Power distribution unit with interchangeable outlet adapter types

Abstract

A power distribution unit includes a printed circuit board, having a plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations, and a plurality of outlet adapters. Each outlet adapter has a user-facing outlet connector and a printed circuit board-facing inlet connector. The outlet connector of a first of the plurality of outlet adapters is different from the outlet connector of a second of the plurality of outlet adapters. The inlet connector of each outlet adapter includes terminals. The terminals of the inlet connector of the first of the plurality of outlet adapters are arranged in a terminal pattern that matches that of the terminals of the inlet connector of the second of the plurality of outlet adapters such that the first and the second outlet adapters are interchangeably attachable at any of the plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A power distribution unit comprising:
 a printed circuit board having a plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations; and   first and second outlet adapters, each of the first and second outlet adapters having a user-facing outlet connector and a printed circuit board-facing inlet connector;   wherein the outlet connector of the first outlet adapter has a connector type that is different from that of the outlet connector of the second outlet adapter;   wherein the inlet connector of each of the first and second outlet adapters includes male terminals arranged in a C20-type terminal pattern; and   wherein the first and second outlet adapters are interchangeably attachable at any of the plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board.   
     
     
         22 . The power distribution unit of  claim 21 , wherein the outlet connector of one of the first and second outlet adapters is a C13-type connector and the outlet connector of the other of the first and second outlet adapters is a C19-type connector. 
     
     
         23 . The power distribution unit of  claim 21 , wherein the printed circuit board includes eight outlet adapter receiving locations to accommodate eight outlet adapters. 
     
     
         24 . The power distribution unit of  claim 21 , further comprising a cover plate. 
     
     
         25 . The power distribution unit of  claim 24 , wherein the cover plate includes differently sized openings to accommodate outlet adapters of varying size. 
     
     
         26 . The power distribution unit of  claim 21 , wherein each outlet adapter receiving location of the printed circuit board has a set of female terminals arranged in a pattern. 
     
     
         27 . The power distribution unit of  claim 27 , wherein the terminal patterns of the outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board match one another. 
     
     
         28 . A power distribution unit comprising:
 a printed circuit board having a plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations;   first and second outlet adapters, each of the first and second outlet adapters having a user-facing outlet connector and a printed circuit board-facing inlet connector; and   a cover plate that includes a first opening to accommodate the first outlet adapter and a second opening to accommodate the second outlet adapter, the first opening having a size that is different than a size of the second opening;   wherein the outlet connector of one of the first and second outlet adapters is a C13-type connector and the outlet connector of the other of the first and second outlet adapters is a C19-type connector;   wherein the inlet connector of each of the first and second outlet adapters includes terminals arranged in a C20-type terminal pattern; and   wherein the first and second outlet adapters are interchangeably attachable at any of the plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board.   
     
     
         29 . The power distribution unit of  claim 28 , wherein the printed circuit board includes eight outlet adapter receiving locations to accommodate eight outlet adapters. 
     
     
         30 . The power distribution unit of  claim 28 , wherein each outlet adapter receiving location of the printed circuit board has a set of female terminals arranged in a pattern. 
     
     
         31 . The power distribution unit of  claim 30 , wherein the terminal patterns of the outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board match one another. 
     
     
         32 . A power distribution unit comprising:
 a printed circuit board having a plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations each comprised of a set of female terminals arranged in a matching pattern; and   first and second outlet adapters, each of the first and second outlet adapters having a user-facing outlet connector and a printed circuit board-facing inlet connector;   wherein the outlet connector of one of the first and second outlet adapters is a C13-type connector and the outlet connector of the other of the first and second outlet adapters is a C19-type connector; and   wherein the inlet connector of each of the first and second outlet adapters includes terminals arranged in a C20-type terminal pattern such that the first and second outlet adapters are interchangeably attachable at any of the plurality of outlet adapter receiving locations of the printed circuit board.   
     
     
         33 . The power distribution unit of  claim 32 , wherein the printed circuit board includes eight outlet adapter receiving locations to accommodate eight outlet adapters. 
     
     
         34 . The power distribution unit of  claim 32 , further comprising a cover plate. 
     
     
         35 . The power distribution unit of  claim 34 , wherein the cover plate includes differently sized openings to accommodate outlet adapters of varying size.