 and the electric plug 302 is not visible as it is wound inside the body of the device 303.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a front view different from that of FIG. 1 of an embodiment of the disclosed device 400. An USB type C male part connector 401 protrudes out of the body of device 403 and an electric plug 402 is also outside of the body of the device 403 at another part of the device 400. A cable 404 connects the USB type C male part connector 401 and the electric plug 402 is not visible as it is wound inside the body of the device 403.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the disclosed device 500. An USB type C male part connector 501 protrudes out of the body of device 503 and an electric plug 502 is also outside of the body of the device 503 at another part of the device 500. A cable 504 connects the USB type C male part connector 501 and the electric plug 502 is pulled outside of the body of the device 503.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the disclosed device 600, with an electric plug 602 folded into the body of the device 603. A cable 604 connects the USB type C male part connector 601 and the electric plug 602 inside the body of the device 603. Neither the cable 604 nor the USB type C male part connector 601 is visible in this view.

[0036] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, with emphasis on the electric outlet plug 702, which is unfolded and ready to be plugged into an electric outlet. In this embodiment, the distance between the tip of the electric outlet plug 702 and the top of the body of the device 703 is 16.35 inches. Other suitable distance is possible. The device 700 has a cable 704 that connects the USB type C male part connector 701 and the electric plug 702 inside the body of the device 703. Neither the cable 704 nor the USB type C male part connector 701 is visible in this view.

[0037] FIG. 8 shows another side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6. with emphasis on the electric outlet plug, folded and recessed into the device 800. In this embodiment, the distancebetween the tip of the electric outlet plug 802 and the top of the body of the device 803 is 16.35 inches. Other suitable distance is possible. The device 800 has a cable 804 that connects the USB type C male part connector 801 and the electric plug 802 inside the body of the device 803. Neither the cable 804 nor the USB type C male part connector 801 is visible in this view.

[0038] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, while only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A single device comprising an electric outlet plug and a male part of a connector for connecting to an electronic device, wherein the electric outlet plug and the male part of a connector are on the outside of the device and wherein a cable connects the male part of a connector to the electric outlet plug inside the device and the cable is either wound within the device, in part or completely, or is pulled to be extended and outside of the device, in part or completely.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the male part is a USB type C connector male part.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the male part is a USB type A connector male part.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the male part is a lightning connector male part.

5. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type C, a type E, or a typeF plug.

6. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type G plug.

7. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type A or a type B plug.

8. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type D plug.

9. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type H plug.

10. The device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric outlet plug is a type H, type I, type J, type K, type L, type M, type N plug.

11. The device of any of claims 1-10, wherein the electronic device is a phone, a tablet, a monitor, an e-reader, or a computer.

12. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electric outlet plug is foldable and is either folded and recessed into the device or unfolded and ready to be plugged into an electric outlet.

13. A method of plugging an electronic device to an electric outlet using a device of any of claims 1-12, comprising plugging the device of any of claims 1-11 to an electric outlet and to an electronic device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is a phone, a tablet, an e-reader, a monitor, or a computer.

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