WO1999066605A1

WO1999066605A1 - Plug assembly

Info

Publication number: WO1999066605A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/013232
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Moong Hung Tsang
Original assignee: John Moong Hung Tsang
Priority date: 1998-06-19
Filing date: 1999-06-11
Publication date: 1999-12-23
Also published as: AU4436999A

Abstract

An improved plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries is disclosed. In a first embodiment, first and second pivotally movable plugs are provided in a housing, each plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with first and second respective contacts of a device, and a control mechanism for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, thus allowing only one plug to carry electric current at one time. The control mechanism may comprise first and second cams attached to the first and second plugs, respectively, and a cam follower slidably positioned therebetween. The first and second plugs may comprise a US/European style connector and a UK connector, a two prong plug and a three prong plug, two polarized plugs, or any other style connectors or plugs to meet the plugging needs of a user. The dual plug assembly may be attached to a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack or may be used on an extension cord or directly on a power cord of an electrically powered device. The assembly may include a pivoting panel on a top cabinet which holds an output connector to which a mobile phone may be attached. The assembly may alternatively include a coiled electrical cord upon a wind-up button. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly may include one or more female receptacles for accepting connectors of varying geometries.

Description

PT .TIP ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention:

This invention relates generally to plug or connector assemblies, and more particularly to a plug or connector assembly wherein the user has the option of using one of at least two different plugging configurations and wherein the safety of the user is ensured during use. Background of the Invention

Plug or connector assemblies are known which have a single housing carrying an integral immovable or pivoting single connector. Some adapters have been developed to make such assemblies usable in different conditions. For example, an extension cord type adapter can be placed over such single connectors in order to add an extension if the connector cannot reach an outlet. Other adapters are known which can be placed over a single connector to change the connector type such as from US to European, or from three prong to two prong. Despite the existence of these adapters, connector assemblies are not as accommodating nor as immediately accessible as they should be in meeting the needs of users having different plugging requirements.

Therefore, there is a need for a plug assembly which carries at least two connectors for accommodating at least two connector needs of a user. There is further a need for a plug assembly which carries at least two connectors and only allows one connector to work at one time, to ensure the safety of the user. There is further a need for a plug assembly having a plurality of available connectors and a housing having recessed areas for each of the connectors to be situated in a non-use position. Summary of the Invention

With the foregoing needs in mind, it is an object of this invention to provide a plug or connector assembly which can accommodate at least two different plugging configurations and which ensures the safety of the user.

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a dual plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries is disclosed comprising first and second pivotally movable plugs, each plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with first and second respective contacts of a device, and a control mechanism for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, thus allowing only one plug to carry electric current at one time. The control mechanism may comprise first and second cams attached to the first and second plugs, respectively, and a cam follower slidably positioned therebetween. The first and second plugs may comprise a US/European style connector and a UK connector, a two prong plug and a three prong plug, two polarized plugs, or any other style connectors or plugs to meet the plugging needs of a user. The dual plug assembly may be attached to or be a part of a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack or may be used on an extension cord or directly on a power cord of an electrically powered device.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack that has one or more batteries enclosed within a battery pack case having a mechanical connector for removably mechanically attaching the battery pack to the device and an electrical connector for electrically connecting batteries within the case to the device when the battery pack is mechanically attached to the device comprises a case having a mechanical connector adapted to engage the mechanical connector of the battery pack for attaching the battery pack to the charger, an electrical connector adapted to make an electrical connection to the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the charger, a recess in the case and an integral plug in the recess and pivotally attached to the case for movement between an extended position permitting the charger to be plugged directly into a conventional AC connector, and a recessed position in which the plug is disposed substantially within the recess in the case. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the integral plug for the combination charger and power source has flat bladed connectors for attachment to a U.S. style electrical connector, and includes an adapter having a female adapter connected to receive the integral plug and a male connector having round pins adapted to be plugged into a European style electrical outlet, the adapter being sized to be received within the recess of the case of the combination charger and power source while attached to the integral plug, when the plug is in the recessed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the assembly of the present invention includes a top cabinet having a pivoting panel holding an output connector such that a mobile phone or other electrical device can be plugged into the output connector on the pivoting panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, assembly of the present invention includes a top cabinet having a wind-up button with a bar upon which an electrical cord may wind upon where the cord may be released through an exit opening in the top cabinet.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the assembly may utilize exchangeable plugs/connectors in which the plugs may not be removed from female receptacles within the assembly unless a switch is moved to release the plug, thus ensuring the safety of the user. Brief Description of the Drawings:

The novel aspects of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, together with further objects and advantages thereof may be readily comprehended by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side-elevation of a combination charger and power source in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof showing the battery pack in place;

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view thereof showing the integral plug in its recessed position;

Figure 4 is a side elevation thereof showing the recessed plug in its extended position and also showing the adapter therefor;

Figure 5 is a side elevation thereof showing the plug in its extended position with the adapter connected thereto;

Figure 6 is an end elevation showing the adapter in place with the plug pivoted to the recessed position; Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of an invention having a UK style plug;

Figure 8 is a side elevation thereof with the plug extended;

Figure 9 is a side elevation thereof with the plug retracted; Figure 10 is a bottom plan view thereof with the plug retracted;

Figure 11 is a front view thereof with the plug extended;

Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of a charger/power source in accordance with this invention having a dual plug assembly, a UK style plug and a US/European style plug; Figure 13 is an end elevation thereof with the UK plug extended;

Figure 14 is an end elevation thereof with the US/European style plug extended;

Figure 15 is an end elevation thereof with the US style plug extended and the European style adapter removed therefrom; Figure 16 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a removable solar powered energy source attached thereto;

Figure 17 is a simplified schematic diagram of the charger/power source of the invention; Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a dual plug assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, having a UK style plug and a US/European style plug both positioned within a cabinet's recess areas;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the dual plug assembly of Fig. 18 with the UK plug in its working position; Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the dual plug assembly of Fig.

18 with the US/European style plug in its working position;

Figs. 21 A and 2 IB are front views of prior art outlets;

Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a dual plug assembly having a three prong plug and a two prong plug within a cabinet ' s recess areas ;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a problem caused by prior art plugs;

Figs. 24A and 24B are side views of the prongs of the plugs of Fig. 23; and

Fig. 25 is a bottom plan view of another alternate embodiment of a dual plug assembly having two polarized plugs within a cabinet's recess areas; Fig. 26 shows a side elevation view of a dual plug assembly of the present invention;

Fig. 27 shows a top plan view of the assembly of Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 shows a bottom plan view of the assembly of Fig. 26; Fig. 29 shows an end elevation view of the assembly of Fig. 26;

Fig. 30 shows a side view of an adapter which may be pushed over blades of a plug;

Figs. 31a and 31b show side cross-sectional views of the assembly of Fig. 26; Fig. 32 shows side view of a dual plug assembly with an outlet connector provided in a pivoting panel on the top cabinet;

Fig. 33A shows a top view of the assembly of Fig. 32, and Fig. 33B shows a close up view of the pivoting mechanism for the pivoting panel; Fig. 34 shows a side view of the assembly of Fig. 32;

Fig. 35 shows a close up view of the pivoting panel of Fig. 32 in a closed position;

Fig. 36 shows a side cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 32, with part of a UK plug in an extended position; Fig. 37 shows a side cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig.

32, with the entire UK plug shown in an extended position;

Fig. 38 shows a side view of the assembly of Fig. 32 with a mobile phone connected to the outlet connector on the pivoting panel;

Fig. 39 shows a front view of the assembly of Fig. 38; Fig. 40 shows a side plan view of a dual plug assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 41 shows a top plan view of the dual plug assembly of Fig. 40;

Fig. 42 shows a bottom plan view of the dual plug assembly of Fig. 41; Figs. 43a and 43b show end elevations of the dual plug assembly of Fig. 40 with the US plug and European adapter in the retracted position;

Fig. 44 shows a three dimensional perspective view of a pair of connectors separated by a control mechanism;

Fig. 45 shows a side view of the control mechanism of Fig. 44 with the connectors in a non-use position; Fig. 46 shows a side view of the control mechanism of Fig. 44 with one connector in a use position;

Fig. 47 shows a side view of the control mechanism of Fig. 44 with one connector in a use position; Fig. 48 shows a side cross-sectional view of a dual plug assembly having a top cabinet housing a coiled electric cord;

Fig. 49 shows a top plan view of the assembly of Fig. 48;

Fig. 50 shows a side cross-sectional view of a charger and a removable connector; Fig. 51 shows a side cross-sectional view of the charger of Fig. 50 with the removable connector installed in the charger;

Fig. 52 shows a bottom plan view of the charger of Fig. 50 with the connector in an extended position;

Fig. 53 shows a bottom plan view of the charger of Fig. 50 with the connector in a folded position;

Fig. 54 shows a bottom plan view of the removable connector;

Fig. 55 shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable connector taken along line 55-55 of Fig. 54;

Fig. 56 shows a side cross-sectional view taken along line 56-56 of Fig. 54;

Fig. 57 shows a partial view of the removable connector prior to rotation in a female receptacle of the charger of Fig. 50;

Fig. 58 shows a partial view of the removable connector after rotation in a female receptacle of the charger of Fig. 50; Fig. 59 shows a side cross-sectional view of a charger and a removable connector;

Fig. 60 shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable connector installed in the charger of Fig. 59;

Fig. 61 shows a bottom plan view of Fig. 60; Fig. 62 shows a bottom plan view of the removable connector of

Fig. 59;

Fig. 63 shows a side cross-sectional view of the removable connector of Fig. 59;

Fig. 64 shows a top plan view of the removable connector of Fig. 59 with the blades in a folded position; and, Fig. 65 shows an exploded perspective view of the charger and connector of

Fig. 59.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:

Referring now to Figure 1, a combination charger and power source 10 for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack includes a generally rectangular case 16 preferably formed from a durable non-conductive plastic material in two parts, a bottom part 18 carrying a pivotal plug 20 and a top part 22 which is preferably connected to the bottom part 18 by screws or other fasteners such as ultrasonic bonding, chemical adhesives not shown for clarity. Top part 22 includes a recess 24 for receiving a battery pack 26 in mechanical engagement therewith. Preferably, charger 10 includes first and second mechanical connectors 30 and 32 that are adapted to engage corresponding connectors 34 and 36 on the battery pack for holding the battery pack on the charger/power source. These connectors per se form no part of the invention, and different battery packs will require different connectors from those shown and described.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a lock 40 seen most clearly in Figure 2, which holds the battery pack in place on the charger, and also holds the battery pack in place on the device on which it is normally used, such as a cellular telephone. Battery charge status indicators 23, 25 may be provided to give a visual indication of the state of charge of the battery pack, and to indicate that the charger is powered from an external source. Plug 20 is preferably mounted in a generally rectangular recess 44 formed in the lower section 18 of the charger. Preferably plug 20 is pivotal around an axis 46, which may be a conventional pivot pin, or the combination of a projection extending from the plug and a recess in the case or the analog of this or any similar construction. Plug 20 is shown in Figure 1 with an optional adapter attached thereto, as will be described in more detail in connection with Figures 4 and 5.

Preferably an auxiliary input connector 41 is provided in a sidewall of bottom part 18 of case 16 to allow an external DC power source such as a vehicle battery or a solar powered DC supply to be connected to the combination charger and power source when an AC supply is not available. Referring now to Figure 3, a bottom plan view of the device shows plug 20 and adapter 50 pivoted to a recessed position within recess 44 of bottom portion 18 of case 10. Preferably adapter 50 and plug 20 have cooperating locking elements 52 for fixing adapter 50 in engagement with plug 20. Adapter 50 has first and second generally round electrical contact pins 54 and 56 adapted to engage a standard European style plug. As shown in Figure 4, plug 20 is provided with first and second generally flat blade style pins 60 and 62 adapted to engage a conventional U.S. style electrical connector. Adapter 50 is preferably provided with two flat blade style receptacles not visible in Figure 4, for receiving pins 60 and 62.

Figure 5 shows adapter 50 installed on plug 20, and pivoted to the extended position for attaching the charger to a European style connector.

Figure 6 shows an end elevation view of adapter 50 attached to plug 20 and pivoted to the recessed configuration within the bottom portion 18 of housing 10.

Figures 7-11 show an alternative embodiment of the invention with a single UK connector configuration. Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the device showing the three terminals 100, 102 and 104 in a retracted configuration. Terminals 100 and 102 are preferably blade shaped terminals arranged with a cross sectional dimension transverse to the major axis of the case 16. Terminal 104 is preferably a blade shaped connection arranged orthogonally to connectors 100 and 102. Figure 8 is an end elevation of the configuration of Figure 7, with the connectors moved to an extended position, and Figure 9 shows the same view as Figure 8, but with the connector retracted.

Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of one end of the adapter with the blade shaped connectors 100, 102 and 104 extended, and Figure 11 is a side elevation of the entire adapter with the connectors extended.

Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of an adapter in accordance with this invention that includes each in a separate recess a UK style connector, and a US style connector with a European style adapter attached to the US style connector. The UK style connectors 100, 102 and 104 are substantially identical to the like numbered connectors shown or described in connection with Figures 7-11. The US style connector 20 and European adapter with pins 54 and 56 are substantially identical to those shown and described in connection with Figure 3.

Figure 13 is an end elevation of the adapter of Figure 12, with the UK style connector extended, and the European style connector retracted. Figure 14 is an end elevation of the adapter of Figure 12 with the

European style adapter affixed to the US style connector, and extended.

Figure 15 is an end elevation of the adapter of Figure 12, with the US style connector extended and the European plug adapter removed therefrom. Figure 15 is taken from the opposite side from Figure 14. It is also understood the adapter could include a standard Australian style plug format.

Figure 16 is a side elevation of an embodiment of the invention having a removable solar powered power source. A generally flat array of solar cells is adapted to be mounted to the rear of K16 by way of a plurality of projections 122, 124 and 126 that are adapted to engage cooperatively styled recesses formed in the face of K16. Preferably, at least two of the projections 122 and 126 also provide electrical connections between the solar cell panel and the circuitry inside the case, while the third projection 124 engages a switch not shown within the case for preventing power from the power supply within the case from being applied to the solar cells. Battery pack 26 engages the housing in precisely the same way already described in connection with Figures 1 and 2. The solar panel is mechanically connectable to the charger by the projections 122, 124, 126, as well as a friction fit, slide and/or lock mechanism, or other mechanical engagements known in the art. In addition, the charger and solar panel may include electrical contacts to electrically connect the components upon mechanical connection. Alternatively, a jump cable may run from the solar panel to the DC input of the charge.

Figure 17 is a simplified schematic diagram of the electrical portion of a combination charger/power source in accordance with this invention. A power converter 70 is connected to input pins 60 and 62 for receiving an AC or DC power signal. Alternatively, an external DC power source can be connected to connector 41. A vehicle battery or solar power source can be employed for this purpose. Power converter 70 produces a DC or quasi-DC signal at positive terminal 72 and negative terminal 74, which is connected to the respective positive and negative terminals of a single or multi-cell battery 78 for charging the battery light emitting diode 25, and current limiting resistor 27 provides an indication that power is being applied to the battery. Positive and negative outputs of power converter 70 are also connected through a diode 80 to output terminals 82 and 84 for connection to the battery operated device for providing operating power to the device or to an external battery that can be charged simultaneously with battery 78. Diode 80 permits the external device to be powered by battery 78 if power converter 70 is unplugged or fails. Preferably, a voltage measuring circuit 29 and an indicator lamp 23 are provided to provide an indication that the battery pack is fully charged.

For product safety reasons, the dual plug assembly of Figs. 12-15 preferably allows only one of the foldable plugs to carry current at one time. Turning now to Figs. 18-20, a cross-sectional view of a dual plug assembly 201 which allows only one foldable plug to carry current at one time is shown. The dual plug assembly 201 of Figs. 18-20 could be used in combination with the removable battery pack as previously described, or with any electrically powered device, such as a hairdryer or at the end of an extension cord or other adapter, or in any other fashion for accommodating the connection needs of a user.

As shown in Fig. 18, a cabinet or housing 200 is provided with two recess areas 202 and 204. The recess areas 202 and 204 surround foldable plugs in their non-use position. In one embodiment, the foldable plugs comprise a US style connector/plug 20 and a UK style connector/plug 206 as previously shown in and described with respect to Figs 7- 13. The plugs 20 and 206 are preferably pivotal within the recess areas 202 and 204, respectively, and may pivot about a conventional pivot pin, or the combination of a projection extending from the plug and a recess in the case or the analog of this or any similar construction. Referring back to Fig. 12, the UK style connector/plug 206 preferably has two blade shaped terminals or prongs 100 and 102 and an orthogonally arranged blade shaped terminal prong 104 and the US style connector 20 is preferably provided with a removable European style adapter 50 having first and second generally round electrical contact pins 54 and 56 adapted to engage a standard European style outlet. As can be seen in Fig. 18, both the US style plug 20 and the UK style plug 206, as well as the adapter 50, can be folded into a non-use position and situated in recess areas 202 and 204 of the cabinet or housing 200.

In order to ensure that only one plug can carry electric current at one time, one embodiment of a control mechanism, designated generally at 208, is provided. The control mechanism 208 prevents both plugs from working at the same time. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 18-20, the control mechanism 208 prevents the US style connector 20/European style adapter 50 and the UK style connector 206 from carrying electric current at the same time, which ensures the safety of the user. Of course, the invention is not limited to these styles of connectors as the control mechanism 208 could be used with alternate plugs/connectors, as will be described.

As shown in Figs. 18-20, the control mechanism 208 is composed of three main parts: first cam 210, second cam 212, and lever or cam follower 214. The first cam 210 is connected to plug 20 and the second cam 212 is connected to plug 206. As shown in Figs 18-20, cams 210 and 212 may be generally oval-shaped with their major axes lying generally perpendicular to the axes of the prongs of the plugs. Fig. 18 shows plugs 20/50 and 206 positioned inside the recess areas 202 and 204, respectively, of the cabinet or housing 200. In the recessed position, the plugs 20/50 and 206 are disconnected from the contact points 216 and 218, respectively, to the printed circuit board inside the cabinet 200 and thus do not carry electric current in the non-use position. Contact points 216 and 218 may be electrically connected together within the case. A first space 220 is provided between the lever 214 and the first cam 210. A second space 222 is provided between the lever 214 and the second cam 212. The first space 220 and the second space 222 allow for movement of either the plug 20 or the plug 206 into their working positions.

When a user of the dual plug assembly 201 chooses to employ the UK plug 206, he/she may pivot the UK plug 206 from the recess 204 of the cabinet 200 to the working position shown in Fig. 19. In its working position, the UK plug 206 makes contact with the printed circuit board inside the cabinet 200 through contact point 218 and may thus carry electric current. In moving the UK plug 206 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 18 to its working position shown in Fig. 19, the second cam 212 connected to plug 206 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 214, thus eliminating space 222. Lever 214 is, in turn, pushed against first cam 210 to eliminate space 220, thus eliminating the ability of plug 20 to pivot into its working position. Lever 214 may be appropriately grooved as at 224 and 226 to ensure a snug fit between lever 214 and first cam 210 and second cam 212 when one of plugs 20 or 206 is moved into its working position.

When a user of the dual plug assembly 201 is finished with the UK plug 206 or wishes to employ the US/European plug 20/50, the UK plug 206 may be pivoted back into the recess 204 of the cabinet 200, thus disconnecting the plug 206 with the contact point 218. In pivoting the plug 206 back to its non-use position, as shown in Fig. 18, the second cam 212 is pivoted away from the lever 214, allowing the lever 214 to release the pressure off of the first cam 210 and providing spaces 220 and 222 to once again allow the user of the dual plug assembly 201 to move either plug 20/50 or plug 206 into working position. When the user selects the US/European plug 20/50, he or she simply moves the plug 20/50 from the recess 202 of the cabinet 200 and pivots the plug 20/50 into its working position shown in Fig. 20. Of course, if the user wishes to use the US plug, he or she removes the adapter 50 to reveal the US style prongs 60 and 62 as previously described. In its working position, the US/European plug 20/50 makes contact with the printed circuit board inside the cabinet 200 through contact point 216 and may thus carry electric current. In moving the US/European plug 20/50 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 18 to its working position shown in Fig. 20, the first cam 210 connected to plug 20/50 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 214, and preferably into groove 224, thus eliminating space 220. Lever 214 is, in turn, pushed against second cam 212 to eliminate space 222, thus eliminating the ability of plug 206 to pivot into its working position.

Thus, a control mechanism 208 has been described which eliminates the ability of more than one plug in a multiple plug assembly to carry electric current at any one time. Although the control mechanism 208 has been disclosed in conjunction with the dual plug assembly 201 having the ability to change from US/European and UK style connectors, it should be understood that other types of connectors may be utilized in conjunction with the control mechanism 208 to accommodate other plugging requirements of a user. For example, as shown in Figs. 21 A and 2 IB, two types of common outlets that are used in the United States include outlets 250 for two prong plugs and outlets 252 for two or three prong plugs. Although most newer buildings are installed with outlets 252 which can accommodate both two prong plugs and three prong plugs, a problem arises when a user wishes to use an appliance having a three prong plug but only has an outlet 250 which can accommodate a two prong plug. Single adapters are known which can be nestled over the three prongs, but are many times not immediately accessible at their time of need. Thus, an improvement to the single adapter concept and an alternative embodiment of the dual plug assembly 201 of Figs. 18-20 is shown in Fig. 22. A dual plug assembly 261 is shown which carries both a three prong plug 262 and a two prong plug 264. The assembly 261 could be used at the end of an extension cord, an appliance cord, or for the combination charger and power source previously described. When outlets 252 are available, the three prong plug 262, which includes a ground prong 263, can be pivoted into working position. When only outlets 250 are available, the three prong plug 262 may then be pivoted back into the recess of the housing of dual plug assembly 261 so that the two prong plug 264 may be pivoted into working position. A control mechanism 208, as shown in connection with the dual plug assembly 201 in Figs. 18-20, prevents both plugs from being pivoted into their working position at the same time.

Another plugging dilemma which can be overcome by another embodiment of the dual plug assembly of the present invention is shown in Fig. 23. Oftentimes, power-pack type plugs 270 come with polarized prongs, in which one prong 272 is larger than the other prong 274, as shown more clearly in Figs. 24A and 24B. These polarized plugs will only fit one way in an outlet. The problem arises when one outlet 276 of an outlet center 284 is already occupied by a plug 280 which interferes with the insertion of the power-pack type plug 270, that is, the lower portion of plug 270 cannot lie flat against outlet center 284 because of plug 280 and thus plug 270 cannot be plugged in outlet 278. Turning the plug 270 upside down does not help because of the polarized prongs 272, 274. Sometimes, the plug 280 can simply be unplugged and moved to the other outlet 278 so that the plug 270 can utilize the outlet 276. Other times, however, the plug 280 is connected to an apparatus 282 such as a digital clock, computer, or other electronic device which does not respond well to quick unplugging and replugging, i.e., information may be lost from a computer if not properly shut down first and a digital clock may have to be completely reset if it does not have battery back-up. This nuisance can be overcome by the dual plug assembly 291 shown in Fig. 25. Polarized plugs 292 and 294 are provided on either side of dual plug assembly 291. A control mechanism 208, as shown in Figs. 18-20 is provided in dual plug assembly 291 to allow only one plug to pivot into its working position at one time, thus allowing only one plug to carry electric current at one time. The larger prongs 272 of the polarized plugs 292 and 294 are provided on the same side of the dual plug assembly 291. That is, for example, both prongs 272 are positioned on the right side when looking at the bottom of the dual plug assembly 291 as shown in Fig. 25. Thus, if a situation such as that depicted in Fig. 23 occurs, the dual plug assembly 291 could be used without having to unplug plug 280 because a polarized plug would be available on either the upper or lower side of a plug assembly.

Turning now to Figs. 26 to 31b, the dual plug assembly, similar to that shown in Figs. 12-15 is shown with greater internal detail. Different battery packs or battery powered products will require different output cable and plug assemblies, and therefore these are not shown for clarity. Fig. 26 shows a side elevation view of the configuration with both the US style connector 20 with the European style adapter 50 attached thereto and the UK style connectors 206 at their extended positions. In actual application, it is preferably not possible for both plugs/connectors to assume an extended position at the same time. Fig. 27 is the top plan view of the configuration.

Fig. 28 is a bottom plan view of a charger in accordance with this invention that includes each in a separate recess a UK style connector 206, and a US style connector 20 with a European style adapter 50 attached to the US style connector 20. The UK style connectors 206 are substantially identical to the like numbered connectors shown or described in connection with Fig. 7. The US style connector 20 and European adapter 50 are substantially identical to those shown and described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 29 shows an end elevation view of the device with the adapter attached to plug 20 and pivoted to the recessed configuration within the bottom portion of housing. It also shows a UK style plug 206 with the three blade shaped terminals 100, 102, 104 in their extended positions. Fig. 29 further shows an output connector 21 for a DC output cable and plug assembly permitting a battery pack mounted on a device, which it is normally be used, to be connected and charged by the charger. The output cable and plug assembly is not shown for clarity.

Fig. 30 shows the US style plug 20 extended from its recess area with adapter 50 removed. Plug 20 is provided with first and second generally flat blade style pins 60, 62 adapted to engage a conventional U.S. style electrical receptacle. Adapter 50 is preferably provided with two flat blade style receptacles not visible in Fig. 30, for receiving the flat blade US style pins 60, 62. Preferably adapter 50 and plug 20 have cooperating locking element 52 for fixing adapter 50 in engagement with plug 20.

Figs. 31a and 31b show the side cross section views of the configuration of Fig. 26 as well as the recessed areas of the bottom cabinet for the US style plug 20 with the European adapter 50 attached thereto and the UK style plug 206.

Figs. 32-37 show an alternative embodiment of the invention with the dual plug assembly.

Fig. 32 shows the side view of the embodiment with the UK style plug 206 in its extended position and the US style plug 20 with European adapter 50 in its folded, retracted position. A DC input jack 301 is included on the side of the device. Alternatively, the DC input jack 301 may be elsewhere on the body. The DC input jack 301 is included so that the charger may operate on DC supply and may be used in the car and run on car batteries or the like. The top cabinet 300 carries a pivoting panel 302 or cover which consists of an output connector 304 for connecting the electrical powered device such as a mobile phone to the charger. The connector 304 may consist of a DC-output plug which will provide the required output voltage and current from the charger to charge the powered products, e.g. mobile phone, when they are engaged mechanically. The connector 304 may also consist of other connectors which, when engaged with the relative connectors of the phone, will provide the necessary communication channel for any function as required, e.g. signal for the hand free function, etc. The shape, size, and design of the connector 304 may vary depending on different phone shapes and/or requirements.

As shown in Fig. 33 A, an earphone jack 303 may be added to the connector 304 if a hands free kit is to be employed. The connector 304 preferably further includes brackets 305 for holding the phone. The connector 304 thus installed on the pivoting panel 302 can be put inside the cabinet 300 by closing the panel 302. Fig. 33B shows an enlarged view of the pivot mechanism of the cover 302 with the cabinet 300. A pin 307 may extend through a curved recess 311 in an arm 309 of the panel 302. One arm 309 is provided on each side of the panel 302, and are substantially perpendicular to the panel 302. Fig. 34 shows the side view of the embodiment with the UK style plug 206 in its folded, retracted position and the US style plug 20 with European adapter 50 in its extended position. Fig. 35 shows the pivoting panel 302 in its closed position. In its closed position, the pivoting panel 302 is substantially planar with the top cabinet 300. In its open position, the pivoting panel 302 preferably may open up to 90 degrees from its closed position.

Fig. 36 shows the pivoting panel 302 in its closed position and a dotted line open position. The middle pin 104 of the UK style plug 206 is shown rotated to its extended position. Fig. 37 shows the outside pins 100, 102 rotated to their extended position. Thus, it is shown that the middle pin 104 is provided with a pivot near the central area of the charger, while the outside pins 100, 102 have a pivot near the end of the charger. By way of example only, the US style plug 20 with adapter 50 is shown in its extended position as well as its recessed position. Figs. 38 and 39 show the pivoting panel 302 of Figs. 32-37 in use.

As is shown, a mobile phone 306 may be plugged into the output connector 304 attached to the pivoting panel 302. Although a specific embodiment of a mobile phone is shown, it should be understood that any type of mobile phone may be employed, as well as any other electrical device. Figs. 40-43 show an adapter, in an alternative embodiment, in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The application is an AC power source with the dual plug assembly for AC operating products. Fig. 40 is the side plan view of this configuration. Fig. 41 is the top plan view which shows a UK style female receptacle 312 which accepts standard UK style connectors 206. Fig. 41 also shows another female receptacle which can accommodate both two prong or three prong standard US style connectors 20 and standard European style two round prong type connectors 54, 56. A circuit breaker or surge protection device, not shown for clarity, may also be installed for over voltage or surge protection purposes.

Fig. 42 shows the bottom plan view of the configuration of Fig. 40 that includes each in a separate recess a UK style connector 206, and a US style connector 20 with a European style adapter 50 attached to the US style connector 20. The UK style connectors 100, 102, 104, are substantially identical to the like numbered connectors shown or described in connection with Fig. 7. The US style connector 20 and the European adapter 50 are substantially identical to those shown and described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 43 shows the end elevation of the configuration of Fig. 40 with the US style plug 20 and adapter 50 in their retracted position and the UK style connectors 206 in their extended position.

For product safety reasons, and to ensure that only one plug can carry electric current at one time, a control mechanism is provided as was previously described with respect to Figs. 18-20. The control mechanism prevents both plugs from working at the same time. Similarly, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 44-47, the control mechanism prevents the US style connector 20 / European style adapter 50 and the UK style connector 206 from carrying electric current at the same time, which ensures the safety of the user. Of course, the invention is not limited to these styles of connectors as the control mechanism could be used with alternate plugs/connectors.

As shown in Figs. 44-47, the control mechanism 320 of the invention is composed of three main parts: a pair of first cams 322, a pair of second cams 324, and a pair of levers or cam follower 326. The first pair of cams 322 is connected to plug 20 and the second pair of cams is connected to plug 206, with one on each side of each plug, respectively. Fig. 44 shows a 3-D drawing of the construction of the dual plug assembly with the US style plug 20, European adapter 50 and the UK style connectors 100 and 102 which are substantially identical to the like numbered of those shown and described in connection with Figs. 3, 4, and 7. The ground connector 104 of the UK style plug 206 is not shown for clarity. The safety locking devices or control mechanism 320 includes cams 322, cams 324, and levers 326. Fig. 45 shows the positioning of the levers 326, cams 322, and cams 324 when the plugs 20/50 and 206 are in their non-use position. In the recessed position, the plugs 20 and 206 are disconnected from the contact points, not shown for clarity, of the circuitry inside cabinet 18. Both plugs do not carry electric current in the non-use position. A first spring steel plate 328 is provided between the lever 326 and the first cam 322. A second spring steel plate 330 is provided between the lever 326 and the second cam 324. The spring action of the spring steel plates 328 and 330 provide support as well as allow movement of either the plug 20 or the plug 206 into their working positions. The steel plates 328 and 330 may be welded or otherwise secured at points 350, 352. Although shown as separate elements, the lever 326 could include the plates 328 and 330 as an integral member. Whether separate elements or integrally connected, the plates 328 and 330 are slightly flexible at ends 354 and 356, respectively. When a user of the dual plug assembly chooses to employ the UK plug 206, he or she may pivot the UK plug 206 from recess area of cabinet 18 to the working position shown in Fig. 46. In its working position, the UK plug 206 makes contact with the electrical or electronic circuitry inside cabinet 18 through contact points, not shown for clarity, and may thus carry electric current from the AC mains to operate the device. In moving the UK plug 206 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 45 to its working position shown in Fig. 46, the second cam 324 connected to plug 206 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 326, thus the spring action of the spring steel plate 330 allows the movement of the lever 326, which in turn, is pushed against first cam 322 and locks cam 322 into slot 332, as shown in Fig. 46, thus eliminating the ability of plug 20 to pivot into its working position. Plug 20 in its non-use or recessed position is not connected to the circuitry inside the cabinet 18 and thus does not carry electrical current. When a user of the dual plug assembly is finished with the UK plug 206 or wishes to employ the US/European plug 20/50, the UK plug 206 may be pivoted back into the recess area of the cabinet 18, thus disconnecting the plug 206 with the contact points of the electrical or electronic circuitry inside cabinet 18. In pivoting the plug back to its non- use position, as shown in Fig. 45, the second cam 324 is pivoted away from the lever 326 allowing the lever 326 to release the pressure off of the spring steel plate 330, and thus, releases the first cam 322 from its locking position from slot 332 of lever 326. This once again allows the user of the dual plug assembly to move either plug 20/50 or plug 206 into working position.

When the user selects the US/European plug 20/50, he or she simply moves the plug 20/50 from the recess area of cabinet 18 and pivots plug 20/50 into its working position shown in Fig. 47. Of course, if the user wishes to use the US plug 20, he or she removes the adapter 50 to reveal the US style prongs 60, 62 as previously described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. In its working position, the US/European plug 20/50 makes contact with the electrical or electronic circuitry inside the cabinet 18 through contact points, not shown for clarity, and may thus carry electric current from the AC mains to operate the device. In moving the US/European plug 20/50 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 45 to its working position shown in Fig. 47, the first cam 322 connected to plug 20/50 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 326, as shown in Fig. 47, thus eliminating the ability of plug 206 to pivot into its working position. Plug 206 in its non-use position is not connected to the circuitry inside cabinet 18, and thus, does not carry electric current.

The details of the cams 322 and 324 and the lever 326 will now be described. The lever 326 includes a first indent area 336 and a second indent area 338. The first indent area 336 houses the first cam 322 and the second indent area 338 houses the second cam 324. Within the first indent area 336 is the slot 332, and within the second indent area 338 is the slot 334. Each of the first and second cams 322 and 324 include a nub 340 and 342, respectively. The nubs 340 and 342 are sized to fit within the slots 332 and 334. The nubs 340, 342 preferably lie along the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the prongs of the respective plugs to which the cams 322 and 324 are attached.

When both plugs 20 and 206 are in their non-use position shown in Fig. 45, the nubs 340 and 342 are aligned with the slots 332 and 334, but are not pushed completely within the slots 332 and 334. That is, spaces 344 and 346 are provided between nubs 340, 342 and slots 332, 334, respectively. When plug 206 is moved to its extended position shown in Fig. 46, the second cam 324 moves from the position shown in Fig. 45, where the nub 342 is pointing towards the lever 326 to the position shown in Fig. 46 where the nub 342 is pointing downwardly, into the cabinet 18, not shown. This movement of the cam 324 is made possible by the pressing up against the end 356 of the plate 330. In Fig. 46, the nub 342 is vacant from the slot 334 and the cam 324 pushes the lever 326 towards the plug 20 such that the slot 332 is pushed fully over the nub 340, eliminating the space 344 shown in Fig. 45. With the nub 340 firmly implanted in the slot 332, the plug 20 cannot be pivoted into an extended position. When the plug 206 is pushed back into its recessed position, the position of the nubs 340 and 342 returns to that shown in Fig. 45. When plug 20 is moved to its extended position shown in Fig. 47, the first cam 322 moves from the position shown in Fig. 45, where the nub 340 is pointing towards the lever 326 to the position shown in Fig. 47 where the nub 340 is pointing downwardly, into the cabinet 18, not shown. The movement of the cam 322 is made possible by pressing against the end 354 of the plate 328. In Fig. 47, the nub 340 is vacant from the slot 332 and the cam 322 pushes the lever 326 towards the plug 206 such that the slot 334 is pushed fully over the nub 342, eliminating the space 346 shown in Fig. 45. With the nub 342 firmly implanted in the slot 334, the plug 206 cannot be pivoted into an extended position.

With reference to Fig. 44, it can be seen that the lever 326 and cams 322 and 324 are preferably provided on each side of the plugs 20 and 206, with both sets of cams and levers functioning equivalently to the manner described above. Thus, a control mechanism has been described which eliminates the ability of more than one plug in a multiple plug assembly to carry electric current at any one time. Although the control mechanism has been disclosed in conjunction with the dual plug assembly 38 having the ability to change from US/European and UK style connectors, it should be understood that other types of connectors may be utilized in conjunction with the control mechanism to accommodate other plugging requirements of a user.

Turning now to Figs. 48 and 49, an alternate use for the dual plug assembly of the present invention is shown. The plugs 20 and 206 may be pivotally provided in the cabinet 18 as previously described, preferably with a control mechanism for allowing only one plug to pivot into an extended position at a time. In this embodiment, the top cabinet 360 holds a cord 362 that may wind up about bar 368 of wind-up button 364. An indent 366 in button 364 may be provided to assist the user in winding the cord 362 about bar 368. The cord 362 may be easily pulled from an exit hole, positioned at any convenient location, in the cabinet 360.

Turning now to Figs. 50-65, a charger 400 for accepting one of at least two different types of plugs/connectors is shown. Although the charger 400 is shown with only one plug accepting indent 402, it should be understood that the charger 400 could include a plurality of plug accepting indents 402.

Fig. 50 shows a charger 400 with indent 402 having a pair of contact poles 404 (only one shown in this view). The plug shown is a US plug 20 with European adapter 50 as previously discussed with respect to Figs. 3 and 4. Although not shown, the body of the charger 400 may include a DC input jack on the side or elsewhere on the body such that the charger may be operate on DC supply and may be used in the car and run on car batteries or the like. The plug 20/50 may be pivoted from a non-use position to an extended position as shown. When in the non-use position, the pivoting end of the blades of the plug 20 do not touch the base 406 of the plug 20. However, when in the extended position, the pivoting end of the blades contact a portion of the base 406 which in turn contacts the contact poles 404 when properly installed within the indent 402. Thus, the plug can only carry electric current when in the extended position. Fig. 51 shows a side view of the charger 400 with the pivotable plug 20 with adapter 50 installed in the indent 402. Fig. 52 shows a front view of the plug in the extended position and Fig. 53 shows a front view of the plug in a folded position on the charger 400. The charger 400 is very useful for frequent travelers. The traveler may use one type of plug inserted in the charger 400 in one country, then, when traveling to a different country or area with different outlet geometries, the traveler may replace the plug in the indent 402 with another type of plug. The safety of the traveler, however, may be at risk if the charger 400 is pulled from the outlet and the plug and base combination remains in the outlet. This would be a dangerous situation because there are areas on the base 406 which carry electric current when the plug is in the extended position, such as when plugged in an outlet. Thus, the present invention provides a safety lock which secures the plug within the indent 402.

Turning now to Figs. 54-58, a locking mechanism is shown which secures the plug, in this case plug 20/50, into the indent 402. The base 406 of the plug includes curved recesses 408 for accepting the contact poles 404. The pivoting end of an extended plug does not contact the contact poles 404 unless the contact poles 404 are at the end of the curved recesses 408, in a position where the base 406 is locked into the indent 402. To lock the base 406 into the indent 402, the curved recesses 408 are positioned over the contact poles 404. A latch 410 on the base 406 pushes into an opening in the indent 402 and rests in a groove 412 in the indent 402 as shown in Fig. 56. As shown in Figs. 57 and 58, a projection 414 on the base 406 pushes a switch 416 on the charger 400 upwardly. When the base 406 is rotated approximately 15 degrees, the projection 414 moves past the switch 416 which can return to its biased position as shown in Fig. 58. A lock point 418 is created. During the rotation, the latch 410 moves to a position which disables the ability for the base 406 to be removed from the indent 402. The only way to remove the base 406 and the plug from the indent 402 would be to physically push the switch 416 upwardly with a finger, while the base 406 is rotated back to the position shown in Fig. 57. In this position, the latch 410 may be moved through the opening and release the base 406 from the receptacle. Thus, when the base 406 rotatably secured within the indent 402 as described, the charger 400 cannot be pulled from an outlet without taking the base 406 and plug 20/50 with it. The charger 400 with exchangeable plugs is therefore safe for use. The charger 400 includes a further safety feature which is shown in

Fig. 65. The safety door 436 is spring biased to a closed position in which the recesses 408 are covered. Thus, the contact poles 404 can not be inserted through the recesses 408 when the safety door 436 is closed. Only when the projection 414 of the door 436 is moved can the contacts within the removable plug be contacted by the contact poles 404. When the removable plug is removed from the indent 402, the spring biased safety door 436 returns to a closed position so that a user cannot touch the contacts within the plug.

Turning now to Figs. 59-64, the charger 400 is shown with an alternate exchangeable plug assembly 206, which is mounted on a base 424. The difference between the base 424 and the base 406 shown for plug 20/50 is the contacts for the blades of the plug 206. The blade 104 is provided with contact 420 which engages with contact 422 when moved to an extended position. In a folded position, the contacts do not engage and no electric current is carried. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 63, a blade 100 (or 102, not shown), is provided with an end 430 which can only engage contact 428 when the blade 100 pivots about the pivot 426 to the extended position.

Other than the contact points within the base, the exchangeable plug 206 attaches to the indent 402 in the same manner as previously discussed with respect to the exchangeable plug 20/50.

Fig. 65 shows an exploded view of the charger 400 with the exchangeable plug 206. The charger 400 includes the DC power cable and the base 424 of the exchangeable plug 206 further includes a safety door 436 with the projection 414 and the bracket 438 which houses the contacts as well as a front cabinet 440. The charger 400 further includes a PCB assembly with transformer 444, capacitor 446, and resistor 448. The rear of the indent 402 is also shown.

While the invention has been described in connection with presently preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the truth and scope of the invention. For example, although specific examples have been described for the plugs of the dual plug assemblies, it should be understood that other types of plugs and connectors could be utilized with the disclosed control mechanisms, such as Australian style adapters with Australian style connectors. That is, a dual plug assembly could include any combination of US style, UK style, European style, Australian style, plugs and/or adapters, as long as they fit within the recesses of the housing. Also, although only two pivotal plugs have been described in the dual plug assemblies, it is envisioned that multiple plug assemblies could be engineered with a control mechanism similar to that disclosed. These and other modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof, which accordingly is intended to be defined fully by the appended claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A multiple plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries comprising: a first pivotally movable plug having a first blade configuration and having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a first electrical contact in the assembly; a second pivotally movable plug having a second blade configuration, different than the first blade configuration and having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a second electrical contact in the assembly; and, an interlock coupled between the first and second pivotally movable plugs for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, wherein a plug moved into engagement with an electrical contact in the assembly is in a use position and wherein a plug moved out of engagement with an electrical contact in the assembly is in a non-use position.

2. The assembly of claim 1 comprising a housing to which the first and second pivotally movable plugs are attached, the housing having a bottom cabinet with first and second recesses surrounding the plugs when the plugs are in a non-use position.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the housing includes a top cabinet, opposite the bottom cabinet, the top cabinet including a pivoting panel, flush with the top cabinet in a closed position, and substantially perpendicular with the top cabinet in an open position, the pivoting panel holding an output connector to which a mobile phone may be connected.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the housing includes a DC input jack.

5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the connector includes an earphone jack.

6. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the pivoting panel includes a pair of perpendicular arms, each arm having a curved recess for receiving a pin on the top cabinet.

7. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the housing includes a top cabinet, opposite the bottom cabinet, the top cabinet including a wind-up button having a bar extending within the cabinet and an electrical cord coiled upon the bar, the top cabinet further including an exit hole for removal of the cord from the cabinet.

8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the wind-up button includes an indent for assisting in the turning of the wind-up button for coiling the cord upon the bar.

9. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the housing includes a top cabinet, opposite the bottom cabinet, the top cabinet including a first receptacle and a second receptacle, each receptacle designed to accept a plug having differing geometries.

10. The assembly of claim 1 comprising first and second cams connected to the first and second plugs respectively for rotation as the plugs are pivoted into and out of engagement with the electrical contacts in the assembly.

11. The assembly of claim 10 comprising a cam follower engaging the first and second cams for permitting only one of the cams at a time to be rotated to a position in which a corresponding plug engages a contact in the assembly.

12. The assembly of claim 11 in which the cam follower is slidably mounted between the first and second cams.

13. The assembly of claim 11 in which each of the first and second pivotally movable plugs comprises first and second prongs.

14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the first and second cams are generally oval shaped with a major axis lying in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the prongs.

15. The assembly of claim 11 wherein a first space is provided between the first cam and the cam follower and a second space is provided between the second cam and the cam follower when the first and second plugs are in a non-use position, for allowing either the first or second plugs to pivot into a use position.

16. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the cam follower is provided with a first groove for engaging the first cam and a second groove for engaging the second cam.

17. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the cam follower includes a first indent area housing the first cam and a second indent area housing the second cam.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the first indent area includes a first slot and the second indent area includes a second slot, the first cam includes a first nub and the second cam includes a second nub, wherein the first nub is aligned with the first slot and the second nub is aligned with the second slot when the first plug and second plug are in their non-use positions.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein a space is provided between each nub and its respective slot when the first and second plugs are in their non-use positions.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein, upon the first plug being pivoted into a use position, the first cam pushes the second slot of the cam follower substantially completely over the second nub, wherein movement of the second plug into an extended position is not permitted.

21. The assembly of claim 19 wherein, upon the second plug being pivoted into a use position, the second cam pushes the first slot of the cam follower substantially completely over the first nub, wherein movement of the first plug into an extended position is not permitted.

22. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the cam follower includes a first spring plate forming a side of the first indent area and a second spring plate forming a side of the second indent area.

23. The assembly of claim 11 comprising a pair of cam followers, a pair of first cams, and a pair of second cams, each pair separated by the first and second plugs.

24. The assembly of claim 1 in which the first pivotally movable plug has two flat bladed connectors for attachment to a US style electrical connector and the second pivotally movable plug has three flat bladed connectors for attachment to a UK style electrical connector.

25. The assembly of claim 24 further comprising an adapter having a female connector adapted to receive the two flat bladed connectors of the first pivotally movable plug and a male connector adapted to be plugged into one of a European style electrical outlet or an Australian style electrical outlet.

26. The assembly of claim 25 further comprising a housing having first and second recesses wherein the first recess is shaped to receive the first pivotally movable plug with the adapter attached and the second recess is shaped to receive the second pivotally movable plug.

27. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first pivotally movable plug comprises two flat bladed prongs and the second pivotally movable plug comprises two flat bladed prongs and a cylindrical prong.

28. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first pivotally movable plug comprises a first flat bladed connector and a second flat bladed connector and the second pivotally movable plug comprises a third flat bladed connector and a fourth flat bladed connector, wherein the first flat bladed connector and the third flat bladed connector have identical geometries and the second flat bladed connector and the fourth flat bladed connector have identical geometries, and wherein the second and fourth flat bladed connectors are wider at a proximal end than the first and third flat bladed connectors.

29. The assembly of claim 28 further comprising a housing to which the first and second pivotally movable plugs are attached wherein the first and fourth flat bladed connectors are attached to the housing in diagonally opposite positions and the second and third flat bladed connectors are attached to the housing in diagonally opposite positions.

30. A multiple plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries comprising: a first pivotally movable plug having a first blade configuration and having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a first electrical contact in the assembly; a second pivotally movable plug having a second blade configuration, different than the first blade configuration and having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a second electrical contact in the assembly; a housing to which the first and second pivotally movable plugs are attached, the housing having a bottom cabinet with first and second recesses surrounding the plugs when the plugs are in a non-use position; a top cabinet, opposite the bottom cabinet, the top cabinet including a pivoting panel, flush with the top cabinet in a closed position, and substantially perpendicular with the top cabinet in an open position, the pivoting panel holding an output connector to which a mobile phone may be connected.

31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the housing includes a DC input jack.

32. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the connector includes an earphone jack.

33. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the pivoting panel includes a pair of perpendicular arms, each arm having a curved recess for receiving a pin on the top cabinet.

34. The assembly of claim 30 further comprising an interlock coupled between the first and second pivotally movable plugs for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a conesponding contact at a time, wherein a plug moved into engagement with an electrical contact in the assembly is in a use position and wherein a plug moved out of engagement with an electrical contact in the assembly is in a non-use position.