Multiple socket-outlet

Abstract

 Multiple socket-outlet, comprising a plurality of socket-outlets or voice and data outlets arranged in a face of the base, characterised in that a face of said base comprises guiding means (3, 4) for guiding at least one cable (10) of a plug (9) or connector which is connected to one of said socket-outlet (1) or voice and data outlets.
Thanks to this feature, the wires of the plugs or connectors that are plugged or connected to the multiple socket-outlet can be neatly organized and separated without the possibility of becoming entangled with each other and interfere with each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a multiple socket-outlet that allows guiding and separating multiple cables from the plugs or connectors that are connected to said socket-outlet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For obtaining an additional number of socket-outlets or other outlets (e.g. voice, data, TV, etc.) in a determined point without having to do any installation or work is known to use multiple socket-outlets. Conventional multiple socket-outlets comprise a plurality of outlets, so that in each outlet a corresponding plug or connector can be plugged or connected.

[0003] A drawback of currently known multiple socket-outlets is that the cables of the plugs or connectors that are connected to the outlet can entangle with each other and also with the power cable of the multiple socket-outlet itself. This drawback increases if the number of plugs connected to the multiple socket-outlet is high.

[0004] Another disadvantage of multiple socket-outlets is due to the need to arrange in the same multiple socket-outlet different voltage or characteristic plugs or connectors (e.g., power supply from 250V to 12V, or power outlets with voice and data outlets) since they can produce interferences.

[0005] Multiple socket-outlets are known comprising means for guiding the power cable when the multiple socket-outlet is not being used, i.e. they serve to collect the cable when not in use.

[0006] Therefore, there is a clear need for a multiple socket-outlet wherein the cables of the plugs or connectors, during its use, which are connected or plugged can be guided and separated in an orderly manner without entangling with each other, or to maintain the distance necessary to prevent interference, and which also has the possibility of guiding or collecting the power cable of the multiple socket-outlet if desired.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The multiple socket-outlet of the invention manages to resolve the aforesaid disadvantages, presenting other advantages that will be described.

[0008] The multiple socket-outlet of the present invention comprises a plurality of socket-outlets or voice and data outlets arranged in a face of the base, and it is characterised in that a face of said base comprises guiding means for guiding at least one cable of a plug or connector which is connected to one of said socket-outlet or voice and data outlet.

[0009] Thanks to this feature, the cables of the plugs or connectors that are plugged or connected to the multiple socket-outlet can be neatly organized and separated without the possibility of becoming entangled with each other and interfere with each other.

[0010] Advantageously, said guiding means comprise a groove provided with a plurality of protrusions.

[0011] If desired, the multiple socket-outlet may also comprise a second groove provided with protrusions to house more cables or separate said cables from said first groove.

[0012] Preferably, said protrusions are arranged at different levels and can be continuous or discontinuous along the groove.

[0013] Advantageously, said groove of the guiding means extends substantially over the whole length of said base, said groove of the guiding means being defined by an internal wall provided with said protrusions and an external wall of said base.

[0014] Moreover, the multiple socket-outlet advantageously comprises an opening in one or both ends of the socket for the exit of the cables. If desired, the exit opening through which the cables exit may be closed with a cover.

[0015] If desired, the multiple socket may also comprise a central element for winding the power cable around it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a better understanding of what has been disclosed some drawings are attached in which, schematically and solely by way of non-limiting example, a practical case of embodiment is represented.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multiple socket-outlet of the present invention showing its front face where the socket-outlets are located;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a multiple socket-outlet of the present invention showing its rear face where are located the guiding means; and

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the multiple socket of the present invention in cross-section, wherein the cables of the plugs that are plugged to the multiple socket-outlet are represented in dashed lines.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] As represented in the drawings, the multiple socket-outlet of the present invention comprises a plurality of socket-outlets 1 arranged in the front part of said base. Although in the embodiment shown the multiple socket-outlet comprises four socket-outlets, it is evident that the multiple socket-outlet may comprise any suitable number of socket-outlets, voice and data outlets and other control and safety device like switches or surge protectors.

[0018] Said socket also includes a power cable 2 that provides power to said socket+-outlets 1. According to the invention, and as shown in more detail in Figure 2, the multiple socket-outlet of the present invention comprises means for guiding the cables of the plugs which plugged to said socket-outlets 1.

[0019] Said guiding means are formed by a plurality of protrusions 3 arranged in a groove 4 defined in the rear face of said multiple socket-outlet, i.e., on the opposite side to the position of the socket-outlets 1.

[0020] Said groove 4 is defined by an internal wall 5 and by an external wall 6 of said base, such that said groove extends along the length of the socket.

[0021] In said internal wall 5 are arranged a plurality of protrusions 3. As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, said protrusions 3 are elongated and are grouped in pairs.

[0022] According to the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in more detail in figure 3, there are four pairs of protrusions 3. The two pairs of protrusions 3 of the ends are arranged further apart than the two intermediate pairs of intermediate protrusions 3.

[0023] In particular, the separation between adjacent rows of pairs of protrusions 3 coincide substantially with the diameter of a conventional electrical cable 10 of the plugs 9 that are used in these multiple socket-outlets.

[0024] Further, the multiple socket-outlet also comprises openings 7, 8 at its ends for the passage of the cables 10 of said plugs 9, so that the cables 10 are guided into the correct position. Preferably, one of such openings 7 or 8, in particular the exit aperture through which the cables 10 of the plugs 9 exit, can be provided with a cover 12 to close it.

[0025] The multiple socket-outlet also includes a central element 11 for winding the power cable 2 when not in use or to decrease the length of the power cable.

[0026] Figure 3 also illustrates the arrangement of the cables 10 of the plugs 9. For simplicity, these cables 10 are represented by dashed lines. The arrangement at different levels or heights of the projections and their elongate configuration allows guiding in an orderly manner said cables 10.

[0027] Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the multiple socket described is susceptible of numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be substituted by other technically equivalent, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Multiple socket-outlet, comprising a plurality of socket-outlets or voice and data outlets arranged in a face of the base, characterised in that a face of said base comprises guiding means (3, 4) for guiding at least one cable (10) of a plug (9) or connector which is connected to one of said socket-outlet (1) or voice and data outlets.

2. Multiple socket-outlet according to claim 1, wherein said guiding means comprise at least a groove (4) provided with a plurality of protrusions (3).

3. Multiple socket-outlet according to claim 2, wherein said groove (4) extends along the length of said base.

4. Multiple socket-outlet according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said groove (4) of the guiding means is defined by an internal wall (5) provided with said protrusions (3) and an external wall (6) of said base.

5. Multiple socket-outlet according to claim 2, wherein said protrusions (3) are arranged in different levels.

6. Multiple socket-outlet according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said protrusions (3) are continuous along the groove (4).

7. Multiple socket according to any of claims 2 a 5, wherein said protrusions (3) are discontinuous along the groove (4).

8. Multiple socket-outlet according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an opening (7, 8) in one or both ends of the base for the exit of the cables (2, 10).

9. Multiple socket-outlet according to claim 8, comprising a cover (12) in one or both of the openings (7, 8).

10. Multiple socket-outlet according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a central element (11).

Drawing