Quirky IP v. Kikkerland - Complaint

Case 1:19-cv-01347 Document 1 Filed 02/12/19 Page 1 of 17
! !

! #$

)-!*#0!($!&+!&$$
(=2:?E:77 :G:=4E:@?&@
G
!$

#!##*$&+!&!&

676?52?E

(=2:?E:77)F:C<J!($:46?D:?8$$N)F:C<JO3J2?5E9C@F89:ED2EE@C?6JD(:6C46
2:?3C:58664<(C:46 649E$$(96C63J56>2?5D2?54@>A=2:?D@7676?52?E#:<<6C=2?5
6D:8?!?4N#:<<6C=2?5O2D7@==@HD
!
,9:D:D2?24E:@?F?56CE96A2E6?E=2HD@7E96-?:E65+E2E6D -+LL
6E+6B7@C:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?5@7)F:C<JQD4=2:>D@?-?:E65+E2E6D(2E6?E&@D

2?5 4@==64E:G6=JC676CC65E@2D
E96N(2E6?ED:?+F:EO

)F:C<J:D26=2H2C64@CA@C2E:@?H:E9:EDAC:?4:A2=A=246@73FD:?6DD@7
3FD:?6DD2E
/6DEE9+EC66E+F:E6&6H0@C<&6H0@C<

'?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?56D:8?!?4:D2&6H0@C<
4@CA@C2E:@?C68:DE6C65H:E9E96&6H0@C<6A2CE>6?E@7+E2E6'+!

H:E92
C68F=2C2?56DE23=:D965A=246@73FD:?6DD2EC@25H2JE9=@@C&6H0@C<&6H

0@C<

! "!
,9:D:D2?24E:@?7@CA2E6?E:?7C:?86>6?E2C:D:?8F?56CE96(2E6?E$2HD
@7E96-?:E65+E2E6D,:E=6 @7E96-?:E65+E2E6D@56
,9:D@FCE92DDF3;64E>2EE6C;FC:D5:4E:@?AFCDF2?EE@-+LL
2?5 2
,9:D@FCE92DA6CD@?2=;FC:D5:4E:@?@G6C#:<<6C=2?56D:8?!?4
3642FD6:E:DC68:DE6C65H:E9E96&6H0@C<6A2CE>6?E@7+E2E6'+!

2?592D
2C68F=2C2?56DE23=:D965A=246@73FD:?6DD2EC@25H2JE9=@@C&6H0@C<&6H0@C<

.6?F6:DAC@A6C7@C#:<<6C=2?56D:8?!?4F?56C-+L
33642FD6:E
92D2C68F=2C2?56DE23=:D965A=246@73FD:?6DD2EC@25H2JE9=@@C&6H0@C<&6H0@C<

!
6-3.7:432(6'54%1(5,)%5)154-16-5

)F:C<J:D2?:?G6?E:@?56G6=@A>6?E4@>A2?J9625BF2CE6C65:?&6H0@C<
:EJ)F:C<J3C:?8DAC@5F4EDE@E96>2C<6EA=246E9C@F89:?E6C24E:@?36EH66?2?@?=:?68=@32=
4@>>F?:EJ2?5)F:C<JQDAC@5F4E56D:8?D2?56?8:?66C:?8DE277)F:C<JQDD=@82?:DN/6%2<6
!?G6?E:@?446DD:3=6O
)F:C<J92D56G6=@A65@G6C
AC@5F4EDD:?46=2F?49:?8:?"F?6
)F:C<J
H2DC64@8?:K652D@?6@72DE@>A2?JQDN%@DE!??@G2E:G6@>A2?:6D@7
O2?5:?
!?4
%282K:?642==65)F:C<JNE96H@C=5QD>@DE4C62E:G6>2?F724EFC6CO)F:C<J92D8C@H?E@@G6C
>:==:@?4@>>F?:EJ>6>36CD


'?+6AE6>36C
-+(2E6?E&@ E96P (2E6?E
6?E:E=65N*64@?7:8FC23=6(=F8+EC:AOH2D5F=J2?5=682==J:DDF653JE96-+(2E6?E'77:46==
C:89EDE:E=62?5:?E6C6DE:?E96A2E6?EH2D2DD:8?653JE96:?G6?E@CDE@)F:C<J!?4@CA@C2E652?5
H9:49H2DDF3D6BF6?E=J2DD:8?65E@(=2:?E:77)F:C<J!($:46?D:?8$$ECF62?54@CC64E
4@AJ@7E96P (2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
'?+6AE6>36C

-+(2E6?E&@E96P(2E6?E
4@AJ@7E96P(2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
'?+6AE6>36C
-+(2E6?E&@ E96P (2E6?E
4@AJ@7E96P (2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
'?+6AE6>36C
-+(2E6?E&@E96P(2E6?E
4@AJ@7E96P(2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
'?%2C49
-+(2E6?E&@
E96P
(2E6?E6?E:E=65
N*64@?7:8FC23=6(=F8+EC:AOH2D5F=J2?5=682==J:DDF653JE96-+(2E6?E'77:46==C:89ED
E:E=62?5:?E6C6DE:?E96A2E6?EH2D2DD:8?653JE96:?G6?E@CDE@)F:C<J!?4@CA@C2E652?5H9:49
H2DDF3D6BF6?E=J2DD:8?65E@(=2:?E:77)F:C<J!($:46?D:?8$$ECF62?54@CC64E4@AJ@7E96

P
(2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
'?646>36C

-+(2E6?E&@ E96P (2E6?E
4@AJ@7E96P (2E6?E:D2EE2496596C6E@2DI9:3:E
,96(2E6?ED:?+F:E4@G6C2?:?G6?E:@?7@C2?:>AC@G65C64@?7:8FC23=6
A@H6CDEC:AE92E42?36?5:?E@4:C4F=2CD6>:4:C4F=2C2?5K:8K28D92A6D2==@H:?8:EE@36?5
2C@F?57FC?:EFC62?5E:89EDA246D2?52==@H:?82==D:I@FE=6EDE@3625;FDE652?5FE:=:K65
D:>F=E2?6@FD=J
)F:C<J:DE96@H?6C@72==C:89EE:E=62?5:?E6C6DE:?2?5E@E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E
2?5A@DD6DD6D2==C:89ED@7C64@G6CJ:?4=F5:?8E96C:89EE@C64@G6C7@CA2DE52>286D,96:?:E:2=
56D:8?7@CE9:D:?G6?E:@?H2DAC6D6?E65E@)F:C<J3J%C"24@31:6?H9@4@?46:G65@7:EH9:=696
H2D2DEF56?E2EE96*9@56!D=2?5+49@@=@76D:8?%C1:6?DF3D6BF6?E=J3642>62)F:C<J
4@>>F?:EJ>6>36C2?5DF3>:EE659:D:?G6?E:@?E@)F:C<J
%C1:6?QD:?:E:2=:562H2DD6=64E653J)F:C<J2?5H2DC67:?6532D65@?
:?AFE7C@>)F:C<JQD@H?56D:8?6CD2?56?8:?66CD,96C6DF=E:D2?:>AC@G65C64@?7:8FC23=6
A@H6CDEC:AE92E42?36?5:?E@4:C4F=2CD6>:4:C4F=2C2?5K:8K28D92A6D2==@H:?8:EE@36?5
2C@F?57FC?:EFC62?5E:89EDA246D2?52==@H:?82==D:I@FE=6EDE@3625;FDE652?5FE:=:K65
D:>F=E2?6@FD=J
?@?AC@G:D:@?2=A2E6?E2AA=:42E:@?5:D4=@D:?8E9:D:>AC@G65A@H6CDEC:A
H2D7:=65@?AC:=
2?52DD:8?65E@+6C:2=&@
E96N(2C6?EAA=:42E:@?O
,96(2C6?EAA=:42E:@?:DDF652DE96P (2E6?E,96C6>2:?:?8(2E6?ED:?+F:E4=2:>AC:@C:EJE@
E96(2C6?EAA=:42E:@?


)F:C<J3682?@776C:?87@CD2=6:EDC64@?7:8FC23=6A@H6CDEC:AH9:49:D
>2C<6E652?5D@=5F?56CE96(:G@E(@H6CM3C2?5:?%2J
A:4EFC6@7E96(:G@E
(@H6CAC@5F4E:D36=@H

-..)3/%1(%1(5,) ''64)(32(6'5
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5>2?F724EFC6D2?5D6==D@C42FD6DE@
36>2?F724EFC652?5D@=5AC@5F4EDE9C@F89@FEE96H@C=5:?4=F5:?8H:E9:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D
>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E,96AC@5F4E:DE96#:<<6C=2?5=6I:3=6(@H6C
+EC:AA:4EFC6@7E96#:<<6C=2?5=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:A:D36=@H


-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67:?4=F5:?832D65@?6G2=F2E:@?@7
#:<<6C=2?5QDAC@5F4E#:<<6C=2?5>2<6DFD6D@776CDE@D6==2?5 @CD6==D:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D
2?5 @C:>A@CED:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6DAC@5F4ED>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96(2E6?ED:?+F:ED
C676CC65E@:?E9:D@>A=2:?E2?54@?D:DE6?EH:E9 -+L
4E96N-?:E65+E2E6DO
>62?DNE96-?:E65+E2E6D@7>6C:42:EDE6CC:E@C:6D2?5A@DD6DD:@?DO
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?524E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J5:C64ED
42FD6D:?5F46D2?56?4@FC286D@E96CD:?4=F5:?83FE?@E=:>:E65E@:ED56D:8?6CD
>2?F724EFC6CDDFAA=:6CD5:DEC:3FE@CDC6D6==6CDD@7EH2C656G6=@A6CD4FDE@>6CD6?5FD6CD2?5
C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96

-?:E65+E2E6DAC@5F4ED>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E3J2>@?8@E96CE9:?8D
AC@G:5:?8:?DECF4E:@?D>2?F2=D2?5E649?:42=2DD:DE2?46C6=2E:?8E@E96>2?F724EFC6>2C<6E:?8
:?DE2==2E:@?D6EFAFD6@A6C2E:@?2?5>2:?E6?2?46@7D2:5AC@5F4ED
25-')%1(#-//*6/1)44
J=6EE6C52E65%2C49

)F:C<J?@E:7:65#:<<6C=2?5@7E96
6I:DE6?46@7E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E2?5@7:?7C:?86>6?EE96C6@73J#:<<6C=2?5)F:C<JQD=6EE6C
:56?E:7:656I6>A=2CJ:?7C:?8:?8#:<<6C=2?5AC@5F4ED
44@C5:?8=J#:<<6C=2?592DC646:G65?@E:46@7E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E2?5
@7:?7C:?86>6?EE96C6@73J#:<<6C=2?52?5#:<<6C=2?5QD4FDE@>6CD
! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9%5)15
(=2:?E:77:?4@CA@C2E6DE96AC6465:?8A2C28C2A9D2D:77F==JD6E7@CE996C6:?

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?8652?54@?E:?F6DE@
:?7C:?86E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L2=:E6C2==J@CF?56CE965@4EC:?6@7
6BF:G2=6?ED3J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @CD6==:?8:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C
:>A@CE:?8:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6D:EDN=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AOAC@5F4E-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?5
36=:67)F:C<JQD:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L2:D@?8@:?8
@C6I2>A=6@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?E#:<<6C=2?5QD=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E4@>AC:D62NA@H6C
DEC:A56D:8?657@CE967=6I:3:=:EJO2D56D4C:365:?I9:3:EE9656D4C:AE:@?@7E96AC@5F4E
2G2:=23=62E#:<<6C=2?5QDH63D:E6
9EEAD HHH#:<<6C=2?5DE@C64@> AC@5F4E9E>(C@5F4E-$/ +@FC46+62C49
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

5:C64E:?842FD:?8:?5F4:?82?56?4@FC28:?8@E96CD:?4=F5:?83FE?@E=:>:E65E@:ED56D:8?6CD
>2?F724EFC6CDDFAA=:6CD5:DEC:3FE@CDC6D6==6CD4FDE@>6CD6?5FD6CD2?5C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@
>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6DE96
=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96P (2E6?E:?4=F5:?83FE?@E
=:>:E65E@E96=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:A56D4C:365:?I9:3:E3J2>@?8@E96CE9:?8DAC@G:5:?8
:?DECF4E:@?D>2?F2=D2?5E649?:42=2DD:DE2?46C6=2E:?8E@E96>2?F724EFC6>2C<6E:?8
:?DE2==2E:@?D6EFAFD6@A6C2E:@?2?5>2:?E6?2?46@7D2:5AC@5F4ED-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?5
36=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3:D@?8@:?8

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
7@C68@:?8:?7C:?8:?824E:G:E:6DH:E9@FE=:46?D67C@>)F:C<J2?5H:E9?@E:46@7E96P
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P (2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5QD52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QD
H:==7F=:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P (2E6?E
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96
P (2E6?E2?52C6H:==7F=H2?E@?2?556=:36C2E6E9FDC6?56C:?8E9:D24E:@?N6I46AE:@?2=O
H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?5H:==4@?E:?F6F?=6DD6?;@:?653JE9:D
@FCE

)F:C<J92D366?2?5H:==4@?E:?F6E@36:CC6A2C23=J92C>652?552>28653J
#:<<6C=2?5QD24ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P (2E6?E2?592D?@256BF2E6C6>65J2E=2H
! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9%5)15


-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C>@C64=2:>D
@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C
D6==:?8:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?8:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6D:ED=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:A
AC@5F4E-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L
2:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J
C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@
E96-?:E65+E2E6D=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96P(2E6?E
:?4=F5:?83FE?@E=:>:E65E@E96=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:A56D4C:365:?I9:3:E3J2>@?8@E96C
E9:?8DAC@G:5:?8:?DECF4E:@?D>2?F2=D2?5E649?:42=2DD:DE2?46C6=2E:?8E@E96>2?F724EFC6>2C<6E:?8
:?DE2==2E:@?D6EFAFD6@A6C2E:@?2?5>2:?E6?2?46@7D2:5AC@5F4ED-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67
#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P(2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P(2E6?E)F:C<JQD
52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=
:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P(2E6?E

,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96

P(2E6?E2?52C6H:==7F=H2?E@?2?556=:36C2E6E9FDC6?56C:?8E9:D24E:@?N6I46AE:@?2=O
H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
@FCE
#:<<6C=2?5QD24ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P(2E6?E2?592D?@256BF2E6C6>65J2E=2H
! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9%5)15
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C>@C64=2:>D
@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C
2:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96 (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J
E96-?:E65+E2E6D=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96 (2E6?E
E9:?8DAC@G:5:?8:?DECF4E:@?D>2?F2=D2?5E649?:42=2DD:DE2?46C6=2E:?8E@E96>2?F724EFC6
>2C<6E:?8:?DE2==2E:@?D6EFAFD6@A6C2E:@?2?5>2:?E6?2?46@7D2:5AC@5F4ED-A@?
:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3

:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P (2E6?E)F:C<JQD
:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P (2E6?E
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96
(2E6?E2?52C6H:==7F=H2?E@?2?556=:36C2E6E9FDC6?56C:?8E9:D24E:@?N6I46AE:@?2=OH:E9:?
E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
@FCE

! "81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9
%5)15

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C>@C64=2:>D
@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C
2:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J
E96-?:E65+E2E6D=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96P(2E6?E
:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P(2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P(2E6?E)F:C<JQD
:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P(2E6?E
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
@FCE

#:<<6C=2?5QD24ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P(2E6?E2?592D?@256BF2E6C6>65J2E=2H
! "81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9 %5)15

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C>@C64=2:>D
@7E96P
(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C
2:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96P
(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J
E96-?:E65+E2E6D=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96P
(2E6?E
:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P
(2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P
(2E6?E)F:C<JQD

:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P (2E6?E
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
@FCE
#:<<6C=2?5QD24ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P
(2E6?E2?592D?@256BF2E6C6>65J2E=2H
! "81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9%5)15

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865@?6@C>@C64=2:>D
@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C
2:D@?8@:?8
-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D:?5F465:?7C:?86>6?E@7@?6@C
>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J
E96-?:E65+E2E6D=6I:3=6(@H6C+EC:AAC@5F4E>256:?244@C52?46H:E9E96P (2E6?E

:D@?8@:?8

-A@?:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?592D4@>>:EE65E96
(2E6?E
#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8
:?7C:?8:?824EDE96C63JH:==7F==JH2?E@?=J2?556=:36C2E6=J:?7C:?8:?8E96P
(2E6?E)F:C<JQD
:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96P (2E6?E
,9624ED@7:?7C:?86>6?E3J#:<<6C=2?592G6366?H:E9E96<?@H=6586@7E96
=:E:82E:@?6IA6?D6D
@FCE
$
/ *'*)F:C<JAC2JD7@C;F58>6?E:?72G@C282:?DE#:<<6C=2?58C2?E:?8)F:C<JE96
7@==@H:?8C6=:67
?ECJ@7;F58>6?E:?72G@C@7)F:C<J2?5282:?DE#:<<6C=2?5@?2==4@F?ED

?ECJ@7;F58>6?EE92E#:<<6C=2?592D:?7C:?865E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E
?ECJ@7;F58>6?EE92E#:<<6C=2?5QD:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E92D
366?H:==7F=
?@C56CA6C>2?6?E=J6?;@:?:?8#:<<6C=2?5E@86E96CH:E9:ED@77:46CD
5:C64E@CD286?EDD6CG2?ED6>A=@J66D2?52EE@C?6JD2?5FA@?E9@D6
A6CD@?D:?24E:G64@?46CE@CA2CE:4:A2E:@?H:E9E96>7C@>:?7C:?8:?8E96
(2E6?ED:?+F:E
?2H2C5@74@>A6?D2E@CJ52>286D256BF2E6E@4@>A6?D2E6)F:C<J7@C
#:<<6C=2?5QD:?7C:?86>6?E@7E96(2E6?ED:?+F:E:??@6G6?E=6DDE92?2
C62D@?23=6C@J2=EJEC63=652DAC@G:5653J -+L
)F:C<JQDC62D@?23=6766D7@C6IA6CEH:E?6DD6D2?52EE@C?6JD2DAC@G:5653J
-+L
)F:C<JQD4@DED
(C6;F58>6?E2?5A@DE;F58>6?E:?E6C6DE@?)F:C<JQD2H2C52?5
! ==DF49@E96C2?57FCE96CC6=:672DE96@FCE566>D;FDE@C6BF:E23=6
!$
(FCDF2?EE@*F=6 @7E9665*:G()F:C<J96C63J56>2?5DEC:2=3J;FCJ:?E9:D24E:@?
@72==4=2:>DD@EC:23=6
2E6563CF2CJ
*6DA64E7F==J+F3>:EE65
D 2G:5$ 649E

2G:5$ 649E
-)3')%-1&3-(+))'.3-'))',5
EE@C?6JD7@C(=2:?E:77)F:C<J$$

/6DE C5+E:7E9=@@C

&6H0@C<&6H0@C<

>2:=59649EA:6C4632:?3C:5864@>

Case 1:19-cv-01347 Document 1-1 Filed 02/12/19 Page 1 of 43
Exhibit A
USOO8262,399 B1
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,262,399 B1

Zien et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 11, 2012
(54) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP 6,068,490 A 5/2000 Salzberg
6,196,851 B1 3/2001 Gerard et al.
(75) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, New York, NY (US); 6,229,107 B1 * 5/2001 Flint et al. .................. 200,5109
D445,403 S 7/2001 Veino et al.
Jordan Diatlo, New York, NY (US); 6,793.499 B1 9, 2004 Chen
Kate Sarah Vallon, Suffern, NY (US); 6,862.403 B2 3/2005 Pedrotti et al.
Steven Richard Remy, New York, NY D507,237 S 7/2005 Gregory
(US) D514,067 S 1/2006 Lee
7,125,256 B2 10/2006 Gerard
(73) Assignee: Quirky Incorporated, New York, NY 7,238,028 B2 * 7/2007 Gerard ............................ 439/21
7,247,028 B2 7, 2007 Schriefer
(US) 7,264,514 B2 9, 2007 Hsu et al.
7,278,878 B2 * 10/2007 Draggie et al. ............... 439,535
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this D556,689 S 12/2007 Lee et al.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (Continued)
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(21) Appl. No.: 13/095,167 DE 20313536 12/2003
(22) Filed: Apr. 27, 2011 (Continued)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(51) Int. Cl.
HOIR 29/00 (2006.01) International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/
(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... 439/188 US2011/051522, mailed Feb. 28, 2012.
(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 439/535,
439/536–538, 188, 21,954, 651, 13, 241-242: Primary Examiner — Jean F Duverne
2OOf 51.1 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
See application file for complete search history.
(57) ABSTRACT
(56) References Cited A power strip for conducting electrical power between an
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS electrical power outlet having at least a live receptacle and a
neutral receptacle, and at least two electrical device power
2,134,355 A 7, 1934 Caldwell plugs, each plug having at least a live prong and a neutral
3.437,976 A 4, 1969 Nelson prong. The power strip includes a first housing segment hav
3,771,106 A 11, 1973 Matsumoto et al.
3,951.487 A 4, 1976 Waldbrook ing a first receptacle configured to receive at least an electri
4,583,798 A 4, 1986 Blazowich cally conductive portion of a first device plug and a second
5,292.257 A 3, 1994 Milan housing segment having a second receptacle configured to
5,484,299 A 1/1996 Schlessinger receive at least an electrically conductive portion of a second
D381,315 S 7, 1997 Harold
D401,220 S 1 1/1998 Dwight et al. device plug. The second housing is coupled to the first hous
5,902,140 A 5/1999 Cheung et al. ing for pivotal movement relative to said first housing.
5,967,815 A * 10/1999 Schlessinger et al. ........ 439.188
D416,860 S 11/1999 Seiwert et al. 20 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
Orico evice
: 2 23
rer - or of
; :
3 8 :
8 :
; : 3 :
$
8 : $
& is is
s:
so
E. a
re
US 8,262,399 B1
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 8,025,527 B1 * 9/2011 Draggie et al. ............... 439,535

7,435,091 B1 10/2008 Cruz D651,174 S 12/2011 Le Clair
7488,204 B2 2/2009 Hsu 8,118,616 B1 2.2012 Clark
7,500,854 B2 * 3/2009 Gottstein ........................ 439/13 8, 157,574 B2 4/2012 Hsiao
D597,948 S 8, 2009 BiZZell 2005/0032396 A1 2/2005 Huang
7,753,682 B2* 7/2010 Gerard ............................ 439/13 2006.0068608 A1 3, 2006 McFadden
7,771.239 B1 8/2010 Hsiao 2006/0234561 A1 10, 2006 Tanaka
7,811,136 B1 10/2010 Hsieh et al.
7,824, 185 B2 11/2010 Chien FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
7,874,856 B1 1/2011 Schriefer et al. DE 102005046465 4/2007
D633,045 S 2/2011 Cullen et al. EP O702433 3, 1996
D640,199 S 6, 2011 Wilson
8,011,930 B2 9, 2011 Lee et al. * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 1 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1
–
1
s

009
0
0
9
009
09
009
~);
009
s
5.
?
tae5
568
F.G. 3C
5.
:
s
s
: s
A
: :
!Týf f f ;
?OIS HWN
81
|
S.i.
s
s
s
S.
S.
i. g
i. fs
g
i.
We N /O- A.
i.
: S.CD
t
3.
i g
t
•
£99
Z99
99
| 199 299
199
:
.
O
d sex goes
s 9
t
CD
s e
sge see
S. &
s C
3. w
ge
o
l
K
r
2. t
8 O
t
U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 US 8,262,399 B1
,9 9
01:
|
vg
219
„0 7 04:
1
99
Izg
,9 9
099
Z09)
se
try
:
632
?:en
F.G. 17B
FIG. 18A
791
GoZXO)
O)
Og
FIG. 18E
710
703
F.G. 18B
U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 25 Of 31 US 8,262,399 B1
783
FG, 18C
781
W 720
FG, 18D
823
F.G. 19

910
90
F.G. 21

s X &
F.G. 23
F.G. 24A
F.G. 24B
US 8,262,399 B1
1. 2
RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP FIG. 2D is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
a third configuration.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIG. 2E is a side view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
the first configuration.
Some embodiments described herein relate generally to FIG.2F is a bottom view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A
plug strips, specifically to reconfigurable plug strips. in the first configuration.
FIG. 2G is a front view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A
BACKGROUND in the first configuration.
10
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an intermediate segment
Permanent electrical and other outlets typically include a of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A.
limited number of outlets usable to plug in devices requiring FIG. 3B is a partially exploded view of the intermediate
electrical power, or requiring access to a signal path to and/or segment shown in FIG. 3A.
from a signal source. When more outlets are needed, a plug FIG. 3C is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg
strip can be coupled to a permanent outlet, which increases 15
ment shown in FIG. 3A.
the number of outlets available. However, the outlets on such FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views,
plug strips may be oriented so that devices Such as power respectively, of a top housing of a mechanical portion of the
adapters having large housings in fixed orientation with intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
respect to their electrical plugs can obstruct some of the FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views,
outlets, reducing the benefit of the plug strip. Furthermore, respectively, of a bottomhousing of the mechanical portion of
the length and/or width of the plug strip can limit the locations the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
where the plug strip can be placed. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an electrical
Thus a need exists for a reconfigurable plug strip. portion of the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of the plug strip
25 shown in FIG. 2A.
FIGS. 8A-8C are top, perspective, and side views, respec
In some embodiments, an apparatus can provide an elec tively, of a first connector of the electrical portion shown in
trical signal path between an electrically conductive portion FIG. 6A.
of a device plug and a signal port. The apparatus can include FIGS. 9A-9C are top, perspective, and side views, respec
a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured to 30
tively, of a second connector of the electrical portion shown in
receive at least the electrically conductive portion of the FIG. 6A.
device plug and a second housing segment having a second FIGS. 10A-10C are top, perspective, and side views,
receptacle configured to receive at least the electrically con respectively, of a third connector of the electrical portion
ductive portion of the device plug. The second housing can be shown in FIG. 6A.
coupled to the first housing for movement relative to the first 35
FIGS. 11A-11D are top, perspective, bottom, and side
housing segment.
The apparatus can include a signal port coupler configured views, respectively, of an outlet base portion of the electrical
to selectively conductively engage with the signal port. The portion shown in FIG. 6A.
apparatus can include a first conductive connector coupled to FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
the first housing segment. The first conductive connector can 40 assembly of the electrical portion shown in FIG. 6A.
include a first portion disposed to conductively engage with FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
the electrically conductive portion of the device plug when housing of the contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG.
received in the first receptacle, and a second portion electri 12A.
cally coupled to the signal port coupler, and a third portion. FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a contact spring cap of the
The apparatus can include a second conductive connector 45 contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 12A.
coupled to said second housing segment. The second conduc FIG. 12D is a perspective view of a contact spring of the
tive connector can include a first portion disposed to conduc contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 12A.
tively engage with the electrically conductive portion of the FIGS. 13 A-13D are perspective, side, bottom, and top
device plug when received in the second receptacle, and a views, respectively, of a contact track holder of the electrical
second portion in slidable conductive engagement with the 50 portion shown in FIG. 6A.
third portion of said first conductive connector. Whereby the FIGS. 14A-14B are perspective and side views, respec
electrically conductive portion of the device plug when tively, of another contact track holder of the electrical portion
engaged with the first portion of either of the first conductive shown in FIG. 6A.
connector and the second conductive connector is electrically FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of two inter
coupled to the signal port coupler for selective conductive 55 connected segments of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A, in a
coupling to the signal port. first configuration.
FIG. 15B is a top view of the portion of the two intercon
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES nected segments shown in FIG.15A, in the first configuration.
FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the portion of the two
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plug strip according to an 60 interconnected segments shown in FIG. 15A, in a second
embodiment. configuration.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a plug strip in a first FIG.16A is a top perspective view of the electrical portion
configuration according to an embodiment. of two interconnected segments of the plug strip shown in
FIG. 2B is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in FIG. 2A, in a first configuration.
the first configuration. 65 FIG.16B is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the
FIG. 2C is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in two interconnected segments shown in FIG.16A, in the first
a second configuration. configuration.
US 8,262,399 B1
3 4
FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the portion of the two diate segment 300, to fixedly or selectively physically con
interconnected segments shown in FIG. 16A, in a second nect plug strip 100 to a cord 385 (shown in dash lines in FIG.
configuration. 1), and to guide a device plug DP1 of a device D1 into an
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an end segment of the outlet assembly 203 of base segment 200. Mechanical portion
plug strip shown in FIG. 2A. 201 can be configured to mechanically connect device plug
FIG. 17B is an exploded perspective view of the end seg DP1 to base segment 200 via mechanical portion 215 of outlet
ment shown in FIG. 17A. assembly 203. Cord 385 can be configured to connect plug
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a base segment of the strip 100 to a signal port SP1. In some embodiments, base
plug strip shown in FIG. 2A. segment 200 and intermediate segment 300 can be movable
FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the base 10 relative to each other about a single axis in a single plane, for
segment shown in FIG. 18A. example, intermediate segment 300 can be rotatable about a
FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a portion of the base single axis of intermediate segment 300. In other embodi
segment shown in FIG. 18A. ments, base segment 200 and intermediate segment 300, can
FIG. 18D is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the be movable relative to each other in one or more other planes
base segment shown in FIG. 18A. 15 and/or about or along one or more other axes.
FIG. 18.E is an electrical schematic diagram of a printed Electrical portion 202 of base segment 200 can be config
circuit board of the base segment shown in FIG. 18B. ured to define a signal path between base segment 200 and the
FIG. 19 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg signal port SP1 (via cord 385), and to define a signal path
ment according to another embodiment. between intermediate segment 300 and signal port SP1. Spe
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of cifically, electrical portion 202 can be configured to define the
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 19 interconnected signal path between an electrical portion 265 of outlet assem
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, bly 203 of base segment 200 and/or an electrical portion 365
in a first configuration. of an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300 with
FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of the signal port SP1. The signal path can include any signal
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 19 interconnected 25 path and/or combination of signal paths usable to conduct
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, power, data, audio, video, and/or other electrical signals from
in a second configuration. the signal port SP1 to the base segment 200 and/or the inter
FIG. 21 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg mediate segment 300. Electrical portion 202 can be config
ment according to another embodiment. ured to maintain the signal path between the signal port SP1
FIG.22A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of 30 and base segment 200 and/or intermediate segment 300 when
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 21 interconnected base segment 200 and intermediate segment 300 are moved
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip. relative to one another. Electrical portion 202 can be config
in a first configuration. ured to fixedly or selectively connect a signal path between
FIG.22B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of plug strip 100 to a cord 385 via a circuit board 285 of base
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 21 interconnected 35 segment 200, and cord 385 can be configured to connect a
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, signal path between plug strip 100 and the signal port SP1.
in a second configuration. Mechanical portion 301 of intermediate segment 300 can
FIG. 23 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg be configured to movably connect intermediate segment 300
ment according to another embodiment. with base segment 200, and/or a second intermediate segment
FIG. 24A is a top perspective view of a portion of the 40 300' (shown in dash lines in FIG. 1), and/or a third interme
intermediate segment shown in FIG.23 interconnected with a diate segment (not shown in FIG. 1). In this manner, an
portion of another segment of a plug strip, in a first configu intermediate portion can be movably connected to base seg
ration. ment 200, second intermediate segment 300', base segment
FIG. 24B is a bottom perspective view a portion of the 200 and second intermediate segment 300', or second inter
intermediate segment shown in FIG.23 interconnected with a 45 mediate segment 300' and the third intermediate segment. In
portion of another segment of a plug strip, in the first con some embodiments, intermediate segment 300 can be mov
figuration. able relative to base segment 200, and/or second intermediate
segment 300', and/or the third intermediate segment, in a
DETAILED DESCRIPTION single plane or multiple planes, as discussed above with
50 regard to base segment 200. Mechanical portion 301 can be
As used in this specification, the singular forms “a” “an configured to director guide a device plug DP2 of a device D2
and “the include plural referents unless the context clearly into an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300.
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "rotation Mechanical portion 301 can be configured to mechanically
post' is intended to mean a single rotation post or a combi connect device plug DP2 to intermediate segment 300 via
nation of rotation posts. 55 mechanical portion 315 of outlet assembly 303.
FIG. 1 depicts a system block diagram of a plug strip 100. Electrical portion 302 of intermediate segment 300 can be
Plug strip 100 can be a reconfigurable plug strip, i.e., can be configured to define a signal path between intermediate seg
a series of segments movably connected to one or more other ment 300 and signal port SP1, and to define a signal path
segments. Specifically, plug strip 100 includes a base segment between other intermediate segments and signal port SP1.
200, and an intermediate segment 300. In some embodiments, 60 Specifically, electrical portion 302 can be configured to define
plug strip 100 can include any number of intermediate seg the signal path between an electrical portion 365 of outlet
ments. Base segment 200 includes a mechanical portion 201 assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300 and/or an electri
and an electrical portion 202, and intermediate segment 300 cal portion 365' of an outlet assembly 303' of intermediate
includes a mechanical portion 301 and an electrical portion segment 300' with signal port SP1. The signal path can
3O2. 65 include any signal path and/or combination of signal paths
Mechanical portion 201 of base segment 200 can be con usable to conduct power, data, audio, video, and/or other
figured to movably connect base segment 200 with interme signals to/from signal port SP1 to the intermediate segment
US 8,262,399 B1
5 6
300 and/or the other intermediate segments. Electrical por or intermediate segment, and the rotation post of the other
tion 302 can be configured to maintain the signal path adjacent intermediate segment and rotation track 512 of inter
between signal port SP1 and intermediate segment 300 and/or mediate segment 500 can combine to define the range of
the other intermediate segments when base segment 200, relative rotational motion between the intermediate segment
intermediate segment 300, and the other intermediate seg 500 and the other adjacent intermediate segment.
ments are moved relative to one another. Top housing 510 includes a plug face 515. Plug face 515
An exemplary implementation of a plug strip is described includes a live receptacle 516, a neutral receptacle 517, and a
in detail below. This implementation is an electrical power ground receptacle 518. Each receptacle of outlet assembly
strip, specifically, a 120 volt, 3 prong plug strip. FIGS. 2A-2D 515 can be configured to direct and/or secure an associated
depict a plug strip 400. Specifically, FIG. 2A is a perspective 10 mechanical portion of a device plug of an external device to
view of plug strip 400 in a first configuration (straight), FIG. and/or within intermediate segment 500. Each of live recep
2B is a top view of plug strip 400 in the first configuration, tacle 516, neutral receptacle 517, and ground receptacle 518
FIG. 2C is a top view of plug strip 400 in a second configu includes a contact guide extending into intermediate segment
ration (sinusoid), FIG. 2D is a top view of plug strip 400 in a 500, and configured to at least partially surround at least a
third configuration (circular), FIG. 2E is a side view of plug 15 portion of a live plug contact 543, a neutral plug contact 547.
strip 400 in the first configuration, FIG.2F is a bottom view of and a ground plug contact 552, respectively. In this manner,
plug strip 400 in the first configuration, and FIG. 2G is a front the receptacle can define the movement of the associated plug
view of plug strip 400 in the first configuration. Plug strip 400 contact, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 4B, top hous
includes a base segment 600 and five intermediate segments ing 510 includes live contact guide 526, neutral contact guide
SOO. 527, and ground contact guide 528.
FIGS. 3A-3C depict intermediate segment 500 of plug strip Bottom housing 520 includes rotation post anchor 521 and
400. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a crossbar 522. Rotation post anchor 521 combines with
intermediate segment 500, FIG. 3B is a partially exploded rotation post 512 to secure top housing 510 to bottom housing
front perspective view, and FIG. 3C is a fully exploded front 520. In some embodiments, a fastener, Such as a screw (not
perspective view of intermediate segment 500. Intermediate 25 shown), is disposed through rotation postanchor 521 and into
segment 500 includes a mechanical portion 501 including a rotation post 512 to secure top housing 510 to bottom housing
top housing 510 and a bottom housing 520, an electrical 520. Crossbar 522 acts as a mechanical key to substantially
portion 502, and a plug portion 503. maintain the position of outlet base portion 560 of outlet
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B depict mechanical portion 502 assembly 503 within mechanical portion 502. At least a por
of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a top 30 tion of crossbar 522 can be disposed within a crossbar
perspective view of top housing 510, FIG. 4B is a bottom receiver 562 of outlet base portion 560.
perspective view of top housing 510, FIG. 5A is a top per FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict electrical portion 502. Elec
spective view of bottom housing 520, FIG. 5B is a bottom trical portion 502 is configured to define a conductive, or
perspective view of bottom housing 520. Mechanical portion power, path between intermediate segment 500 and a power
501 of intermediate segment 500 is configured to movably 35 source (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), and to define a power
connect intermediate segment 500 with a base segment, and/ path between other intermediate segments and the power
or a second intermediate segment, and/or a third intermediate source. Specifically, electrical portion 502 is configured to
segment. Specifically, intermediate segment 500 is pivotable define the power path between outlet assembly 503 of inter
about an axis perpendicular to a face 515 of intermediate mediate segment 500 and/or an outlet assembly of another
segment 500. Mechanical portion 501 is configured to guide 40 intermediate segment with the signal port.
a device plug (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) of a device (not Electrical portion 502 is substantially disposed within
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) into an outlet assembly 503 of inter mechanical portion 501. A portion of electrical portion 502 is
mediate segment 500. Mechanical portion 501 is also config exposed through, or disposed slightly outside of mechanical
ured to mechanically connect the device plug to intermediate portion 501 via contact aperture 514. In this manner, electri
segment 500 via plug face 515 of outlet assembly 503. 45 cal portion502 of intermediate segment 500 can interconnect
Top housing 510 and bottom housing 520 of mechanical with an electrical portion of an adjacent intermediate segment
portion 501 are configured to combine to substantially via contact aperture 514. Electrical portion 502 can combine
enclose electrical portion 502. Top housing 510 includes an with the electrical portions of the other segments of plug strip
outlet aperture 511 configured to receive a portion of an outlet 400. Electrical portion 502 includes a live connector 541
assembly of an adjacent intermediate segment. Top housing 50 configured to interconnect a live signal from a signal port (see
includes a contact aperture 514 configured to expose, or pro FIGS. 8A-8C), a neutral connector 545 configured to inter
vide access to, a portion of electrical portion 502 to an elec connect a neutral signal from the signal port (see FIGS.
trical portion of an adjacent intermediate segment. In this 9A-9C), and a ground connector 550 configured to intercon
manner, signals being conducted to and/or through interme nect a ground signal from the signal port (see FIGS. 10A
diate segment 500 can be interconnected with the adjacent 55 10C). Electrical portion 502 includes outlet base portion 560
intermediate segment. (see FIGS. 11A-11D), a contact tensioning assembly 554 (see
Top housing 510 includes a rotation track 512 and a rota FIGS. 12A-12D), a first contact track holder 567 (see FIGS.
tion post 513. Rotation post 513 of intermediate segment 500 13A-13D), and a second contact track holder 568 (see FIGS.
secures top housing 510 to bottom housing 520 via a rotation 14A-14B).
post anchor 521, and can be disposed through a rotation track 60 Returning to FIG. 3C, outlet assembly 503 includes ele
of an adjacent base or intermediate segment, and, similarly, a ment and/or portions of elements of mechanical portion 501
rotation post of an another adjacent intermediate segment can and electrical portion502. Outlet assembly 503 includes plug
be disposed through rotation track 512 of intermediate seg face 515, including live receptacle 516, neutral receptacle
ment 500. Rotation post 513 of intermediate segment 500 and 517, and ground receptacle 518; outlet base portion 560; and
the rotation track of the adjacent base or intermediate segment 65 live plug contact 543, neutral plug contact 547, and ground
can combine to define the range of relative rotational motion plug contact 552. Outlet assembly 503 can be configured to
between the intermediate segment 500 and the adjacent base mechanically direct and/or secure a mechanical portion of a
US 8,262,399 B1
7 8
device plug of an external device to and/or within intermedi FIGS. 12A-12D depict contact tensioning assembly 554.
ate segment 500, and can be configured to electrically direct Specifically, FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a contact
and/or secure an electrical portion of a device plug of an tensioning assembly 554, FIG. 12B is a perspective view of
external device to and/or within intermediate segment 500. contact tensioning housing 555, FIG. 12C is a perspective
FIGS. 8A-8C depict live connector 541, FIGS. 9A-9C view of contact spring cap 556, and FIG. 12D is a front view
depict neutral connector 545, and FIGS. 10A-10C depict of contact spring 557. Contact tensioning assembly 554
ground connector 550. Each of live connector 541, neutral includes the contact tensioning housing 555, three contact
connector 545, and ground connector 550, collectively the springs 556 (see FIG. 3C), and three contact caps 557 (see
connectors.” are configured to define a portion of a power path FIG.3C). Each contact spring 556 is paired with a contact cap
between the power source and an adjacent base segment, an 10 557. In some embodiments, contact tensioning assembly 554
adjacent intermediate segment, and/or an a device plug. The can include more or fewer contact springs 556 and/or contact
connectors includes a track configured to be operatively caps 557, depending on the number of connectors included in
coupled with a contact of a connector of an adjacent segment, intermediate segment 500. Contact tensioning housing 555
includes three spring cavities 558 configured to receive and/
and can be configured to receive a signal from and/or send a 15 or support a contact spring 556 and contact cap 557 pair.
signal to, the contact of that connector of the adjacent seg Contact tensioning housing, contact springs 556, and/or con
ment. The track can be dimensioned to allow the track contact tact spring caps 557 are configured to maintain electrical
of the adjacent segment to maintain contact with the track isolation of each of live connector 541, neutral connector 545,
through the entire range of motion of intermediate segment and ground connector 550. Each contact spring 556 is com
500 relative to the adjacent segment. The connectors include pressed to impart a resilient force on an associated contact
a plug contact configured to operatively couple with an elec spring cap 557 and contact tensioning housing 555. Each
trical portion of a device plug of a device external to the plug contact spring cap 557 is configured to transfer the force
strip 400, and to receive a signal from and/or send a signal to, imparted on that contact spring cap 557 to an associated
the device. In some embodiments, the plug contact can be COnnectOr.
configured to impart a mechanical force on the device plug to 25 FIGS. 13 A-13D depict contact track holder 567, and FIGS.
hold the device plug in place within outlet assembly 503. A 14A and 14B depict contract track holder 568. Specifically,
portion of the plug contact is disposed within a receptacle of FIG. 13A is a perspective view of contact track holder 567,
plug face 515. As discussed above, the guide of a receptacle FIG. 13B is a front view of contract track holder 567, FIG.
can define the motion of the plug contact. The connector 13C is a bottom view of contact track holder 567, and FIG.
includes a track contact configured to operatively couple with 30 13D is a top view of contact track holder 567. FIG. 14A is a
a track of a connector of the other segment, and can be perspective view offloating insulation member 568, and FIG.
configured to receive a signal from and/or send a signal to, the 14B is afront view offloating insulation member 568. Each of
track of that connector of the other segment. As discussed in contact track holder 567 and contact track holder 568 is
more detail below, contract tensioning assembly 554 can act configured to electrically isolate and/or support at least one of
on the track contact to maintain contact between the track 35 live connector 541, neutral connector 545, and ground con
contact and the track of the other segment when intermediate nector 550, from one another and/or relative to one another,
segment 500 and the other segment are at rest and/or moving and from the other elements of intermediate segment 500.
relative to one another. Similar to insulation members 561 of outlet base portion 560,
FIGS. 8A-8C depict live connector 541 of electrical por contact track holder 567 and contact track holder 568 is
tion502 of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG.8A is 40 shaped based on the physical characteristics of the associated
a top view, FIG. 8B is a front view, and FIG. 8C is a perspec connector and/or depending on the number of connectors
tive view. Live connector 541 includes a live track 542, a live included in intermediate segment 500. In some embodiments,
plug and a live track contact 544. FIGS. 9A-9C depict neutral more or fewer insulation members can be included in electri
connector 541 of electrical portion 502 of intermediate seg cal portion502 of intermediate segment 500 depending on the
ment 500. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG.9B is a 45 physical characteristics and/or depending on the number of
front view, and FIG. 9C is a perspective view. Neutral con COnnectOrS.
nector 545 includes a neutral track 546, a neutral plug contact FIGS. 15A-15C, and FIGS. 16A-16C depict portions of a
547, and a neutral track contact 548. FIGS. 10A-10C depict first intermediate segment 500 interconnected with portions
ground connector 541 of electrical portion 502 of intermedi of a second intermediate segment 500", collectively “plug
ate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 50 strip portion 400'.” FIGS. 15A-15C show a portion of
10B is a front view, and FIG. 10C is a perspective view. mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical portions 502,
Ground connector 550 includes a groundtrack 551, a ground 502 (the top housings of mechanical portions 501, 501" hav
plug contact 552, and a ground track contact 553. ing been removed to better see the interconnection between
FIGS. 11A-11D depict outlet base portion 560 of electrical mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical portions 502,
portion 502 of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 55 502). FIGS. 15A and 16A are perspective views of plug strip
11A is a top view, FIG. 11B is a perspective view, FIG. 11C is portion 400' in a first configuration (straight), shown with and
a bottom view, and FIG. 11D is a front view. Outlet base without bottom housings 520, respectively, FIGS. 15B and
portion 560 combines with plug face 515 and outlet electrical 16B are top views of plug strip portion 400' in the first con
portion 565 to form outlet assembly 503. Outlet base portion figuration, and FIGS. 15C and 16C are perspective views of
560 includes insulation members 561, support members 563, 60 plug strip portion 400' in a second configuration (rotated).
and a crossbar receiver 562. Support members 563 are con As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, intermediate segment 500
figured to support live connector 541, neutral connector 545, includes a centerline CL, intermediate segment 500' includes
and ground connector 550, and insulation members 561 are a centerline CL'. Intermediate segment 500 and intermediate
configured to insulate each of those connectors from one segment 500' are rotatable relative to each other about axis A
another, and from the other elements of intermediate segment 65 from the first configuration, (e.g. when the angle between
500. Each of the insulation members 561 can be shaped based centerline CL and centerline CL is zero degrees, FIG. 15B),
on the physical characteristics of the associated connector. to the second configuration, (e.g. when the angle between
US 8,262,399 B1
9 10
centerline CL and centerline CL' is X, FIG. 15C). The maxi Switch assembly 780 includes switch 781, a switch bracket
mum angle X is defined or limited by the rotation track 812 782, a switch circuit 783, and an indicator 784. Switch 781 is
and the rotation post 513 (not shown in FIGS. 15A-15C) of a mechanical means of engaging and/or disengaging Switch
intermediate segment 500 and rotation post anchor 521 of circuit 783, and is supported by switch bracket 782. Indicator
intermediate segment 500'. As intermediate segment 500 is 5 784 is a visual element configured to indicate when a switch
moved relative to intermediate segment 500', the rotation post circuit is engaged and/or disengaged. By way of example,
moves within the rotation track 512 and track contacts 543', indicator 784 illuminates when switch circuit 783 is engaged
547, 552 of intermediate segment 500' move in constant and may not illuminate when switch circuit 783 is disen
physical and electrical contact with tracks 541, 545, 550 of gaged. Indicator 784 and/or an indication from indicator 784
intermediate segment 500 until relative movement is manu 10 is configured to be visible via switch 781.
ally stopped and/or automatically stopped (e.g. maximum Printed circuit board 791 is configured to selectively inter
angle X is reached). connect electrical portion 702 with a cord C1, and to be
FIGS. 16A-16C show electrical portions 502,502 of plug operable by switch assembly 780. The printed circuit board
strip portion 400'. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, electrical 791 can also provide surge protection to plug strip 400. In
portion 502 includes a centerline CL and electrical portion 15 such embodiments, printed circuit board 791 can include
502 includes a centerline CL. Electrical portion 502 and varistors 792, such as, for example, metal oxide varistors to
electrical portion502' are rotatable relative to each other from provide the surge protection. Cord C1 includes a live wire
the first configuration, (e.g. when the angle between center LW, a neutral wire NW, and a ground wire GW, and is dis
line CL and centerline CL' is Zero degrees, FIG. 16A), to the posed in base segment 700 through a strain relief SR.
second configuration, (e.g. when the angle between center FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of plug strip 400,
line CL and centerline CL' is X, FIG. 16C). The maximum showing the functional relationship of the electrical compo
angle X is defined by a tracks 541, 545, 550 of electrical nents described above. These components include cord C1,
portion 502 and by contact tensioning assembly 554" of elec printed circuit board 791, Switch 781, and electrical portions
trical portion 502. As electrical portion 502 is moved relative 502, 602, and 702.
to electrical portion502, the track contacts 543',547,552 of 25 In some embodiments, a segment of a plug strip, e.g., a base
electrical portion 502 move in constant contact with tracks segment, and intermediate segment, and/or an end segment
541, 545, 550 of electrical portion 502 until relative move can include different live, neutral, and/or ground connector
ment is manually stopped and/or automatically stopped (e.g. embodiments. By way of example, while intermediate seg
maximum angle X is reached). During relative rotation, con ment 500 includes live connector 541 including an integrally
tact tensioning assembly 85.4 maintains contact between track 30 formed live track 542, live plug contact 543, and live track
contacts 543',547,552 and tracks 541, 545, 550. contact 544, in some embodiments, any of a live track, a live
A terminal or end segment of a plug strip can be substan plug contact, and/or a live track contact can be integrally
tially the same as an intermediate segment. By way of formed with, or formed separately from the other components
example, the end segment can include a mechanical portion, of a live connector. Said another way, in Some embodiments,
an electrical portion, and an outlet portion. In contrast to an 35 a live connector can include a separately formed live track, a
intermediate segment, the end segment can include caps to separately formed live plug contact, and/or a separately
Substantially enclose a portion of the end segment that would formed live track contact. Separately formed connector com
otherwise be interconnected with an adjacent other interme ponents can be operatively coupled, by way of example, by
diate segment. FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an end segment welding or the like and/or by tensioning (see, e.g., FIGS. 19.
600. End segment 600 can be similar to intermediate segment 40 20A, and 20B), and/or mechanically (see, e.g., FIGS. 22.
500 described above and can includes similar components. 23A, and 23B). In some embodiments, a portion or all of the
By way of example, end segment 600 includes a mechanical components of a connector can include or be connected by a
portion 601 including a top housing 610 and a bottomhousing flexible electrical wire (see, e.g., FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B.
620 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an electrical portion FIG. 19 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an
602 (similar to electrical portion 502), and an outlet portion 45 intermediate segment 800, and FIGS. 20A and 20B show an
603 (similar to outlet portion 503). In contrast to intermediate electrical portion 802 of intermediate segment 800 and an
segment 500, end segment 600 includes an end housing 630 electrical portion 802 of an intermediate portion 800'. Inter
including a top cap 631 and a bottom cap 635. Top cap 631 mediate segments 800, 800' of a plug strip are substantially
includes a plug aperture 632 and rotation posts 613, and the same as intermediate segment 500. By way of example,
bottom cap 635 includes rotation post anchors 621. 50 intermediate segment 800 includes a mechanical portion 801
A base segment of a plug strip is Substantially the same as (similar to mechanical portion 501), an electrical portion 802
an intermediate segment. By way of example, the base seg (similar to electrical portion 502), and an outlet portion 803
ment includes a mechanical portion, an electrical portion, and (similar to outlet portion 503). Intermediate segment 800 also
an outlet portion. In contrast to an intermediate segment, the includes a live connector 841, a neutral connector 845, and a
base segment includes a Switch assembly to allow a user to 55 ground connector 850. In contrast to intermediate segment
selectively electrically couple a power source to the outlets of 500, each connector 841, 845, 850 includes a track 842, 846,
the power strip. FIGS. 18A-18D depict a base segment 700, 851 separately formed from a plug contact 843, 847, 852 and
and FIG. 18.E is an electrical schematic diagram of a printed a track contact 844, 848,853. Each component of a connector
circuit board. Base segment 700 is similar to intermediate (e.g., live track 842, live plug contact 843, and live track
segment 500 described above and includes similar compo 60 contact 844 of live connector 841) can be operatively coupled
nents. By way of example, base segment 700 includes a to another component of the connector by welding or the like
mechanical portion 701 including a top housing 710 and a (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc) and/or tensioned to maintain
bottom housing 720 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an contact. By way of example, live track 842 can be soldered to
electrical portion 702 (similar to electrical portion 502), and live plug contact 843, and live plug contact 843 can be sol
an outlet portion 703 (similar to outlet portion 503). In con 65 dered to live track contact 844.
trast to intermediate segment 500, base segment 700 includes FIG. 21 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an
a switch assembly 780, and a printed circuit board 791. intermediate segment 900, and FIGS. 22A and 22B show an
US 8,262,399 B1
11 12
electrical portion 902 of intermediate segment 900 and an and manipulated into the final shape or configuration. Con
electrical portion 902 of an intermediate portion 900'. Inter ducting components, such as live connector 541 can include
mediate segments 900, 900' of a plug strip are substantially any known conducting material. Such as a metal or metal
the same as intermediate segments 500 and 800. By way of alloy, and non-conducting, insulating, and/or Support mem
example, intermediate segment 900 includes a mechanical 5 bers can include any know insulating material. Such as a
portion 901 (similar to mechanical portions 501 and 801), an plastic, polymer, etc.
electrical portion 902 (similar to electrical portions 502 and While various embodiments have been described above, it
802), and an outlet portion 903 (similar to outlet portions 503 should be understood that they have been presented by way of
and 803). Intermediate segment 900 also includes a live con example only, not limitation, and various changes inform and
nector 941, a neutral connector 945, and a ground connector 10 details may be made. While the plug strips are shown and
950. In contrast to intermediate segment 500, each connector described as having a certain number of segments, in some
941, 945, 950 includes a track 942, 946, 951 separately embodiments, more or fewer segment can be included. While
formed from a plug contact 943,947,952, and a track contact the plug strips are shown and/or described as having certain
944,948,953. Each component of a connector (e.g., livetrack configurations (i.e. straight, sinusoid, and circular), in some
842, live plug contact 943, and live track contact 944 of live 15 embodiments, the plug strips can have virtually any configu
connector 941) can be operatively coupled mechanically to ration based, at least, on the number of segments and/or
another component of the connector. By way of example, live characteristics of the segments. While the segments are
track942 can be disposed into a first mechanical fitting of live shown and/or described as rotating about a single axis, in
plug contact 943, and live track contact 944 can be disposed Some embodiments, the segments can move relative to one
into a second mechanical fitting of live plug contact 943. another in more than one plane and/or axis, Such as, for
FIG. 23 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an example, twisting about an axis perpendicular to a plug face,
intermediate segment 1000, and FIGS. 24A-24C show por bending about an axis perpendicular to a plugface, translating
tions of intermediate segment 1000 and portions of an inter along an axis, and/or combinations of Such relative move
mediate portion 1000'. Intermediate segments 1000, 1000' of mentS.
a plug strip are Substantially the same as intermediate seg 25 Apertures shown and described herein can be other shapes
ments 500, 800, and 900. By way of example, intermediate (uniform or non-uniform), a combination of shapes, and/or
segment 1000 includes a mechanical portion 1001 (similar to more than one aperture. By way of example, aperture 514
mechanical portions 501,801, and 901), an electrical portion shown in FIG. 4A can be three apertures, i.e. one aperture for
1002 (similar to electrical portions 502,802, and 902), and an each plug track contact. While shown and/described as a
outlet portion 1003 (similar to outlet portions 503, 803, and 30 120V three prong plug, any of the plug strips described herein
903). Intermediate segment 1000 also includes a live connec can be configured for other power sources, audio, video and/
tor 1041, a neutral connector 1045, and a ground connector or data sources, or combinations of sources, such as, for
1050. In contrast to intermediate segment 500, each connec example, universal serial bus, FireWire, international power
tor 1041, 1045, 1050 can include an electrical wire and can be standards, etc. In Such embodiments, the plug strip and asso
continuous with respective connectors 1041', 1045", 1050' in 35 ciated segments can have more or fewer signal paths, and
an adjacent intermediate segment 1000'. A connector can more or fewer associated components in accordance with the
include a plug portion similar to a plug contact, a first con signal requirements, such as, for example, connectors, tracks,
nection portion similar to a track, and a second connection insulation members, Support members, etc. Furthermore, the
portion similar to a track contact. By way of example, inter components shapes and characteristics of the components can
mediate segment 1000 includes live connector 1041 which 40 be modified based on the type of outlet/plug and the number
includes first live connection portion 1042 which can function of associated components.
similar to live track 542, a plug portion 1043 which can Other aspects of the plug strips shown and described can be
function similar to live plug contact 543, and second live modified to affect the performance and/or characteristics of
connection portion 1044 which can function similar to live the plug strip. By way of example, in Some embodiments, the
track contact 544. In such embodiments. While each connec 45 range of relative motion can be defined by the size and/or
tor is depicted in FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B as including sepa shape of the rotation track, the size, shape, and/or number of
rately formed section, e.g. each connector can include two rotation posts, and/or the type of plug/outlet. While switch
electrical wires. In some embodiments, a connector can be 581 is shown and described as a button, in some embodi
continuous, e.g., a single electrical wire. In some embodi ments, Switch 581 can be a toggle, rocker, slider, etc. Simi
ments, a connector, or a portion of a connector, can be con 50 larly, indicator 584 can be any indicator, Such as, for example,
tinuous with a connectorin an adjacent segment. Intermediate a uniform light Source, non-uniform light source, can indicate
segment 1000 can include a fastener 1023, a spacer 1024, and on and/or off, etc. The plug strips can also include device
a wire guide 1069. protections, such as, for example, fuses, breakers, Surge pro
Each of the components of the plug strips discussed herein tection elements, etc.
can be monolithic or a combination of parts. By way of 55 Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described
example, with reference to FIG. 4B, rotation post 513 and herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually
plug face 515 of top housing 510 can be a single piece. In exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein
other embodiments, rotation post 513 can be separate from can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations
top housing 510 and can be permanently or temporarily fixed of the functions, components and/or features of the different
to top housing 510. Similarly, and with reference to FIG. 7A, 60 embodiments described.
live connector 541 can beformed from a single piece of metal.
In other embodiments, live plug contact 543 can be separate The invention claimed is:
from live connector 541 and be permanently or temporarily 1. A power strip for conducting electrical power between
fixed to live connector 541. Each of the components of the an electrical power outlet having at least a live receptacle and
plug strips described herein can be cast (molded) into a final 65 a neutral receptacle, and at least two electrical device power
shape or configuration, may be manipulated (stamped and/or plugs, each plug having at least a live prong and a neutral
bent) into the final shape or configuration, and/or may be cast prong, the power Strip comprising:
US 8,262,399 B1
13 14
a power strip power plug having at least a live prong con 3. The power strip of claim 1, wherein each of said second
figured to be conductively engaged with the live recep live conductive connector and said second neutral conductive
tacle of the electrical power outlet and a neutral prong connector includes a third portion, and further comprising:
configured to be conductively engaged with the neutral a third housing segment,
receptacle of the electrical power outlet; 5 said third housing segment coupled to said second hous
a first housing segment, ing segment for pivotal movement relative to said
said first housing segment having a first plug face includ second housing segment
ing at least a first live receptacle configured to receive said third housing segment having a third plug face
the live prong, and a first neutral receptacle config including at least a third live receptacle configured to
ured to receive the neutral prong, of a first electrical
10 receive the live prong, and a third neutral receptacle
device power plug, configured to receive the neutral prong, of a third
said first housing segment containing a first live conduc electrical device power plug,
said third housing segment containing a third live con
tive connector having ductive connector having
a first portion disposed to conductively engage with 15 a first portion disposed to conductively engage with
the live prong of the first electrical device power the live prong of the third electrical device power
plug received in said first live receptacle, plug received in said third live receptacle,
a second portion electrically coupled to said live a second portion in slidable conductive engagement
prong of said power strip plug, and with said third portion of said second live conduc
a third portion, tive connector,
said first housing segment containing a first neutral con said third housing segment containing a third neutral
ductive connector having conductive connector having
a first portion disposed to conductively engage with a first portion disposed to conductively engage with
the neutral prong of the first electrical device power the neutral prong of the third electrical device
plug received in the first neutral receptacle, 25 power plug received in said third neutral recep
a second portion electrically coupled to said neutral tacle,
prong of said power strip plug, and a second portion in slidable conductive engagement
a third portion; and with said third portion of said second neutral con
a second housing segment, ductive connector,
said second housing segment coupled to said first hous 30 whereby the live prong of the third electrical device power
ing segment for pivotal movement relative to said first plug when engaged with said first portion of said third live
housing segment conductive connector is electrically coupled to the live recep
said second housing segment having a second plug face tacle of the electrical power outlet and the neutral prong of the
including at least a second live receptacle configured third electrical device power plug when engaged with said
35 first portion of said third neutral conductive connector is
to receive the live prong, and a second neutral recep electrically coupled to the neutral receptacle of the electrical
tacle configured to receive the neutral prong, of a power outlet.
second electrical device power plug, 4. The power strip of claim 1, wherein said first housing
said second housing segment containing a second live segment includes an arcuate aperture, and said second hous
conductive connector having 40 ing segment includes a post disposed through said arcuate
a first portion disposed to conductively engage with aperture of said first housing.
the live prong of the second electrical device power 5. The power strip of claim 1, wherein said second housing
plug received in said second live receptacle, segment includes an aperture, whereby said first plug face of
a second portion in slidable conductive engagement said first housing segment is configured to be disposed within
with said third portion of said first live conductive 45 said aperture of said second housing segment.
connector, 6. The power strip of claim 1, wherein said second portion
said second housing segment containing a second neu of said second live conductive connector is configured to be in
tral conductive connector having slidable conductive engagement with said third portion of
a first portion disposed to conductively engage with said first live conductive connector via an aperture in said first
the neutral prong of the second electrical device 50 housing segment, said aperture Substantially parallel with
power plug received in said second neutral recep said first plug face.
tacle, 7. An apparatus for providing an electrical signal path
a second portion in slidable conductive engagement between an electrically conductive portion of a device plug
with said third portion of said first neutral conduc and a signal port, the apparatus comprising:
tive connector, 55 a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured
whereby the live prongs of the two electrical device power to receive at least the electrically conductive portion of
plugs when engaged with said first portions of said first the device plug;
and second live conductive connectors are electrically a second housing segment having a second receptacle con
coupled to the live receptacle of the electrical power figured to receive at least the electrically conductive
outlet and the neutral prongs of the two electrical device 60 portion of the device plug, said second housing coupled
power plugs when engaged with said first portions of to said first housing for movement relative to said first
said first and second neutral conductive connectors are housing:
electrically coupled to the neutral receptacle of the elec a signal port coupler configured to selectively conductively
trical power outlet. engage with the signal port;
2. The power strip of claim 1, wherein said second portions 65 a first conductive connector coupled to said first housing
of said second live conductive connector and said second segment and having a first portion disposed to conduc
neutral conductive connector are arcuate. tively engage with the electrically conductive portion of
US 8,262,399 B1
15 16
the device plug when received in said first receptacle, a receptacle and a second portion in slidable conductive
second portion electrically coupled to the signal port engagement with said third portion of said third conduc
coupler, and a third portion; and tive connector,
a second conductive connector coupled to said second whereby the second electrically conductive portion of the
housing segment and having a first portion disposed to device plug when engaged with said first portion of
conductively engage with the electrically conductive either of said third conductive connector and said fourth
portion of the device plug when received in said second conductive connectoris electrically coupled to the signal
receptacle and a second portion in slidable conductive port coupler for selective conductive coupling to the
engagement with said third portion of said first conduc second signal port.
tive connector,
10 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the device plug is a
whereby the electrically conductive portion of the device power plug, the electrically conductive portion of the power
plug when engaged with said first portion of either of plug is a live prong, the signal port is a live receptacle of an
said first conductive connector and said second conduc
electrical power outlet, and said signal port coupler is a power
plug that includes a live prong configured to be selectively
tive connector is electrically coupled to the signal port 15 engaged with the live receptacle.
coupler for selective conductive coupling to the signal 13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first housing
port. segment includes an arcuate aperture, and said second hous
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said second housing ing segment includes a post disposed through said arcuate
segment is coupled to said first housing for pivotal movement aperture of said first housing segment.
relative to said first housing. 14. An apparatus for providing an electrical signal path
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said second portion of between an electrically conductive portion of a device plug
said second conductive connector is arcuate. and a signal port, the apparatus comprising
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said second conduc a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured
tive connector includes a third portion, and further compris to receive at least the electrically conductive portion of
ing: 25 the device plug;
a third housing segment having a third receptacle config a second housing segment having a second receptacle con
ured to receive at least the electrically conductive por figured to receive at least the electrically conductive
tion of the device plug, said third housing segment portion of the device plug, said second housing coupled
coupled to said second housing segment for movement to said first housing for pivotal movement relative to said
relative to said second housing segment; 30 first housing:
a third conductive connector coupled to said third housing a signal port coupler configured to selectively conductively
segment and having a first portion disposed to conduc engage with the signal port;
tively engage with the electrically conductive portion of a first conductive connector segment coupled to said first
the device plug when received in said third receptacle housing segment and having a first portion disposed to
and a second portion in slidable conductive engagement 35 conductively engage with the electrically conductive
with said third portion of said second conductive con portion of the device plug when received in said first
nector, receptacle, a second portion electrically coupled to the
whereby the electrically conductive portion of the device signal port coupler, and a third portion; and
plug when engaged with said first portion of any of said a second conductive connector segment coupled to said
first conductive connector, said second conductive con 40 second housing segment and having a first portion dis
nector, and said third conductive connector is, electri posed to conductively engage with the electrically con
cally coupled to the signal port coupler for selective ductive portion of the device plug when received in said
conductive coupling to the signal port. second receptacle and a second portion conductively
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: engaged with said third portion of said first conductive
the electrically conductive portion of the device plug is a 45 connector Segment,
first electrically conductive portion and the device plug whereby the electrically conductive portion of the device
includes a second electrically conductive portion and the plug when engaged with said first portion of either of
signal port is a first signal port; said first conductive connector segment and said second
said first housing segment further includes a third recep conductive connector segment is electrically coupled to
tacle configured to receive at least the second electrically 50 the signal port coupler for selective conductive coupling
conductive portion of the device plug; to the signal port.
said second housing segment further includes a fourth 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first conduc
receptacle configured to receive at least the second elec tive connector segment includes a flexible wire continuous
trically conductive portion of the device plug; and with said second conductive connector segment.
said signal port coupler is further configured to selectively 55 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first portion of
conductively engage with a second signal port; said first conductive connector segment is separate from said
and further comprising: second portion of said first conductive connector segment.
a third conductive connector coupled to said first housing 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first portion of
segment and having a first portion disposed to conduc said first conductive connector segment being integral with
tively engage with the second electrically conductive 60 said second portion of said first conductive connector seg
portion of the device plug when received in said third ment.
receptacle, a second portion electrically coupled to the 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second portion
signal port coupler, and a third portion; and of said second conductive connector segment is slidably con
a fourth conductive connector coupled to said second hous ductively engaged with said third portion of said first conduc
ing segment and having a first portion disposed to con 65 tive connector segment.
ductively engage with the second electrically conductive 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second portion
portion of the device plug when received in said fourth of said second conductive connector segment is arcuate.
US 8,262,399 B1
17 18
20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second hous- disposed within said aperture of said second housing seg
ing segment includes an aperture, said first housing segment ment.
includes a plug face including said first receptacle, whereby
said plug face of said first housing segment is configured to be k . . . .
Exhibit B
US008529289B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,529,289 B2

Zien et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 10, 2013
(54) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP 3,771,106 A 11/1973 Matsumoto et al.
3,951.487 A 4, 1976 Waldbrook
(75) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, New York, NY (US); 4,583,798 A 4, 1986 Blazowich
5,292.257 A 3, 1994 Milan
Jordan Diatlo, New York, NY (US); 5,484,299 A 1/1996 Schlessinger
Kate Sarah Vallon, Suffern, NY (US); D381,315 S 7, 1997 Harold
Steven Richard Remy, New York, NY D401,220 S 1 1/1998 Dwight et al.
(US) 5,902,140 A 5/1999 Cheung et al.
5,967,815 A 10/1999 Schlessinger et al.
D416,860 S 11/1999 Seiwert et al.
(73) Assignee: Quirky Incorporated, New York, NY 6,068,490 A 5/2000 Salzberg
(US)
(Continued)
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 DE 20313536 12/2003
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. DE 102005046465 4/2007
EP O702433 3, 1996
(21) Appl. No.: 13/568,833
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(22) Filed: Aug. 7, 2012 International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/
(65) Prior Publication Data US2011/051522, mailed Feb. 28, 2012.
US 2013/OO23147 A1 Jan. 24, 2013 (Continued)
Related U.S. Application Data Primary Examiner — Jean F Duverne
(63) Continuation of application No. 13/095,167, filed on (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
Apr. 27, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,262,399.
(57) ABSTRACT
(51) Int. Cl.
HOLIX LA (2006.01) A power strip for conducting electrical power between an
(52) U.S. Cl. electrical power outlet having at least a live receptacle and a
USPC .......................................................... 439/527 neutral receptacle, and at least two electrical device power
(58) Field of Classification Search plugs, each plug having at least a live prong and a neutral
USPC ................... 439/188, 441, 535, 11, 652, 640, prong. The power strip includes a first housing segment hav
439/214, 632, 536–538, 241-242: 200/51.1 ing a first receptacle configured to receive at least an electri
See application file for complete search history. cally conductive portion of a first device plug and a second
housing segment having a second receptacle configured to
(56) References Cited receive at least an electrically conductive portion of a second
device plug. The second housing is coupled to the first hous
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ing for pivotal movement relative to said first housing.
2,134,355 A 7, 1934 Caldwell
3.437,976 A 4, 1969 Nelson 21 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
US 8,529,289 B2
Page 2
(56) References Cited 7,771.239 B1 8, 2010 Hsiao

7,811,136 B1 10/2010 Hsieh et al.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
7,824, 185 B2
7,874,856 B1
11/2010 Chien
1/2011 Schriefer et al.
6,196,851 B1 3, 2001 Gerard et al. D633,045 S 2/2011 Cullen et al.
6,229,107 B1 5, 2001 Flint et al. D640,199 S 6, 2011 Wilson
D445,403 S 7/2001 Veino et al. 8,011,930 B2 9, 2011 Lee et al.
6,793.499 B1 9, 2004 Chen 8,025,527 B1 9/2011 Draggie et al.
6,862.403 B2 3/2005 Pedrotti et al. D651,174 S 12/2011 Le Clair
D507,237 S 7/2005 Gregory 8,118,616 Bl 2/2012 Clark
D514,067 S 1/2006 Lee 8, 157,574 B2 4/2012 Hsiao
7,125,256 B2 10/2006 Gerard 2005, OO32396 A1 2/2005 Huang
7,238,028 B2 7, 2007 Gerard 2006.0068608 A1 3/2006 McFadden
7,247,028 B2 7/2007 Schriefer 2006/0234561 A1 10, 2006 Tanaka
7,264,514 B2 9, 2007 Hsu et al. 2007/0178756 A1* 8, 2007 Schriefer et al. .............. 439,535
7,278,878 B2 10/2007 Draggie et al.
D556,689 S 12/2007 Lee et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
7,435,091 B1 10/2008 Cruz
7488,204 B2 2, 2009 HSu Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/095.167 mailed Jun. 25.
7,500,854 B2 3/2009 Gottstein 2012.
D597,948 S 8, 2009 BiZZell
7,753,682 B2 7, 2010 Gerard * cited by examiner
s
Y- - - - - - - - - - a.2 as -- 1
-------- ls
c fi C. - ..
« »« »
$$$



3.
w
8.

511
513-1
54
513-1
526
520
520
FG.6A
FG.6B
}AOgz
}
|
3204
? [T]yg
*zdan
wi
wir
g
CDi.
CN:
s
try
Q
co
CD
ss ill
w
s
c
s
:
i k
r | CD
i.
S.
S.
i
:
E.
w
CD
ill
O
e vo
s
(D
<
w
3 CD
i.
O
so venoa
Y y
CD
ill-
CD
li
g s :
3. k
so
()
vo
w y
CD
ill-
CD
li
s
c
i
N.
i
:
s
s
s
G?º?.1943
504-3
º
£?,
O
3.
3.


FG.17B
731
14D471K (O)
P104-10-V1
01-12-01
FG, 8.
780
FG.8B
70
720
FG. 8)

FG.2O3
FG.2
952
FG.22A
FG.223
FG.23
FG.243
US 8,529,289 B2
1. 2
RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP FIG. 2B is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
the first configuration.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED FIG. 2C is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
APPLICATIONS a second configuration.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica FIG. 2D is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
tion Ser. No. 13/095,167, filed Apr. 27, 2011, entitled “Recon a third configuration.
figurable Plug Strip, the disclosure of which is hereby incor FIG. 2E is a side view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A in
porated by reference in its entirety. the first configuration.
10 FIG.2F is a bottom view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A
FIELD OF THE INVENTION in the first configuration.
Some embodiments described herein relate generally to FIG. 2G is a front view of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A
plug strips, specifically to reconfigurable plug strips. in the first configuration.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an intermediate segment
BACKGROUND 15 of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3B is a partially exploded view of the intermediate
Permanent electrical and other outlets typically include a segment shown in FIG. 3A.
limited number of outlets usable to plug in devices requiring FIG. 3C is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg
electrical power, or requiring access to a signal path to and/or ment shown in FIG. 3A.
from a signal source. When more outlets are needed, a plug FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views,
strip can be coupled to a permanent outlet, which increases respectively, of a top housing of a mechanical portion of the
the number of outlets available. However, the outlets on such intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
plug strips may be oriented so that devices Such as power
adapters having large housings in fixed orientation with FIGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views,
respect to their electrical plugs can obstruct some of the 25
respectively, of a bottomhousing of the mechanical portion of
outlets, reducing the benefit of the plug strip. Furthermore, the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
the length and/or width of the plug strip can limit the locations FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an electrical
where the plug strip can be placed. portion of the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 3A.
Thus a need exists for a reconfigurable plug strip. FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of the plug strip
30 shown in FIG. 2A.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 8A-8C are top, perspective, and side views, respec
In some embodiments, an apparatus can provide an elec tively, of a first connector of the electrical portion shown in
trical signal path between an electrically conductive portion FIG. 6A.
of a device plug and a signal port. The apparatus can include FIGS. 9A-9C are top, perspective, and side views, respec
a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured to 35 tively, of a second connector of the electrical portion shown in
receive at least the electrically conductive portion of the FIG. 6A.
device plug and a second housing segment having a second FIGS. 10A-10C are top, perspective, and side views,
receptacle configured to receive at least the electrically con respectively, of a third connector of the electrical portion
ductive portion of the device plug. The second housing can be shown in FIG. 6A.
coupled to the first housing for movement relative to the first 40
FIGS. 11A-11D are top, perspective, bottom, and side
housing segment.
The apparatus can include a signal port coupler configured views, respectively, of an outlet base portion of the electrical
to selectively conductively engage with the signal port. The portion shown in FIG. 6A.
apparatus can include a first conductive connector coupled to FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
the first housing segment. The first conductive connector can 45 assembly of the electrical portion shown in FIG. 6A.
include a first portion disposed to conductively engage with FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
the electrically conductive portion of the device plug when housing of the contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG.
received in the first receptacle, and a second portion electri 12A.
cally coupled to the signal port coupler, and a third portion. FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a contact spring cap of the
The apparatus can include a second conductive connector 50 contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 12A.
coupled to said second housing segment. The second conduc
tive connector can include a first portion disposed to conduc FIG. 12D is a perspective view of a contact spring of the
tively engage with the electrically conductive portion of the contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG. 12A.
device plug when received in the second receptacle, and a FIGS. 13 A-13D are perspective, side, bottom, and top
second portion in slidable conductive engagement with the views, respectively, of a contact track holder of the electrical
third portion of said first conductive connector. Whereby the 55 portion shown in FIG. 6A.
electrically conductive portion of the device plug when FIGS. 14A-14B are perspective and side views, respec
engaged with the first portion of either of the first conductive tively, of another contact track holder of the electrical portion
connector and the second conductive connector is electrically shown in FIG. 6A.
coupled to the signal port coupler for selective conductive FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of two inter
coupling to the signal port. 60
connected segments of the plug strip shown in FIG. 2A, in a
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES first configuration.
FIG. 15B is a top view of the portion of the two intercon
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a plug strip according to an nected segments shown in FIG.15A, in the first configuration.
embodiment. 65 FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the portion of the two
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a plug strip in a first interconnected segments shown in FIG. 15A, in a second
configuration according to an embodiment. configuration.
US 8,529,289 B2
3 4
FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of the electrical portion ments. Base segment 200 includes a mechanical portion 201
of two interconnected segments of the plug strip shown in and an electrical portion 202, and intermediate segment 300
FIG. 2A, in a first configuration. includes a mechanical portion 301 and an electrical portion
FIG.16B is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the 3O2.
two interconnected segments shown in FIG.16A, in the first 5 Mechanical portion 201 of base segment 200 can be con
configuration. figured to movably connect base segment 200 with interme
FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the portion of the two diate segment 300, to fixedly or selectively physically con
interconnected segments shown in FIG. 16A, in a second nect plug strip 100 to a cord 385 (shown in dash lines in FIG.
configuration. 1), and to guide a device plug DP1 of a device D1 into an
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an end segment of the 10 outlet assembly 203 of base segment 200. Mechanical portion
plug strip shown in FIG. 2A. 201 can be configured to mechanically connect device plug
FIG. 17B is an exploded perspective view of the end seg DP1 to base segment 200 via mechanical portion 215 of outlet
ment shown in FIG. 17A. assembly 203. Cord 385 can be configured to connect plug
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a base segment of the strip 100 to a signal port SP1. In some embodiments, base
plug strip shown in FIG. 2A. 15 segment 200 and intermediate segment 300 can be movable
FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the base relative to each other about a single axis in a single plane, for
segment shown in FIG. 18A. example, intermediate segment 300 can be rotatable about a
FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a portion of the base single axis of intermediate segment 300. In other embodi
segment shown in FIG. 18A. ments, base segment 200 and intermediate segment 300, can
FIG. 18D is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the be movable relative to each other in one or more other planes
base segment shown in FIG. 18A. and/or about or along one or more other axes.
FIG. 18.E is an electrical schematic diagram of a printed Electrical portion 202 of base segment 200 can be config
circuit board of the base segment shown in FIG. 18B. ured to define a signal path between base segment 200 and the
FIG. 19 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg signal port SP1 (via cord 385), and to define a signal path
ment according to another embodiment. 25 between intermediate segment 300 and signal port SP1. Spe
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of cifically, electrical portion 202 can be configured to define the
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 19 interconnected signal path between an electrical portion 265 of outlet assem
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, bly 203 of base segment 200 and/or an electrical portion 365
in a first configuration. of an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300 with
FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of 30 the signal port SP1. The signal path can include any signal
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 19 interconnected path and/or combination of signal paths usable to conduct
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip. power, data, audio, video, and/or other electrical signals from
in a second configuration. the signal port SP1 to the base segment 200 and/or the inter
FIG. 21 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg mediate segment 300. Electrical portion 202 can be config
ment according to another embodiment. 35 ured to maintain the signal path between the signal port SP1
FIG.22A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of and base segment 200 and/or intermediate segment 300 when
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 21 interconnected base segment 200 and intermediate segment 300 are moved
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, relative to one another. Electrical portion 202 can be config
in a first configuration. ured to fixedly or selectively connect a signal path between
FIG.22B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of 40 plug strip 100 to a cord 385 via a circuit board 285 of base
the intermediate segment shown in FIG. 21 interconnected segment 200, and cord 385 can be configured to connect a
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip, signal path between plug strip 100 and the signal port SP1.
in a second configuration. Mechanical portion 301 of intermediate segment 300 can
FIG. 23 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate seg be configured to movably connect intermediate segment 300
ment according to another embodiment. 45 with base segment 200, and/or a second intermediate segment
FIG. 24A is a top perspective view of a portion of the 300' (shown in dash lines in FIG. 1), and/or a third interme
intermediate segment shown in FIG.23 interconnected with a diate segment (not shown in FIG. 1). In this manner, an
portion of another segment of a plug strip, in a first configu intermediate portion can be movably connected to base seg
ration. ment 200, second intermediate segment 300', base segment
FIG. 24B is a bottom perspective view a portion of the 50 200 and second intermediate segment 300', or second inter
intermediate segment shown in FIG.23 interconnected with a mediate segment 300' and the third intermediate segment. In
portion of another segment of a plug strip, in the first con some embodiments, intermediate segment 300 can be mov
figuration. able relative to base segment 200, and/or second intermediate
segment 300', and/or the third intermediate segment, in a
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 55 single plane or multiple planes, as discussed above with
regard to base segment 200. Mechanical portion 301 can be
As used in this specification, the singular forms “a” “an configured to director guide a device plug DP2 of a device D2
and “the include plural referents unless the context clearly into an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300.
dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "rotation Mechanical portion 301 can be configured to mechanically
post' is intended to mean a single rotation post or a combi 60 connect device plug DP2 to intermediate segment 300 via
nation of rotation posts. mechanical portion 315 of outlet assembly 303.
FIG. 1 depicts a system block diagram of a plug strip 100. Electrical portion 302 of intermediate segment 300 can be
Plug strip 100 can be a reconfigurable plug strip, i.e., can be configured to define a signal path between intermediate seg
a series of segments movably connected to one or more other ment 300 and signal port SP1, and to define a signal path
segments. Specifically, plug strip 100 includes a base segment 65 between other intermediate segments and signal port SP1.
200, and an intermediate segment 300. In some embodiments, Specifically, electrical portion 302 can be configured to define
plug strip 100 can include any number of intermediate seg the signal path between an electrical portion 365 of outlet
US 8,529,289 B2
5 6
assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300 and/or an electri rotation post of an another adjacent intermediate segment can
cal portion 365' of an outlet assembly 303' of intermediate be disposed through rotation track 512 of intermediate seg
segment 300' with signal port SP1. The signal path can ment 500. Rotation post 513 of intermediate segment 500 and
include any signal path and/or combination of signal paths the rotation track of the adjacent base or intermediate segment
usable to conduct power, data, audio, video, and/or other can combine to define the range of relative rotational motion
signals to/from signal port SP1 to the intermediate segment between the intermediate segment 500 and the adjacent base
300 and/or the other intermediate segments. Electrical por or intermediate segment, and the rotation post of the other
tion 302 can be configured to maintain the signal path adjacent intermediate segment and rotation track 512 of inter
between signal port SP1 and intermediate segment 300 and/or mediate segment 500 can combine to define the range of
the other intermediate segments when base segment 200, 10 relative rotational motion between the intermediate segment
intermediate segment 300, and the other intermediate seg 500 and the other adjacent intermediate segment.
ments are moved relative to one another. Top housing 510 includes a plug face 515. Plug face 515
An exemplary implementation of a plug strip is described includes a live receptacle 516, a neutral receptacle 517, and a
in detail below. This implementation is an electrical power ground receptacle 518. Each receptacle of outlet assembly
strip, specifically, a 120 volt, 3 prong plug strip. FIGS. 2A-2D 15 515 can be configured to direct and/or secure an associated
depict a plug strip 400. Specifically, FIG. 2A is a perspective mechanical portion of a device plug of an external device to
view of plug strip 400 in a first configuration (straight), FIG. and/or within intermediate segment 500. Each of live recep
2B is a top view of plug strip 400 in the first configuration, tacle 516, neutral receptacle 517, and ground receptacle 518
FIG. 2C is a top view of plug strip 400 in a second configu includes a contact guide extending into intermediate segment
ration (sinusoid), FIG. 2D is a top view of plug strip 400 in a 500, and configured to at least partially surround at least a
third configuration (circular), FIG. 2E is a side view of plug portion of a live plug contact 543, a neutral plug contact 547.
strip 400 in the first configuration, FIG.2F is a bottom view of and a ground plug contact 552, respectively. In this manner,
plug strip 400 in the first configuration, and FIG. 2G is a front the receptacle can define the movement of the associated plug
view of plug strip 400 in the first configuration. Plug strip 400 contact, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 4B, top hous
includes a base segment 600 and five intermediate segments 25 ing 510 includes live contact guide 526, neutral contact guide
SOO. 527, and ground contact guide 528.
FIGS. 3A-3C depict intermediate segment 500 of plug strip Bottom housing 520 includes rotation post anchor 521 and
400. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a crossbar 522. Rotation post anchor 521 combines with
intermediate segment 500, FIG. 3B is a partially exploded rotation post 512 to secure top housing 510 to bottom housing
front perspective view, and FIG. 3C is a fully exploded front 30 520. In some embodiments, a fastener, Such as a screw (not
perspective view of intermediate segment 500. Intermediate shown), is disposed through rotation postanchor 521 and into
segment 500 includes a mechanical portion 501 including a rotation post 512 to secure top housing 510 to bottom housing
top housing 510 and a bottom housing 520, an electrical 520. Crossbar 522 acts as a mechanical key to substantially
portion 502, and a plug portion 503. maintain the position of outlet base portion 560 of outlet
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B depict mechanical portion 502 35 assembly 503 within mechanical portion 502. At least a por
of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a top tion of crossbar 522 can be disposed within a crossbar
perspective view of top housing 510, FIG. 4B is a bottom receiver 562 of outlet base portion 560.
perspective view of top housing 510, FIG. 5A is a top per FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict electrical portion 502. Elec
spective view of bottom housing 520, FIG. 5B is a bottom trical portion 502 is configured to define a conductive, or
perspective view of bottom housing 520. Mechanical portion 40 power, path between intermediate segment 500 and a power
501 of intermediate segment 500 is configured to movably source (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), and to define a power
connect intermediate segment 500 with a base segment, and/ path between other intermediate segments and the power
or a second intermediate segment, and/or a third intermediate source. Specifically, electrical portion 502 is configured to
segment. Specifically, intermediate segment 500 is pivotable define the power path between outlet assembly 503 of inter
about an axis perpendicular to a face 515 of intermediate 45 mediate segment 500 and/or an outlet assembly of another
segment 500. Mechanical portion 501 is configured to guide intermediate segment with the signal port.
a device plug (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) of a device (not Electrical portion 502 is substantially disposed within
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) into an outlet assembly 503 of inter mechanical portion 501. A portion of electrical portion 502 is
mediate segment 500. Mechanical portion 501 is also config exposed through, or disposed slightly outside of mechanical
ured to mechanically connect the device plug to intermediate 50 portion 501 via contact aperture 514. In this manner, electri
segment 500 via plug face 515 of outlet assembly 503. cal portion502 of intermediate segment 500 can interconnect
Top housing 510 and bottom housing 520 of mechanical with an electrical portion of an adjacent intermediate segment
portion 501 are configured to combine to substantially via contact aperture 514. Electrical portion 502 can combine
enclose electrical portion 502. Top housing 510 includes an with the electrical portions of the other segments of plug strip
outlet aperture 511 configured to receive a portion of an outlet 55 400. Electrical portion 502 includes a live connector 541
assembly of an adjacent intermediate segment. Top housing configured to interconnect a live signal from a signal port (see
includes a contact aperture 514 configured to expose, or pro FIGS. 8A-8C), a neutral connector 545 configured to inter
vide access to, a portion of electrical portion 502 to an elec connect a neutral signal from the signal port (see FIGS.
trical portion of an adjacent intermediate segment. In this 9A-9C), and a ground connector 550 configured to intercon
manner, signals being conducted to and/or through interme 60 nect a ground signal from the signal port (see FIGS. 10A
diate segment 500 can be interconnected with the adjacent 10C). Electrical portion 502 includes outlet base portion 560
intermediate segment. (see FIGS. 11A-11D), a contact tensioning assembly 554 (see
Top housing 510 includes a rotation track 512 and a rota FIGS. 12A-12D), a first contact track holder 567 (see FIGS.
tion post 513. Rotation post 513 of intermediate segment 500 13A-13D), and a second contact track holder 568 (see FIGS.
secures top housing 510 to bottom housing 520 via a rotation 65 14A-14B).
post anchor 521, and can be disposed through a rotation track Returning to FIG. 3C, outlet assembly 503 includes ele
of an adjacent base or intermediate segment, and, similarly, a ment and/or portions of elements of mechanical portion 501
US 8,529,289 B2
7 8
and electrical portion502. Outlet assembly 503 includes plug and ground connector 550, and insulation members 561 are
face 515, including live receptacle 516, neutral receptacle configured to insulate each of those connectors from one
517, and ground receptacle 518; outlet base portion 560; and another, and from the other elements of intermediate segment
live plug contact 543, neutral plug contact 547, and ground 500. Each of the insulation members 561 can be shaped based
plug contact 552. Outlet assembly 503 can be configured to 5 on the physical characteristics of the associated connector.
mechanically direct and/or secure a mechanical portion of a FIGS. 12A-12D depict contact tensioning assembly 554.
device plug of an external device to and/or within intermedi Specifically, FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a contact
ate segment 500, and can be configured to electrically direct tensioning assembly 554, FIG. 12B is a perspective view of
and/or secure an electrical portion of a device plug of an contact tensioning housing 555, FIG. 12C is a perspective
external device to and/or within intermediate segment 500. 10 view of contact spring cap 556, and FIG. 12D is a front view
FIGS. 8A-8C depict live connector 541, FIGS. 9A-9C of contact spring 557. Contact tensioning assembly 554
depict neutral connector 545, and FIGS. 10A-10C depict includes the contact tensioning housing 555, three contact
ground connector 550. Each of live connector 541, neutral springs 556 (see FIG. 3C), and three contact caps 557 (see
connector 545, and ground connector 550, collectively the FIG.3C). Each contact spring 556 is paired with a contact cap
connectors.” are configured to define a portion of a power path 15 557. In some embodiments, contact tensioning assembly 554
between the power source and an adjacent base segment, an can include more or fewer contact springs 556 and/or contact
adjacent intermediate segment, and/or an a device plug. The caps 557, depending on the number of connectors included in
connectors includes a track configured to be operatively intermediate segment 500. Contact tensioning housing 555
coupled with a contact of a connector of an adjacent segment, includes three spring cavities 558 configured to receive and/
and can be configured to receive a signal from and/or send a 20 or support a contact spring 556 and contact cap 557 pair.
signal to, the contact of that connector of the adjacent seg Contact tensioning housing, contact springs 556, and/or con
ment. The track can be dimensioned to allow the track contact tact spring caps 557 are configured to maintain electrical
of the adjacent segment to maintain contact with the track isolation of each of live connector 541, neutral connector 545,
through the entire range of motion of intermediate segment and ground connector 550. Each contact spring 556 is com
500 relative to the adjacent segment. The connectors include 25 pressed to impart a resilient force on an associated contact
a plug contact configured to operatively couple with an elec spring cap 557 and contact tensioning housing 555. Each
trical portion of a device plug of a device external to the plug contact spring cap 557 is configured to transfer the force
strip 400, and to receive a signal from and/or send a signal to, imparted on that contact spring cap 557 to an associated
the device. In some embodiments, the plug contact can be COnnectOr.
configured to impart a mechanical force on the device plug to 30 FIGS. 13 A-13D depict contact track holder 567, and FIGS.
hold the device plug in place within outlet assembly 503. A 14A and 14B depict contract track holder 568. Specifically,
portion of the plug contact is disposed within a receptacle of FIG. 13A is a perspective view of contact track holder 567,
plug face 515. As discussed above, the guide of a receptacle FIG. 13B is a front view of contract track holder 567, FIG.
can define the motion of the plug contact. The connector 13C is a bottom view of contact track holder 567, and FIG.
includes a track contact configured to operatively couple with 35 13D is a top view of contact track holder 567. FIG. 14A is a
a track of a connector of the other segment, and can be perspective view offloating insulation member 568, and FIG.
configured to receive a signal from and/or send a signal to, the 14B is a front view offloating insulation member 568. Each of
track of that connector of the other segment. As discussed in contact track holder 567 and contact track holder 568 is
more detail below, contract tensioning assembly 554 can act configured to electrically isolate and/or support at least one of
on the track contact to maintain contact between the track 40 live connector 541, neutral connector 545, and ground con
contact and the track of the other segment when intermediate nector 550, from one another and/or relative to one another,
segment 500 and the other segment are at rest and/or moving and from the other elements of intermediate segment 500.
relative to one another. Similar to insulation members 561 of outlet base portion 560,
FIGS. 8A-8C depict live connector 541 of electrical por contact track holder 567 and contact track holder 568 is
tion502 of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG.8A is 45 shaped based on the physical characteristics of the associated
a top view, FIG. 8B is a front view, and FIG. 8C is a perspec connector and/or depending on the number of connectors
tive view. Live connector 541 includes a live track 542, a live included in intermediate segment 500. In some embodiments,
plug and a live track contact 544. FIGS. 9A-9C depict neutral more or fewer insulation members can be included in electri
connector 541 of electrical portion 502 of intermediate seg cal portion502 of intermediate segment 500 depending on the
ment 500. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG.9B is a 50 physical characteristics and/or depending on the number of
front view, and FIG. 9C is a perspective view. Neutral con COnnectOrS.
nector 545 includes a neutral track 546, a neutral plug contact FIGS. 15A-15C, and FIGS. 16A-16C depict portions of a
547, and a neutral track contact 548. FIGS. 10A-10C depict first intermediate segment 500 interconnected with portions
ground connector 541 of electrical portion 502 of intermedi of a second intermediate segment 500", collectively “plug
ate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 55 strip portion 400'.” FIGS. 15A-15C show a portion of
10B is a front view, and FIG. 10C is a perspective view. mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical portions 502,
Ground connector 550 includes a groundtrack 551, a ground 502 (the top housings of mechanical portions 501, 501" hav
plug contact 552, and a ground track contact 553. ing been removed to better see the interconnection between
FIGS. 11A-11D depict outlet base portion 560 of electrical mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical portions 502,
portion 502 of intermediate segment 500. Specifically, FIG. 60 502). FIGS. 15A and 16A are perspective views of plug strip
11A is a top view, FIG. 11B is a perspective view, FIG. 11C is portion 400' in a first configuration (straight), shown with and
a bottom view, and FIG. 11D is a front view. Outlet base without bottom housings 520, respectively, FIGS. 15B and
portion 560 combines with plug face 515 and outlet electrical 16B are top views of plug strip portion 400' in the first con
portion 565 to form outlet assembly 503. Outlet base portion figuration, and FIGS. 15C and 16C are perspective views of
560 includes insulation members 561, support members 563, 65 plug strip portion 400' in a second configuration (rotated).
and a crossbar receiver 562. Support members 563 are con As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, intermediate segment 500
figured to support live connector 541, neutral connector 545, includes a centerline CL, intermediate segment 500' includes
US 8,529,289 B2
10
a centerline CL'. Intermediate segment 500 and intermediate bottom housing 720 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an
segment 500' are rotatable relative to each other about axis A electrical portion 702 (similar to electrical portion 502), and
from the first configuration, (e.g. when the angle between an outlet portion 703 (similar to outlet portion 503). In con
centerline CL and centerline CL' is zero degrees, FIG. 15B), trast to intermediate segment 500, base segment 700 includes
to the second configuration, (e.g. when the angle between 5 a switch assembly 780, and a printed circuit board 791.
centerline CL and centerline CL' is X, FIG. 15C). The maxi Switch assembly 780 includes switch 781, a switch bracket
mum angle X is defined or limited by the rotation track 812 782, a switch circuit 783, and an indicator 784. Switch 781 is
and the rotation post 513 (not shown in FIGS. 15A-15C) of a mechanical means of engaging and/or disengaging Switch
intermediate segment 500 and rotation post anchor 521 of circuit 783, and is supported by switch bracket 782. Indicator
intermediate segment 500'. As intermediate segment 500 is 10 784 is a visual element configured to indicate when a switch
moved relative to intermediate segment 500', the rotation post circuit is engaged and/or disengaged. By way of example,
moves within the rotation track 512 and track contacts 543', indicator 784 illuminates when switch circuit 783 is engaged
547, 552 of intermediate segment 500' move in constant and may not illuminate when switch circuit 783 is disen
physical and electrical contact with tracks 541, 545, 550 of gaged. Indicator 784 and/or an indication from indicator 784
intermediate segment 500 until relative movement is manu 15 is configured to be visible via switch 781.
ally stopped and/or automatically stopped (e.g. maximum Printed circuit board 791 is configured to selectively inter
angle X is reached). connect electrical portion 702 with a cord C1, and to be
FIGS. 16A-16C show electrical portions 502,502 of plug operable by switch assembly 780. The printed circuit board
strip portion 400'. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, electrical 791 can also provide surge protection to plug strip 400. In
portion 502 includes a centerline CL and electrical portion such embodiments, printed circuit board 791 can include
502 includes a centerline CL. Electrical portion 502 and varistors 792, such as, for example, metal oxide varistors to
electrical portion502' are rotatable relative to each other from provide the surge protection. Cord C1 includes a live wire
the first configuration, (e.g. when the angle between center LW, a neutral wire NW, and a ground wire GW, and is dis
line CL and centerline CL' is Zero degrees, FIG. 16A), to the posed in base segment 700 through a strain relief SR.
second configuration, (e.g. when the angle between center 25 FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of plug strip 400,
line CL and centerline CL' is X, FIG. 16C). The maximum showing the functional relationship of the the electrical com
angle X is defined by a tracks 541, 545, 550 of electrical ponents described above. These components include cord C1,
portion 502 and by contact tensioning assembly 554" of elec printed circuit board 791, Switch 781, and electrical portions
trical portion 502. As electrical portion 502 is moved relative 502, 602, and 702.
to electrical portion502, the track contacts 543',547,552 of 30 In some embodiments, a segment of a plug strip, e.g., a base
electrical portion 502 move in constant contact with tracks segment, and intermediate segment, and/or an end segment
541, 545, 550 of electrical portion 502 until relative move can include different live, neutral, and/or ground connector
ment is manually stopped and/or automatically stopped (e.g. embodiments. By way of example, while intermediate seg
maximum angle X is reached). During relative rotation, con ment 500 includes live connector 541 including an integrally
tact tensioning assembly 85.4 maintains contact between track 35 formed live track 542, live plug contact 543, and live track
contacts 543',547,552 and tracks 541, 545, 550. contact 544, in some embodiments, any of a live track, a live
A terminal or end segment of a plug strip can be substan plug contact, and/or a live track contact can be integrally
tially the same as an intermediate segment. By way of formed with, or formed separately from the other components
example, the end segment can include a mechanical portion, of a live connector. Said another way, in Some embodiments,
an electrical portion, and an outlet portion. In contrast to an 40 a live connector can include a separately formed live track, a
intermediate segment, the end segment can include caps to separately formed live plug contact, and/or a separately
Substantially enclose a portion of the end segment that would formed live track contact. Separately formed connector com
otherwise be interconnected with an adjacent other interme ponents can be operatively coupled, by way of example, by
diate segment. FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an end segment welding or the like and/or by tensioning (see, e.g., FIGS. 19.
600. End segment 600 can be similar to intermediate segment 45 20A, and 20B), and/or mechanically (see, e.g., FIGS. 22.
500 described above and can includes similar components. 23A, and 23B). In some embodiments, a portion or all of the
By way of example, end segment 600 includes a mechanical components of a connector can include or be connected by a
portion 601 including a top housing 610 and a bottomhousing flexible electrical wire (see, e.g., FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B.
620 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an electrical portion FIG. 19 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an
602 (similar to electrical portion 502), and an outlet portion 50 intermediate segment 800, and FIGS. 20A and 20B show an
603 (similar to outlet portion 503). In contrast to intermediate electrical portion 802 of intermediate segment 800 and an
segment 500, end segment 600 includes an end housing 630 electrical portion 802 of an intermediate portion 800'. Inter
including a top cap 631 and a bottom cap 635. Top cap 631 mediate segments 800, 800' of a plug strip are substantially
includes a plug aperture 632 and rotation posts 613, and the same as intermediate segment 500. By way of example,
bottom cap 635 includes rotation post anchors 621. 55 intermediate segment 800 includes a mechanical portion 801
A base segment of a plug strip is Substantially the same as (similar to mechanical portion 501), an electrical portion 802
an intermediate segment. By way of example, the base seg (similar to electrical portion 502), and an outlet portion 803
ment includes a mechanical portion, an electrical portion, and (similar to outlet portion 503). Intermediate segment 800 also
an outlet portion. In contrast to an intermediate segment, the includes a live connector 841, a neutral connector 845, and a
base segment includes a Switch assembly to allow a user to 60 ground connector 850. In contrast to intermediate segment
selectively electrically couple a power source to the outlets of 500, each connector 841, 845, 850 includes a track 842, 846,
the power strip. FIGS. 18A-18D depict a base segment 700, 851 separately formed from a plug contact 843, 847, 852 and
and FIG. 18.E is an electrical schematic diagram of a printed a track contact 844, 848,853. Each component of a connector
circuit board. Base segment 700 is similar to intermediate (e.g., live track 842, live plug contact 843, and live track
segment 500 described above and includes similar compo 65 contact 844 of live connector 841) can be operatively coupled
nents. By way of example, base segment 700 includes a to another component of the connector by welding or the like
mechanical portion 701 including a top housing 710 and a (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc) and/or tensioned to maintain
US 8,529,289 B2
11 12
contact. By way of example, live track 842 can be soldered to from live connector 541 and be permanently or temporarily
live plug contact 843, and live plug contact 843 can be sol fixed to live connector 541. Each of the components of the
dered to live track contact 844. plug strips described herein can be cast (molded) into a final
FIG. 21 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an shape or configuration, may be manipulated (stamped and/or
intermediate segment 900, and FIGS. 22A and 22B show an bent) into the final shape or configuration, and/or may be cast
electrical portion 902 of intermediate segment 900 and an and manipulated into the final shape or configuration. Con
electrical portion 902 of an intermediate portion 900'. Inter ducting components, such as live connector 541 can include
mediate segments 900, 900' of a plug strip are substantially any known conducting material. Such as a metal or metal
the same as intermediate segments 500 and 800. By way of alloy, and non-conducting, insulating, and/or Support mem
example, intermediate segment 900 includes a mechanical 10
bers can include any know insulating material. Such as a
portion 901 (similar to mechanical portions 501 and 801), an plastic, polymer, etc.
electrical portion 902 (similar to electrical portions 502 and While various embodiments have been described above, it
802), and an outlet portion 903 (similar to outlet portions 503 should be understood that they have been presented by way of
and 803). Intermediate segment 900 also includes a live con example only, not limitation, and various changes inform and
nector 941, a neutral connector 945, and a ground connector 15
950. In contrast to intermediate segment 500, each connector details may be made. While the plug strips are shown and
941, 945, 950 includes a track 942, 946, 951 separately described as having a certain number of segments, in some
formed from a plug contact 943,947,952, and a track contact embodiments, more or fewer segment can be included. While
944,948,953. Each component of a connector (e.g., livetrack the plug strips are shown and/or described as having certain
842, live plug contact 943, and live track contact 944 of live configurations (i.e. straight, sinusoid, and circular), in some
connector 941) can be operatively coupled mechanically to embodiments, the plug strips can have virtually any configu
another component of the connector. By way of example, live ration based, at least, on the number of segments and/or
track942 can be disposed into a first mechanical fitting of live characteristics of the segments. While the segments are
plug contact 943, and live track contact 944 can be disposed shown and/or described as rotating about a single axis, in
into a second mechanical fitting of live plug contact 943. 25 Some embodiments, the segments can move relative to one
FIG. 23 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an another in more than one plane and/or axis, Such as, for
intermediate segment 1000, and FIGS. 24A-24C show por example, twisting about an axis perpendicular to a plug face,
tions of intermediate segment 1000 and portions of an inter bending about an axis perpendicular to a plugface, translating
mediate portion 1000'. Intermediate segments 1000, 1000' of along an axis, and/or combinations of Such relative move
a plug strip are Substantially the same as intermediate seg 30
mentS.
ments 500, 800, and 900. By way of example, intermediate Apertures shown and described herein can be other shapes
segment 1000 includes a mechanical portion 1001 (similar to (uniform or non-uniform), a combination of shapes, and/or
mechanical portions 501,801, and 901), an electrical portion more than one aperture. By way of example, aperture 514
1002 (similar to electrical portions 502,802, and 902), and an shown in FIG. 4A can be three apertures, i.e. one aperture for
outlet portion 1003 (similar to outlet portions 503, 803, and 35
903). Intermediate segment 1000 also includes a live connec each plug track contact. While shown and/described as a
tor 1041, a neutral connector 1045, and a ground connector 120V three prong plug, any of the plug strips described herein
1050. In contrast to intermediate segment 500, each connec can be configured for other power sources, audio, video and/
tor 1041, 1045, 1050 can include an electrical wire and can be or data sources, or combinations of Sources, such as, for
continuous with respective connectors 1041', 1045", 1050' in 40 example, universal serial bus, FireWire, international power
an adjacent intermediate segment 1000'. A connector can standards, etc. In Such embodiments, the plug strip and asso
include a plug portion similar to a plug contact, a first con ciated segments can have more or fewer signal paths, and
nection portion similar to a track, and a second connection more or fewer associated components in accordance with the
portion similar to a track contact. By way of example, inter signal requirements, such as, for example, connectors, tracks,
mediate segment 1000 includes live connector 1041 which 45 insulation members, Support members, etc. Furthermore, the
includes first live connection portion 1042 which can function components shapes and characteristics of the components can
similar to live track 542, a plug portion 1043 which can be modified based on the type of outlet/plug and the number
function similar to live plug contact 543, and second live of associated components.
connection portion 1044 which can function similar to live Other aspects of the plug strips shown and described can be
track contact 544. In such embodiments. While each connec 50 modified to affect the performance and/or characteristics of
tor is depicted in FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B as including sepa the plug strip. By way of example, in Some embodiments, the
rately formed section, e.g. each connector can include two range of relative motion can be defined by the size and/or
electrical wires. In some embodiments, a connector can be shape of the rotation track, the size, shape, and/or number of
continuous, e.g., a single electrical wire. In some embodi rotation posts, and/or the type of plug/outlet. While switch
ments, a connector, or a portion of a connector, can be con 55 581 is shown and described as a button, in some embodi
tinuous with a connectorin an adjacent segment. Intermediate ments, Switch 581 can be a toggle, rocker, slider, etc. Simi
segment 1000 can include a fastener 1023, a spacer 1024, and larly, indicator 584 can be any indicator, Such as, for example,
a wire guide 1069. a uniform light Source, non-uniform light source, can indicate
Each of the components of the plug strips discussed herein on and/or off, etc. The plug strips can also include device
can be monolithic or a combination of parts. By way of 60 protections, such as, for example, fuses, breakers, Surge pro
example, with reference to FIG. 4B, rotation post 513 and tection elements, etc.
plug face 515 of top housing 510 can be a single piece. In Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described
other embodiments, rotation post 513 can be separate from herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually
top housing 510 and can be permanently or temporarily fixed exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein
to top housing 510. Similarly, and with reference to FIG. 7A, 65 can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations
live connector 541 can beformed from a single piece of metal. of the functions, components and/or features of the different
In other embodiments, live plug contact 543 can be separate embodiments described.
US 8,529,289 B2
13 14
The invention claimed is: a second housing segment having a second receptacle con
1. An apparatus, comprising: figured to receive at least an electrically conductive por
a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured tion of a second device plug, the second housing seg
to receive at least an electrically conductive portion of a ment including a post disposed through the arcuate
first device plug, the first housing segment defining an aperture of the first housing segment and configured to
arcuate channel between a top housing portion and the move in the arcuate aperture to allow the second housing
first receptacle: segment to pivot relative to the first housing segment;
a second housing segment having a second receptacle con a signal port coupler configured to selectively conductively
figured to receive at least an electrically conductive por engage with a signal port; and
tion of a second device plug, the second housing seg 10
an electrical connection assembly disposed in the first and
ment including an aperture configured to receive the first second housing segments and configured to define a
receptacle, the second housing segment coupled to the signal path between the first receptacle and the signal
first housing segment and including a Substantially arcu port coupler, and between the second receptacle and the
ate portion disposed in the arcuate channel defined by signal port coupler.
the first housing segment to allow the second segment to 15
pivot relative to the first housing segment about the first 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electrical con
receptacle; nection assembly includes a continuous flexible wire.
a signal port coupler configured to selectively conductively 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first housing
engage with a signal port, and segment includes a Switch assembly configured to allow a
an electrical connection assembly disposed in the first and user to selectively electrically couple a power source to the
second housing segments and configured to define a first and second receptacles.
signal path between the first receptacle and the signal 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the switch assem
port coupler, and between the second receptacle and the bly includes an indicator configured to visually indicate to a
signal port coupler. user when a circuit is conductively engaged and/or disen
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 25 gaged.
a third housing segment having a third receptacle config 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:
ured to receive at least an electrically conductive portion a printed circuitboard configured to provide Surge protec
of a third device plug, the third housing segment includ tion for the apparatus.
ing an aperture configured to receive the second recep
tacle, the third housing segment coupled to the second 30 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the printed circuit
board includes at least one of a fuse and a circuit breaker.
housing segment for pivotal movement relative to the
second housing segment about the second receptacle. 17. An apparatus, comprising:
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical connec a first housing segment having a single receptacle config
tion assembly includes a continuous flexible wire. ured to receive at least an electrically conductive portion
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical connec 35 of a first device plug;
tion assembly includes a first wire configured to define a first a second housing segment having a single receptacle con
signal path between the first receptacle and the signal port figured to receive at least an electrically conductive por
coupler, and a second wire configured to define a second tion of a second device plug, the second housing seg
signal path between the second receptacle and the first wire. ment coupled to the first housing segment for pivotal
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal path is 40 movement relative to the first housing segment;
configured to conduct at least one of power, data, audio, a third housing segment having a single receptacle config
video, universal serial bus, FireWire and international power ured to receive at least an electrically conductive portion
standards.
of a third device plug, the third housing segment coupled
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first to the second housing segment for pivotal movement
receptacle and the second receptacle includes at least one of a 45
relative to the second housing segment; and
3 prong plug, data, audio, video, universal serial bus, Fire an electrical connection assembly disposed in the first,
Wire and international power standard receptacle. second, and third housing segments and configured to
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first housing Selectively conductively engage the receptacles of the
segment includes a Switch assembly configured to allow a first, second, and third housing segments with a signal
user to selectively electrically couple a power source to the 50
port.
first and second receptacles.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a signal
an indicator configured to visually indicate to a user when port coupler configured to selectively conductively engage
a circuit is conductively engaged and/or disengaged. with a signal port.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indicator is a 55 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electrical con
uniform light source. nection assembly includes a flexible wire.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the indicator is a 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein flexible wire is
non-uniform light source. continuous.
11. An apparatus, comprising:
a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured 60 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second housing
to receive at least an electrically conductive portion of a segment includes an aperture configured to receive the first
first device plug, the first housing segment including an receptacle.
arcuate aperture;
Exhibit C
MAIMOTOMONTANT UNUNTUTAUTO DI TIN
US009755388B2
(12) United States Patent ( 10) Patent No.: US 9, 755 ,388 B2

Zien et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep . 5 , 2017
(54 ) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP (58 ) Field of Classification Search
CPC ...... HOIR 35 /00 ; HOIR 33 / 955 ; HOIR 35 /02 ;
(71) Applicant: Q HOLDINGS LLC , New York , NY HOIR 13 /641; HOIR 13 /70 ; HOIR 13 /66 ;
(US ) (Continued )
(72 ) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien , New York , NY
(US); Jordan Diatlo , New York , NY
56)
(56 References Cited
(US ); Kate Sarah Vallon , Suffern , NY U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US); Steven Richard Remy, New 2 , 134 ,355 A 7/ 1934 Caldwell
York , NY (US ); Richard Ganas, New 3 , 437 ,976 A 4 / 1969 Nelson
York , NY (US ); David Sutton , New
York , NY (US ); Nicholas Oxley , New (Continued )
York , NY (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(73 ) Assignee: Q Holdings LLC , New York , NY (US) CN 101562304 10 /2009
CN 202737189 2 /2013
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this (Continued )
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U .S . C . 154 (b ) by 639 days . OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No.: 13/962 ,627 International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/
US2011/051522 , mailed Feb . 28 , 2012.
(22) Filed: Aug. 8 , 2013 (Continued )
(65 ) Prior Publication Data Primary Examiner — Jean F Duverne
US 2014 /0102870 A1 Apr. 17, 2014 (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Hard IP LLC
Related U .S . Application Data (57) ABSTRACT
(63 ) Continuation of application No. 13 / 568,833, filed on A power strip for conducting electrical power between an
Aug. 7 , 2012 , now Pat. No. 8 ,529 ,289 , which is a electrical power outlet having at least a live receptacle and
(Continued ) a neutral receptacle, and at least two electrical device power
plugs , each plug having at least a live prong and a neutral
(51) Int. Ci. prong. The power strip includes a first housing segment
HOIR 13 /66 ( 2006 .01) having a first receptacle configured to receive at least an
HOIR 35 /00 electrically conductive portion of a first device plug and a
( 2006 .01 ) second housing segment having a second receptacle config
(Continued ) ured to receive at least an electrically conductive portion of
(52 ) U .S . CI. a second device plug . The second housing is coupled to the
CPC ........... HOIR 35 /00 (2013 .01 ); HOIR 13 /514 first housing for pivotal movement relative to said first
( 2013.01); HOIR 25/003 (2013.01); HOIR housing .
29/ 00 ( 2013.01);
(Continued ) 21 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
400
-00000000
US 9,755 , 388 B2
Page 2
Related U .S . Application Data D633,045 S

D640, 199 S
2 /2011 Cullen et al.
6 / 2011 Wilson
continuation of application No. 13 /095 ,167, filed on 8 ,011,930 B2 * 9/ 2011 Lee ................... HOIR 13 /6675
Apr. 27 , 2011 , now Pat. No. 8 , 262 ,399 . 439/ 18
8 ,025 ,527 B1 9 /2011 Draggie et al.
(51) Int. Cl. D651, 174 S 12 / 2011 Le Clair
HOIR 25 /00 ( 2006 .01) 8 , 118 ,616 B1 * 2 /2012 Clark ................... HOIR 25 /006
HOIR 29/00 ( 2006 .01 ) 439/640
8 ,157, 574 B2 4 /2012 Hsiao
HOIR 35 / 04 ( 2006 .01) 8 ,262,399 B1 9 /2012 Zien et al.
HOIR 13/514 (2006 .01) 8 ,500 ,484 B2 * 8/ 2013 Hu HOIR 24 / 22
HOIR 33/ 955 ( 2006 .01 ) 439/527
HOIR 13/641 (2006 .01) 8 ,500 ,492 B2 * 8/2013 Brown ................... HOIR 35 /04
HOIR 13 / 70 (2006 .01) 439 /638
8 ,529, 289 B2 9 / 2013 Zien et al.
HOIR 35 / 02 (2006 .01) 9 ,028,274 B2 * 5 /2015 Zien ..................... HOIR 13 /514
(52) U .S . CI. 439/527
CPC ........... HOIR 33/ 955 ( 2013 .01); HOIR 35 / 02 2005/ 0032396 AL 2 /2005 Huang
( 2013 .01); HOIR 35 /04 ( 2013 .01); HOIR 2006 / 0068608 AL 3 / 2006 McFadden
13/641 ( 2013.01); HOIR 13/66 ( 2013 .01) ; 2006 /0234561 Al * 10 / 2006 Tanaka ............... HOIR 25 /003
439 /652
HOIR 13 /6658 ( 2013.01); HOIR 13 /70 2007 /0178756 Al 8 / 2007 Schriefer et al.
(2013.01 ); HOIR 35 /025 (2013.01 ) 2008/0231121 A1 9 / 2008 Yang et al.
(58 ) Field of Classification Search 2010 /0132970 A1 * 6 / 2010 Axland ................ HOIR 25 /006
CPC .. HOIR 13 /6658 ; HOIR 13 /514 ; HOIR 29 / 00 ; 174 /53
HOIR 25 /003 ; HOIR 35 /04 ; HO1R 35 /025 2012 /0028505 A1 * 2 /2012 Weber ............... HOIR 25 /003
USPC ......... 439 /527 439 /638
See application file for complete search history . 2012 /0108101 A1 5 /2012 Hu
2014 /0102870 AL 4 /2014 Zien et al.
2014 /0187079 AL 7/ 2014 Zien et al.
( 56 ) References Cited
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
3 ,771, 106 A 11/ 1973 Matsumoto et al. DE 20313536 12 / 2003
3 ,951, 487 A 4 / 1976 Waldbrook DE 102005046465 4 /2007
4 ,583 ,798 A 4 / 1986 Blazowich EP 0702433 3 / 1996
5 ,292 ,257 A 3/ 1994 Milan JP 2005 -056758 3 /2005
5 ,484 ,299 A 1/ 1996 Schlessinger JP 2000 - 277222 10 /2006
D381,315 S 7 / 1997 Harold RU 2283521 9 /2006
D401,220 S 11/ 1998 Dwight et al. RU 2316090 1 /2008
SU 466689 4 / 1975
5 , 902 , 140 A 5 / 1999 Cheung et al. SU 838832 6 /1981
5 , 967,815 A 10 / 1999 Schlessinger et al. WO WO2009/0104162 8 / 2009
D416 , 860 S 11/ 1999 Seiwert et al . WO WO2010 /0127606 11/2010
6 ,068 ,490 A 5 /2000 Salzberg WO WO2012 / 148440 11 / 2012
6 , 196, 851 B1 3 / 2001 Gerard et al .
6 , 229,107 B1 5 / 2001 Flint et al.
D445,403 S 7 / 2001 Veino et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
6 , 793, 499 B1 9 / 2004 Chen
6, 862,403 B2 3 / 2005 Pedrotti et al. Notice of Allowance for U . S. Appl. No. 13/095, 167 mailed Jun . 25,
D507 ,237 S 7 /2005 Gregory 2012, 7 pages.
D514 ,067 S 1/ 2006 Lee
6 , 991 ,495 B1 1/ 2006 Aromin International Search Report and Written Opinion for International
7 ,125,256 B2 10 / 2006 Gerard Application No. PCT/US2014 /010541, mailed May 2 , 2014 , 8
7 ,238,028 B2 7 /2007 Gerard pages .
7 ,247,028 B2 7 /2007 Schriefer Office Action for Chinese Patent Application 201320033486 . X ,
7 , 264 ,514 B2 9 / 2007 Hsu et al. dated Oct. 11, 2013 , 4 pages.
7 ,278,878 B2 10 / 2007 Draggie et al. Office Action for Chinese Patent Application 201320033486 .X ,
D556 ,689 S 12 /2007 Lee et al .
7 ,435 ,091 B1 10 /2008 Cruz dated Jun . 5 , 2013, 4 pages .
7 ,488 ,204 B2 2 /2009 Hsu Office Action for Chinese Patent Application 201220035403.6 ,
7 , 500 ,854 B2 3 /2009 Gottstein dated Jul. 18 , 2012 , 4 pages.
D597, 948 S 8 / 2009 Bizzell Office Action for U .S . Appl. No. 13/ 568,833 , mailed Feb . 8 , 2013 ,
7 ,625, 241 B2 12 / 2009 Axland et al. 6 pages.
7 ,753,682 B2 7 / 2010 Gerard Extended European Search Report dated Oct. 10 .2016 received in
7 ,771 ,239 B1 8 / 2010 Hsiao EP Application No . 14735136 .6 ; 9 pages.
7 ,811, 136 B1 10 /2010 Hsieh et al.
7 ,824 , 185 B2 * 11/ 2010 Chien F215 4 /28 European Search Report dated Oct. 27, 2016 received in EP
439/ 11 Application No. 14735136 .5 , 5 pages.
7 ,874 ,856 B1 * 1/2011 Schriefer ............. HOIR 13 /514
439
439//214
214 * cited by examiner
U . S . Patent Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 1 of 31 US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
en we we were now now now now now we went were women
BE
tai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,
Dievice . . . . . ..
Device PlugiEdd
•
ww .
1
*
+
*
** * * . .
. ....
.. ......, .
ior . . . . ..
315 3034
fast
3651 www
t
ww
o
RAY
come
www . www
!
OP2
Device 02
1 wewow }
1
w Devicebuildi
. .
ww
.
www
wanne
annen
thann
1
.
FIG
UUE
0 0
!
DI
Device son
mand
mail
com
. }
{
weDeviceindiDP1 . . . . . . .
« « «
. . . UN .
200 w w w w w w
4
the www www ANN AN NA
100 11
1
2 min
w ww her on
:
SP
Port
Signal
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ww
w
U . S . Patent . Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 2 of 31 US 9 ,755,388 B2
-- -
*
*
** *
,
+**
**
*•
-
- *
*
**
* *
*
*
.
.
*
* -
--
--
--
.
-
-
-
.
..
.
+
-
. }
{
3
}
{
500
.
--
--
--
-
-
--
-
;
40
+ -- -
-
-
-
-
.
009
-
-
.
..
?l
a?
--
4•••••
500 2?
.
FIG
{ 00s
}
{
5
*
**
*--
.
?
-
--
--
}
{ }
£J
}
-
--
--
}
{
?0
?
{
}
+ t } ! 3* ;
? ;
U . S . Patent Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 3 of 31 US 9,755,388 B2
500
300
500
500
500
400 500 2C
.
FIG 400 600
500
i
500
2DC
.
FIG
T
?
500
? 500
500 500
ar
www
500
500 ta 500
*
*
*
500
t 2E
.
FIG
500
2F 400
.
FIG 2G
.
FIG
500 *
TDIt
500
600 -=? ? 600
400 JI ! 41
41 06
4 : 1) 0 : 7
22 D
400 20 33
510
JA
.
FIG
500
520
502 520
510
ULAYU *
*
**
*
*
*
*
**
*
3B
.
FIG
w
er
501
OLS
515
we 503
*
*
****
*
**
***
*
**
*
550
er 545
**
*
*
a
541
www
DO
-
-
-
-
distinto
-
-
-
-
554
560 .
*
***
**
520
FIG . 30
510
515
516
513
512
512
514
518
FIG .4A
510
****
***
513
527
526
FIG .4B
- -- -
U . S . Patent
ww
Sep. 5 , 2017
521
520
Sheet 9 of 31 US 9,755,388 B2
522
FIG .5A
520
522
CRES POR
PERSONES
FIG .5B
550
545
541
560 554
FIG .6A
502
999
554 - 68
Eyece
FIG .6B
602
4
w
502
502
4
502
502
olejkalupa
ole
Lupole 4
4
702
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000ooooo
7
.
FIG
I*
VARISTOR
1W240471K
791 w
www w
ww
man a
1 501
Rits250V
*
16A SW
HOT
SW
|
Lnaw me OCATEF1 LE47KD2471W40471VKARISTOR

4NEARMOVI
mund
*
LED1
125V15A NEU
momentet
8191616
]
LED2
on
proses
140471K
*
**** ***
V|ARISTOR 102c250VISAS
*
LW1602B POWE CORD ö

544
543
541
541
8B
.
FIG
544
i
_
544
542
542
543 ok wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
8C
.
FIG
541
ID 544
543
542
8A
.
FIG
541
542
1548548
547 N
545
9B
.
FIG
548
546
547547
548 wwwwwwwwww
545
545 9C
.
FIG
547
547
545
Sve
546
9A
.
FIG
rR 546
U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 14 of 31 US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
553
Zs
1550
553
B 10B
.
FIG
557
552
553
- 10C
.
FIG
TOD
550
552 ---- ------- ------
550 10A
.
FIG 551
-
551
561
561
y
561
562
60 560
560
5 FIG
.
11B 11D
.
FIG
A
5615614 563
562
563
~ 563
563
561 562
>
560
560
11A
.
FIG 560
110
.
FIG
w .
563 563
U . S. Patet Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 16 of 31 US 9,755, 388 B2
&
&
»
?
? .665? ?
?? FIG
.
128 ?? 120
.
FIG
554
????
555 567
557
55
.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
42A
,
FIG 2C
'
,
FIG
?????????
66?? ? ? ?? ?
com o nome
U . S . Patent
Soy52017
Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 17 of 31 US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
567 13B
.
FIG 567 13D
.
FIG
567 13A
.
FIG 567 13C
.
FIG
568 14B
.
FIG
568 14A
.
FIG
CL
-
.
500 .
.
.-
-
-
.
h
.
.
-
555
%
400
400 1
FIG
.
15C
500 ome
*
*
*
FAV*
*
*
**
512
*
..
.
.
..
Cibem-
CL
-
500 CL
-
500
was
MAN
-
-
-
--
521 15B
.
FIG
400
VAL .
3
15A
.
FIG -
555
500
CL
C
--
CL
502
LLEN
salle
550
Alle
400
plyn la
16C
.
FIG
UL
CL
-
CL
-
502
502 554
200
*
*
*
*
*
502
79
VET 16B
.
FIG
CLOUB 16A
.
FIG 400
VEK
VV
*
*
*
502
10
-
610 17A
.
FIG
Un
620
600
mit
610
EE
U .
***
- - -
613
601 - -omana
M
*
M
*
M
.. 603
602 -
AN
mm.
----
FS
A
601 mm ale
635
621
FIG . 17B
700
www * * * *
****
*******
www . s ' . V .
*
*
** ****
* *
*
*
ltr2017* *
*
**** .
.
. . .
FIG . 18A
L -OUT
FT-1
14D471K O
ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNAAAA
N -IN -OUT
R1COCO
TI 1K10 E -IN -OUT
1N40 4 P104 - 10 -11

01- 12 - 01 J40471K2) =
FIG . 18E
1cm --....
U . S . Patent Sep. 5 , 2017 Sheet 24 of 31
to -- -- - - -
- -
- -
AM -
-
-
US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
-
-
-
COL
-
-
082 wa -
-
-
- -
*
*
*
783
-
-
-
-
702
-
-
-
--
------
- -
-
-
-
- -
----
-
- A
- .
.
- .
- -
-
-
- ...-
-
**
*
****
*
*
**
*
****
**
---
- -
- -
- *
*
-
FIG .18B
$SR1
RW
SSS 23
1
HA 192
-_- 792
783
792
FIG . 18C
7
SR1
5
- women
en VIDA
720 NW
FIGo o . 18D
800
801
-
846
851 2 803
802 - 843
-
-
*
1
*
-
848
.
-
-
-
--
-
- 844
821 S
853
"
853
850
801
820
9 823
FIG . 19
U . S . Patent Sep . 5 , 2017 Sheet 27 of 31 US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
846
802
802 ' como
848
850.
850 845 84 44
FIG .204A 883853

857 846 *
*
*
842
802
850 N I
848 802
8411
844 woman
843
FIG . 20B
910
901 -
mN
+
913 commencement
de
-
- -903
-948
-
-
-
-
-
-www
-
>
edh
-
-
.*ww w w 944
*
*
IT
106 mon
- - -- ...943
943
Bota
*
*
*
*
-
-
-
the
3
*
**
096
901-
920 -
923
FIG .21
946 951
942
902
9028- 947 941 943
948
953
944
950
952
FIG .22A
950
953 948 952
- 902
944
1 941
945 947 ona B
FIG . 22B
1020 1000
1001
1013 {] YO
-- --
**
*
*
*
1041
.
1002 .
2010
1010
( 1045 -
rows
1001 - ON ET
7029
1021
0
1030
1014
1024.
0
10230
FIG .23
1000
„ 1041
1042
1041 1045 1000
1000
1045 x TII
1050
HUL 1044
1044
1046 - 1048
1051
1050 V - 1053
FIG . 24A
1000
cos
1052
1047
14
-
7
1048
1044 1043 1069
FIG .24B
US 9 , 755,388 B2
RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP conductive connector is electrically coupled to the signal
port coupler for selective conductive coupling to the signal
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED port.
APPLICATIONS
5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
This application is a continuation of U .S . patent applica
tion Ser. No. 13 /568, 833 , filed Aug . 7 , 2012 , now U .S . Pat . FIG . 1 is a block diagram of a plug strip according to an
No. 8 ,529 ,289 , entitled “ Reconfigurable Plug Strip ,” which embodiment.
is a continuation of U .S . patent application Ser. No. 13 /095 , FIG . 2A is a perspective view of a plug strip in a first
167, filed Apr. 27 , 2011 , now U . S . Pat. No . 8 ,262, 399 , 10 configuration according to an embodiment.
entitled “ Reconfigurable Plug Strip ,” the disclosures of each FIG . 2B is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A
of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their in the first configuration .
entirety . FIG . 2C is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A
in a second configuration .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIG . 2D is a top view of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A
in a third configuration .
Some embodiments described herein relate generally to FIG . 2E is a side view of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A
plug strips , specifically to reconfigurable plug strips. in the first configuration .
20 FIG . 2F is a bottom view of the plug strip shown in FIG .
BACKGROUND 2A in the first configuration .
FIG . 2G is a front view of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A
Permanent electrical and other outlets typically include a in the first configuration.
limited number of outlets usable to plug in devices requiring FIG . 3A is a perspective view of an intermediate segment
electrical power, or requiring access to a signal path to 25 of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A .
and/ or from a signal source . When more outlets are needed , FIG . 3B is a partially exploded view of the intermediate
a plug strip can be coupled to a permanent outlet, which segment shown in FIG . 3A .
increases the number of outlets available . However, the FIG . 3C is a fully exploded view of the intermediate
outlets on such plug strips may be oriented so that devices segment shown in FIG . 3A .
such as power adapters having large housings in fixed 30 FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and bottom perspective views,
orientation with respect to their electrical plugs can obstruct respectively, of a top housing of a mechanical portion of the
some of the outlets , reducing the benefit of the plug strip . intermediate segment shown in FIG . 3A .
Furthermore, the length and /or width of the plug strip can F IGS. 5A and 5B are top and bottom perspective views,
limit the locations where the plug strip can be placed . 35 respectively , of a bottom housing of the mechanical portion
Thus a need exists for a reconfigurable plug strip . of the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 3A .
FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of an electrical
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION portion of the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 3A .
FIG . 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of the plug strip
In some embodiments , an apparatus can provide an elec- 10 shown in FIG . 2A .
trical signal path between an electrically conductive portion 40 FIGS. 8A -8C are top , perspective, and side views, respec
of a device plug and a signal port. The apparatus can include tively, of a first connector of the electrical portion shown in
a first housing segment having a first receptacle configured FIG . 6A .
to receive at least the electrically conductive portion of the FIGS . 9A - 9C are top , perspective, and side views, respec
device plug and a second housing segment having a second 45 tively , of a second connector of the electrical portion shown
receptacle configured to receive at least the electrically in FIG 6A
conductive portion of the device plug . The second housing FIGS . 10A - 10C are top , perspective , and side views.
can be coupled to the first housing for movement relative to respectively, of a third connector of the electrical portion
the first housing segment. shown in FIG . 6A .
The apparatus can include a signal port coupler config - 50 FIGS. 11A - 11D are top , perspective, bottom , and side
ured to selectively conductively engage with the signal port. views, respectively, ofan outlet base portion of the electrical
The apparatus can include a first conductive connector portion shown in FIG . 6A .
coupled to the first housing segment. The first conductive FIG . 12A is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
connector can include a first portion disposed to conduc assembly of the electrical portion shown in FIG . 6A .
tively engage with the electrically conductive portion of the 55 FIG . 12B is a perspective view of a contact tensioning
device plug when received in the first receptacle , and a housing of the contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG .
second portion electrically coupled to the signal port cou - 12A .
pler, and a third portion . The apparatus can include a second FIG . 12C is a perspective view of a contact spring cap of
conductive connector coupled to said second housing seg - the contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG . 12A .
ment. The second conductive connector can include a first 60 FIG . 12D is a perspective view of a contact spring of the
portion disposed to conductively engage with the electrically contact tensioning assembly shown in FIG . 12A .
conductive portion of the device plug when received in the FIGS. 13A - 13D are perspective, side, bottom , and top
second receptacle , and a second portion in slidable conduc views, respectively , of a contact track holder ofthe electrical
tive engagement with the third portion of said first conduc- portion shown in FIG . 6A .
tive connector. Whereby the electrically conductive portion 65 FIGS. 14A - 14B are perspective and side views, respec
of the device plug when engaged with the first portion of tively , of another contact track holder of the electrical
either of the first conductive connector and the second portion shown in FIG . 6A .
US 9 , 755,388 B2
FIG . 15A is a perspective view of a portion of two dictates otherwise . Thus , for example , the term “ rotation
interconnected segments of the plug strip shown in FIG . 2A , post” is intended to mean a single rotation post or a
in a first configuration . combination of rotation posts .
FIG . 15B is a top view of the portion of the two inter - FIG . 1 depicts a system block diagram of a plug strip 100 .
connected segments shown in FIG . 15A , in the first con - 5 Plug strip 100 can be a reconfigurable plug strip , i.e., can be
figuration . a series ofsegments movably connected to one ormore other
FIG . 15C is a perspective view of the portion of the two segments . Specifically , plug strip 100 includes a base seg
interconnected segments shown in FIG . 15A , in a second ment 200 , and an intermediate segment 300 . In some
configuration . embodiments, plug strip 100 can include any number of
FIG . 16A is a top perspective view of the electrical 10 intermediate segments . Base segment 200 includes a
portion of two interconnected segments of the plug strip mechanical portion 201 and an electrical portion 202, and
shown in FIG . 2A , in a first configuration . intermediate segment 300 includes a mechanical portion 301
FIG . 16B is a bottom perspective view of the portion of and an electrical portion 302.
the two interconnected segments shown in FIG . 16A , in the Mechanical portion 201 of base segment 200 can be
first configuration . 15 configured to movably connect base segment 200 with
FIG . 16C is a perspective view of the portion of the two intermediate segment 300 , to fixedly or selectively physi
interconnected segments shown in FIG . 16A , in a second cally connect plug strip 100 to a cord 385 ( shown in dash
configuration . lines in FIG . 1 ), and to guide a device plug DP1 of a device
FIG . 17A is a perspective view of an end segment of the D1 into an outlet assembly 203 of base segment 200 .
plug strip shown in FIG . 2A . 20 Mechanical portion 201 can be configured to mechanically
FIG . 17B is an exploded perspective view of the end connect device plug DP1 to base segment 200 via mechani
segment shown in FIG . 17A . cal portion 215 of outlet assembly 203 . Cord 385 can be
FIG . 18A is a perspective view of a base segment of the configured to connect plug strip 100 to a signal port SP1. In
plug strip shown in FIG . 2A . some embodiments , base segment 200 and intermediate
FIG . 18B is an exploded perspective view of the base 25 segment 300 can be movable relative to each other about a
segment shown in FIG . 18A . single axis in a single plane , for example , intermediate
FIG . 18C is a perspective view of a portion of the base segment 300 can be rotatable about a single axis of inter
segment shown in FIG . 18A . mediate segment 300 . In other embodiments , base segment
FIG . 18D is a side cross - sectional view of a portion of the 200 and intermediate segment 300 , can be movable relative
base segment shown in FIG . 18A . 30 to each other in one or more other planes and /or about or
FIG . 18E is an electrical schematic diagram of a printed along one or more other axes .
circuit board of the base segment shown in FIG . 18B . Electrical portion 202 of base segment 200 can be con
FIG . 19 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate figured to define a signal path between base segment 200 and
segment according to another embodiment. the signal port SP1 (via cord 385 ), and to define a signal path
FIG . 20A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of 35 between intermediate segment 300 and signal port SP1.
the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 19 interconnected Specifically, electrical portion 202 can be configured to
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip , define the signal path between an electrical portion 265 of
in a first configuration . outlet assembly 203 of base segment 200 and/or an electrical
FIG . 20B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of portion 365 of an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate
the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 19 interconnected 40 segment 300 with the signal port SP1. The signal path can
with the electrical portion of another segment of a plug strip , include any signal path and /or combination of signal paths
in a second configuration . usable to conduct power, data , audio , video , and/ or other
FIG . 21 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate electrical signals from the signal port SP1 to the base
segment according to another embodiment. segment 200 and /or the intermediate segment 300 . Electrical
FIG . 22A is a perspective view of the electrical portion of 45 portion 202 can be configured to maintain the signal path
the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 21 interconnected between the signal port SP1 and base segment 200 and /or
with the electricalportion of another segment of a plug strip , intermediate segment 300 when base segment 200 and
in a first configuration . intermediate segment 300 are moved relative to one another.
FIG . 22B is a perspective view of the electrical portion of Electrical portion 202 can be configured to fixedly or
the intermediate segment shown in FIG . 21 interconnected 50 selectively connect a signal path between plug strip 100 to
with the electricalportion of another segmentof a plug strip , a cord 385 via a circuit board 285 ofbase segment 200 , and
in a second configuration . cord 385 can be configured to connect a signal path between
FIG . 23 is a fully exploded view of the intermediate plug strip 100 and the signal port SP1.
segment according to another embodiment. Mechanical portion 301 of intermediate segment 300 can
FIG . 24A is a top perspective view of a portion of the 55 be configured to movably connect intermediate segment 300
intermediate segment shown in FIG . 23 interconnected with with base segment 200 , and /or a second intermediate seg
a portion of another segment of a plug strip , in a first ment 300 ' (shown in dash lines in FIG . 1), and / or a third
configuration . intermediate segment (not shown in FIG . 1) . In this manner,
FIG . 24B is a bottom perspective view a portion of the an intermediate portion can be movably connected to base
intermediate segment shown in FIG . 23 interconnected with 60 segment 200 , second intermediate segment 300 ', base seg
a portion of another segment of a plug strip , in the first ment 200 and second intermediate segment 300 ', or second
configuration . intermediate segment 300' and the third intermediate seg
ment. In some embodiments, intermediate segment 300 can
DETAILED DESCRIPTION be movable relative to base segment 200 , and /or second
65 intermediate segment 300', and /or the third intermediate
As used in this specification , the singular forms “ a ," " an " segment, in a single plane or multiple planes , as discussed
and “ the” include plural referents unless the context clearly above with regard to base segment 200 .Mechanical portion
US 9 , 755,388 B2
301 can be configured to direct or guide a device plug DP2 outlet aperture 511 configured to receive a portion of an
of a device D2 into an outlet assembly 303 of intermediate outlet assembly of an adjacent intermediate segment . Top
segment 300 . Mechanical portion 301 can be configured to housing includes a contact aperture 514 configured to
mechanically connect device plug DP2 to intermediate seg expose , or provide access to , a portion of electrical portion
ment 300 via mechanical portion 315 of outlet assembly 5 502 to an electrical portion of an adjacent intermediate
303 . segment. In this manner, signals being conducted to and/ or
Electrical portion 302 of intermediate segment 300 can be through intermediate segment 500 can be interconnected
configured to define a signal path between intermediate with the adjacent intermediate segment.
segment 300 and signal port SP1, and to define a signalpath Top housing 510 includes a rotation track 512 and a
between other intermediate segments and signal port SP1. 10 rotation post 513 . Rotation post513 of intermediate segment
Specifically , electrical portion 302 can be configured to 500 secures top housing 510 to bottom housing 520 via a
define the signal path between an electrical portion 385 of rotation post anchor 521 , and can be disposed through a
outlet assembly 303 of intermediate segment 300 and/ or an rotation track of an adjacent base or intermediate segment,
electrical portion 365' of an outlet assembly 303 ' of inter - and , similarly, a rotation post of an another adjacent inter
mediate segment 300 ' with signal port SP1. The signal path 15 mediate segment can be disposed through rotation track 512
can include any signal path and /or combination of signal of intermediate segment 500 . Rotation post 513 of interme
paths usable to conduct power, data , audio , video , and/or diate segment 500 and the rotation track of the adjacent base
other signals to / from signal port SP1 to the intermediate or intermediate segment can combine to define the range of
segment 300 and / or the other intermediate segments . Elec relative rotational motion between the intermediate segment
trical portion 302 can be configured to maintain the signal 20 500 and the adjacent base or intermediate segment, and the
path between signal port SP1 and intermediate segment 300 rotation post of the other adjacent intermediate segment and
and / or the other intermediate segments when base segment rotation track 512 of intermediate segment 500 can combine
200 , intermediate segment 300 , and the other intermediate to define the range of relative rotational motion between the
segments are moved relative to one another. intermediate segment 500 and the other adjacent intermedi
An exemplary implementation of a plug strip is described 25 ate segment.
in detail below . This implementation is an electrical power Top housing 510 includes a plug face 515 . Plug face 515
strip , specifically, a 120 volt, 3 prong plug strip . FIGS. includes a live receptacle 516 , a neutral receptacle 517 , and
2A -2D depict a plug strip 400. Specifically, FIG . 2A is a a ground receptacle 518 . Each receptacle of outlet assembly
perspective view of plug strip 400 in a first configuration 515 can be configured to direct and /or secure an associated
(straight ), FIG . 2B is a top view of plug strip 400 in the first 30 mechanical portion of a device plug of an external device to
configuration , FIG . 2C is a top view of plug strip 400 in a and / or within intermediate segment 500 . Each of live recep
second configuration (sinusoid ), FIG . 2D is a top view of tacle 516 , neutral receptacle 517 , and ground receptacle 518
plug strip 400 in a third configuration ( circular ), FIG . 2E is includes a contact guide extending into intermediate seg
a side view of plug strip 400 in the first configuration , FIG . ment 500 , and configured to at least partially surround at
2F is a bottom view of plug strip 400 in the first configu - 35 least a portion of a live plug contact 543, a neutral plug
ration , and FIG . 2G is a front view of plug strip 400 in the contact 547 , and a ground plug contact 552, respectively . In
first configuration . Plug strip 400 includes a base segment this manner, the receptacle can define the movement of the
600 and five intermediate segments 500 . associated plug contact, as described herein . As shown in
FIGS . 3A - 3C depict intermediate segment 500 of plug FIG . 4B , top housing 510 includes live contact guide 526 ,
strip 400 . Specifically , FIG . 3A is a front perspective view 40 neutral contact guide 527 , and ground contact guide 528 .
of intermediate segment 500 , FIG . 3B is a partially exploded Bottom housing 520 includes rotation post-anchor 521
front perspective view , and FIG . 3C is a fully exploded front and crossbar 522 . Rotation post anchor 521 combines with
perspective view of intermediate segment 500 . Intermediate rotation post 513 to secure top housing 510 to bottom
segment 500 includes a mechanical portion 501 including a housing 520 . In some embodiments, a fastener, such as a
top housing 510 and a bottom housing 520 , an electrical 45 screw (not shown ), is disposed through rotation post anchor
portion 502 , and a plug portion 503. 521 and into rotation post 513 to secure top housing 510 to
FIGS. 4A , 4B , 5A , and 5B depict mechanical portion 502 bottom housing 520 . Crossbar 522 acts as a mechanicalkey
of intermediate segment 500. Specifically , FIG . 4A is a top to substantially maintain the position of outlet base portion
perspective view of top housing 510 , FIG . 4B is a bottom 560 of outlet assembly 503 within mechanical portion 502.
perspective view of top housing 510 , FIG . 5A is a top 50 At least a portion of crossbar 522 can be disposed within a
perspective view of bottom housing 520 , FIG . 5B is a crossbar receiver 562 of outlet base portion 560.
bottom perspective view of bottom housing 520 .Mechanical FIG . 6A and FIG . 6B depict electrical portion 502 .
portion 501 of intermediate segment 500 is configured to Electrical portion 502 is configured to define a conductive ,
movably connect intermediate segment 500 with a base or power, path between intermediate segment 500 and a
segment , and/ or a second intermediate segment, and / or a 55 power source (not shown in FIGS . 3A - 3C ) , and to define a
third intermediate segment. Specifically , intermediate seg - power path between other intermediate segments and the
ment 500 is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to a face power source . Specifically, electrical portion 502 is config
515 of intermediate segment 500 . Mechanical portion 501 is ured to define the power path between outlet assembly 503
configured to guide a device plug (not shown in FIGS. of intermediate segment 500 and/ or an outlet assembly of
3A - 3C ) of a device ( not shown in FIGS. 3A - 3C ) into an 60 another intermediate segment with the signal port .
outlet assembly 503 of intermediate segment 500 .Mechani Electrical portion 502 is substantially disposed within
cal portion 501 is also configured to mechanically connect mechanical portion 501. A portion of electrical portion 502
the device plug to intermediate segment 500 via plug face is exposed through , or disposed slightly outside of, mechani
515 of outlet assembly 503. cal portion 501 via contact aperture 514 . In this manner,
Top housing 510 and bottom housing 520 of mechanical 65 electrical portion 502 of intermediate segment 500 can
portion 501 are configured to combine to substantially interconnect with an electrical portion of an adjacent inter
enclose electrical portion 502 . Top housing 510 includes an mediate segment via contact aperture 514 . Electrical portion
US 9 ,755 ,388 B2
502 can combine with the electrical portions of the other view . Neutral connector 545 includes a neutral track 546 , a
segments of plug strip 400 . Electrical portion 502 includes neutral plug contact 547, and a neutral track contact 548 .
a live connector 541 configured to interconnect a live signal FIGS. 10A - 10C depict ground connector 541 of electrical
from a signal port (see FIGS. 8A - 8C ), a neutral connector portion 502 of intermediate segment 500 . Specifically , FIG .
545 configured to interconnect a neutral signal from the 5 10A is a top view , FIG . 10B is a front view , and FIG . 10C
signal port ( see FIGS. 9A - 9C ), and a ground connector 550 is a perspective view . Ground connector 550 includes a
configured to interconnect a ground signal from the signal ground track 551, a ground plug contact 552, and a ground
port (see FIGS. 10A - 10C ). Electrical portion 502 includes track contact 553.
outlet base portion 560 (see FIGS. 11A - 11C ), a contact FIGS. 11A - 11D depict outlet base portion 560 of electri
tensioning assembly 554 ( see FIGS . 12A - 12D ), a first con - 10 cal portion 502 of intermediate segment 500 . Specifically ,
tact track holder 567 (see FIGS . 13A -13D ), and a second FIG . 11A is a top view , FIG . 11B is a perspective view , FIG .
contact track holder 568 (see FIGS. 14A - 14B ). 11C is a bottom view , and FIG . 11D is a front view . Outlet
Returning to FIG . 3C , outlet assembly 503 includes base portion 560 combines with plug face 515 and outlet
element and /or portions of elements of mechanical portion electrical portion 565 to form outlet assembly 503. Outlet
501 and electrical portion 502 . Outlet assembly 503 includes 15 base portion 560 includes insulation members 561, support
plug face 515 , including live receptacle 516 , neutral recep members 563, and a crossbar receiver 562 . Support mem
tacle 517 , and ground receptacle 518 ; outlet base portion bers 563 are configured to support live connector 541,
560; and live plug contact 543 , neutral plug contact 547 , and neutral connector 545 , and ground connector 550, and
ground plug contact 552 . Outlet assembly 503 can be insulation members 561 are configured to insulate each of
configured to mechanically direct and / or secure a mechani- 20 those connectors from one another , and from the other
cal portion of a device plug of an external device to and/ or elements of intermediate segment 500 . Each of the insula
within intermediate segment 500 , and can be configured to tion members 561 can be shaped based on the physical
electrically direct and /or secure an electrical portion of a characteristics of the associated connector.
device plug of an external device to and/ or within interme- FIGS. 12A - 12D depict contact tensioning assembly 554 .
diate segment 500 . 25 Specifically , FIG . 12A is a perspective view of a contact
FIGS. 8A -8C depict live connector 541, FIGS. 9A -9C tensioning assembly 554 , FIG . 12B is a perspective view of
depict neutral connector 545 , and FIGS. 10A - 10C depict contact tensioning housing 555 , FIG . 12C is a perspective
ground connector 550. Each of live connector 541, neutral view of contact spring cap 556 , and FIG . 12D is a front view
connector 545 , and ground connector 550, collectively " the of contact spring 557. Contact tensioning assembly 554
connectors, ” are configured to define a portion of a power 30 includes the contact tensioning housing 555 , three contact
path between the power source and an adjacent base seg - springs 556 (see FIG . 3C ) , and three contact caps 557 ( see
ment, an adjacent intermediate segment, and/ or an a device FIG . 3C ) . Each contact spring 556 is paired with a contact
plug. The connectors includes a track configured to be cap 557. In some embodiments, contact tensioning assembly
operatively coupled with a contact of a connector of an 554 can include more or fewer contact springs 556 and /or
adjacent segment, and can be configured to receive a signal 35 contact caps 557 , depending on the number of connectors
from and /or send a signal to , the contact of that connector of included in intermediate segment 500 . Contact tensioning
the adjacent segment. The track can be dimensioned to allow housing 555 includes three spring cavities 558 configured to
the track contact of the adjacent segment to maintain contact receive and/or support a contact spring 556 and contact cap
with the track through the entire range of motion of inter - 557 pair. Contact tensioning housing , contact springs 556 ,
mediate segment 500 relative to the adjacent segment. The 40 and/ or contact spring caps 557 are configured to maintain
connectors include a plug contact configured to operatively electrical isolation of each of live connector 541, neutral
couple with an electrical portion of a device plug of a device connector 545 , and ground connector 550 . Each contact
external to the plug strip 400 , and to receive a signal from spring 556 is compressed to impart a resilient force on an
and/ or send a signal to , the device . In some embodiments, associated contact spring cap 557 and contact tensioning
the plug contact can be configured to impart a mechanical 45 housing 555 . Each contact spring cap 557 is configured to
force on the device plug to hold the device plug in place transfer the force imparted on that contact spring cap 557 to
within outlet assembly 503 . A portion of the plug contact is an associated connector.
disposed within a receptacle of plug face 515 . As discussed FIGS. 13A - 13D depict contact track holder 567, and
above , the guide of a receptacle can define themotion of the FIGS. 14A and 14B depict contract track holder 568. Spe
plug contact. The connector includes a track contact con - 50 cifically , FIG . 13A is a perspective view of contact track
figured to operatively couple with a track of a connector of holder 567, FIG . 13B is a front view of contract track holder
the other segment, and can be configured to receive a signal 567 , FIG . 13C is a bottom view of contact track holder 567 ,
from and /or send a signal to , the track of that connector of and FIG . 13D is a top view of contact track holder 567. FIG .
the other segment. As discussed in more detail below , 14A is a perspective view of floating insulation member 568 ,
contract tensioning assembly 554 can act on the track 55 and FIG . 14B is a front view of floating insulation member
contact to maintain contact between the track contact and the 568. Each of contact track holder 567 and contact track
track of the other segment when intermediate segment 500 holder 568 is configured to electrically isolate and /or support
and the other segment are at rest and/ or moving relative to
at least one of live connector 541, neutral connector 545 , and
one another. ground connector 550, from one another and/or relative to
FIGS. 8A - 8C depict live connector 541 of electrical 60 one another, and from the other elements of intermediate
portion 502 of intermediate segment 500 . Specifically, FIG . segment 500 . Similar to insulation members 561 of outlet
8A is a top view , FIG . 8B is a front view , and FIG . 8C is a base portion 560, contact track holder 567 and contact track
perspective view . Live connector 541 includes a live track holder 568 is shaped based on the physical characteristics of
542 , a live plug and a live track contact 544 . FIGS. 9A -9Cthe associated connector and /or depending on the number of
depict neutral connector 541 of electrical portion 502 of 65 connectors included in intermediate segment 500 . In some
intermediate segment 500 . Specifically , FIG . 9A is a top embodiments, more or fewer insulation members can be
view , FIG . 9B is a front view , and FIG . 9C is a perspective included in electrical portion 502 of intermediate segment
US 9 ,755 , 388 B2
10
500 depending on the physical characteristics and /or a mechanical portion 601 including a top housing 610 and a
depending on the number of connectors . bottom housing 620 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an
FIGS. 15A - 15C , and FIGS . 16A - 16C depict portions of a electrical portion 602 (similar to electrical portion 502 ), and
first intermediate segment 500 interconnected with portions an outlet portion 603 ( similar to outlet portion 503). In
of a second intermediate segment 500', collectively " plug 5 contrast to intermediate segment 500 , end segment 600
strip portion 400'.” FIGS. 15A - 15C show a portion of includes an end housing 630 including a top cap 631 and a
mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical portions 502, bottom cap 635 . Top cap 631 includes a plug aperture 632
502' (the top housings of mechanical portions 501, 501" and rotation posts 613 , and bottom cap 635 includes rotation
having been removed to better see the interconnection post anchors 621 .
between mechanical portions 501, 501' and electrical por- 10 A base segment of a plug strip is substantially the same as
tions 502 , 502'). FIGS . 15A and 16A are perspective views an intermediate segment. By way of example , the base
of plug strip portion 400 ' in a first configuration (straight), segment includes a mechanical portion , an electrical portion ,
shown with and without bottom housings 520 , respectively, and an outlet portion . In contrast to an intermediate segment,
FIGS. 15B and 16B are top views of plug strip portion 400 the base segment includes a switch assembly to allow a user
in the first configuration , and FIGS . 15C and 16C are 15 to selectively electrically couple a power source to the
perspective views of plug strip portion 400' in a second outlets of the power strip . FIGS. 18A - 18D depict a base
configuration ( rotated ). segment 700, and FIG . 18E is an electrical schematic
As shown in FIGS. 15A - 15C , intermediate segment 500 diagram of a printed circuit board . Base segment 700 is
includes a centerline CL , intermediate segment500 ' includes similar to intermediate segment 500 described above and
a centerline CL '. Intermediate segment 500 and intermediate 20 includes similar components . By way of example , base
segment 500 ' are rotatable relative to each other about axis segment 700 includes a mechanical portion 701 including a
A from the first configuration , (e . g . when the angle between top housing 710 and a bottom housing 720 (similar to
centerline CL and centerline CL ' is zero degrees, FIG . 15B ), mechanical portion 501), an electrical portion 702 (similar
to the second configuration , ( e . g . when the angle between to electrical portion 502 ), and an outlet portion 703 (similar
centerline CL and centerline CL' is X , FIG . 15C ). The 25 to outlet portion 503 ). In contrast to intermediate segment
maximum angle X is defined or limited by the rotation track 500 , base segment 700 includes a switch assembly 780 , and
812 ' and the rotation post 513 (not shown in FIGS. 15A - a printed circuit board 791. Switch assembly 780 includes
15C ) of intermediate segment 500 and rotation post anchor switch 781, a switch bracket 782 , a switch circuit 783 , and
521 of intermediate segment 500 '. As intermediate segment an indicator 784 . Switch 781 is a mechanical means of
500 is moved relative to intermediate segment 500 ', the 30 engaging and / or disengaging switch circuit 783, and is
rotation post moves within the rotation track 512' and track supported by switch bracket 782. Indicator 784 is a visual
contacts 543 , 547 ', 552' of intermediate segment 500'move element configured to indicate when a switch circuit is
in constant physical and electrical contact with tracks 541, engaged and /or disengaged . By way of example , indicator
545, 550 of intermediate segment 500 until relative move 784 illuminates when switch circuit 783 is engaged and may
ment is manually stopped and /or automatically stopped ( e .g . 35 not illuminate when switch circuit 783 is disengaged . Indi
maximum angle X is reached ). cator 784 and /or an indication from indicator 784 is config
FIGS. 16A - 16C show electrical portions 502 , 502' of plug ured to be visible via switch 781.
strip portion 400 '. As shown in FIGS . 16A - 16C , electrical Printed circuit board 791 is configured to selectively
portion 502 includes a centerline CL and electrical portion interconnect electrical portion 702 with a cord C1, and to be
502' includes a centerline CL . Electrical portion 502 and 40 operable by switch assembly 780. The printed circuit board
electrical portion 502' are rotatable relative to each other 791 can also provide surge protection to plug strip 400 . In
from the first configuration , ( e. g . when the angle between such embodiments, printed circuit board 791 can include
centerline CL and centerline CL ' is zero degrees, FIG . 16A ), varistors 792 , such as, for example , metal oxide varistors to
to the second configuration , ( e.g . when the angle between provide the surge protection . Cord C1 includes a live wire
centerline CL and centerline CL' is X , FIG . 16C ). The 45 LW , a neutral wire NW , and a ground wire GW , and is
maximum angle X is defined by a tracks 541, 545 , 550 of disposed in base segment 700 through a strain relief SR .
electrical portion 502 and by contact tensioning assembly FIG . 7 is an electrical schematic diagram of plug strip
554 ' of electrical portion 502'. As electrical portion 502 is 400 , showing the functional relationship of the electrical
moved relative to electrical portion 502, the track contacts components described above. These components include
543 , 547 ', 552' of electrical portion 502' move in constant 50 cord C1, printed circuit board 791, switch 781, and electrical
contact with tracks 541, 545 , 550 of electrical portion 502 portions 502 , 602 , and 702 .
until relative movement is manually stopped and /or auto - In some embodiments, a segment of a plug strip , e .g., a
matically stopped (e.g . maximum angle X is reached ). base segment, and intermediate segment, and /or an end
During relative rotation, contact tensioning assembly 854 segment can include different live , neutral, and /or ground
maintains contact between track contacts 543 ', 547 ', 552' and 55 connector embodiments . By way of example , while inter
tracks 541, 545 , 550 . mediate segment 500 includes live connector 541 including
A terminal or end segment of a plug strip can be substan - an integrally formed live track 542 , live plug contact 543,
tially the same as an intermediate segment. By way of and live track contact 544, in some embodiments, any of a
example , the end segment can include a mechanical portion , live track , a live plug contact, and/ or a live track contact can
an electrical portion , and an outlet portion . In contrast to an 60 be integrally formed with , or formed separately from the
intermediate segment, the end segment can include caps to other components of a live connector. Said another way, in
substantially enclose a portion of the end segment that some embodiments, a live connector can include a sepa
would otherwise be interconnected with an adjacent other rately formed live track , a separately formed live plug
intermediate segment. FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an end contact, and/ or a separately formed live track contact. Sepa
segment 600 . End segment 600 can be similar to interme- 65 rately formed connector components can be operatively
diate segment 500 described above and can includes similar coupled , by way of example , by welding or the like and /or
components . By way of example , end segment 600 includes by tensioning ( see, e. g., FIGS . 19 , 20A , and 20B ), and /or
US 9 , 755,388 B2
11
mechanically (see, e.g., FIGS . 22, 23A , and 23B ). In some similar to a plug contact, a first connection portion similar to
embodiments, a portion or all of the components of a a track , and a second connection portion similar to a track
connector can include or be connected by a flexible electri- contact. By way of example, intermediate segment 1000
cal wire (see , e .g ., FIGS . 23 , 24A , and 24B . includes live connector 1041 which includes first live con
FIG . 19 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an 5 nection portion 1042 which can function similar to live track
intermediate segment 800 , and FIGS. 20A and 20B show an 542 , a plug portion 1043 which can function similar to live
electrical portion 802 of intermediate segment 800 and an plug contact 543 , and second live connection portion 1044
electrical portion 802 ' of an intermediate portion 800'. which can function similar to live track contact 544 . In such
Intermediate segments 800 , 800 ' of a plug strip are substan - embodiments . While each connector is depicted in FIGS. 23 ,
tially the same as intermediate segment 500 . By way of 10 24A , and 24B as including separately formed section , e . g .
example , intermediate segment 800 includes a mechanical each connector can include two electrical wires . In some
portion 801 (similar to mechanical portion 501), an electri embodiments, a connector can be continuous, e.g ., a single
cal portion 802 (similar to electrical portion 502), and an electrical wire . In some embodiments , a connector , or a
outlet portion 803 ( similar to outlet portion 503 ). Interme- portion of a connector , can be continuous with a connector
diate segment 800 also includes a live connector 841 , a 15 in an adjacent segment. Intermediate segment 1000 can
neutral connector 845 , and a ground connector 850 . In include a fastener 1023 , a spacer 1024 , and a wire guide
contrast to intermediate segment 500 , each connector 841, 1069 .
845 , 850 includes a track 842 , 846 , 851 separately formed Each of the components of the plug strips discussed
from a plug contact 843 , 847, 852 and a track contact 844, herein can be monolithic or a combination of parts. By way
848, 853 . Each component of a connector live track 842 , live 20 of example , with reference to FIG . 4B , rotation post 513 and
plug contact 843 , and live track contact 844 of live connec - plug face 515 of top housing 510 can be a single piece . In
tor 841) can be operatively coupled to another component of other embodiments , rotation post 513 can be separate from
the connector by welding or the like (e. g ., brazing , soldering , top housing 510 and can be permanently or temporarily
etc ) and /or tensioned to maintain contact. By way of fixed to top housing 510 . Similarly , and with reference to
example , live track 842 can be soldered to live plug contact 25 FIG . 7A , live connector 541 can be formed from a single
843 , and live plug contact 843 can be soldered to live track piece ofmetal. In other embodiments , live plug contact 543
contact 844 . can be separate from live connector 541 and be permanently
FIG . 21 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an or temporarily fixed to live connector 541. Each of the
intermediate segment 900 , and FIGS. 22 A and 22B show an components of the plug strips described herein can be cast
electrical portion 902 of intermediate segment 900 and an 30 (molded ) into a final shape or configuration, may be manipu
electrical portion 902 ' of an intermediate portion 900 . Inter - lated (stamped and / or bent ) into the final shape or configu
mediate segments 900 , 900 ' of a plug strip are substantially ration , and /or may be cast and manipulated into the final
the same as intermediate segments 500 and 800 . By way of shape or configuration . Conducting components , such as
example , intermediate segment 900 includes a mechanical live connector 541 can include any known conducting
portion 901 ( similar to mechanical portions 501 and 801 ), an 35 material, such as a metal or metal alloy , and non - conducting ,
electrical portion 902 (similar to electrical portions 502 and insulating, and/ or support members can include any know
802 ), and an outlet portion 903 ( similar to outlet portions insulating material , such as a plastic , polymer, etc .
503 and 803 ). Intermediate segment 900 also includes a live While various embodiments have been described above ,
connector 941, a neutral connector 945 , and a ground it should be understood that they have been presented by
connector 950 . In contrast to intermediate segment 500 , each 40 way of example only , not limitation , and various changes in
connector 941, 945 , 950 includes a track 942, 946 , 951 form and details may be made . While the plug strips are
separately formed from a plug contact 943, 947 , 952 , and a shown and described as having a certain number of seg
track contact 944 , 948 , 953. Each component of a connector ments, in some embodiments, more or fewer segment can be
( e.g ., live track 842 , live plug contact 943 , and live track included . While the plug strips are shown and /or described
contact 944 of live connector 941 ) can be operatively 45 as having certain configurations (i. e . straight, sinusoid , and
coupled mechanically to another component of the connec - circular ), in some embodiments , the plug strips can have
tor. By way of example , live track 942 can be disposed into virtually any configuration based , at least, on the number of
a first mechanical fitting of live plug contact 943, and live segments and /or characteristics of the segments . While the
track contact 944 can be disposed into a second mechanical segments are shown and / or described as rotating about a
fitting of live plug contact 943. 50 single axis, in some embodiments , the segments can move
FIG . 23 is a fully exploded front perspective view of an relative to one another in more than one plane and/or axis ,
intermediate segment 1000 , and FIGS. 24A - 24C show por - such as , for example , twisting about an axis perpendicular to
tions of intermediate segment 1000 and portions of an a plug face , bending about an axis perpendicular to a plug
intermediate portion 1000'. Intermediate segments 1000 , face , translating along an axis , and/ or combinations of such
1000 ' of a plug strip are substantially the same as interme- 55 relative movements .
diate segments 500 , 800 , and 900 . By way of example , Apertures shown and described herein can be other shapes
intermediate segment 1000 includes a mechanical portion (uniform or non -uniform ), a combination of shapes, and /or
1001 (similar to mechanical portions 501, 801, and 901), an more than one aperture. By way of example , aperture 514
electrical portion 1002 (similar to electrical portions 502 , shown in FIG . 4A can be three apertures, i.e. one aperture for
802, and 902), and an outlet portion 1003 ( similar to outlet 60 each plug track contact . While shown and/described as a
portions 503 , 803, and 903) . Intermediate segment 1000 also 120V three prong plug, any of the plug strips described
includes a live connector 1041, a neutral connector 1045 ,
and a ground connector 1050 . In contrast to intermediate herein can be configured for other power sources, audio ,
segment 500, each connector 1041, 1045 . 1050 can include video and / or data sources, or combinations of sources , such
an electrical wire and can be continuous with respective 65 as, for example , universal serialbus , Fire Wire , international
connectors 1041', 1045 ', 1050' in an adjacent intermediate power standards , etc . In such embodiments, the plug strip
segment 1000'. A connector can include a plug portion and associated segments can have more or fewer signal
US 9 , 755,388 B2
13 14
paths, and more or fewer associated components in accor 6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
dance with the signal requirements , such as, for example , a switch assembly configured to allow a user to selec
connectors, tracks, insulation members , support members , tively electrically couple a power source to the first and
etc . Furthermore, the components shapes and characteristics second receptacles.
7 . An apparatus, comprising:
of the components can be modified based on the type of a base housing segment comprising a signal port coupler
outlet/plug and the number of associated components . configured to selectively conductively engage with a
Other aspects of the plug strips shown and described can signal port;
be modified to affect the performance and /or characteristics a first housing segment comprising a single receptacle
of the plug strip . By way of example , in some embodiments , 10 configured to receive at least an electrically conductive
the range of relative motion can be defined by the size and /or portion of a first device plug , the first housing segment
shape of the rotation track , the size , shape , and /or number of coupled to the base housing segment for pivotalmove
rotation posts , and/or the type of plug /outlet. While switch ment relative to the base housing segment, the first
581 is shown and described as a button , in some embodi housing segment comprising a first rotation track and a
ments , switch 581 can be a toggle , rocker, slider, etc . 15 second rotation track ;
Similarly , indicator 584 can be any indicator, such as, for a second housing segment comprising a single receptacle
example , a uniform light source , non -uniform light source, configured to receive at least an electrically conductive
can indicate on and / or off , etc . The plug strips can also portion of a second device plug , the second housing
include device protections, such as, for example, fuses, segment coupled to the first housing segment, via at
breakers , surge protection elements , etc . least one of the first rotation track or the second rotation
Any portion of the apparatus and /or methods described track , for pivotal movement relative to the first housing
herein may be combined in any combination , except mutu segment in one or more planes and along one or more
ally exclusive combinations. The embodiments described axes ; and
herein can include various combinations and /or sub - combi an electrical connection assembly disposed in the base ,
nations of the functions, components and /or features of the 25 first, and second housing segments and configured to
different embodiments described . selectively conductively engage the receptacles of the
first and second housing segments with a signal port .
The invention claimed is: 8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the base housing
1 . An apparatus , comprising: segment comprises a switch assembly configured to allow a
a first housing segment comprising a first receptacle 30 user to selectively electrically couple a power source to the
configured to receive at least an electrically conductive receptacles in the first and second housing segments .
portion of a first device plug, the first housing segment 9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the electrical con
comprising a first rotation track and a second rotation nection assembly comprises a flexible wire .
track , at least one of the first rotation track or the second 10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the flexible wire is
rotation track configured to : allow the first housing 35 continuous.
segment to connect to a second housing segment, and 11. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising :
define a range of rotational motion between the first a third housing segment comprising a single receptacle
housing segment and the second housing segment; configured to receive at least an electrically conductive
the second housing segment comprising a second recep portion of a third device plug , the third housing seg
tacle configured to receive at least an electrically con - 40 ment coupled to the second housing segment for pivotal
ductive portion of a second device plug , at least a movement relative to the second housing segment,
portion of the second housing segment disposed in at wherein the electrical connection assembly is disposed in
least one of the first rotation track or the second rotation the third housing segment and is configured to selec
track and at least a portion of the second housing tively conductively engage the receptacle of the third
segment configured to move in at least the first rotation 45 housing segment with a signal port.
track or the second rotation track relative to the first 12 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first housing
housing segment in one or more planes and about one segment comprises an aperture configured to receive at least
or more axes ; a portion of the base housing segment.
a signal port coupler configured to selectively conduc 13 . An apparatus , comprising :
tively engage with a signal port; and 50 a first housing segment comprising a first receptacle
an electrical connection assembly disposed in the first and configured to receive at least an electrically conductive
second housing segments and configured to define a portion of a first device plug , the first housing segment
signal path between the first receptacle and the signal comprising a concave portion , a first rotation track and
port coupler, and between the second receptacle and the a second rotation track ;
signal port coupler. 55 a second housing segmentcomprising a second receptacle
2 . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first housing configured to receive at least an electrically conductive
segment comprises an arcuate surface configured to mate portion of a second device plug , the second housing
with the second housing segment. segment comprising a convex portion configured to
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the mate with the concave portion of the first housing
first rotation track and the second rotation track is arcuate . 60 segment via at least one of the first rotation track or the
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second housing second rotation track , to allow the second housing
segment comprises a first post disposed through the first segment to pivot relative to the first housing segment in
rotation track of the first housing segment and a second post one or more planes and along one or more axes;
disposed through the second rotation track of the first a signal port coupler configured to selectively conduc
housing segment. 65 tively engage with a signal port; and
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrical con - an electrical connection assembly disposed in the first and
nection assembly comprises a continuous flexible wire . second housing segments and configured to define a
US 9 ,755 ,388 B2
15 16
signal path between the first receptacle and the signal signal port coupler, and a second wire configured to define
port coupler , and between the second receptacle and the a second signal path between the second receptacle and the
signal port coupler. first wire .
14 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the second hous 17 . The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the signal path is
ing segment comprises a concave surface , the apparatus 5 configured to conduct at least one of power, data , audio ,
further comprising: video , universal serial bus , Fire Wire and international
a third housing segment comprising a third receptacle power standards.
configured to receive at least an electrically conductive 18 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the
portion of a third device plug, the third housing seg first receptacle and the second receptacle comprises at least
ment comprising a convex portion configured to mate 10 one
bus,
of a 3 prong plug , data , audio, video , universal serial
Fire Wire and international power standard receptacle .
with the concave portion of the second housing seg 19 . The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising :
ment to allow the third housing segment to pivot a switch assembly configured to allow a user to selec
relative to the second housing segment, tively electrically couple a power source to the first and
wherein the electrical connection assembly is disposed in second receptacles .
the third housing segment and is configured to define a 13 20 . The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:
signal path between the third receptacle and the signal an indicator configured to visually indicate to a user when
port coupler. a circuit is conductively engaged .
15 . The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electrical 21. The apparatus of claim 13 , further comprising :
connection assembly comprises a continuous flexible wire .
16 . The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electricalaj 2020 a printed circuit board configured to provide surge pro
tection for the apparatus.
connection assembly comprises a first wire configured to
define a first signal path between the first receptacle and the * * * * *
Exhibit D
USOOD667795S
(12) Zien
United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D667,795S
et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 25, 2012
(54) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP OTHER PUBLICATIONS
International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/
(75) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, New York, NY (US); US2011/051522, mailed Feb. 28, 2012.
Jordan Diatlo, New York, NY (US);
Kate Sarah Vallon, Suffern, NY (US) Primary Examiner — Angela J Lee
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
(73) Assignee: Quirky Incorporated, New York, NY (57) CLAM
(US) The ornamental design for a reconfigurable plug strip, as
shown and described.
(**) Term: 14 Years
DESCRIPTION
(21) Appl. No.: 29/394.436
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the
(22) Filed: Jun. 16, 2011 reconfigurable plug strip;
FIG. 2 is a top view thereof;
Related U.S. Application Data FIG. 3 is a bottom view thereof;
(63) Continuation of application No. 13/095,167, filed on FIG. 4 is a front view thereof;
Apr. 27, 2011. FIG. 5 is a back view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a left side view thereof, and
(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................. 13-03 FIG. 7 is a right side view thereof.
(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................... D13A1394 FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
(58) Field of Classification Search .............. D13/137.1, the reconfigurable plug strip;
D13/137.2, 137.3, 137.4, 138.1, 138.2, 139.1, FIG.9 is a top view thereof;
D13/139.2, 139.3, 139.4, 139.5, 139.6, 139.7, FIG. 10 is a bottom view thereof;
D13/139.8, 101, 110, 123, 107, 108, 133, FIG. 11 is a front view thereof;
D13/154, 184, 199: 439/131, 166, 628, 101, FIG. 12 is a back view thereof
439/102,105,106, 108, 172,173, 174, 175, FIG. 13 is a left side view thereof; and
439/177,476.1, 578,583, 620.15, 620.17; FIG. 14 is a right side view thereof.
363/15, 146, 34; 307/151; 320/111, 114; FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
174/493, 494, 66, 67 the reconfigurable plug strip;
See application file for complete search history. FIG. 16 is a top view thereof;
FIG. 17 is a bottom view thereof;
(56) References Cited FIG. 18 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 19 is a back view thereof;
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS FIG. 20 is a left side view thereof, and,
2,134,355 A 7, 1934 Caldwell FIG. 21 is a right side view thereof.
3.437,976 A 4, 1969 Nelson The broken lines immediately adjacent the shaded areas rep
(Continued) resent the bounds of the claimed design while all other broken
lines are directed to environment and are for illustrative pur
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS poses only; the broken lines form no part of the claimed
design.
DE 20313536 12/2003
(Continued) 1 Claim, 14 Drawing Sheets
US D667,795S
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 7488.204 B2* 22009 Hsu ............................... 439,535

3,771,106 A 1 1/1973 Matsumoto et al. 995 SR2,
D597,948 .299 Sotistin
8/2009 Bizzell ...................... D13,139.1
3,951.487 A 4, 1976 Waldbrook 7,771.239 B1 8/2010 Hsiao
4,583,798 A 4, 1986 Blazowich 7,811,136 B1 ck 10/2010 Hsieh et al.
5,292.257
5.484.299 A
A * 3/1994
1/1996 Milan
Schlessi........................... 439,214 7,824, 185 B2 * 1 1/2010 Chien ............................. 439/11
Iw CnleSSInger 7,874,856 B1* 1/2011 Schriefer et al. ... 439,214
D381,315 S * 7/1997 Harold ...................... D13,139.4 D633,045 S ck 2/2011 Cullen et al. . D13,139.8
D401.220 S * 1 1/1998 Dwight et al. D13,139.6 D640,199 S ck 6, 2011 Wilson .. D13,139.7
5,902,140 A * 5/1999 Cheung et al. . ... 439/139 8,011,930 B2 *ck 9/2011 Lee et al. ........................ 439/18
D416,860 S * 1 1/1999 Seiwert et al. .. D13,137.4 D651,174 S *ckck 12/2011 Le Clair D13,137.2
6,068,490 A 5/2000 Salzberg 8,118,616 B1* 2/2012 Clark ... ... 439,640
6,196,851 B1 3/2001 Gerard et al. 8, 157,574 ck
B2 * 4/2012 Hsiao ............................ 439,131
D445,403 S * 7/2001 Veino et al. .................. D13,154 2005/0032396 A1 2/2005 Huang
6,793,499 B1 9/2004 Chen 2006.0068608 A1 3, 2006 McFadden
6,862.403 B2 3/2005 Pedrotti et al. 2006/0234561 A1* 10, 2006 Tanaka .......................... 439,652
D507,237 S * 7/2005 Gregory .................... D13,139.8
D514,067 S * 1/2006 Lee ........................... D13,137.2 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
7,125,256 B2 10/2006 Gerard
7,247,028 B2 7/2007 Schriefer DE 102005046465 4/2007
7.264,514 B2 * 9/2007 Hsu et al. ...................... 439,640 EP O702433 3, 1996
D556,689 S * 12/2007 Lee et al. .................. D13,139.1
7,435,091 B1 10/2008 Cruz * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Sep. 25, 2012 Sheet 1 of 14 US D667,795S

vertex



t





#~
~ ~ );
~
+
Exhibit E
USOOD677630S
(12) Zien
United
et al.
States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D677,630 S
(45) Date of Patent: . Mar. 12, 2013
(54) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP 7,824, 185 B2 * 1 1/2010 Chien ............................. 439/11
7,874,856 B1* 1/2011 Schriefer et al. ... 439,214
(75) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, New York, NY (US); D633,045 S * 2/2011 Cullen et al. ... ... D13,139.8
Jordan Dialto, New York, NY (US); D640,199 S * 6/2011 Wilson ........ D13,139.7
Kate Sarah Vallon, Suffern, NY (US) 8,011,930 B2 * 9/2011 Lee et al. ........................ 439/18
D651,174 S * 12/2011 Le Clair. D13,137.2
(73) Assignee: Quirky Incorporated, New York, NY 8,118,616 B1* 2/2012 Clark ...... ... 439,640
(US) 8, 157,574 B2 * 4/2012 Hsiao ...... ... 439,131
2006/0234561 A1* 10, 2006 Tanaka .......................... 439,652
(**) Term: 14 Years
(21) Appl. No.: 29/428,468 * cited by examiner
(22) Filed: Jul. 31, 2012 Primary Examiner — Angela J Lee
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
Related U.S. Application Data
(57) CLAM
(60) Division of application No. 29/394.436, filed on Jun.
16, 2011, now Pat. No. Des. 667,795, which is a The ornamental design for a reconfigurable plug strip, as
continuation of application No. 13/095,167, filed on shown and described.
Apr. 27, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,262,399. DESCRIPTION
(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................. 13-03
(52) U.S. Cl. ...................................... ... D13A139.8 FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the
reconfigurable plug strip;
(58) Field of Classification Search .............. D13/137.1, FIG. 2 is a top view thereof;
D13/137.2, 137.3, 137.4, 138.1, 138.2, 139.1, FIG. 3 is a bottom view thereof;
D13/139.2, 139.3, 139.4, 139.5, 139.6, 139.7, FIG. 4 is a front view thereof;
D13/139.8, 101, 110, 123, 107, 108, 133, FIG. 5 is a back view thereof;
D13/154, 184, 199: 439/131, 166, 628, 101, FIG. 6 is a left side view thereof;
439/102,105,106, 108, 172,173, 174, 175, FIG. 7 is a right side view thereof; and
439/177,476.1, 578,583, 620.15, 620.17; FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view of the portion of FIG. 2
363/15, 146, 34; 307/151; 320/111, 114; identified by the line FIG. 8.
174/493, 494, 66, 67 FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
See application file for complete search history. the reconfigurable plug strip;
FIG. 10 is a top view thereof;
(56) References Cited FIG. 11 is a bottom view thereof;
FIG. 12 is a front view thereof;
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS FIG. 13 is a back view thereof;
5,292.257 A * 3/1994 Milan ........................... 439,214 FIG. 14 is a left side view thereof;
D381,315 S * 7/1997 Harold ...................... D13,139.4 FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof; and,
D401.220 S * 1 1/1998 Dwight et al. ... D13,139.6 FIG. 16 is an enlarged top view of the portion of FIG. 10
5,902,140 A * 5/1999 Cheung et al. ................ 439/139 identified by the line FIG. 16.
D416,860 S * 1 1/1999 Seiwert et al. ... D13,137.4 The broken lines immediately adjacent the shaded areas rep
D445,403 S * 7/2001 Veino et al. .................. D13,154 resent the bounds of the claimed design while all other broken
D507,237 S * 7/2005 Gregory ... D13,139.8 lines are directed to environment and are for illustrative pur
D514,067 S * 1/2006 Lee .......... D13,137.2
7.264,514 B2 * 9/2007 Hsu et al. ...................... 439,640 poses only; the broken lines form no part of the claimed
D556,689 S * 12/2007 Lee et al. . D13,139.1 design.
7488,204 B2* 2/2009 Hsu ... 439,535
D597,948 S * 8/2009 Bizzell ... D13,139.1 1 Claim, 12 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Mar. 12, 2013 Sheet 1 of 12 US D677,630 S

5





+-†}|;!W
'|-+~ |
=T
=
!#|x\,*{
p?–- \?–,*-–? –?-1W4
r=# N-s~
‘=+-* |i\{!
--|+q–~- { --|+W - \ri
{\#*-!}†~?);}Nt}|?i•Im ?<=- + =-TAR_–=-T>_:{–F

==
=#=
H
}
=
!!!|}=
=(=
—r-+| –—r- p]– -+

-!
----
-
---
---
--F,––)|- - \|–
A
Exhibit '
USOOD746234S
(12) Zien
United
et al.
States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D746,234 S
(45) Date of Patent: . Dec. 29, 2015
(54) RECONFIGURABLE PLUG STRIP OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(71) Applicant: Quirky, Inc., New York, NY (US) International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/
(72) Inventors: Jacob Daniel Zien, New York, NY (US); US2011/051522, mailed Feb. 28, 2012.
Jordan Dialto, New York, NY (US); (Continued)
Kate Sarah Vallon, Suffern, NY (US)
(73) Assignee: Quirky Incorporated, New York, NY Primary Examiner — Angela J Lee
(US) (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Cooley LLP
(**) Term: 14 Years
(21) Appl. No.: 29/445,582 (57) CLAM
(22) Filed: Feb. 13, 2013 The ornamental design for a reconfigurable plug strip, as
shown and described.
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Division of application No. 29/428,468, filed on Jul. DESCRIPTION
31, 2012, now Pat. No. Des. 677,630, which is a
division of application No. 29/394.436, filed on Jun. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the
16, 2011, now Pat. No. Des. 667,795, which is a first configuration of a reconfigurable plug strip;
continuation of application No. 13/095,167, filed on FIG. 2 is a top view thereof;
Apr. 27, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,262,399. FIG. 3 is a bottom view thereof;
(51) LOC (10) Cl. FIG. 4 is front view thereof;
(52) U.S. C. FIG. 5 is a back view thereof;
USPC ...................................................... D13A139.8 FIG. 6 left side view thereof;
(58) Field of Classification Search FIG. 7 is a right side view thereof; and
USPC ......... D13/137.1, 137.2, 137.3, 1374,138.1, FIG. 8 is an enlarged front perspective view of the portion of
D13/138.2, 139.1, 139.2, 139.3, 139.4, FIG. 1 identified by the line 8.
D13/139.5, 139.6, 139.7, 139.8, 101, 110, FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of
D13/123, 107, 108, 133,154, 184, 199 the first configuration of a reconfigurable plug strip;
CPC ............................ H01R 13/514; H01R 25/003 FIG. 10 is a top view thereof;
See application file for complete search history. FIG. 11 is a bottom view thereof;
FIG. 12 is front view thereof;
(56) References Cited FIG. 13 is a back view thereof;
FIG. 14 left side view thereof;
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS FIG. 15 is a right side view thereof; and,
2,134,355 A 7, 1934 Caldwell FIG.16 is an enlarged front perspective view of the portion of
3.437,976 A 4, 1969 Nelson FIG. 1 identified by the line 16.
The broken lines immediately adjacent the shaded areas rep
(Continued) resent the bounds of the claimed design while all other broken
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS lines are directed to environment and are for illustrative pur
poses only; the broken lines form no part of the claimed
DE 20313536 12/2003 design.
DE 102005046465 4/2007
EP O702433 3, 1996 1 Claim, 10 Drawing Sheets
US D746,234 S
Page 2
(56) References Cited D640,199 S 6, 2011 Wilson

8,011,930 B2 9, 2011 Lee et al.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 8,025,527 B1 9/2011 Draggie et al.
D651,174 S 12/2011 Le Clair
3,771,106 A 1 1/1973Matsumoto et al. 8,118,616Bl 2/2012 Clark
3,951.487 A 4, 1976Waldbrook 8, 157,574
B2 4/2012 Hsiao
4,583,798 A 4, 1986Blazowich D667,795 S 9/2012 Zien et al.
5,292.257 A 3, 1994Milan 8,262,399B1 9/2012 Zien et al.
5,484,299 A 1/1996 Schlessinger D677,630 S 3/2013 Zien et al.
D381,315 S 7, 1997 Harold D725,032 S * 3/2015 Demirjian et al. ........... D13/107
5,658,158 A * 8/1997 Milan ........................... 439,214 2002/0002593 A1* 1/2002 Ewing et al. .................. TO9,212
D401.220 S 11/1998 Dwight et al. 2005/0032396 A1 2/2005 Huang
5,902,140 A 5/1999 Cheung et al. 2006.0068608 A1 3/2006 McFadden
5,967,815. A 10/1999 Schlessinger et al. 2006/0234561 Al 10/2006 Tanaka
D416,860 S 11/1999 Seiwert et al. 2007/0178756 A1 8, 2007 Schriefer et al.
6,068,490 A 5/2000 Salzberg 2011/0084660 A1 4/2011 McSweyn
6,196,851 B1 3, 2001 Gerard et al. 2011/0097914 A1 4/2011 Lee et al.
6,229,107 B1 5, 2001 Flint et al. 2011/02O7351 A1 8, 2011 Hsiao
D445,403 S 7/2001 Veino et al. 2013,0023147 A1 1/2013 Zien et al.
6,786,743 B2 9/2004 Huang 2013,0102174 A1 4/2013 Brown et al.
6,793.499 B1 9, 2004 Chen 2013/0102194 A1* 4/2013 Long et al. ............... 439/620.21
6,862.403 B2 3/2005 Pedrotti et al. 2013/0300201 A1* 11/2013 Wu ................................. 307/82
D507,237 S 7/2005 Gregory 2014/0057488 A1* 2, 2014 HSu ....... 439,534
D514,067 S 1/2006 Lee 2014/0098.445 A1* 4/2014 Hooper ... 361/42
7,125,256 B2 10/2006 Gerard 2014/O187079 A1* 7, 2014 Zien et all 439,490
7,238,028 B2 7, 2007 Gerard 2014/0220813 A1* 8/2014 Nguyen ... 439,445
7,247,028 B2 7, 2007 Schriefer 2014/0256187 A1* 9/2014 Myong ... 439,652
7,255,582 B1 8, 2007 Liao 2014/0273567 A1* 9/2014 Huang etal ... 439,157
7,264,514 B2 9, 2007 Hsu et al. 2014/0292289 A1 * 10/2014 Gelonese ...................... 323,234
7,278,878
D556,689 S
B2 10/2007 Draggie et al.
12/2007 Lee et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
26 R 1858. int al. Office Action for Chinese Application No. 201220035403.6, dated
7488,204 B2 2/2009 Hsu Jul.18, 2012.
7,500,854 B23/2009 Gottstein Office Action for Chinese Application No. 201320033486.X. dated
7,510,420 B23, 2009 Mori Jun. 5, 2013.
D597,948 S 8, 2009 BiZZell Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/568,833, mailed Feb. 8, 2013.
7753,682 B27, 2010 Gerard Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/277,764, mailed Mar. 25, 2013.
7,771.239 B18, 2010 Hsiao Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 29/397,199, mailed Jun. 6, 2013.
7,811,136 B1
10/2010 Hsieh et al. International Search Report and Written Opinion for International
7,824, 185 B2
11/2010 Chien Application No. PCT/US2012/053871, mailed Nov. 29, 2012.
7,874,856 B1* 1/2011 Schriefer et al. .............. 439,214
D633,045 S 2/2011 Cullen et al. * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Dec. 29, 2015 Sheet 1 of 10 US D746,234 S

s s
I s iii.
L. I.
i *
EL13 L.
3 is
E. : C
-
i : a-t - - - - -
is . i
s
t
t 3.
- -i- - , s :
:
i i} :
f :
3. i
; :
st :
is . 'i .
is %.
f :
f 3
- -i- -
| :
; t :
f -- -- -
; :
i} . : !
2
* : )
-
t
i : . . . .
}
wir - - - - i- .
; : . .
i CD
'- s s:
!
i
ill
- - -
i
; : :
f : i l- - - - ,
; :
: : 3.
's : k
s It is g fi
-- --
: !
:} a
:: -- --
s 9
t : :
i
*
*
!
:: ! -- --
i :
t 3.
s 3.
3. :
---
e-a- - - i
{ !
) i.d :
-- - --






Exhibit (
Flexible Power Strip - Case 1:19-cv-01347 Document 1-7 Filed 02/12/19 Page 2 of 3 2/10/19, 9(04 PM
Products | Product Search | Terms & Conditions | Request A B2B Login | Login / Order Here
UL12-WH Flexible Power Strip
Finally a power strip designed for the flexibility you need. Four outlets can be positioned for maximum efficiency and can fit
plug bricks of all shapes and sizes. US only, 3 prong plug with ground. Amps: 15A, Voltage 125V, Gauge 14AWG/3C, 15A
circuit break switch for overload protection.
FLEXIBLE POWER STRIP
Qty Height(in) Width(in) Length(in) Weight(lb) UPC

Sku 1 1.5748 6.6929 8.0709 1.0472 612615079977
Inner Pack 6 5.5118 8.4646 13.7795 6.6138
Master Carton Info 24 11.811 14.1732 17.5197 27.56
Product:
UL12-WH
Flexible Power Strip
666 BROADWAY 4TH FL NEW YORK , NY 10012 | E INFO@KIKKERLAND.COM | P 212-678-2250 | F 212-678-6296 | WWW.KIKKERLAND.COM
Wholesale - Information & New Account Setup | Credits & Defectives | View Catalog | Locations & Contact | Mass Import | Help | Live Chat
https://www.kikkerlandstore.com/product.htm?Product=UL12-WH&Source=Search Page 1 of 2
Flexible Power Strip - Case 1:19-cv-01347 Document 1-7 Filed 02/12/19 Page 3 of 3 2/10/19, 9(04 PM
https://www.kikkerlandstore.com/product.htm?Product=UL12-WH&Source=Search Page 2 of 2

Quirky IP v. Kikkerland - Complaint

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Авторское право

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Quirky IP v. Kikkerland - Complaint

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Case 1:19-cv-01347 Document 1 Filed 02/12/19 Page 1 of 17

 !    !  

!$   

 !   

      

!  "!

 ,9:D@FCE92DDF3;64E>2EE6C;FC:D5:4E:@?AFCDF2?EE@ -+LL

 .6?F6:DAC@A6C7@C#:<<6C=2?56D:8?!?4F?56C -+L 

 '?646>36C 

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96

 J=6EE6C52E65%2C49 

! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9 %5)15

:?7C:?86E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  2=:E6C2==J@CF?56CE965@4EC:?6@7

6BF:G2=6?ED3J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @CD6==:?8:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C

36=:67)F:C<JQD:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  2:D@?8@:?8

9EEAD HHH#:<<6C=2?5DE@C64@> AC@5F4E9E>(C@5F4E-$ / +@FC46+62C49

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6DE96

36=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3:D@?8@:?8

#:<<6C=2?5QD52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QD

H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9 %5)15

@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3:D@?8@:?8

 #:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! 81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9 %5)15

@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96 (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3

 #:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! "81*3-1+)0)152*5,)9 %5)15

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L  3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L 3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L 2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

C62D@?23=6C@J2=EJEC63=652DAC@G:5653J -+L 

D 2G:5$ 649E

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,262,399 B1

(22) Filed: Apr. 27, 2011 (Continued)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 8,025,527 B1 * 9/2011 Draggie et al. ............... 439,535

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 1 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 2 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 3 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 4 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 5 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 6 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 7 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

U.S. Patent Sep. 11, 2012 Sheet 8 of 31 US 8,262,399 B1

! !

!$

!

! "!

,9:D@FCE92DDF3;64E>2EE6C;FC:D5:4E:@?AFCDF2?EE@-+LL

.6?F6:DAC@A6C7@C#:<<6C=2?56D:8?!?4F?56C-+L

'?646>36C

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96

J=6EE6C52E65%2C49

! 813-1+)0)1525,)9%5)15

:?7C:?86E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L2=:E6C2==J@CF?56CE965@4EC:?6@7

6BF:G2=6?ED3J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @CD6==:?8:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C

36=:67)F:C<JQD:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L2:D@?8@:?8

9EEAD HHH#:<<6C=2?5DE@C64@> AC@5F4E9E>(C@5F4E-$/ +@FC46+62C49

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@E96-?:E65+E2E6DE96

36=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3:D@?8@:?8

#:<<6C=2?5QD52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QD

H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! 813-1+)0)1525,)9%5)15

@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3:D@?8@:?8

#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P(2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

H:E9:?E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! 813-1+)0)1525,)9%5)15

@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96 (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3

#:<<6C=2?5<?6HE96P (2E6?E6I:DE65H9:=64@>>:EE:?8E967@C68@:?8

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P(2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

! "813-1+)0)1525,)9 %5)15

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L23J>2<:?8FD:?8@776C:?8E@D6==2?5 @C

>@C64=2:>D@7E96P (2E6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L33J24E:G6=J2?5<?@H:?8=J

C6A2:CAC@G:56CDE@>2<6FD6D6==2?5 @C@776CE@D6==:?E96-?:E65+E2E6D2?5 @C:>A@CE:?E@

:?7@C>2E:@?2?536=:67#:<<6C=2?5QD:?5F46>6?E@7:?7C:?86>6?EAFCDF2?EE@ -+L3

52>286DD9@F=536EC63=65AFCDF2?EE@ -+L3642FD6@7#:<<6C=2?5QDH:==7F=

E96>62?:?8@7 -+L2?56?E:E=:?8)F:C<JE@:EDC62D@?23=62EE@C?6JQD766D2?5

C62D@?23=6C@J2=EJEC63=652DAC@G:5653J -+L

D 2G:5$ 649E