Accessory outlet apparatus

Abstract

An accessory outlet apparatus includes a main body, a lighter unit including a coil provided at the main body to receive electricity to heat the coil, one or more power outlets provided at the main body to receive electricity and to provide power to external devices plugged into the one or more power outlets, and a control unit to control a supply of the electricity to the lighter unit and to the one or more power outlets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 11/106,547, filed Apr. 15, 2005, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present general inventive concept relates to an accessory outlet apparatus, and more particularly, to an accessory outlet apparatus with a coil type heated lighter that provides power to external devices and allows a user to light a smoking implement when access to a personal lighting device is not available.

2. Description of the Related Art

Due to growing public health concerns, smoking in public areas is generally limited to designated smoking areas. However, smoke odors and smoke pollution are not always contained in the designated smoking areas. Accordingly, it is desirable to reduce the smoke odors and smoke pollution occurring in and around the designated smoking areas.

In light of recent security concerns, many public areas do not permit personal sources of heat, ignition, or fire, including cigarette lighters and matches. This is inconvenient for smokers because it prevents smoking even in the designated smoking areas. Accordingly, it is desirable to allow smokers to light smoking implements (i.e. cigarettes, cigars, etc.) without the use of a personal lighting device.

Also, it is difficult for a person having a personal electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a cellular telephone, a portable listening device, and the like, to charge or supply power to the personal electronic device in public areas due to a lack of conveniently located electrical outlets. Furthermore, many public areas do not have the necessary types of outlets to charge or supply power to various types of these personal electronic devices. Accordingly it is desirable to provide conveniently located outlets of various types in public areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept provides an apparatus that allows a user to light a smoking implement, such as a cigarette, a cigar, etc., when the user does not have access to a personal lighting device.

The present general inventive concept also provides an apparatus that allows a user to conveniently charge and/or apply power to a personal electronic device.

The present general inventive concept also provides an apparatus that allows a user to conveniently connect a personal electronic device to the internet.

Additional aspects of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are achieved by providing an accessory outlet apparatus, including a main housing, a power supply housing separated from the main housing, a lighter unit including a coil provided at the main housing to receive a voltage to heat the coil, and a power supply unit provided in the power supply housing to receive electricity from an external power source, to convert the received electricity into a voltage compatible with the lighter unit, and to transmit the compatible voltage to the lighter unit to heat the coil.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are also achieved by providing an accessory outlet apparatus, including a main body, a lighter unit including a coil provided at the main body to receive electricity to heat the coil, one or more power outlets provided at the main body to receive electricity and to provide power to external devices plugged into the one or more power outlets, and a control unit to control a supply of the electricity to the lighter unit and to the one or more power outlets.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are also achieved by providing an accessory outlet apparatus, including a main body, a lighter including a coil attached to the main body to receive electricity to heat the coil, one or more internet connection ports provided at the main body to connect external devices plugged into the one or more internet connection ports to the internet, and a control unit to selectively supply the electricity to the lighter and to selectively connect the internet connection ports to the internet.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are also achieved by providing an accessory outlet apparatus, including a lighter unit including a coil to receive a DC voltage to heat the coil, at least one DC outlet to receive the DC voltage, to accommodate a first type of plug, and to transfer the received DC voltage to an external device through the first type of plug, at least one AC outlet to receive an AC voltage from an external power source, to accommodate a second type of plug, and to transfer the received AV voltage to an external device through the second type of plug, and at least one internet connection port to communicate with the internet, to accommodate a third type of plug, and to connect an external device to the internet through the third type of plug.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are also achieved by providing an accessory outlet system, including a plurality of accessory outlet stations, each comprising a lighter unit to light a smoking implement, one or more DC outlets to provide DC power to external devices, one or more AC outlets to provide AC power to external devices, and one or more internet connection ports to connect external devices to the internet, and a kiosk connected to the plurality of accessory outlet stations to control a supply of electricity and an internet access capability of each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations.

The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present general inventive concept are also achieved by providing an accessory outlet system, including a plurality of accessory outlet stations, each comprising a lighter unit to light a smoking implement, one or more DC outlets to provide DC power to external devices, one or more AC outlets to provide AC power to external devices, one or more internet connection ports to connect external devices to the internet, and a credit card reader, and a main controller, connected to the plurality of accessory outlet stations to control a supply of electricity and an internet access capability of each of electricity and an internet access capability of each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations.

The lighter unit may also be used as an additional DC outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a smoking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and

FIG. 2 is an interior view illustrating the smoking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating accessory outlet apparatuses separately housing a lighter and a power supply unit according to various embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

FIGS. 5-14 are views illustrating accessory outlet apparatuses with self-contained power supply units according to various embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an accessory outlet station according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an accessory outlet system according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present general inventive concept while referring to the figures.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a smoking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the smoking apparatus includes a main body 1, a door 2 disposed at a side portion of the main body 1 to access an interior portion of the main body 1, a smokeless ashtray 5 provided at an upper surface of the main body 1, at least one lighter 6 provided at the upper surface of the main body 1, a coin machine 9 to accept coins and activate the smokeless ashtray 5 and the lighter 6, and a bill acceptor 8 to accept bills and activate the smokeless ashtray 5 and the lighter 6. The smoking apparatus can be connected to an external power source, such as a wall outlet, to supply power to the smokeless ashtray 5, the lighter 6, the coin machine 9, and the bill acceptor 8. The smoking apparatus can further include a transformer 10 to convert the power supplied from the external power source into a power compatible with the lighter 6. The smokeless ashtray 5 can be an ashtray with an electric fan drawing smoke through a filter 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the main body 1 can be provided in the form of a box, and can have the dimensions of 5″×15″×18″ in order to fit conveniently on a wall in public places. However the present general inventive concept is not limited to this configuration, and the main body 1 may be provided in any shape or size that is convenient to a user or a location of use.

The coin machine 9 includes a coin slot 3 opened at an outer surface of the main body 1 and a coin reject button 4 protruding from the outer surface of the main body. The user can insert coins into the coin slot 3 and can retrieve the coins inserted into the coin slot 3 by pressing the coin reject button 4 if the coins have not been accepted. The coin machine 9 counts the coins inserted into the coin slot 3 and provides a closed circuit for electricity to flow to the smokeless ashtray 5 from the external power source and to the lighter 6 from the transformer 10 when a predetermined amount of currency has been inserted. The coin machine 9 stores the coins inserted into the coin slot 3 and is accessible through the door 2.

The bill acceptor 8 includes a bill slot opened at an outer surface of the main body 1 to insert bills therein. The bill acceptor 8 counts the bills inserted into the bill slot and provides a closed circuit for electricity to flow to the smokeless ashtray 5 from the external source and to the lighter 6 from the transformer 10 when the predetermined amount of currency has been inserted. The bill acceptor 8 stores the bills inserted in the bill slot and is accessible through the door 2.

The lighter 6 is provided at the upper surface of the main body 1 and contains coils (not shown) to allow the user to light a smoking implement (i.e., a cigarette, a cigar, etc.). The lighter 6 is attached to the main body 1 by a security chain 7 to prevent the lighter 6 from being removed from the smoking apparatus, and wiring to provide electricity to the coils of the lighter 6. The lighter 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, can include an automobile type lighter having the coils that heat up to light the smoking implement, and a lighter port to accommodate the automobile style lighter. The lighter port is a 12 volt power source to supply the electricity to the coils of the automobile type lighter when the automobile type lighter is pressed into the lighter port.

The transformer 10 receives the power supplied by the external power source and outputs a 12 volt direct current signal to the lighter port. For example, when the external power source is the wall outlet, the transformer 10 receives one of a 110 volt alternating current signal and a 220 volt alternating current signal from the wall outlet depending on local specifications of the wall outlet, converts the received alternating current signal into the 12 volt direct current signal, and transmits the 12 volt direct current signal to the lighter port.

The smokeless ashtray 5 includes an air filter 11 to filter smoke emitted from the smoking implement of the user. The smokeless ashtray 5 controls elements, such as smoke odors and pollution, caused by the smoking implement to reduce the impact of these elements on a nonsmoker.

The user can activate the smoking apparatus by inserting coins into the coin slot 3 of the coin machine 9 or inserting bills into the bill slot of the bill acceptor 8. When the user inserts the coins into the coin slot 3, the coin machine 9 receives and counts the coins, when a predetermined amount of currency is calculated, the coin machine 9 provides a closed circuit between the external power source and the smokeless ashtray 5 and between the transformer 10 and the lighter 6 to activate the smokeless ashtray 5 and the lighter 6, respectively. Similarly, when the user inserts the bills into the bill slot of the bill acceptor 8, the bill acceptor 8 counts the bills, and when the predetermined amount of currency is calculated, the bill acceptor provides a closed circuit between the external power source and the smokeless ashtray 5 and between the transformer 10 and the lighter 6 to activate the smokeless ashtray 5 and the lighter 6, respectively.

When the coin machine 9 or the bill acceptor 8 provides the closed circuit between the transformer 10 and the lighter 6, electricity flows to the lighter 6 for a first predetermined amount of time to allow the user to operate the lighter 6 to light a smoking implement. For example, when the lighter 6 includes the automobile type lighter and the lighter port, electricity flows to the lighter port for the first predetermined amount of time, the lighter port supplies power to the coils of the lighter 6 for an amount of time long enough to heat up the coils, and the user lights the smoking implement from the heated coils.

When the coin machine 9 or the bill acceptor 8 provides the closed circuit between the external power source and the smokeless ashtray 5, electricity flows to the smokeless ashtray 5 for a second predetermined amount of time to operate the smokeless ashtray such that the smoke odors and pollution are drawn into the smokeless ashtray 5 and filtered while the user smokes the smoking implement. The electricity flows from the external source to the smokeless ashtray 5 for the second predetermined amount of time, which in turn operates the air filter 11 for the second predetermined amount of time.

Although the smoking apparatus is described above as being activated by the user inserting currency into the coin slot 3 or the bill acceptor 8, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. The smoking apparatus can alternatively operate without inserting money therein. For example, the smoking apparatus can be configured as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but set to bypass the coin machine 9 and the bill acceptor 8, or the smoking apparatus can be configured without the coin machine 9 and the bill acceptor 8.

When the smoking apparatus operates without accepting currency, the lighter 6 can be operable at all times to allow the user to light the smoking implement. For example, when the lighter 6 includes the automobile style lighter and the lighter port, the coils of the lighter 6 heat up whenever the lighter 6 is pushed into the lighter port. The smokeless ashtray 5 can operate continuously to allow the user to smoke the smoking implement at any time. Alternatively, the smokeless ashtray 5 can be activated according to a signal sent from the lighter 6 when the lighter 6 is operated, and operate for a predetermined amount of time to allow the user to smoke the smoking implement.

According to another embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the smoking apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 can alternatively be configured without the smokeless ashtray 5. With this configuration, the lighter 6 can be activated by the coin machine 9 and the bill acceptor 8, as described above, or the lighter 6 can be activated by a switch, or the like, such that the user does not require currency to operate the lighter 6.

As described above, a smoking apparatus according to the present general inventive concept allows a user to light a smoking implement when the user does not have access to a personal lighting device.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate accessory outlet apparatuses separately housing a lighter and a power supply unit according to various embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 3, an accessory outlet apparatus includes a main housing 100 and a power supply housing 110 separated from the main housing 100. The main housing 100 can be shaped such that the main housing 100 can be accommodated on an arm rest of a chair. For example, the main housing 100 can have a predetermined shape corresponding to an arm rest of various types of chairs in order to be coupled thereto. However, the main housing 100 is not limited to having a shape corresponding to an armrest of a chair, and may have any shape convenient to a location of use. Alternatively, the main housing 100 may be free standing or attached to another support such as a wall, and the power supply may not be located inside the main housing 100.

A lighter 102 is provided at the main housing 100. The lighter 102 contains heating coils to allow the user to light a smoking implement (i.e., a cigarette, a cigar, etc.). The lighter 102 can be attached to the main housing 100 by a security chain (not shown) to prevent the lighter 102 from being removed from the main housing 100, and the main housing 100 includes wiring to provide a voltage to the coils of the lighter 102. The lighter 102 can include an automobile type lighter having the coils that heat up to light the smoking implement and a lighter port to accommodate the automobile style lighter. The lighter port can be a 12 volt power source to supply the voltage to the coils of the automobile type lighter when the automobile type lighter is pressed into the lighter port.

A power supply unit 112 is provided in the power supply housing 110. The power supply unit 112 in the power supply housing 110 is electrically connected to the lighter 102 in the main housing 100 through the wiring of the main housing 100 to supply the voltage to the lighter 102, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The power supply unit 112 may include a transformer to convert electricity supplied by an external power source 130 into a voltage compatible with the lighter 102. For example, the power supply unit 112 can receive an alternating current (AC) signal from the external power source 130, convert the AC signal into a 12 volt direct current (DC) signal, and transmit the 12 volt DC signal to the lighter port of the lighter 102.

The external power source 130 can be an electrical outlet outputting an alternating current signal according to local specifications, but is not limited thereto. For example the external power source 130 can output one of a 110 volt AC signal (United States) and a 220 volt AC signal (Europe). The power supply unit 112 can receive and convert the AC signal output from the external power source 130 according to the local specifications.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3 can further include a DC port 104 provided at the main housing 100 to output the voltage converted by the power supplying unit 112. For example, when the power supply unit 112 converts the AC signal received from the external power source 130 into the 12 volt direct current signal, the power supply unit 112 transmits the 12 volt DC signal to the lighter 102 and to the DC port 104 through the wiring of the main housing 100. The DC port 104 can have a predetermined shape, such as an automobile style DC port, to accommodate a plug of an external device and to supply a voltage to the external device. For example, the DC port 104 can be used to charge and/or power a cellular telephone, a laptop computer, a portable listening device, etc.

FIGS. 5-14 illustrate accessory outlet apparatuses with self-contained power supply units according to various additional embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5, an accessory outlet apparatus can include a housing 200, a lighter 202 provided at a surface of the housing 200, and a power supply unit 204 installed within the housing 200. The housing 200 can have a predetermined shape to be installed at a predetermined surface. For example, the housing 200 can have a shape corresponding to an armrest of a specific type of chair to be installable on an armrest of the specific type of chair.

The lighter 202 contains heating coils to allow the user to light a smoking implement (i.e., a cigarette, a cigar, etc.). The lighter 202 can be attached to the main housing 200 by a security chain (similar to that illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1) to prevent the lighter 202 from being removed from the main housing 200, and the main housing 200 includes wiring to provide a voltage to the coils of the lighter 202. The lighter 202 can include an automobile type lighter having coils that heat up to light the smoking implement and a lighter port to accommodate the automobile style lighter. The lighter port can be a 12 volt power source to supply voltage to the coils of the automobile type lighter when the automobile type lighter is pressed into the lighter port.

The power supply unit 204 is electrically connected to the lighter 202 through the wiring to supply the voltage to the lighter 202. The power supply unit 112 may include a transformer to convert electricity received from an external power source 230 into a voltage compatible with the lighter 202. For example, the power supply unit 204 can receive an alternating current (AC) signal from the external power source 230, convert the AC signal into a 12 volt direct current (DC) signal, and transmit the 12 volt DC signal to the lighter port of the lighter 202.

The external power source 230 can be an electrical outlet outputting an alternating current signal according to local specifications, but is not limited thereto. For example the external power source 230 can output one of a 110 volt AC signal (United States) and a 220 volt AC signal (Europe). The power supply unit 204 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 and can receive and convert the AC signal output from the external power source 230 according to the local specifications.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 6, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 5 can further include a currency acceptor 210 to accept currency from a user and to activate the lighter 202. The currency acceptor 210 can include a coin machine and/or a bill acceptor. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the currency acceptor 210 is electrically connected to and powered by the external power source 230, and the power supply unit 204 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 through the currency acceptor 210.

When the currency acceptor 210 receives a predetermined amount of currency, the currency acceptor 210 provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the power supply unit 204 for a predetermined amount of time, and electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the power supply unit 204 for the predetermined amount of time. The power supply unit 204 converts the electricity flowing from the external power source 230 to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 for the predetermined amount of time.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 7, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 5 can further include a credit card reader 220 to read a credit card of a user and to activate the lighter 202. The credit card reader can include a swiping unit (not shown) to read credit card information from a magnetic strip on a credit card and/or a keypad (not shown) to allow the user to input the credit card information. The credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information read in through the swiping unit or input through the keypad through a communication line. The communication line can be a phone line, an internet connection, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the credit card reader 220 is electrically connected to and powered by the external power source 230, and the power supply unit 204 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 through a controller that is also connected to the credit card reader 220.

When the credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information through the communication line, the credit card reader 220 charges an amount to the credit card of the user and provides a closed circuit between the power supply unit 204 and the external power source 230 for an amount of time determined according to the amount charged to the credit card. Accordingly, electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the power supply unit for the determined amount of time. The power supply unit 204 converts the electricity flowing from the external power source 230 to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 for the determined amount of time.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 8, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 5 can further include a DC outlet 206 to output the voltage converted by the power supply unit 204. For example, when the power supply unit 204 converts the AC signal into the 12 volt DC signal, the power supply unit 204 transmits the 12 volt DC signal to the lighter 202 and to the DC outlet 206 through the wiring of the housing 200. The DC outlet 206 can have a predetermined shape, such as an automobile style DC port, to accommodate a plug of an external device to supply DC power to the external device. For example, the DC outlet 206 can be used to charge and/or power a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable listening device, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 9, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 8 can further include one or more AC outlets 208 to output the AC signal output from the external power source 230. The AC outlets 208 are electrically connected to the external power source 230 and output the AC signal according to the local specifications. For example, the AC outlets 208 can output one of the 110 volt AC signal (United States code) and the 220 volt AC signal (Europe code). The AC outlets 208 are shaped to accommodate a type of plug corresponding to the local specifications. The AC outlets 208 can be used to charge and/or power various electronic devices, such as laptop computers, cellular telephones, etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 10, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9 can further include a currency acceptor 210 to accept currency from a user and a controller 240 to activate the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, and the AC outlets 208 when the currency acceptor 210 receives a predetermined amount of currency. The currency acceptor 210 can include a coin machine and/or a bill acceptor to receive coins and/or bills, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the controller 240 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 and the currency acceptor 210, the power supply unit 204, and the AC outlets 208 are electrically connected to the external power source 230 through the controller 240.

The controller 240 can provide a closed circuit between the currency acceptor 210 and the external power source 230 such that electricity flows from the external power source 230 and powers the currency acceptor 210. When the currency acceptor 210 receives the predetermined amount of currency, the currency acceptor 210 sends an activation signal to the controller 240. When the controller 240 receives the activation signal, the controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the AC outlets 208 and provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the power supply unit 204 for a predetermined amount of time. Accordingly, electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the AC outlets 208 and to the power supply unit 204 for the predetermined amount of time. When the electricity flows to the power supply unit 204, the power supply unit converts the electricity to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 and to the DC outlet 206 for the predetermined amount of time. Therefore, a user can use the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, and the AC outlets 208 for the predetermined amount of time.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 11, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9 can further include a credit card reader 220 to read a credit card of a user and a controller 240 to activate the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, and the AC outlets 208 when the credit card reader 220 reads the credit card of the user. The credit card reader 220 can include a swiping unit (not shown) to read credit card information from a magnetic strip on a credit card and/or a keypad (not shown) to allow the user to input the credit card information. The credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information read in through the swiping unit or input through the keypad through a communication line. The communication line can be a phone line, an internet connection, or the like, and the credit card reader 224 can be connected to the communication line through the controller 240. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the controller 240 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 and the credit card reader 220, the power supply unit 204, and the AC outlets 208 are electrically connected to the external power source 230 through the controller 240.

The controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the credit card reader 220 and the external power source 230 such that electricity flows from the external power source 230 and powers the credit card reader 220. When the credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information of the user, the credit card reader 220 charges an amount to the credit card and sends an activation signal to the controller 240. When the controller 240 receives the activation signal, the controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the AC outlets 208 and provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the power supply unit 204 for an amount of time determined according to the amount charged to the credit card. Accordingly electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the AC outlets 208 and to the power supply unit 204 for the determined amount of time. When the electricity flows to the power supply unit 204, the power supply unit 204 converts the electricity to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 and to the DC outlet 206 for the determined amount of time. Therefore, the user can use the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206 and the AC outlets 208 for the determined amount of time.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 12, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9 can further include one or more internet connection ports 250 to connect external devices to the internet. The internet connection ports 250 can be connected to an internet connection line through a switching unit 252. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the internet connection ports 250 can be Ethernet ports to connect the host devices to the internet through an Ethernet connection line and the switching unit 252 can be an Ethernet switch to divide bandwidth of the Ethernet connection line between the Ethernet ports. The switching unit 252 is not limited to an Ethernet switch, and may alternatively include a router, a hub, or the like. The internet connection ports 250 are not limited to Ethernet ports, and can include any type of port that allows an external device of a user to connect to the internet. Although the internet connection ports 250 are illustrated as being connected to the internet connection line in FIG. 12, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the internet connection ports 250 may alternatively communicate with the internet wirelessly. The internet connection ports 250 allow a user to connect an external device, such as a laptop computer, to the internet. While the external device is connected to the internet through the internet connection ports 250, the user can power or charge the external device or another device through one of the AC outlets 208 or through the DC outlet 206.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 13, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 12 can further include a currency acceptor 210 to accept currency from a user and a controller 240 to activate the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, the AC outlets 208, and the internet communication ports 250 when the currency acceptor 210 receives a predetermined amount of currency. The currency acceptor 210 can include a coin machine and/or a bill acceptor to receive coins and/or bills, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the controller 240 can be electrically connected to the external power source 230 and the currency acceptor 210, the power supply unit 204, and the AC outlets 208 can be electrically connected to the external power source 230 through the controller 240.

The controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the currency acceptor 210 and the external power source 230 such that electricity flows from the external power source 230 and powers the currency acceptor 210. When the currency acceptor 210 receives the predetermined amount of currency, the currency acceptor 210 sends an activation signal to the controller 240. When the controller 240 receives the activation signal, the controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the AC outlets 208, provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the power supply unit 204, and controls the switching unit 252 to connect the internet connection ports 250 to the internet connection line for a predetermined amount of time. Accordingly, the electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the AC outlets 208 and to the power supply unit 204 for the predetermined amount of time, and the internet connection portions 250 are connected to the internet for the predetermined amount of time. When the electricity flows to the power supply unit 204, the power supply unit 204 converts the electricity to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 and to the DC outlet 206 for the predetermined amount of time. Therefore, the user can use the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, the AC outlets 208, and the internet connection ports 250 for the predetermined amount of time.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 14, an accessory outlet apparatus similar to the accessory outlet apparatus illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 12 can further include a credit card reader 220 to read a credit card of a user and a controller 240 to activate the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, the AC outlets 208, and the internet communication ports 250 when the credit card reader 220 reads the credit card of the user.

The credit card reader 220 can include a swiping unit (not shown) to read credit card information from a magnetic strip on a credit card and/or a keypad (not shown) to allow the user to input the credit card information. The credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information read in through the swiping unit or input through the keypad through a communication line. The communication line can be a phone line, an internet connection, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the credit card reader 224 can connect to the internet connection line through the controller 240 and uses the internet connection line as the communication line. The controller 240 is electrically connected to the external power source 230 and the card reader 220, the power supply unit 204, and the AC outlets 208 are connected to the external power source 230 through the controller 240.

The controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the credit card reader 220 and the external power source 230 such that electricity flows from the external power source 230 and powers the credit card reader 220. When the credit card reader 220 verifies the credit card information of the user, the credit card reader 220 charges an amount to the credit card and sends an activation signal to the controller 240. When the controller 240 receives the activation signal, the controller 240 provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the AC outlets 208, provides a closed circuit between the external power source 230 and the power supply unit 204, and controls the switching unit 252 to connect the internet connection ports 250 to the internet connection line for an amount of time determined according to the amount charged to the credit card. Accordingly, electricity flows from the external power source 230 to the AC outlets 208 and to the power supply unit 204 for the determined amount of time, and the internet connection portions 250 are connected to the internet for the determined amount of time. When the electricity flows to the power supply unit 204, the power supply unit 204 converts the electricity to the voltage compatible with the lighter 202 and transmits the voltage to the lighter 202 to heat the coils of the lighter 202 and to the DC outlet 206 for the determined amount of time. Therefore, the use can use the lighter 202, the DC outlet 206, the AC outlets 208, and the internet connection ports 250 for the determined amount of time.

FIG. 15 illustrates an accessory outlet station 300 according to another embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 15, the accessory outlet station 300 includes an armrest shaped main body 302, a first panel 310 and a second panel 320. The armrest shaped main body 302 has a predetermined shape corresponding to an armrest of a specific type of chair to couple to the armrest of the specific type of chair. The main body 302 can be held together and coupled to the armrest using screws 304, or the like.

The first panel 310 can be provided at a side of the main body 302 facing forward with respect to the chair having the armrest to which the main body 302 is coupled. The first panel 310 can include a lighter unit 312, a DC outlet 314, one or more AC outlets 316, and one or more internet connection ports 318.

The lighter unit 312 can include an automobile type lighter 312a having coils that heat up to light a smoking implement, and a lighter port 312b to accommodate the automobile style lighter 312a. The lighter port 312b can be a 12 volt DC power source to supply a DC voltage to the coils of the automobile type lighter 312a when the automobile type lighter 312a is pressed into the lighter port 312b. The automobile type lighter 312a can be connected to the first panel 310 using a retractable security chain 313. The DC outlet 314 can be a 12 volt DC power source to supply a DC voltage to an external device plugged into the DC outlet 314. For example, the DC outlet can be used to charge a cellular telephone, a portable listening device, and the like.

The AC outlets 316 output an AC signal according to local specifications. For example, the AC outlets 316 can be 110 volt AC outlets or 220 volt AC outlets, and can have a shape corresponding to a 110 volt AC plug or a 220 volt AC plug to be plugged into the AC outlets 316. The AC outlets 316 can be used to charge and/or power external devices, such as, laptop computers, cellular telephones, and the like.

The internet connection ports 318 allow a user to connect an external device, such as a laptop computer, to the internet. The internet connection ports can be Ethernet connection ports to connect to the internet through an Ethernet connection line, and can accommodate RJ-45 plugs to be plugged into the internet connection ports, but are not limited thereto.

The second panel 320 can be provided at a side of the main body 302 facing upwards with respect to the chair having the armrest to which the main body 302 is coupled. The second panel 320 can include a keypad 322 to enter a PIN (personal identification number) to activate the accessory outlet station 300. The user can receive the PIN at a kiosk 400 (see FIG. 16) after purchasing a predetermined amount of time, and when the user enters the PIN using the keypad 322, the accessory outlet station 300 is activated for the predetermined amount of time. That is, power is supplied to the lighter unit 312, the DC outlet 314, and the AC outlets 316 for the predetermined amount of time, and the internet connection ports 318 are connected to the internet for the predetermined amount of time. The second panel 320 can also include a credit card reader (not shown) and/or a currency acceptor (not shown) to allow a user to purchase a predetermined amount of time directly at the accessory outlet station 300.

Although FIG. 15 illustrates the accessory outlet station 300 including the lighter unit 312, the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the accessory outlet station 300 may alternatively include a second DC outlet if placed in an area in which smoking is prohibited.

FIG. 16 illustrates a serial control system to control a plurality of accessory outlet stations 300 according to an embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the serial control system comprises a kiosk 400, the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300, and a serial connection 350 to connect the kiosk 400 to the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300. As illustrated in FIG. 16, each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300 are electrically connected to an external power source 360, but the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. Alternatively, many of the accessory outlet stations 300 can share an external power source 360.

The kiosk 400 communicates with and controls each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300 through the serial connection 350. When a user wants to use one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300, the user can purchase a predetermined amount of time at the kiosk 400. The kiosk can include a credit card reader to allow the user to purchase the predetermined amount of time using a credit card. The kiosk 400 assigns the user a PIN corresponding to the purchased amount of time. The kiosk 400 can also dispense prepaid cards having a predetermined number of minutes on them, which could be recharged or redeemed at any kiosk 400.

The user then selects one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300, and enters the PIN assigned by the kiosk 400 using the keypad 322 of the selected accessory outlet station 300. The selected accessory outlet station 300 then communicates with the kiosk 400 through the serial connection 350 to verify the entered PIN. When the kiosk 400 verifies the PIN, the kiosk 400 activates the selected accessory outlet station 300 for the purchased amount of time corresponding to the verified PIN. That is, the kiosk 400 controls the selected accessory outlet station 300 through the serial connection 350 to provide a closed circuit between the selected accessory outlet station 300 and the corresponding external power source 360 to supply power to the lighter unit 312, the DC outlet 314, and the AC outlets 316 of the selected accessory outlet station 300. The kiosk 400 also controls the internet connection ports 318 of the selected accessory outlet station 300 to communicate with the internet for the predetermined amount of time. For example, the kiosk 400 can be connected to an internet communication line, and the kiosk 400 can connect the internet connection ports 318 to the internet communication line through a switch. Alternatively, the kiosk 400 can include a wireless router to access the internet wirelessly.

Each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300 can also include a prepaid card reader to read the prepaid cards dispensed from the kiosk 400. A user with a prepaid card could then insert the prepaid card into the card reader instead of entering a PIN to activate the selected accessory outlet station 300.

The kiosk 400 can include a touch screen menu to allow the user to conveniently purchase a predetermined amount of time at the kiosk 400. The kiosk can also include a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an industrial computer to control the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300. The kiosk 400 can also be used to remotely monitor the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300.

As described above, the user can purchase a predetermined amount of time at the kiosk 400, but the present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations 300 can include a credit card reader to allow the user to purchase the predetermined amount of time at the selected accessory outlet station 300, without using the kiosk 400. The selected accessory outlet station 300 can then communicate with the kiosk 400 to verify credit card information read by the credit card reader, and the when the credit card information is verified, the kiosk 400 can activate the selected accessory outlet station 300.

As an alternative, the kiosk can also be eliminated and a main controller without any user interface (customer side) can be used instead. Thus, although the principle operation will remain the same as described above, the user interface (i.e., credit card reader, keypad, display, etc.) can be housed in the individual outlet stations.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An accessory outlet apparatus, comprising:

a main housing;

a lighter unit including a heater coil provided at the main housing to receive a voltage; and

a power supply housing separated from the main housing, and including a power supply unit provided therein to receive electricity from an external power source, to convert the received electricity into a voltage compatible with the lighter unit and to transmit the compatible voltage to the lighter unit to heat the heater coil.

2. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power supply unit comprises a transformer to convert one of a 110 volt and a 220 volt alternating current signal received from the external power source into a 12 volt direct current signal.

3. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a power outlet to provide power to an external device plugged into the power outlet.

4. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power supply unit transmits the compatible voltage to the lighter unit and to the power outlet, and the power outlet comprises:

a direct current power outlet to receive the compatible voltage transmitted from the power supply unit and to output the received voltage to the external device plugged into the power outlet.

5. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main housing is formed in a predetermined shape to couple with an arm rest of a chair.

6. An accessory outlet apparatus, comprising:

a main body;

a lighter unit including a coil provided at the main body to receive electricity to heat the coil;

one or more power outlets provided at the main body to receive electricity and to provide power to external devices when plugged into the one or more power outlets; and

a control unit to control a supply of the electricity to the lighter unit and to the one or more power outlets.

7. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more power outlets comprise:

one or more DC power outlets to transfer a DC voltage to the external devices plugged into the one or more power outlets.

8. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more power outlets comprise:

one or more AC power outlets to transfer an AC voltage to the external devices plugged into the one or more power outlets.

9. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more power outlets comprise:

one or more DC power outlets to transfer a DC voltage to external devices plugged into the one or more DC power outlets; and

one or more AC power outlets to transfer an AC voltage to external devices plugged into the one or more AC power outlets.

10. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more DC power outlets comprises a 12 volt DC power port.

11. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more AC power outlets outputs one of a 110 volt AC signal and a 220 volt AC signal.

12. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a power supply unit to receive an AC voltage from an external power source, to convert the AC voltage to a DC voltage, and to transmit the DC voltage to the lighter unit to heat the coil of the lighter unit and to the one or more DC power outlets, wherein the AC voltage from the external power source is supplied to the AC power outlets.

13. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control unit selectively provides a closed circuit between the power supply unit and the external power source to control the power supply unit to supply the DC voltage to the lighter unit and the one or more DC power outlets, and selectively provides a closed circuit between the one or more AC outlets and the external power source to supply the AC voltage to the one or more AC power outlets

14. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, wherein the control unit comprises:

one of a currency acceptor and a credit card reader to allow a user to purchase an amount of time; and

a control to supply the electricity to the lighter and to the one or more power outlets for the purchased amount of time.

15. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

one or more internet connection ports to connect external devices plugged into the one or more internet connection ports to the internet, wherein the control unit activates the one or more internet connection ports when the control unit supplies the electricity to the lighter and to the one or more power outlets.

16. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 6, wherein the main body has a predetermined shape corresponding to an armrest of a chair to be attachable to the armrest of the chair.

17. An accessory outlet apparatus, comprising:

a main body;

a lighter including a heater coil attached to the main body to receive electricity to heat the heater coil;

one or more internet connection ports provided at the main body to connect external devices plugged into the one or more internet connection ports to the internet; and

a control unit to selectively supply the electricity to the lighter and to selectively connect the internet connection ports to the internet.

18. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit comprises:

a currency acceptor to accept currency and to supply the electricity to the lighter and to connect the one or more internet connection ports to the internet for a predetermined amount of time after accepting a predetermined amount of the currency.

19. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit comprises:

a credit card reader to charge an amount to a credit card corresponding to a desired amount of time, and to supply the electricity to the lighter unit and to connect the one or more internet connection ports to the internet for the desired amount of time after charging the credit card.

20. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a switching unit to connect the one or more internet connection ports to an external internet connection line according to a control signal from the control unit and to divide a bandwidth of the external internet connection line between the one or more internet connection ports.

21. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the one or more internet connection ports comprise:

an Ethernet port to accommodate an RJ-45 plug of an external device therein and to connect the external device to the internet through an Ethernet connection line or a wireless connection line.

22. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

one or more DC power outlets to provide a DC power to an external device; and

one or more AC power outlets to provide an AC power to an external device, wherein the control unit supplies electricity to the one or more DC power outlets and to the one or more AC power outlets when the control unit supplies the electricity to the lighter.

23. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 17, wherein the main body has a predetermined shape corresponding to an armrest of a chair to be attachable to the armrest of the chair.

24. An accessory outlet apparatus, comprising:

a lighter unit including a heater coil to receive a DC voltage to heat the heater coil;

at least one DC outlet to receive the DC voltage, to accommodate a first type of plug, and to transfer the received DC voltage to an external device through the first type of plug;

at least one AC outlet to receive an AC voltage from an external power source, to accommodate a second type of plug, and to transfer the received AV voltage to an external device through the second type of plug; and

at least one internet connection port to communicate with the internet.

25. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one internet connection port accommodates a third type of plug, and connects an external device to the internet through the third type of plug.

26. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one internet connection port communicates with the internet wirelessly.

27. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:

a power supply unit to receive the AC voltage from the external power source, to convert the AC voltage into the DC voltage, and to transmit the DC voltage to the lighter unit and to the DC outlet.

28. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, wherein the first plug comprises:

a 12 volt DC plug.

29. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, wherein the second plug comprises:

one of a 110 volt AC plug and a 220 volt AC plug.

30. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, wherein the third plug comprises either an RJ-45 Ethernet plug or another type of internet connection.

31. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:

a currency acceptor to accept currency; and

a controller to prevent the lighter unit from receiving the DC voltage, the at least one DC outlet from receiving the DC voltage, the at least one AC outlet from receiving the AC voltage, and the at least one internet connection port from communication with the internet unless a predetermined amount of currency is accepted, and to control the lighter unit to receive the DC voltage, the at least one DC outlet to receive the Dc voltage, the at least one AC outlet to receive the AC voltage, and the at least one internet connection port to communicate with the internet for a predetermined amount of time when the predetermined amount of currency is accepted.

32. The accessory outlet apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:

a credit card reader to charge an amount to a credit card; and

a controller to prevent the lighter unit from receiving the DC voltage, the at least one DC outlet from receiving the DC voltage, the at least one AC outlet from receiving the AC voltage, and the at least one internet connection port from communication with the internet when the no credit card is charged, and to control the lighter unit to receive the DC voltage, the at least one DC outlet to receive the Dc voltage, the at least one AC outlet to receive the AC voltage, and the at least one internet connection port to communicate with the internet for an amount of time corresponding to the amount charged to the credit card when the credit card is charged.

33. An accessory outlet system, comprising:

a plurality of accessory outlet stations, each comprising: a lighter unit to light a smoking implement, one or more DC outlets to provide DC power to external devices, one or more AC outlets to provide AC power to external devices, and one or more internet connection ports to connect external devices to the internet; and

a kiosk connected to the plurality of accessory outlet stations to control a supply of electricity and an internet access capability to each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations.

34. The accessory outlet system of claim 33, wherein the kiosk comprises:

a credit card reader to allow a user to purchase an amount of time of electricity and internet access supplied, and the kiosk assigns a PIN corresponding to the purchased amount of time.

35. The accessory outlet system of claim 34, wherein each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations further comprises:

a keypad to enter the assigned PIN, and when the user enters the assigned PIN from a selected one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations, the kiosk verifies the entered PIN and controls electricity and internet access to the selected one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations.

36. The accessory outlet system of claim 33, wherein each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations further comprises:

a credit card reader to allow a user to purchase an amount of time at a selected one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations and to communicate with the kiosk to verify credit card information of the user, and when the credit card information of the user is verified through the credit card verification service, the kiosk controls electricity and internet access to the selected one of the plurality of accessory outlet stations.

37. The accessory outlet system of claim 34, wherein each of the plurality of accessory outlet stations further comprise a keypad with a display to allow transaction activities directly from an accessory outlet system.