Ac power strip device having interchangeable control modules

Abstract

A power strip assembly may include a power strip having a housing that includes multiple sockets for receiving power plugs and that includes a connection interface. Multiple control modules are interchangeably attached to the connection interface, each configured to control a different function or functions with respect to the sockets. One such function may include providing timing for a period of time for which power is supplied to a socket. Another function may include to meter or record power consumed by respective sockets, or to provide remote control capability of the sockets. Multiple switches may be connected with respective sockets that determine whether the power strip or a connected control module controls a function with respect to the respective sockets. A control actuator may be connected with each switch, that when actuated, forces control to pass from the main power source to the control module.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power strip assembly, comprising:
 a power strip having a housing including multiple sockets for receiving power plugs, the housing also including a female connector having an internal block with opposing guide grooves and a ledge within each groove; and   a control module including a male connector for corresponding attachment with the female connector of the housing, the male connector having a connection interface including hooks configured to slide within the grooves and clamp onto the ledges, to connect the control module to the housing;   the control module further including a pair of tabs on opposing sides of the control module and connected to respective hooks, the tabs releasably engageable to disengage the hooks to disconnect the control module from the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The power strip assembly of  claim 1 , where the housing further comprises multiple switches each connected with a socket, the switches configured to switch function control with respect to the sockets between the power strip and the control module. 
     
     
         3 . The power strip assembly of  claim 2 , where the housing further comprises multiple control actuators connected with respective switches, the control actuators configured to, when activated, force the switches off and provide control with respect to the sockets to the connected control module. 
     
     
         4 . The power strip assembly of  claim 2 , where the control module further comprises control circuitry to control a function with respect to the multiple sockets, and where the internal block includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) receptacle connected with the multiple switches, and the connection interface includes a USB connector connectable to the USB receptacle, to provide connection between the control circuitry and the multiple switches. 
     
     
         5 . The power strip assembly of  claim 4 , where the USB receptacle is configured to supply power from the power strip to an electrical device connected to the USB receptacle to charge the electrical device. 
     
     
         6 . The power strip assembly of  claim 1 , where the internal block or the connection interface further comprises a spring-loaded plunger configured to push against the other of the internal block and the connection interface to separate the housing from the control module when the tabs are engaged. 
     
     
         7 . The power strip assembly of  claim 1 , where the control module is selected from the group consisting of a timer, a remote controller, a light sensor, a sound sensor, a power meter, a wireless control unit, a network controller, a dimmer and a power consumption recorder. 
     
     
         8 . The power strip assembly of  claim 1 , where the control module comprises a first control module, further comprising a second control module interchangeable with the first control module as connected to the housing, the second module comprising a control function different from that of the first control module.