Sept. 29, 1953 D, LANCELOT ' 2,654,074 MULTIPLE ELECTRIC PLUG RECEPTACLE Filed Oct. 7, 1950 ‘ INVENTOR. Daniel Lancelot. ,4? ATTORNEY; Patented Sept. 29, 1.953 2,654,074 UNITED STATES PATENT‘ OFFICE 2,654,074 MULTIPLE ELECTRIC PLUG RECEPTACLE Daniel Lancelot, Pittsburgh, Pa. Application October 7, 1950, Serial No. 189,005 4 Claims. (01. 339-76) 1 This invention relates generally to electrical plug receptacles and more in particular to a plug receptacle which may be plugged into a standard ?ush mounted plug receptacle forming a perma nent part of the wiring of a building. Numerous variations of plug-in types of plug receptacles are available for multiplying plug-in facilities at a particular plug receptacle. In plug-in plug receptacle of Fig. 1; most of these, the plug-in receptacle comprises spectively, of Fig. 2. receptacle embodying the principles of this in vention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the plug-in plug receptacle of Fig. 1; and Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are, respectively, sectional views taken on the lines IV-IV, V—V and VI—-VI, re . a housing of electrical insulating material having 10 The several illustrations of the drawing illus plug receptacles, in several of the faces thereof, trate a preferred embodiment of this invention connected to a pair of protruding prongs adapted designed for plug-in connection to a standard to plug into a standard ?ush mounted receptacle. double ?ush mounted plug receptacle of the type Usually three, and sometimes more, plug recep permanently wired into a wiring system. These 15 tacles are provided in the faces of the plug-in standard plug receptacles are usually placed in a unit. Thus the facilities of a single outlet, by wall of a building, in keeping with the electrical such an expedient, are increased at least three code, and are mounted in metal boxes, secured fold. Thus a concentration, for example, of to the building frame in such a position that the household electrical devices such as appliances edges de?ning the open end of the box are sub and portable lighting units may be conveniently stantially at the ?nished surface of the wall. handled. Such a box is not shown in the interest of sim The mechanics of such an arrangement how plicity. The standard plug receptacle is ?tted ever, are poor. The entire mechanical load hangs into the box and secured thereto by means of on the prongs of the plug-in plug receptacle and screws (not shown). In the case of a double after a short period of time, mechanical failure plug receptacle, as l (or duplex convenience out of the ?ush mounted plug receptacle occurs. let as it is sometimes known), when mounted in ,Since this last-named receptacle is essentially, a the box, each plug receptacle face 2 protrudes permanent part of the wiring system, its replace about one-eighth of an inch beyond the wall ment is a matter of some consequence. Plug-in surface. A cover plate 3 of rectangular plan receptacles of this type, therefore, do not repre forming having a pair of openings therein neatly sent an adequate solution to the problem. ?tting about the edges of the faces of the plug One object of this invention is to provide a receptacles covers the box opening and seats plug-in type of plug receptacle which may be against the wall. In practice, a cover plate securely mechanically attached to a standard mounting screw clears through the cover plate ?ush mounted plug receptacle forming a perma and threads into a threaded hole in the plug re nent part of a wiring system. ceptacle between the plug receptacle faces to se More in particular it is an object of this inven cure the cover plate in position. Alternatively tion to provide a plug-in type of plug receptacle some standard receptacles may require the use: having two pairs of plug connectors for plug-in of two screws in mounting the cover plate. connection with a standard double plug recep The present invention contemplates establishtacle of the ?ush mounted type wherein provi ing electrical connections in the two plug recep sion is had for securely mechanically attaching tacles of a standard double plug receptacle, for a. the plug-in plug receptacle to the standard plug plurality of plug receptacles in a single insulating receptacle. block and securing'the assembly in position by a. It is also an object of this invention to provide screw or screws as required clearing through the plug-in plug receptacles of the character re plug receptacle block and threadedly engaging ferred to in the preceding objects with a plu the threaded hole in the standard double plug rality of plug receptacles therein. receptacle. ’ The foregoing statements are merely illustra In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the insulating receptacle tive of the various aims and objects of this in 50 base or housing is designated 5 and is provided vention. Other objects and advantages will be with four plug receptacles 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d which come apparent upon a study of the following-dis are grouped in pairs on opposite sides of alongi closure when considered in conjunction with the tudinal center line through the base. In Fig. 1, accompanying drawing, in which: the position of the standard double plug recep Fig. 1 is a plan view of a plug-in type of plug 55 ‘tacle is indicated by the individual plug recep 2,654,074 3 4 connections may be extended to include any standard receptacle cover plate 3 is also indi cated in dotted outline. As will be seen from the bottom view of Fig. 3, the plug-in type of plug receptacle of this invention is provided with two pairs of plug prongs ‘la, ‘lb and 8a, 8b, respec tively, which are suitably spaced along the base in correspondence with the spacing of the prong receiving openings 9 01' the standard double plug receptacle I. ' ' . illustrated, it will be appreciated that the parallel tacle 2', in dotted outline, and the position of the number of plug receptacles within practical lim its. Although the present design has been made to straddle the cover plate 3 for the standard re ceptacle I so that the cover plate need not be removed, it will be appreciated that other designs may be made which are exactly the size of the 10 The prongs 1a, 1b, 8a and 8b may be an integral standard double receptacle cover plate, removal of the cover plate being optional. In any event. the unit is preferably of such a size as to com pletely cover the standard receptacle and its mounting box as does the standard cover plate. part of, or otherwise suitably joined to, a plurality of current carrying strips secured in suitable It will be appreciated that numerous variations connections to the respective plug receptacles ‘6a 15 in ~design details with regard to the con?guration of parts'ahd the location of the plug receptacles through 6d. To this end, prong la is integrally oi plugein ~?xture may be had without de formed with strip ‘(c which egtends between the cavities in the insulating basc 5 to prgvide circuit parting ‘from the spirit and scope of this inven prong-receiving openings [0 and H of the plug tion. Accordingly, it is intended that the fore receptacles 6c and 611, respectively. Prong 1b is an integral part of a u-shaped metal strip 1d, 20 going disclosure and the illustrations of the being formed at the the of the shed leg thereaf drawings shall be considered only as illustrative “Pound the Pl?“ 1‘? {$11.9 1W8 léig 0f the U-shaped member straddles the prpngerepeiying ’1 claim: 1. An electrical convenience outlet unit for at 95th? mil-9.1.9165 hi this invention The ‘ bi'glit of the’ U-shaped strip 1d extends openings .1? and '13 9f P1145 receptacles 6? and 5d, 25 tachment to a standard builtfin, flush mounted, convenience outlet having two conventional plug receptacles and at least one threaded hole for receiving a cover plate mounting screw, compris ing, in combination, a base of electrical insulating I2 adjacent one side thereof (see Fig. 5‘) to slid sbly engage the prongs 0? a sthhdard plug @011 30' material, two pairs of metal bayonet prongs ?tted and secured in said base in positions to plug into n?ctol‘ to .be plugged WQ'QP- lirehgereeeivins the two conventional plug receptacles, respec openings II and ‘I’; have similar contact strips respectively. Contact strips ‘bio and ‘if, which may be an integral Part of ships 7!; and 1d. re speh?vely, Project upwardly hit? epehinss 1? and tiveiy; a metal strip connected to one prong of one of said pairs of prongs and secured in said (not shown), integrally formed with strips 1,0 and 1.11, ?tted therein. $t'rips t9 eh? Pd, renewed ing, respectively to strips 1? and .ld, are integrally 35 formed with prongs .811 ehd {lb and each is pre vided with contact strips projecting into prong receiving openings “[15; i6 and 11. Contact strips Bev and 8/‘ which are integrally iorrned with strips _8c and 8d are shown in Fig. ‘5 intheir re spective positions in érohg-reeeivihg ol?mllgs, U and 1.6 .of plug receptacle ta. [l‘ihis construction whhecis 151118" receptacles W .hhd B1? in parallel and connects. P1148 r§9¢PP§i°1¢S 5c @4115 W in Paral lel. doubling the Plus receptacle capacity of the standard double plug receptacle 1. As earlier ‘ cf the strips ‘[0, 1d and 8c, 8d are disposed in suitable cavities in the base or housing.§. $uitable means for securing these strips in the base is represented in the mounting'tabs l8 integrally formed with the re, spective strips secured to the base by screws f9 which clear therethrough and threaded-1y en gage the base. The details of this mounting ap: base, a second metal strip corresponding to the ?rst-mentioned metal strip secured to a prong .of the other pair of prongs positioned diagonally op~ posite said ?rstementioned prong, said second metal strip being secured in said base in a 40 45 position substantially paralleling and oppo site to said ?rst-mentioned metal strip, metal strips connected to the remaining prong of each pair of prongs and secured in said base in paral lel spaced relation with the metal strip connected to the other prong of that pair forming spaced pairs of metal strips, said base having spaced pairs ‘of openings therethrough into said spaced pairs of metal strips for permitting the entrance ofthe prongs ,of standard electrical plugs into en 5,0 gagement-with the respective pairs-of metal strips, whereby a plurality of parallel connections is at forded with each pair of metal strips, and a mounting screw clearing through said base and adapted to engage the threaded ‘hole in the stand bottom of this plug-in 55 ard convenience .outletto secure said base over the pear in Figs. 3 ‘and 6. type of Plug receptacle is covered with a sheet of material of electrical insulating material ‘29 (not standard convenience outlet. 2. ' electrical convenience outlet .unit for at shown in 3) to insnlatedly enclose the metal strips ‘Ic, 1d, 8c and go. la, 1b, 8a .and 81) tachrnent to a standard built-in, ?ush mounted, convenience outlet having two conventional plug project through suitable openings in this sheet 20. In the illustrated embodiment -_a marginal skirt receptacles and at least‘ one threaded hole for receiving a'cover plate mounting screw, compris ing, ‘in combination, a base of electrical insulat ing material, two pairs .of metal bayonet prongs 2| is provided, the bottom edges of which engage the finished wall surface and space the unit a su?icient distance from the wall surface to clear ?tted and secured in said base in positions to the faces of plug receptacles 2 .of the standard plug into the two conventional plug receptacles, double plug receptacle. The unit is securely mounted .to the standard plug receptacle _4 by a respectively; a metal strip connected to one prong of one of said pairs of .prongs and secured in screw 22 which‘ clears through the insulating base said base, a second metal strip corresponding to the ?rst-mentioned metal strip secured to a or how 5 has thmhsls-ihtothethrehdedho1e in standard plug rcqeptacle l which normally rev 70 prong of the other pair of prongs located in a position diagonally opposite said ?rst-mentioned ceives the ‘cover plate ‘screw. affording a strong mechanical connection completely relieuing the prongs in the plug receptacle in through 5d of prong, said second metal strip being secured in said base in a position substantially parallelling and opposite to said ?rst-mentioned meal strip, mechanical load. ‘ While We Page 9; 19.1115 reqeptacles have been 75 metal strips connected to the remaining prong 2,054,074 5 6 of each pair of prongs and secured in said base in parallel spaced relation with the metal strip connected to the other prong of 'that pair forming spaced pairs of metal strips, said base having spaced pairs of openings therethrough into said ard convenience outlet to secure said base over standard convenience outlet to secure said base over said standard convenience outlet, said base one of said pairs of prongs and secured in said. base, a second metal strip corresponding to the ?rst-mentioned metal strip secured to a prong of the other pair of prongs located in a position diagonally opposite said ?rst mentioned prong, a ?rst U-shaped metal strip having a long leg and a short leg, said short leg being connected ad the standard convenience outlet. 4. An electrical convenience outlet unit for at tachment to a standard built-in, ?ush mounted, convenience outlet, having two conventional plug spaced pairs of metal strip for permitting the receptacles and at least one threaded hole for entrance of the prongs of standard electrical plugs receiving a cover plate mounting screw, compris into engagement with the respective pairs of ing, in combination, a base of electrical insulat metal strips, whereby a plurality of parallel con ing material, two pairs of metal bayonet prongs nections is aiTorded with each pair of metal strips, 10 ?tted and secured in said base in positions to plug and a mounting screw clearing through said base into the two conventional plug receptacles, respec and adapted to engage the threaded hole in the tively; a metal strip connected to one prong of including a portion having marginal edges suf? cient to completely cover the standard conven ience outlet. 3. An electrical convenience outlet unit for at tachment to a standard built-in, flush mounted, convenience outlet having two conventional plug 20 jacent its extremity to the remaining prong of receptacles and at least one threaded hole for said one pair of prongs and the long leg thereof receiving a cover plate mounting screw, compris being secured in said base in a position paralleling and spaced from the ?rst-mentioned metal strip ing, in combination, a base of electrical insulat ing material, two pairs of metal bayonet prongs forming one pair of spaced metal strips, a second U-shaped metal strip having a long leg and a ?tted and secured in said base in positions to plug into the two conventional plug receptacles, short leg, the short leg of the second U-shaped respectively; a metal strip connected to one prong metal strip being connected to the remaining of one of said pairs of prongs and secured in prong of the other pair of metal prongs and the said base, a second metal strip corresponding to long log thereof being secured in said base in the ?rst-mentioned metal strip secured to a prong 30 a position paralleling and spaced from said sec of the other pair of prongs located in a posi ond metal strip forming a second pair of spaced tion diagonally opposite said ?rst-mentioned metal strips, said base having spaced pairs of prong, a ?rst U-shaped metal strip having a long openings into said spaced pairs of metal strips leg and a short leg, said short leg being con for permitting the entrance of the prongs of nected adjacent its extremity of the remaining 35 standard electrical plugs into engagement with prong of said one pair of prongs and the long the respective pairs of metal strips whereby a leg thereof being secured in said base in a posi plurality of parallel connections is afforded with tion parallelling and spaced from. the ?rst-men each pair of metal strips, and a mounting screw tioned metal strip forming one pair of spaced clearing through said base and adapted to engage metal strips, a second U-shaped metal strip hav 40 the threaded hole in the standard convenience ing a long leg and a short leg, the short leg of outlet to secure said base over the standard con the second U-shaped metal strip being connected venience outlet, said base including a portion hav to the remaining prong of the other pair of metal ing marginal edges sufficient to completely cover prongs and the long leg thereof being secured the standard convenience outlet, in said base in a position parallelling and spaced DANIEL LANCELOT. from said second metal strip forming a second pair of spaced metal strips, said base having References Cited in the ?le of this patent spaced pairs of openings into said spaced pairs of UNITED STATES PATENTS metal strips for permitting the entrance of the Number Name Date prongs of standard electrical plugs into engage 1,717,836 Conner _________ __ June 18, 1929 ment with the respective pairs of spaced metal 2,299,617 Eisenberg ________ __ Oct. 20, 1942 strips whereby a plurality of parallel connections 2,454,024 Alemaghides ______ __ Nov. 16, 1948 are afforded with each pair of metal strips, and 2,462,756 Leopold _________ __ Feb. 22, 1949 a mounting screw clearing through said base and Bonham ________ __ Nov. 29, 1949 adapted to engage the threaded hole in the stand 55 2,489,741