AU2016259450B2 - Adapter for electrical and/or mechanical device - Google Patents
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- AU2016259450B2 AU2016259450B2 AU2016259450A AU2016259450A AU2016259450B2 AU 2016259450 B2 AU2016259450 B2 AU 2016259450B2 AU 2016259450 A AU2016259450 A AU 2016259450A AU 2016259450 A AU2016259450 A AU 2016259450A AU 2016259450 B2 AU2016259450 B2 AU 2016259450B2
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Abstract
An adapter for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid of an electrical
outlet or switch plate is disclosed. In one form, the adapter comprises a body for receiving
and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device, at least one adapter retaining surface
for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface to thereby retain the
adapter to the mounting region once engaged; and at least one adapter stop surface for
engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface to thereby prevent the adapter
from passing through the at least one mounting region once engaged. Various
embodiments are disclosed, as is a method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical
device to a grid of an electrical outlet or switch plate using the adapter.
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Figure 27C
Description
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Figure 27B 44 305-- 311 405 r400
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Figure 27C
[0001] The following publications are referred to in the present application: PCT/AU12014/000545 entitled "Electrical Connector, System and Method" PCT/AU12014/000544 entitled "Batten Holder, Connector, System and Method" PCT/AU12011/001675 entitled "Touch Switch" PCT/AU2013/001274 entitled "General Power Outlet and Remote Switch Module" PCT Application No. PCT/AU2011/001532 published as W02012/068635 entitled "USB Outlet Charger" Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 entitled "Electrical System, Apparatus and Method" Australian Patent Application No. 2015275227 entitled "Switch Assembly, System and Method" Australian Patent Application No. 2015275234 entitled "Push Button Switch Assembly and Operational Part" Australian Patent Application No. 2015275233 entitled "Switch Assembly with Rotatable Operational Part" Australian Patent Application No. 2015275232 entitled "Connection System and Method For Electrical Outlets"
[0002] The entire content of each of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0003] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015904769 entitled "Adapter For Electrical and/or mechanical device", and filed on 19 November 2015.
[0004] The entire content of this priority application is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0005] The present application relates to electrical outlets and switch plates and to electrical and/or mechanical devices for connection thereto.
[0006] A typical electrical outlet or a switch plate usually comprises a grid for mounting to a surface such as a wall, and a faceplate connected to the grid. The grid and faceplates will often have at least one aperture behind which an electrical and/or mechanical device containing an electrical and/or mechanical element can be mounted to allow access to the electrical and/or mechanical element through the aperture. One example of such an electrical and/or mechanical device is a switch.
[0007] Co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 2015275232 entitled "Connection System and Method For Electrical Outlets" describes a system and method of connecting electrical and/or mechanical devices to a grid. The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0008] Some electrical and/or mechanical devices will not be of the type that is able to interface with the system described in the above-referenced application and so an adapter is needed to allow a broader range of electrical and/or mechanical devices to be connected to the grid described in the above-referenced application.
[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided an adapter for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device, to a mounting region of a grid of an electrical outlet, the mounting region comprising a receiving portion for receiving the electrical and/or mechanical device, and defined by at least two walls, at least one of the at least two walls comprising at least one mounting region retaining surface recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls and at least one mounting region stop surface recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls, the adapter comprising: a body for receiving and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device; at least one adapter retaining surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface to thereby retain the adapter to the mounting region once engaged;and at least one adapter stop surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface to thereby prevent the adapter from passing through the at least one mounting region once engaged.
[0010] In one form, at least the at least one adapter retaining surface is disposed on a deflectable portion of the body of the adapter.
[0011] In one form, the at least one adapter stop surface is disposed on the deflectable portion of the body of the adapter.
[0012] In one form, the at least one adapter retaining surface is provided by a first protrusion and the at least one adapter stop surface is provided by the first protrusion.
[0013] In one form, the adapter comprises two adapter retaining surfaces.
[0014] In one form, the adapter comprises three adapter retaining surfaces.
[0015] In one form, the adapter comprises four adapter retaining surfaces.
[0016] In one form, the adapter comprises two adapter stop surfaces.
[0017] In one form, the adapter comprises three adapter stop surfaces.
[0018] In one form, the adapter comprises four adapter stop surfaces.
[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid for an electrical outlet, the method comprising: inserting the electrical and/or mechanical device into an adapter according to the first aspect; and inserting the adapter into a receiving portion of a mounting region of the grid.
[0020] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid for an electrical outlet, the method comprising: inserting an adapter according to the first aspect, into a receiving portion of a mounting region of the grid; and inserting the electrical and/or mechanical device into the adapter.
[0021] Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0022] Figure 1 - shows an example of an electrical and/or mechanical device as a switch mechanism;
[0023] Figure 2 - shows an example of a mounting region for connection with the electrical and/or mechanical device of Figure 1;
[0024] Figure 3 - shows a front view of an example of an electrical outlet with the electrical and/or mechanical device of Figure 1 attached thereto;
[0025] Figure 4 - shows an example of a grid incorporating the mounting region for connection to the electrical and/or mechanical device and for forming the electrical outlet;
[0026] Figure 5 - shows another example of a grid with mounting region for connection to the electrical and/or mechanical device and for forming the electrical outlet;
[0027] Figure 6 - shows a generalised embodiment of one form of the adapter described herein;
[0028] Figure 7 - shows another generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0029] Figure 8 - shows a generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0030] Figure 9 - shows a generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0031] Figure 10 - shows a generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0032] Figure 11 - shows a generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0033] Figure 12- shows a generalised embodiment of another form of the adapter described herein;
[0034] Figure 13A - shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter described herein;
[0035] Figure 13B - shows a left side view of the adapter of Figure 13A;
[0036] Figure 13C - shows a front view of the adapter of Figure 13A;
[0037] Figure 13D - shows a right side view of the adapter of Figure 13A;
[0038] Figure 13E - shows a top perspective view of the adapter of Figure 13A;
[0039] Figure 13F - shows a top side view of the adapter of Figure 13A;
[0040] Figure 14A - shows a front perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter described herein;
[0041] Figure 14B - shows a left side view of the adapter of Figure 14A;
[0042] Figure 14C - shows a front view of the adapter of Figure 14A;
[0043] Figure 14D - shows a right side view of the adapter of Figure 14A;
[0044] Figure 14E - shows a top perspective view of the adapter of Figure 14A;
[0045] Figure 14F - shows a top side view of the adapter of Figure 14A;
[0046] Figure 15 - shows a cross section of an embodiment of the grid and mounting region with an adapter according to the embodiment of Figures 13A to 13F;
[0047] Figure 16 shows a magnified view of the portion highlighted in Figure 15, showing the interface between the mounting region and the adapter;
[0048] Figure17 - shows a cross section of the interface between the mounting region and the adapter of the embodiment of Figures 14A to 14F;
[0049] Figure 18 - shows a cross section of a side view of a portion of the adapter according to another embodiment;
[0050] Figure 19 - shows a cross section of the interface between the mounting region and the adapter of the embodiment of Figure 18;
[0051] Figure 20A - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a dolly switch mechanism;
[0052] Figure 20B - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a touch switch mechanism;
[0053] Figure 20C - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a USB charger;
[0054] Figure 20D - shows another embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a USB charger;
[0055] Figure 20E - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a USB charger;
[0056] Figure 20F - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a data port connector;
[0057] Figure 20G - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a coaxial connector;
[0058] Figure 20H - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as an audio banana mechanism;
[0059] Figure 201 - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as an HDMI connector;
[0060] Figure 20J - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as an F type signal connector;
[0061] Figure 20K - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a Cat 3 telephone connector;
[0062] Figure 20L - shows an embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a fan controller;
[0063] Figure 20M - shows another embodiment of the electrical and/or mechanical device as a USB charger;
[0064] Figure 21 - shows an electrical and/or mechanical device inserted into an adapter of the embodiment of Figures 13A to 13F;
[0065] Figure 22 - shows an electrical and/or mechanical device inserted into an adapter of the embodiment of Figures 14A to 14F;
[0066] Figure 23 - shows the arrangement of Figure 15 with an electrical and/or mechanical device inserted into the adapter in a grid;
[0067] Figure 24 - shows a flow chart of a method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid;
[0068] Figure 25A - shows a front perspective view of an adapter according to another embodiment;
[0069] Figure 25B - shows atop side view of the adapter of Figure 25A;
[0070] Figure 26 - shows an example of a specific type of electrical and/or mechanical device for use with the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B;
[0071] Figure 26B - shows an example of a second specific type of electrical and/or mechanical device for use with the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B;
[0072] Figure 26C - shows an example of a third specific type of electrical and/or mechanical device for use with the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B;
[0073] Figure 27A - shows the electrical and/or mechanical device of Figure 26A connected to the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B;
[0074] Figure 27B - shows the electrical and/or mechanical device of Figure 26B connected to the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B; and
[0075] Figure 27C - shows the electrical and/or mechanical device of Figure 26C connected to the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B.
[0076] Figure 1 shows an example of an electrical and/or mechanical device 400 for use with various aspects described herein. In the example shown in Figure 1, electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a switch mechanism, with device interface 420 being a dolly of the switch. Conventionally, electrical and/or mechanical device 400 connects directly with a grid via electrical and/or mechanical device connectors 410. Conventional grids will have corresponding connectors to interface with and connect to electrical and/or mechanical device 400 via these connectors as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.
[0077] Figure 2 shows an example of a mounting region of a grid (not shown in this view), which has at least two walls, at least one of which has at least one mounting region retaining surface and/or at least one mounting region stop surface 130, which are recessed within the wall 111 as seen in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the mounting region retaining surface 120 and/or at least one mounting region stop surface 130 are provided by a channel 140. In other embodiments, mounting region retaining surface and/or at least one mounting region stop surface 130 are provided by recesses or indentation in at least one of the walls. The function of these surfaces will be described in more detail below.
[0078] A connection system of this type is described in Australian Patent Application No. 2015275232, previously incorporated by reference.
[0079] Figure 3 shows an example of an electrical outlet 500 (in this example, shown as a general power outlet) with device interface 420 accessible from the front of the outlet as shown in Figure 3, when electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is connected to the grid (located behind faceplate 200).
[0080] Figure 4 shows an example of a grid 100 with a plurality of a variation of mounting region 110.
[0081] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of grid 100 with another variation of mounting region 110 with walls 111, 112. In this view the mounting region retaining surface 120 and the at least one mounting region stop surface 130 are visible in wall 111.
[0082] As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the connecting arrangement of the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 shown in Figure 1 is not compatible with the mounting regions 110 shown in Figures 2, 4 or 5.
[0083] According to one aspect described herein, there is provided an adapter 300 for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device 400 to a mounting region 110 of a grid 100 of an electrical outlet 500. As previously described, the mounting region 110 comprises a receiving portion 105 for receiving the electrical and/or mechanical device, and defined by at least two walls 111, 112, at least one of the at least two walls comprising at least one mounting region retaining surface 120 recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls and at least one of the at least two walls comprising at least one mounting region stop surface 130 recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, one of the at least two walls comprises both the at least one retaining surface and the at least one stop surface. In some embodiments, one of the at least two walls comprises the at least one retaining surface and another of the at least two walls comprises the at least one stop surface. Any other combination is also possible.
[0084] In yet other embodiments, one or both of the mounting region stop surface 130 and the mounting region retaining surface 120 are provided not on one or more of walls 111, 112, but on another portion of the mounting region 110 or even on another portion of the grid 100. In this respect, there is provided an adapter for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device, to a mounting region of a grid of an electrical outlet, the mounting region comprising a receiving portion for receiving the electrical and/or mechanical device, the mounting region comprising at least one of at least one of a mounting region retaining surface and a mounting region stop surface, the adapter comprising: a body for receiving and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device; at least one adapter retaining surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface to thereby retain the adapter to the mounting region once engaged; and at least one adapter stop surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface to thereby prevent the adapter from passing through the at least one mounting region once engaged.
[0085] Figures 6 to 12 illustrate various embodiments of the adapter 300. The adapter 300 comprises a body 310 for receiving and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device; at least one adapter retaining surface 320 for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface 120 to thereby retain the adapter 300 to the mounting region 110 once engaged; and at least one adapter stop surface 330 for engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface 130 to thereby prevent the adapter 300 from passing through the at least one mounting region 110 once engaged.
[0086] Figure 6 shows the adapter 300 with the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 provided by a single protrusion on one side or wall 305.
[0087] Figure 7 shows the adapter 300 with the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 provided by a single protrusion on two sides or walls 305. In some embodiments, the adapter retaining surface 320 of one side or wall 305 is used and the adapter stop surface 330 of the other side or wall 305 is used. In some embodiments, both the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are used on the same side or wall 305, as in the embodiment of Figure 6. In yet other embodiments, both the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 of both sides or walls are used.
[0088] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of adapter 300 in which two adapter retaining surfaces 320 and two adapter stop surfaces 330 are provided by two protrusions on one side or wall. In use, one or both of each of the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are used.
[0089] The embodiments shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 describe adapters in which the walls 305 supporting the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are not deflectable.
[0090] In other embodiments, the at least one adapter retaining surface 320 is disposed on a deflectable portion of the body 310 of the adapter 300. Figure 9 shows one such embodiment, in which adapter retaining surface 320 is provided on a portion of the body 310, in this embodiment, a wall 305, which is deflectable as indicated by the two-way arrow. In this embodiment, adapter retaining surface 320 is brought into engagement with a corresponding mounting region retaining surface (not shown in this view) by causing the wall 305 to deflect and then to reassume its normal position when the adapter retaining surface 320 is in place, as will be shown in more detail below. In other embodiments, other portions of the body comprising the adapter retaining surface 320 are deflectable, other than the wall. For example, the protrusion 307 itself may be deflectable, rather than the wall 307. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the adapter stop surface 330 is disposed on a portion of the adapter that is not deflectable.
[0091] In another embodiment shown in Figure 10, the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface are provided by the same protrusion 307 which is disposed on a deflectable wall 305. In Figure 11, the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are provided on corresponding protrusions, each disposed on deflectable wall 305.
[0092] In another embodiment as shown in Figure 12, both walls 305 are deflectable, providing deflectable adapter retaining surfaces 320 and deflectable adapter stop surfaces 330 on each wall.
[0093] It will be appreciated that any other combination is also possible, including one or more non-deflectable adapter retaining surface 320 with one or more deflectable adapter stop surfaces 330.
[0094] Figures 13A to 13F show one embodiment of adapter 300. As shown in Figure 13A, adapter 300 comprises body 310, which in this embodiment, comprises four walls 305 including 305 and 305' clearly visible in this view. Wall 305 comprises two adapter retaining surfaces 320 and one adapter stop surface 330 as shown. Wall 305' comprises only adapter stop surface 330. It will be understood however, that in use, not all of the surfaces provided need be used in a particular application, and it may be that in some applications, the adapter stop surface 330 provided on wall 305' is not used as a stop surface.
[0095] Figure 13B shows a side view of the adapter 300, showing two adapter stop surfaces 330 on walls 305' and 305". Figure 13C shows a bottom view of adapter 300 with body 310. Figure 13D shows another side view of adapter 300 and Figure 13E shows atop perspective view of adapter 300 showing each of the four adapter retaining surfaces 320 on walls 305 and 305"'. Figurel3F shows another side view of adapter 300 showing two of the adapter retaining surfaces 320 and the two adapter stop surfaces 330. It will be seen that in this embodiment, the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are provided on respective protrusions 307.
[0096] Figures 14A to 14F show another embodiment of adapter 300. As shown in Figure 14A, adapter 300 comprises body 310, which in this embodiment, comprises four walls 305 including 305 and 305' clearly visible in this view. Wall 305 comprises two adapter retaining surfaces 320 and two adapter stop surfaces 330 as shown. It will be understood however, that in use, not all of the surfaces provided need be used in a particular application.
[0097] Figure 14B shows a side view of the adapter 300, showing two adapter retaining surfaces 320 and two adapter stop surfaces 330 on walls 305' and 305". Figure 14C shows a bottom view of adapter 300 with body 310. Figure 14D shows another side view of adapter 300 and Figure 14E shows a top perspective view of adapter 300 showing each of the four adapter retaining surfaces 320 on walls 305 and 305". Figure14F shows another side view of adapter 300 showing two of the adapter retaining surfaces 320 and two of the adapter stop surfaces 330.
[0098] Figure 15 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of adapter 300 engaged with a grid 100. As can be seen, adapter 300 is inserted into the receiving portion 105 of mounting region 110 and is retained to mounting region 110 by adapter retaining surface 320 engaging with mounting region retaining surface 120. Adapter stop surface 330 engages with mounting region stop surface 130 to prevent adapter 300 from passing through the space provided by receiving portion 105.
[0099] Figure 16 shows a close-up view of the engagement of adapter 300 with mounting region 110. Adapter 300 is retained to mounting region 110 by adapter retaining surface 320 engaging with mounting region retaining surface 120. Adapter stop surface 330 engages with mounting region stop surface 130 to prevent adapter 300 from passing through the space provided by receiving portion 105. In this embodiment, it can be seen that mounting region stop surface 130 is provided on a different part of the mounting region 110 rather than one of the walls 111,112.The embodiment of adapter 300 shown in Figures 15 and 16 is that as shown in Figures 13A to 13F.
[00100] Figure 17 shows a view of the engagement of adapter 300 of the embodiments as shown in Figures 14A to 14F. Adapter 300 is retained to mounting region 110 by adapter retaining surface 320 engaging with mounting region retaining surface 120. Adapter stop surface 330 engages with mounting region stop surface 130 to prevent adapter 300 from passing through the space provided by receiving portion 105. In this embodiment, it will be appreciated that mounting region stop surface 130 is provided on one of the walls 111,112.
[00101] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of adapter 300 in which the adapter retaining surface 320 and the adapter stop surface 330 are reversed, in that the adapter stop surface 330 is disposed above the adapter retaining surface 320 from the orientation of Figure 18. Figure 19 shows the adapter 300 of Figure 18 engaged with mounting region 110. In this embodiment, adapter 300 is retained to mounting region 110 and prevented from passing through mounting region 110 by the engagement of the adapter stop surface 330 engaging with mounting region stop surface 130 and adapter retaining surface 320 engaging with mounting region retaining surface 120.
[00102] As previously described, electrical and/or mechanical device 400 can be provided by any suitable desired device. Figure 20A shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 as a switch mechanism with device interface 420 being a dolly of a switch.
[00103] Figure 20B shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 provided as a touch switch with device interface 420 provided by a touch sensitive sensor. A suitable device for this application is described in PCT/AU2011/001675 (published as WO 2012/083380) entitled "Touch Switch" previously incorporated by reference.
[00104] Figure 20C shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 provided as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger with device interface 420 provided by a USB port. Figure 20D also shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 provided as a different embodiment of a USB charger. Figure 20E also shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 provided as a different embodiment of a USB charger. Examples of these USB chargers are described in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2011/001532 published as W02012/068635 entitled "USB Outlet Charger" previously incorporated by reference.
[00105] Figure 20F shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a Cat 6 data mechanism for providing data to an electrical and/or mechanical device. Figure 20G shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a coaxial TV connector. Figure 20H shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is an audio banana mechanism. Figure 201 shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is an HDMI mechanism. Figure 20J shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is an F-type signal connector. Figure 20K shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a Cat 3 RJ12 telephone connector.
[00106] Figure 20L shows an embodiment in which electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a fan controller.
[00107] Figure 20M shows electrical and/or mechanical device 400 as a USB charger which is distributed over a number of elements, but in one embodiment, still form a single component or module. In this embodiment, electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is made up of connector part 401, which in use, is received in body 310 of adapter 300 (not shown in this view), and an electronics package 402, connected to connector part 401 by a cord 403, which in this embodiment is an insulated conductor. Electronics package 402 contains component parts being functional electronics such as power conversion electronics. These component parts are then connected to device interface 420, being a USB port in this embodiment. In some embodiments, two USB ports can be provided. Electronics package 402 can also be connected to mains power which is then converted to provide a desired output voltage and current at the USB port.
[00108] In other embodiments, the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 is a data outlet and the device interface 420 is a data port. An example of such a device are RJ11, RJ14, RJ25, RJ48, RJ61, XLR connectors, XLD connectors, DIN connectors, and BNC connectors.
[00109] In other embodiments, the device interface 420 is provided by an analog signal connector such as a TRS, TS or TRRS connector types. Some of these connector types are also known as audio jacks and can be used to connect a device to provide electrical audio signals to the device for playing music or other audio content.
[00110] Figure 21 shows adapter 300 with electrical and/or mechanical device 400 inserted therein. In this embodiment, the adapter 300 is that shown in Figures 13A to 13F. Electrical and/or mechanical device 400 can any of those shown in Figures 20A to 20M, or any other suitable electrical and/or mechanical device as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.
[00111] Figure 22 shows adapter 300 with electrical and/or mechanical device 400 inserted therein. In this embodiment, the adapter 300 is that shown in Figures 14A to 14F. Electrical and/or mechanical device 400 can any of those shown in Figures 20A to 20M, or any other suitable electrical and/or mechanical device as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.
[00112] Figure 23 shows the arrangement of Figure 15 with electrical and/or mechanical device 400 inserted into adapter 300 to thereby connect electrical and/or mechanical device 400 to grid 100.
[00113] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device 400 to a grid 100. As shown in Figure 24, in one embodiment, the method comprises in step 600, placing the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 into the adapter 300 described herein and in step 610 connecting the adapter 300 to the mounting region 110 of the grid 100, to thereby retain the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 to the grid 100.
[00114] It will be appreciated that steps 600 and 610 can be interchanged, such that the adapter 300 is first connected to the mounting region 110 of grid 100 and then the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 inserted into the adapter 300.
[00115] It will be appreciated that adapter 300 can be accommodate a number of different electrical and/or mechanical devices 400. In one aspect of this embodiment adapter 300 comprises a protrusion 311 on wall 305. Figure 25A shows a front perspective view of this embodiment, and Figure 25B shows atop side view.
[00116] Figures 26A, 26B and 26C show electrical and/or mechanical device 400 in various forms of the same device. Each of these forms have a retaining clip 404 for engagement with wall 305. In the case of the form of Figure 26C, retaining clip 404 also comprises a retaining clip recess 405.
[00117] Figures 27A, 27B and 27C show the respective electrical and/or mechanical device 400 connected to the adapter of Figures 25A and 25B. These figures show how the retaining clip 404 engages with wall 305 to securely connect the electrical and/or mechanical device 400 to the adapter 300. In the case of the arrangement shown in Figure 27C, it can be seen how protrusion 311 is received within retaining clip recess 405 to provide further securement.
[00118] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
[00119] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
[00120] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments disclosed are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.
Claims (13)
1. An adapter for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device, to a mounting region of a grid of an electrical outlet, the mounting region comprising a receiving portion for receiving the electrical and/or mechanical device defined by at least two walls, at least one of the at least two walls comprising at least one mounting region retaining surface recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls and at least one mounting region stop surface recessed from the at least one of the at least two walls, the adapter comprising: a body for receiving and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device; at least one adapter retaining surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface to thereby retain the adapter to the mounting region once engaged;and at least one adapter stop surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface to thereby prevent the adapter from passing through the at least one mounting region once engaged.
2. An adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least the at least one adapter retaining surface is disposed on a deflectable portion of the body of the adapter.
3. An adapter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the at least one adapter stop surface is disposed on the deflectable portion of the body of the adapter.
4. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 3 wherein the at least one adapter retaining surface is provided by a first protrusion and the at least one adapter stop surface is provided by the first protrusion.
5. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims1 to 4 comprising two adapter retaining surfaces.
6. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising three adapter retaining surfaces.
7. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising four adapter retaining surfaces.
8. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 comprising two adapter stop surfaces.
9. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 comprising three adapter stop surfaces.
10. An adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 comprising four adapter stop surfaces.
11. A method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid for an electrical outlet, the method comprising: inserting the electrical and/or mechanical device into an adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 10; and inserting the adapter into a receiving portion of a mounting region of the grid.
12. A method of connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device to a grid for an electrical outlet, the method comprising: inserting an adapter as claimed in any one of claims I to 10 into a receiving portion of a mounting region of the grid; and inserting the electrical and/or mechanical device into the adapter.
13. An adapter for connecting an electrical and/or mechanical device, to a mounting region of a grid of an electrical outlet, the mounting region comprising a receiving portion for receiving the electrical and/or mechanical device, the mounting region comprising at least one of at least one of a mounting region retaining surface and a mounting region stop surface, the adapter comprising: a body for receiving and retaining the electrical and/or mechanical device; at least one adapter retaining surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region retaining surface to thereby retain the adapter to the mounting region once engaged;and at least one adapter stop surface for engaging with the at least one mounting region stop surface to thereby prevent the adapter from passing through the at least one mounting region once engaged.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015904769 | 2015-11-19 | ||
| AU2015904769A AU2015904769A0 (en) | 2015-11-19 | Adapter for electrical device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2016259450A1 AU2016259450A1 (en) | 2017-06-08 |
| AU2016259450B2 true AU2016259450B2 (en) | 2021-11-04 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2016259450A Active AU2016259450B2 (en) | 2015-11-19 | 2016-11-18 | Adapter for electrical and/or mechanical device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2016259450B2 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5542859A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1996-08-06 | Woods Industries, Inc. | Quick mount electrical wall socket |
| US5766034A (en) * | 1995-06-22 | 1998-06-16 | Panduit Corp. | Connector mounting receptacles |
| US20050176275A1 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-11 | Panamax | Modular signal and power connection device |
| WO2012068635A1 (en) * | 2010-11-25 | 2012-05-31 | Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd | Usb outlet charger |
| US20130277086A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Pass & Seymour, Inc. | Modular electrical wiring device system |
-
2016
- 2016-11-18 AU AU2016259450A patent/AU2016259450B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5542859A (en) * | 1994-11-16 | 1996-08-06 | Woods Industries, Inc. | Quick mount electrical wall socket |
| US5766034A (en) * | 1995-06-22 | 1998-06-16 | Panduit Corp. | Connector mounting receptacles |
| US20050176275A1 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-11 | Panamax | Modular signal and power connection device |
| WO2012068635A1 (en) * | 2010-11-25 | 2012-05-31 | Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd | Usb outlet charger |
| US20130277086A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Pass & Seymour, Inc. | Modular electrical wiring device system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2016259450A1 (en) | 2017-06-08 |
| NZ726523A (en) | 2021-11-26 |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |