Interchangeable electrically powered modules and receptacle therefor
A plurality of interchangeable, electrically powered, modules and receptacles for use therewith are provided. The interchangeable electrically powered modules are configured and capable of providing a variety of electrical and electronic devices. Each receptacle is configured to be secured to and supported by an otherwise conventional electric back box. The receptacles preferably utilize a bayonet mount receptacle which is standardized for the entire system and which accommodates each and every module in a twist-lock mounting system. Each module includes a cooperating bayonet mount attachment for use with the receptacle bayonet mounts. The use of a bayonet mount attachment for the modules to the receptacle provides a standardized power coupling for the module devices which may be connected by a simple insert and partial turn locking action.
1. Interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor comprising:
at least one module receptacle having a front plate defining a front surface and a rear surface;
a plurality of module receiving apertures defined in said front plate;
a plurality of module housings each aligned with one of said apertures and each extending from said rear surface and each defining a rearward end;
a plurality of attachment receptacles supported at each of said rearward ends;
a plurality of plug-in modules each having a front face, an elongated cylindrical body and an attachment end, said attachment ends configured to engage said attachment receptacles; and a functional electrically powered circuit supported within each of said plug-in modules,
said plug-in modules being interchangeable among said module housings and operative therein.
2. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include an electrical power plug receptacle having a plurality of plug apertures, formed in said front face, configured to receive a standard electrical appliance power plug.
3. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include a power control module for controlling an electrical appliance.
4. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include a USB module module having a USB receptacle in said front face and providing data and power coupling to said USB receptacle.
5. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include an appliance timer and controller having an electric power coupling circuit, a timer and a wireless control.
6. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 1 further including rotational interlocks operative between said attachment receptacles and said attachment ends cooperating to latch the rotational positions of said plug-in modules.
7. Electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor comprising:
a module receptacle having a front plate defining a front surface and a rear surface;
a pair of module receiving apertures defined in said front plate;
a pair of module housings each aligned with one of said apertures and each extending from said rear surface and each defining a rearward end;
a pair of attachment receptacles supported at each of said rearward ends;
a plurality of plug-in modules each having a front face, an elongated cylindrical body and an attachment end, said attachment ends configured to engage said attachment receptacles; and a functional electrically powered circuit supported within each of said plug-in modules,
said plug-in modules being interchangeable among said module housings and operative therein.
8. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 7 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include an electrical power plug receptacle having a plurality of plug apertures, formed in said front face, configured to receive a standard electrical appliance power plug.
9. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 7 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include a power control module for controlling an electrical appliance.
10. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 7 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include a USB module module having a USB receptacle in said front face and providing data and power coupling to said USB receptacle.
11. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 7 wherein said plurality of plug-in modules include an appliance timer and controller having an electric power coupling circuit, a timer and a wireless control.
12. The interchangeable electrically powered plug-in modules and receptacles therefor set forth in claim 7 further including rotational interlocks operative between said attachment receptacles and said attachment ends cooperating to latch the rotational positions of said plug-in modules.