Abstract: A multi-purpose receptacle that functions as a portable caddy, a storage container, a support platform, a step stool and which has electrical and light outlets. The receptacle is formed of molded plastic with an internal storage capacity, and with external tool carrying pockets, a work platform, stud braces, a source of electrical power, and a detachable electric light.

Abstract: An improved electric plug for automobile use is equipped with an extra extension cord sticking out of a side hole; and a cord fixing hook disposed at the periphery of the top end of the plug body; and a socket disposed at the top end of the plug body so as to permit another plug to be coupled thereto consecutively. The extension cord can be adjustably wound around the plug body with the cord retained by the cord fixing hook, permitting the length of the cord to be varied to meet different requirement in use.

Abstract: A retainer for a portion of an electric power cord includes a guide that guides the cord into a space between a pair of ears that cooperate with a grooved part of a handle to define two V notch passageways for the cord leading the cord into a groove which wraps around the handle. The floor of the guide defines with the groove a path for the cord past the ears which is substantially in a plane.

Abstract: A battery booster cable storage system that takes two elongated battery booster cables each having a predetermined length L and folds them back and forth upon themselves into a predetermined shape that is substantially linear and having a folded length no greater than L/3. A closed loop elastic member is secured to one of the alligator clamp assemblies at each end of the substantially linear folded shape. A gripping member may be secured to the closed loop elastic member and there is provided a cable support member that removably receives the gripping member.

Abstract: A container (20) includes a base surface (25) having walls (21, 22, 23 and 24) extending therefrom which together form an opening for the container (20). A door (26) is attached to one wall (24) by a hinge (27) to close the opening. A thermoelectric power module (43) is removably mounted in a recess (66) formed in one wall (21) and selectively heats and cools the interior of the container (20). The container (20) may thus be selectively positioned on either the base surface (25) or on one of two walls (22, 23). A power cord (57) is attached to the module (43) and carries a plug (58) so that the module (43) may be connected to a source of electric power. A switch (61) on the plug (58) directs the module (43) to selectively cool or heat the interior of the container (20). The cord (57) may be routed in channels (70, 72, 73, 74) formed in the base surface (25) from module (43) to any of the walls (22, 23, 24) and may be stored in a recess (77) formed in the base surface (25) and wall (24).

Abstract: An electrical power supply device includes a housing having at least one set of electrical prongs engageable in a wall electrical outlet to detachably mount the housing on a wall. The prongs are electrically connected to an electrical receptacle and an extension cord wound on a rotary reel in the housing. An electrical appliance may be plugged into the receptacle. The extension cord may be pulled from the housing to connect with a second appliance disposed remotely of the housing.

Abstract: A simple and effective means for improving mechanical resistance to stress at the coupling between a conductor and the connector is provided in a thermocouple connector which includes an integrally attached spool for storing in neat, compact and readily accessible form, the excess length of electrical conductor which is attached to the connector while providing the resistance to the stress.

Abstract: An adapter plug clip is provided for convenient and secure temporary support of an electrical plug associated with an electronic instrument, particularly wherein the plug is formed as part of a relatively heavy AC/DC plug-in power supply adapter. The adapter plug clip is designed for clip-on mounting to a support structure, such as a bracket arm of a clamp fixture having an electronic instrument such as a medical fluid infusion pump mounted thereon. The adaptor plug clip includes a face plate having a visually identifiable pattern of holes formed therein for seated reception of the conductive prongs of the electrical plug, thereby providing a stable temporary plug mounting site.

Abstract: A configuration for elongated flexible members having stiffened portions alternated with flexible portions for preventing tangling of such elongated flexible members to permit folding of the elongated flexible member into compact storage relationship without tangling.

Abstract: A camera or other device having a rechargeable battery is intended to be stored normally in a cavity of a charging-stand cradle in order to restore an electrical charge to the battery. The cradle includes a plug module that may be electrically connected to a standard alternating current (AC) outlet when the plug module is affixed to the cradle. Conversely, the plug module may be separated from the cradle to connect it to a remote AC outlet.

Abstract: A combined releasable holder and lock for electrical connections and cables comprises a pair of identical, strip-like flexible members. Each has a first narrow end or tongue (16), a second wide end or head portion (18), and an intermediate portion with serrations (12 and 14) on its opposite sides. The longitudinal axis of the member has a longitudinal slot (30) which is long enough to pull a cord (39 or 41) with a standard electrical plug (32) or receptacle (34) therethrough. The head portion (18) has a transverse slot (20) formed therein. The member has, on both sides of the transverse slot, two side slots (22 and 24) which converge in a direction opposite to the tongue (16). The end of the long slot (30) nearest the transverse slot (20) terminates in a hole (28). The slots (20, 22, and 24) in the head portion form bendable flaps (23 and 25).

Abstract: A rewind trailer light connector which is characterized by a rewind housing attached to either the frame, bumper or trailer hitch of a towing vehicle or the trailer tongue of a trailer and fitted with wiring having either a plug or receptacle for receiving the mating plug or receptacle of the trailer or vehicle to illuminate lights on the trailer. In a preferred embodiment the rewind trailer light connector is characterized by a split housing fitted with a central opening and a coil spring, such that the plug or receptacle can be retracted against the housing when not in use and extended from the housing for connection to the corresponding plug or receptacle component during use.

Abstract: An electrical cord retainer apparatus adapted for securing the interconnection of two or more electrical cords is disclosed. The retainer includes a flexible housing fitted with a longitudinally non-stretchable retainer strip. The housing is adapted to be encased about a connection of electrical power cords and to provide a high coefficient of friction fit between the interior of the housing and the elecrical cord plugs sufficient to retain those plugs in intercooperation notwithstanding the application of forces to the cords at a distant location. The housing is fitted with a connection structure such as a zipper which is adapted to close the housing about the structure of electrical cord for purposes of creating this friction union.

Abstract: A power strip with adjustable cord includes an electrical cord for carrying electrical power having a first end including a plug for insertion into an electrical outlet and a second end including a power strip body having a first side including elevated end portions and a depressed central portion, a second side, and a perimetral edge member joining the first and second sides. The central depressed portion of the first side includes a plurality of electrical outlets for distributing electrical power therefrom divided into at least one unswitched outlet and at least one switched outlet, and a switch for switching power off and on to the at least one switched outlet.

Abstract: To arrange and clamp plural high tension cords accurately and orderly in parallel to each other within a narrow space on an engine cover for prevention of the cords from vibration, a high tension cord clamp member is selectively and removably attached to a plug socket body, according to the number and the arrangement position of the high tension cords. That is, some cord clamp members formed with different cord holding portions and different cord holding cutouts portions are previously prepared and selectively mounted on ignition plug sockets according to engine model. Therefore, the high tension cord arrangement work productivity can be improved, because high tension cords can be previously assembled, before the plug sockets are connected to the ignition plugs, by use of the cord clamp members removably attached to the plug sockets.

Abstract: An access flooring module, which makes available the power and signal cable to a user, is configured to be easily adaptable and user friendly. The module has a movable dividing wall provided therein, the dividing wall being positioned between the power and the signal transmissions to insure the reliability thereof. A pivot arm is provided which allows the module to move between a first position and a second position. A deformable member is positioned on the module, such that as the module is moved between the first and the second positions, the deformable member controls the movement of the module. A latch member is provided on the module, the latch member being moveable between an open position and a closed position. The latch member is provided to secure the access flooring module in the first position, and to provide an opening through which electrical cords can pass.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, self-contained auxiliary power source for starting a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, power boat and the like having a defective starter battery is disclosed. The auxiliary power source includes a generally upright housing defining a chamber having a bottom section and a closable top section. A battery is provided that is adapted to be received within the chamber and includes a plurality of cells. The battery has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A pair of cables are provided that have a proximal end and a distal end, each of the proximal ends include clamps being detachably connected to one of the respective terminals of the battery and the distal ends each include an alligator clamp for being detachably connected to the respective terminal of the defective battery. A light is connected to one of the alligator clamps for illuminating the work area.

Abstract: A booster cable assembly includes a plurality of booster cables stored in a container unit on independent reels. The reels are controlled to automatically rewind the cables after use, and to control unwinding and rewinding so that the proper sequence of connection and disconnection will be followed during a jumping procedure.

Abstract: A two-way electrical extension cord that includes two cord sections connected to a single male plug. The free ends of the cord sections are attached to female plugs that are designed to electrically mate with electric appliances, such as lamps, coffee makers, power drills, etc. Conductor wires in the separate cord sections are in electrical parallelism with each other so that the single male plug feeds current to both sets of wires.

Abstract: An electric wire take up device or container is which the wires each enter the container through a series of cut-outs in one of its sides. Upstanding pegs on the base of the container serve as wire wrapping posts for each wire. With a sufficient number of pegs, numerous wrapping patterns are available to the user of the device. Upon completing the wrapping of a wire, the male plug at the end of the wire can be inserted into the power outlet strip also located within the container.

Abstract: A retainer for an electrical wire connector of the type commonly used to provide electrical connection of a trailer device to the electrical system of a towing vehicle. The retainer, mountable either on the bumper of the towing vehicle or on the tongue of the trailer device, permits the electrical wire connector, used for supplying electrical power to the trailer from the towing vehicle's electrical supply system, to be safely and conveniently stowed or retained when not in use and be readily available for electrical connection when needed.

Abstract: An extension cord/tool carrier is provided comprised of a bucket to which is mounted a terminal strip. The bucket may be used to contain the extension cord coupled to the terminal strip as well as hand tools to be used on a job site.

Abstract: A cord retention system for a portable electric power tool such as a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, or drill, that is adapted to releasably secure a loop of extension cord in a cavity formed in the handle of the tool. A retaining member pivotably mounted within the cavity in the handle is adapted to capture the loop of extension cord and secure it against withdrawal in its normally biased lock position. To release the extension cord, the user actuates the retaining member causing it to pivot upwardly and free the loop of extension cord, thereby permitting withdrawal of the cord from the handle. The retaining member has a cam surface on its leading edge that is engaged by the loop of cord as it is inserted into the cavity in the handle so that the retaining member will automatically pivot upwardly into the release position to permit the loop of cord to be inserted beyond the retaining member, and thereafter pivot downwardly into the lock positon under the bias of a spring.

Abstract: An outlet box having a frontal opening and faceplate assembly including an insert received within the outlet box and defining a forwardly opening bore and a faceplate mounted on the outlet box and forming a closure for the frontal opening. A fiber optic bulkhead connector is mounted on the faceplate for coupling to an elongated optical fiber, a portion of which is stored in coiled condition within the bore. When the faceplate is removed from the outlet box, the coiled portion of the fiber allows the faceplate to be moved a substantial distance from the outlet box for access to the coupled connection between the optical fiber and the bulkhead connector without subjecting the fiber to excessive bending stress.

Abstract: An electrical outlet strip with a serially-arranged plurality of outlets has a terminal outlet spaced a distance sufficient from its adjacent outlet to receive an oversized plug or adapter without interfering with the receipt of a standard-sized pronged plug by the adjacent outlet. The internal wiring of the outlet strip of the invention includes a circuit breaker built directly into the housing of the outlet strip. The electrical outlet strip of the present invention is further provided with an outlet strip cradle for removably mounting the outlet strip to a surface.

Abstract: A wheeled vacuum cleaner is provided with an extension projecting upward from a base on which an electric motor powered suction producing device and a floor engaging nozzle are mounted. A handle unit mounted on the upper end of the extension is provided with an anchor that constitutes a strain relief about which a line cord for energizing the motor is looped. A hand operated safety trigger device controls energization of the motor. Pivotally connected to the base is a stand that is movable between a storage position and an active floor engaging position wherein the vacuum cleaner is supported by the stand. The stand is mounted and proportioned so as to be gravity operated automatically to the storage position where it is held by a releasable spring catch while the vacuum cleaner is being used.

Abstract: A communications outlet having a baseplate assembly for mounting adjacent a wall surface includes bulkhead connectors and at least one modular plug receptacle for terminating optical and electrical cables. A spool barrel on the baseplate provides for the orderly storage of excess fiberoptic cable. The bulkhead connectors are carried by mounting members releasably secured to the baseplate which permits independent access to each terminated cable for movement to a position remote from the outlet to facilitate convenient servicing without risk of damage to the other terminated cables which comprise the outlet system. A cover cooperates with the mounting members to provide an enclosure for containing the terminated cables. An optional faceplate may be used in conjunction with the cover.

Abstract: A portable electric air compressor is provided with a plug holder for holding the electric plug of the compressor. The compressor includes a plastic base for supporting the compressor, a plastic compressor casing, and a plastic support pedestal which extends between the base and the casing and which spaces the casing above the base. A lower catch is molded into the base and has a semicircular groove which opens upwardly toward the casing. An upper catch is molded into the casing above the lower catch and has a semicircular groove which opens downwardly toward the lower catch. The electric cord of the compressor can be wrapped around the pedestal, and the plug can be inserted into the grooves of the upper and lower catches and frictionally retained therein.