HK40019902B - Quick connect device for recessed electrical fixtures - Google Patents

Description

Quick-connect device for embedded electrical installations

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and fixtures, and more particularly to an electrical plug and socket assembly that allows for quick connection and installation of electrical fixtures for recessed lighting.

Related patent and application

The present disclosure relates to PCT international patent application No. PCT/US2016/032170 (published as WO 2016/183354 a1), filed on 12/5/2016; PCT international patent application No. PCT/US2018/020987 filed on 3, 5, 2018; U.S. patent No.7,462,066 filed 3, 20, 2007; U.S. patent No.7,192,303 filed on 2.12.2004; and U.S. patent No.6,962,498 filed 12/2001; and to U.S. patent application publication No.20090280673 filed on 2/12/2005; us provisional application 62/160,585 filed 5, 12/2015; and U.S. provisional application 62/308,718 filed on 2016, 3, 15, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Conventional techniques for mounting electrical appliances (fixtures, lamps) and household appliances such as lighting and fans on walls or ceilings generally require the assistance of qualified electricians and the use of various tools and dedicated hardware. Even when performed by experienced installers, the process of installing or removing such facilities can be relatively time consuming. In addition to requiring manual wiring of the necessary electrical connections between the facility and the power wiring, the installer must also make a separate mechanical connection to support or suspend the facility in place.

The patents identified above in the related patents and applications section disclose solutions to these and other problems. These related patents and applications disclose various embodiments of assemblies that allow quick connection of plugs and sockets of electrical appliances or household appliances at electrical junction boxes on walls or ceilings. The receptacle is fixed to a wall or ceiling, near the power connection, and includes a female receptacle that receives a male electrical prong carried on the plug. The electrical appliance is secured to the plug. In addition to the quick electrical connection provided by the plug and receptacle combination, the mechanical connection between the plug and receptacle carries the mechanical load of the electrical appliance.

The present disclosure presents improvements relating to various embodiments of plug and socket assemblies in related patents and applications for use when recessed lighting is desired.

Recessed lighting is a multi-functional device that provides both ambient lighting and task lighting for virtually any area in a home, office, or any desired space. These lamps, also known as downlights, downlights or downlights, are mounted in the ceiling or wall (usually in the ceiling) rather than surface mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Recessed lighting includes two main components, a housing and a trim, both of which are separately selected (and often sold separately). The housing is a component located above the ceiling, and it contains all the electrical components such as the light sources and the devices to install the facility. Decoration refers to the parts we see below the ceiling, such as the decorative style or the parts that direct light.

In addition to the functional differences of the various embedded lighting options available commercially, there are aesthetic differences. There are other options available if the appearance of a circular white facility is not attractive for a given application. Embedded lights with decorative rings of different colors or metal finishes may be used. If the circular style is too simple or too traditional, then square lamps and different shapes and sizes may be used.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a device for connecting electrical equipment to electrical supply wiring located at or near an electrical junction box and for mounting the equipment on the electrical junction box, the electrical junction box being positioned such that a face of the electrical junction box is substantially flush with a surface. The apparatus includes a receptacle including a receptacle body having at least one internal cavity therein. The receptacle is configured and dimensioned to be positioned in and securable to an electrical junction box. Conductive contact terminals are disposed within the cavity for establishing electrical connection between the power connection and the receptacle.

The device also includes a plug secured to the appliance and insertable into the socket. The plug has at least one male connector electrically connected to the appliance and engageable with contact terminals within the receptacle to establish an electrical circuit between the electrical appliance and the power connection. A releasable latch is carried on the combination of the plug and the receptacle for releasably securing the plug to the receptacle. The plug and receptacle are configured and dimensioned to position the fixture against a surface without the recessed lighting housing.

In one embodiment, the fixture is an LED PCB light source. The LED PCB may include a cover. The edge may be provided on the cover. In an embodiment, the body of the cover is transparent or translucent and the edges are opaque. The cover may include lenses, filters, or other optical elements to create the lighting effect.

In some embodiments, both the light source and the cover have a flat profile. In other embodiments, at least one of the light source and the cover has a domed profile.

The socket may include a mounting strap attached to the socket body for securing the socket to the electrical junction box. In one embodiment, the mounting strap is generally U-shaped having two legs. In one embodiment, the length of the leg is at least twice the height of the socket body. In another embodiment, the length of the leg is substantially the same as the height of the socket body. In various embodiments, the length of the leg is adjustable.

The electrical junction box may include a first series of vertically spaced holes and a second series of vertically spaced holes, wherein the first series of vertically spaced holes and the second series of vertically spaced holes are located on opposing surfaces of the electrical junction box.

The present disclosure also relates to a plug for coupling with a socket to form an apparatus for connecting electrical equipment with electrical supply wiring located at or near an electrical junction box and for mounting the equipment on the electrical junction box, the electrical junction box being positioned such that a face of the electrical junction box is substantially flush with a surface. The plug includes at least one male connector electrically connected to the appliance and engageable with contact terminals within the receptacle to establish an electrical circuit between the electrical appliance and the power connection. A releasable latch is carried on the plug and socket combination for releasably mounting the appliance on the support. The plug and receptacle are configured and dimensioned to position the fixture against a surface without the recessed lighting housing.

The present disclosure also relates to a socket for a recessed lighting housing for mechanically and electrically coupling with an electrical appliance secured to a plug. The socket includes: an extension having an edison-type base on a first end and a socket body on a second end, the edison-type base threadably connectable to the threads of the housing to mechanically and electrically couple the socket to the housing; a socket body on the second end of the extension member, the socket body having at least one internal cavity therein and the socket body having electrically conductive contact terminals disposed within the cavity for establishing electrical connection between the housing and the socket. A releasable latch is carried on the combination of the plug and the receptacle for releasably securing the plug to the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the extension has a fixed length. In another embodiment, the extension has an adjustable length.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the attendant advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings (which form a part hereof and are to be read together with the specification, and wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the various views), wherein:

fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a recessed lighting plug and socket (jack) of a quick connect device according to the present disclosure. The receptacle is installed in the electrical junction box, and the plug is mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the recessed lighting plug and socket of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the recessed lighting plug and socket of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the receptacle of fig. 1 before being installed in the electrical junction box.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the receptacle of fig. 1 before installation in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the receptacle of fig. 1 before being installed in the electrical junction box.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of the receptacle of fig. 1 before being installed in the electrical junction box.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the socket of fig. 1 mounted in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the socket of fig. 1 mounted in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 10 is a front view of the receptacle of fig. 1 installed in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the plug of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a rear view of the plug of fig. 1.

Figure 14 is a front view of the plug of figure 1.

Figure 15 is a side view of the plug of figure 1.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a recessed lighting plug and receptacle (jack) of a quick connect device according to the present disclosure. The receptacle is installed in the electrical junction box, and the plug is mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the recessed lighting plug and socket of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the plug of fig. 16.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the plug of figure 16.

Fig. 20 is a rear view of the plug of fig. 16.

Fig. 21 is a front view of the plug of fig. 16.

Figure 22 is a side view of the plug of figure 16.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a recessed lighting plug and receptacle (jack) of a quick connect device according to the present disclosure. The receptacle is installed in the electrical junction box, and the plug is mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle.

Fig. 24 is another cross-sectional view of the recessed lighting plug and receptacle of fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a front perspective view of the recessed lighting plug and socket of fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is a rear perspective view of the recessed lighting plug and socket of fig. 23.

Fig. 27 is a front view of the electrical junction box of fig. 23.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the electrical junction box of fig. 23.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a receptacle mounted in the electrical junction box of fig. 23.

Fig. 30 is a top view of the receptacle mounted in the electrical junction box of fig. 23.

Fig. 31 is a sectional view of a receptacle mounted in the electrical junction box of fig. 23.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the receptacle mounted in the electrical junction box.

Fig. 33 is a sectional view of the socket of fig. 32 installed in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 34 is a front view of the receptacle of fig. 32 installed in an electrical junction box.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plug and socket combination that may be used in an existing recessed lighting housing.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the plug and receptacle assembly of fig. 35, wherein the plug is disconnected from the receptacle.

Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the plug and receptacle assembly of fig. 35.

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the plug and receptacle assembly of fig. 35, wherein the plug is disconnected from the receptacle.

Fig. 39 is a front view of the receptacle of fig. 35.

Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of fig. 35.

Detailed Description

As required, embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the devices and methods described below may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the concept.

The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The disclosure herein relates to prior work by the inventors, such as that set forth in the documents identified above in the related patents and applications section, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In this regard, the plug and/or receptacle may include a sensing unit for at least one of wirelessly transmitting the sensed condition and wirelessly receiving a signal, as disclosed in PCT international patent application No. PCT/US2016/032170 filed on 12/5/2016 and PCT international patent application No. PCT/US2018/020987 filed on 5/3/2018.

Referring first to fig. 1-3, a quick-connect device 100 for installing an electrical installation, which in this embodiment is a light source 102, includes an assembly of a plug 104 and a mating receptacle 106. The plug 104 and receptacle 106 are configured and dimensioned so as to achieve the appearance and effect of recessed lighting fixtures with the light sources 102 using only standard electrical junction boxes without any type of recessed lighting housing. The present disclosure contemplates that electrical utilities other than light sources may be used with the device 100. Such facilities or electrical facilities include, but are not limited to, cameras, security equipment, or any other equipment powered by electricity supplied by electrical wiring, and require mechanical connections to support or suspend the facility.

The apparatus 100 operates to establish an electrical connection between the light source 102 and a power supply connection (located at or near the electrical junction box 108), and to mechanically support the light source 102 in the electrical junction box 108 on a surface or base, typically a ceiling, but which may also be a wall or floor surface. The plug 104 is fixedly secured to the light source 102, while the receptacle 106 is secured to the electrical junction box 108 with screws 110. Although the light source 102 is shown as an LED PCB, the present disclosure contemplates using any suitable light source.

Unless otherwise shown or described herein, the structure, function, and operation of the plug 104 and mating receptacle 106 have been described in detail in, for example, the patents and applications incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure will focus on the differences in the structure, function, and operation of the plug 104 and mating receptacle 106, as well as other related improvements.

As best shown in fig. 4-10, the socket 106 includes a substantially cylindrical body 112 formed of a non-conductive material, such as phenolic. A concentric annular female groove or slot 114 is formed in one face of the receptacle 106 and is configured to matingly receive a male connector ring on the plug 104, discussed below, to establish an electrical connection between the plug 104 and the receptacle 106. The socket 106 includes a central through hole in which a bushing 116 is fixedly secured. In the illustrated embodiment, bushing 116 passes through and is fixedly secured to an elongated mounting strap 118 by welding. It should be noted, however, that the bushing 116 and the band 118 may have a unitary structure formed from a single piece of high strength material, such as metal, by casting, machining, or other metal working process.

The mounting strap 118 is generally U-shaped having a length 120 selected (e.g., at least twice the height of the receptacle body 112) such that the light source 102 creates the appearance and effect of the recessed lighting fixture when mounted in the electrical junction box 108. The mounting strap 118 is provided with an aperture 122 on each outer end or flange 124 thereof which receives a screw 100 to secure the mounting strap 118, and thus the entire apparatus 100, to the electrical junction box 108. The U-shaped configuration of the strap 118 allows the receptacle 24 to be recessed within the junction box, as shown in fig. 8-10.

The receptacle body 112 is provided with a circumferential recess 126 defining an annular face 128 for engaging a corresponding face on the plug 104 discussed below and acting as a stop to limit entry of the plug 104 into the receptacle 106. The plug 104 and the receptacle 106 are provided with a plurality of teeth 130 (on the face and/or on the periphery) that engage or mesh with each other when the plug 104 and the receptacle 106 are mated to prevent the plug and the receptacle from rotating relative to each other. The plug 104 and the receptacle 106 are free to rotate relative to each other before the teeth 130 of the plug 104 and the receptacle 106 engage.

Receptacle body 112 includes lugs 132, wherein each of lugs 132 has an opening 134 for receiving a power supply line. The exact size of the opening 134 will depend on the specifications of the electrical wiring in a given application. The bare stripped end of the power supply line is connected to the receptacle 106 by inserting the wire end into one of the openings 134. Each of the tabs 132 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the grooves 114, as disclosed in the patent documents incorporated by reference. Although lugs 132 are shown on the sides of body 112, in some applications it may be more convenient or reasonable to feed electrical supply lines through the top face of the receptacle body 12. In this case, the power supply lines may be positioned through an access opening located on the top of the receptacle body 112 where they again establish an electrical connection with the receptacle 106.

Referring now to fig. 11-15, plug 104 includes a body 136 formed of a non-conductive material and includes a cylindrical cavity 138 on one face thereof. Integrally molded into the plug body 136 are concentric male connector rings 140 with sufficient radial spacing therebetween to electrically isolate them from one another. The diameter and spacing of the male connector rings 140 are such that they may be aligned with and received by corresponding female recesses 114 in the socket 106. Each of the connector rings 140 includes an extension and electrical wiring from the light source 102 that is attached to the plug 104 and electrically connected to the extension to provide power to the light source 102.

The plug 104 and the light source 102 attached thereto are mechanically connected to the socket 106 and the mounting strap 118 by a centrally located releasable spindle assembly 142, which has been described in detail in the patent documents incorporated by reference. Briefly, the spindle assembly 142 includes a cylinder 144 having a series of coaxial bores therein, and a plunger or pin 146 axially slidable within the cylinder 144. The cylinder 144 includes a plurality of retaining balls 148 captured within radial openings in the cylinder 144. The upper end of the pin 146 is provided with a reduced diameter section forming a groove or ball detent into which the retaining balls 148 may be displaced inwardly. The compression spring that is sleeved over the pin 146 normally biases the pin 146 to move downward (outward) to a latched or locked position in which the pin 146 forces the retaining balls 148 outward until they rest on a shoulder within the bushing 116. A button 150 extending from the lower end of the cylinder 144 provides a means for actuating the spindle assembly 142 using a finger or tool.

The light source 102 may be secured to the plug 104 in any of a variety of ways. For example, the light source 102 may be fixedly attached to a lower portion of the cylinder 144. As shown, the light source 102 rests on a cover 152 that is attached to the cylinder 144. In any event, it will be appreciated that the weight of the light source 102 is transferred through the cylinder 144, the retaining ball 148 and the bushing 116 to the mounting strap 118, which in turn is secured to the electrical junction box 108.

The cover 152 may be provided with an edge 154 to create the appearance of the decor found in recessed lighting fixtures. The cover 152 may be a transparent plastic or glass to allow illumination of the transmissive light source 102. The cover 152 may be or include a lens, filter, or other optical element to produce a desired lighting effect.

Fig. 16-22 illustrate another embodiment of a plug 164 that may be used with the receptacle 106 and the electrical junction box 108. Since the embodiment of the plug 164 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the plug 104, the same reference numerals are used to identify similar or analogous components to avoid confusion. The plug 164 has a domed profile rather than a flat profile as the plug 104. It should be noted that the profile may be selected or changed based on the profile of the light source 102 and/or the cover 152.

Fig. 23-26 illustrate another embodiment of a combination of a receptacle 166 and plug 104 that, together with the light source 102, creates the appearance and effect of a recessed lighting fixture. Since the embodiment of the receptacle 166 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the receptacle 106, the same reference numerals are used to identify similar or analogous components to avoid confusion. As will be readily apparent by comparing fig. 23-26 and 29-31 with fig. 1-10, the length 120 of the mounting strap 118 is different. For the receptacle 106, the length is extended (i.e., much longer than the height of the receptacle body 112), while for the receptacle 166, the length is about the same as the height of the receptacle body 112, which is consistent with most of the receptacles disclosed in the patent documents incorporated by reference.

With the receptacle 166, the appearance and effect of recessed lighting fixtures is achieved in conjunction with the electrical junction box 168. As an initial matter, it should be noted that the electrical junction box 168 may be made by modifying the electrical junction box 108 (either at the installation site of the light source 102 or at the manufacturing facility), or the electrical junction box 168 may be custom made. Referring primarily to fig. 27 and 28, the electrical junction box 168 has a series of vertically spaced holes 170 in each corner. Although the apertures 170 are shown in each corner, the apertures 170 may be provided in only two opposing corners. Further, the holes 170 may be positioned away from the corners, so long as there are at least two opposing (or opposing) series of holes 170. The location and spacing of each of the holes 170 is selected for the desired vertical positioning of the plug 164 in the electrical junction box 168.

A bracket 172 is fixed to one side (or one of the corners) of the electrical junction box 168, and the other bracket 172 is fixed opposite to the first bracket. A machine screw 174, which is inserted into one of the holes 170, may be used to secure the bracket 172 to the electrical junction box 168. The present disclosure contemplates other methods of securing the bracket 172 (such as methods for positioning the shelf in the chassis), which may be done simply by moving the bracket to a different aperture 170 if a different position is desired.

The bracket 172 includes screw holes 176 for receiving the screws 110, and the apertures 122 on the flange 124 align with the screw holes 176 when the receptacle 166 is positioned in the electrical junction box 168 to secure the receptacle 166 to the electrical junction box 168 (fig. 29-31). As previously described, the particular aperture 170 used is determined such that when the plug 104 is coupled to the receptacle 166, the light source 102 provides the appearance and effect of the recessed lighting fixture.

Fig. 32-34 illustrate another embodiment of a combination of a receptacle 186 and a plug 104 that, together with the light source 102, create the appearance and effect of a recessed lighting fixture. Since the embodiment of the receptacle 186 is substantially similar to the previously disclosed embodiment of the receptacle, the same reference numerals are used to identify similar or analogous components to avoid confusion. Although the electrical junction box 108 is shown (i.e., the receptacle 186 is designed for use with a standard electrical junction box), the electrical junction box 168 may also be used.

The receptacle 186 has a mounting strap 118 with an adjustable length so that the receptacle 186 can be positioned deep or shallow in the electrical junction box 108 as needed to achieve the appearance and effect of the recessed lighting fixture when the plug 104 and light source 102 are coupled to the receptacle 186. Although a particular mechanism (i.e., the set screw 188 used to secure the two legs 190, 192 in any one of a plurality of discrete positions) is used to adjust the length of the mounting strap 118, any suitable mechanism that provides an adjustable length (in discrete or continuous positions) may be used.

Fig. 35-40 illustrate an embodiment of a plug and socket combination that may be used with an existing conventional recessed lighting housing 200. Extension 202 has an edison-type base 204 and screws into threads 204 of housing 200. The extension 202 may have a fixed length or a variable length (as shown). Other mechanisms of varying the length of the extension 202 are contemplated. The extension 202 is mechanically and electrically connected to the socket 106. When the plug 104 and the light source 102 are attached, the appearance and effect of the recessed lighting fixture is achieved. This may be useful, for example, if regulations require safe equipment, such as the plug 104 and the receptacle 106.

As shown in fig. 35-40, the spring 206 is located inside a housing 208 that includes first and second telescoping portions 210, 212. The spring 206 biases the extension 202 in the extended position and can be adjusted to a shorter length by a screw 214. Wiring 216 (shown only in fig. 37 for clarity) that conducts power from the housing through edison base 204 to receptacle 106 may be located outside or inside the space surrounded by spring 206, or may be located inside spring 206 itself.

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features of the present disclosure, and it is contemplated that these features can be used together or separately. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure may occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims (13)

1. Apparatus for connecting electrical equipment to electrical supply wiring located at or near an electrical junction box and for mounting the equipment on the electrical junction box, the electrical junction box being positioned such that a face of the electrical junction box is substantially flush with a surface, the apparatus comprising:

a receptacle comprising a receptacle body having at least one internal cavity therein, the receptacle being configured and dimensioned to be positioned in and securable to the electrical junction box;

a conductive contact terminal disposed within the cavity for establishing an electrical connection between the power connection and the receptacle;

a plug secured to the appliance and insertable into the receptacle, the plug having at least one male connector electrically connected to the appliance and engageable with the contact terminals within the receptacle to establish an electrical circuit between the electrical appliance and the power connection; and

a releasable latch carried on the assembly of the plug and the receptacle for releasably securing the plug to the receptacle,

wherein the plug and the socket are configured and dimensioned to position the fixture against the surface without a recessed lighting housing,

the socket including a mounting strap attached to the socket body for securing the socket to the electrical junction box; the mounting strap is generally U-shaped having two legs; the leg portion has a length at least twice a height of the socket body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixture is an LED PCB light source.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the LED PCB comprises a cover.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cover comprises an edge.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the body of the cover is transparent or translucent and the edge is opaque.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the cover comprises a lens or filter to create a lighting effect.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein both the light source and cover have flat profiles.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the light source and cover has a domed profile.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical junction box comprises a first series of vertically spaced holes and a second series of vertically spaced holes, wherein the first series of vertically spaced holes and the second series of vertically spaced holes are located on opposing surfaces of the electrical junction box.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the leg is adjustable.

11. A socket for a recessed lighting housing for mechanically and electrically coupling with an electrical fixture secured to a plug, the socket comprising:

an extension having an edison-type base on a first end and a socket body on a second end, the edison-type base threadably connectable to threads of a housing to mechanically and electrically couple the socket to the housing;

a receptacle body on the second end of the extension member, the receptacle body having at least one internal cavity therein and having conductive contact terminals disposed within the cavity for establishing an electrical connection between the housing and the receptacle; and

a releasable latch carried on the assembly of the plug and the receptacle for releasably securing the plug to the receptacle.

12. The socket of claim 11, wherein the extension has a fixed length.

13. The socket of claim 11, wherein the extension has an adjustable length.