TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to power adapters for connecting between a mains power supply and portable electronic devices (e.g. smartphone, MP3 player, etc.) . In particular, it relates to foldable power adapters in which the plug can be stowed when not in use. Examples of the invention may also provide additional functionality in the power adapter body, e.g. selectable power or data ports or connectors, peripheral device storage (e.g. for a battery, a pair of earphones or the like) , foldable support structures for holding a portable electronic device, etc.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices providing a plurality of functions such as telephone and internet connectivity, music and video playback are well known. Such devices usually require a power adapter for recharging a battery from a mains power supply or via a USB connection and in some cases are also provided with a set of earphones and/or microphone for a user to listen to or record an audio signal. When travelling for extended periods, it is often necessary to transport the power adapter and the set of earphones in addition to the portable electronic device itself. In some cases the power adapter and earphones can take up more space than the portable electronic device itself.

Space saving designs for power adapters, earphones and the like to increase their portability are already known. For example, WO 2006/016119 discloses a design for a 3-pin plug with foldable pins and CN 2396594 discloses a telephone handset with an inbuilt cavity for storing earphones and associated wiring. Devices with retractable USB plugs are also known .

WO 2015/049514 discloses a multifunctional adapter or interface unit for a portable electronic device, the adapter unit being stored or stowable within the portable electronic device and being operable as a power adapter, user

input/output device, and/or data transfer unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At its most general, the present disclosure provides in various independent aspects a foldable multifunction power adapter. In a first aspect, the disclosure presents a foldable three-pin plug power adapter with integrated storage. In a second aspect, the disclosure presents a foldable power adapter with multiple, independently selectable, in-built connectors. In a third aspect, the disclosure presents a foldable plug power adapter with a selectable two-pin plug format. In a fourth aspect, the disclosure presents a foldable power adapter with storage for wireless headphones.

Herein the term "power adapter" may mean a unit for transferring and, optionally, transforming power from an external power source (e.g. mains power) to the portable electronic device, e.g. for purpose of recharging a battery. For example, the power adapter may be an AC/DC adapter, having a transformer or rectifier integrated therewith.

Alternatively or additionally, the power adapter may function to transfer power from an external supply (either DC or AC) into a portable electronic device, with or without

transforming that power. For example, the power adapter may function to connect the portable electronic device to a laptop or desktop computer, from which a DC power signal is

available .

In some of the aspects below, the power adapter itself includes a rechargeable battery, which can be charged from a mains supply alone or simultaneously with charging an external portable electronic device. In these aspects, the power adapter may be used as a portable power source, e.g. to extend the battery life of the portable electronic device.

The electrical connections and components required for the power adapter to operate are conventional, and can be enclosed within the housing of the power adapter in the aspects of the invention presented below.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a three-pin plug power adapter comprising a housing having: a first housing portion operably coupled to an earth pin; a second housing portion operably coupled to a line pin and a neutral pin; and a plug base plate connected to the first housing portion via a first pivotable connection and connected to the second housing portion via a second pivotable

connection, wherein the housing is manipulable between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration by pivoting the first housing portion and second housing portion about the first pivotable connection and the second pivotable connection respectively, wherein in the folded configuration the earth pin, the line pin and the neutral pin lie within the plug base plate, and wherein in the deployed configuration the earth pin, the line pin and the neutral pin extend away from the plug base plate in a manner suitable for insertion in a mains supply. The power adapter may adopt a compact, easily transportable shape when in the folded configuration. For example, the housing may be a hand-held portable unit.

The housing may include a storage recess, e.g. to enable peripheral components, e.g. wireless earphones, cables or the like, to be transported together with the power adapter. The storage recess may be in either the first housing portion or the second housing portion. The second housing portion may contain the electrical components associated with normal functioning of the power adapter. The first and/or second housing portion may include a connection port (e.g. a USB port or the like) for receiving a cable connection from an external device .

The housing may include a biasing element arranged to urge the housing into the deployed configuration. The power adapter may thus flip into the deployed configuration

automatically when needed. The biasing element may comprise one or more springs mounted to urge rotation about the first and/or second pivotable connections towards the deployed configuration.

The housing may include a locking element for holding the housing in the folded configuration. Where the device has a biasing element, the locking element may resist or block an urging force of the biasing element. The locking element may comprise an engagement feature on the first housing portion that is arranged to abut corresponding engagement feature on the second housing portion when the housing is in the folded configuration. The engagement features may be opposing edges of the first and second housing portions that mate when the housing is in the folded configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may include a latch or the like to physically lock the housing in the folded configuration.

The housing may include an actuator, e.g. a push button, or slider, arranged to release the locking element, e.g. by pushing the first housing portion out of engagement with the second housing portion.

The housing may be retained within the folded

configuration. For example, the housing may include a cover portion that is detachably engagable with either or both of the first housing portion or the second housing portion when the housing is in the folded configuration to inhibit relative movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. This may act to retain the housing in the folded configuration, e.g. to prevent accidental deployment.

The first housing portion may comprise an earth pin body that is pivotably mounted on the plug base plate to provide the first pivotable connection. The cover portion may be movable relative to the earth pin body between a retaining position, in which the earth pin body is inhibited from rotating about the first pivotable connection, and an

operational position, in which the earth pin body is permitted to rotate about the first pivotable connection. The cover portion may engage the second housing portion to lock the housing in the folded configuration, as discussed above. The cover portion may be slidable or rotatable, e.g. with respect to the earth pin body. In one example, the cover portion may be rotatable about a pivot axis that is offset from a rotation axis of the first pivotable connection. The cover portion may be foldable or deformable relative to the earth pin body in other ways to achieve the same function.

The plug base plate may have a front surface that defines a plane from which the earth pin, the line pin and the neutral pin extend when the housing is in the deployed configuration.

The pins may extend orthogonally to the plane when in use. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be arranged to rotate with respect to the plug base plate to extend rearwardly of the front surface when the housing is in the deployed configuration. In the folded configuration, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may lie parallel to the plane.

The plug base plate may have three slots therein for receiving the earth pin, the line pin and the neutral pin respectively. The pins may pivot out of their respective slots. The pins may lie in their slots flush with the front surface of the plug base plate when the housing is in the folded configuration.

The housing may include a fold-out stand.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a power adapter comprising: a housing; a first two-pin plug body rotatably mounted on the housing; a second two-pin plug body rotatably mounted on the housing, the second two-pin plug body having a different pin format from the first two-pin plug body, wherein the first two-pin plug body and the second two- pin plug body are rotatably mounted around parallel axes within, e.g. at one end of, the housing. The power adapter thus provides a compact device that can be used in regions having different power plug formats. The first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body may be rotatable about a common axis. The power adapter may have shared electrical connections for the first and second two-pin plug bodies, e.g. extending along the common axis. There may be more than two two-pin plug bodies, e.g. to enable the device to provide connectivity for more than two different plug formats.

The first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body may be independently rotatable between a folded

configuration and a deployed configuration. In one example, the first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body may rotate in opposite senses relative to the body, e.g. about the common axis, between the folded configuration and deployed configuration. The first two-pin plug body may be nested within the second two-pin plug body.

The first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body may each have a pair of plug pins extending therefrom, and wherein the housing includes a recess for receiving each pair of plug pins when the first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body are in the folded configuration. The housing may have a cuboidal shape, and the parallel axes (or common axis) may lie along a side of the housing. The first two-pin plug body and the second two-pin plug body may project away from the side of the housing when in the deployed configuration.

The housing may include a storage recess as discussed above with respect to the first aspect.

The housing may include a first biasing element arranged to urge the first two-pin plug body to rotate away from the housing. The housing may include a second biasing element arranged to urge the second two-pin plug body to rotate away from the housing. In other words, the power adapter can be operable to automatically flip a selected one of the first or second two-pin plug body to its deployed configuration. The first biasing element may comprise a spring mounted to urge rotation of the first two-pin plug body about its rotation axis (which may be the common axis) . Similarly, the second biasing element may comprise a spring mounted to urge rotation of the second two-pin plug body about its rotation axis.

The housing may include respective locking elements for holding each two-pin plug body against an urging force of its biasing element. Each locking element may be a latch or other suitable retaining engagement feature.

The housing may include respective actuators for releasing each locking element. The actuators may be sliders mounted in the housing. The two-pin plug bodies may have any suitable pin format. For example, the first two-pin plug body may comprise a Type A pin configuration, and the second two- pin plug body may comprise a Type C pin configuration.

In a third aspect, there may be provided a power adapter comprising: a housing; a fold-out plug mounted in the housing, the fold-out plug being movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed

configuration in which it is insertable in a mains supply; and a fold-out connector unit mounted in the housing, the fold-out connector unit being movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed configuration in which it extends away from the housing, wherein the fold- out connector unit comprises a plurality of independently selectable connectors, each connector of the plurality of independently selectable connectors being insertable in a respective corresponding connector port of an external portable electronic device to electrically connect the power adapter to the external portable electronic device. The fold- out plug and fold-out connector may be at opposite ends of the housing. For example, the fold-out plug may be mounted at a first end of the housing. The fold-out connector unit may be mounted at a second end of the housing, opposite to the first end. The plurality of independently selectable connectors enable the power adapter to be used with a wide variety of different devices, which can avoid the problem of requiring separate adapters.

The fold-out plug may be a pivotable two-pin plug body. The fold-out plug may be configured as a three-pin plug, and may operate in the same way as defined above with respect to the first aspect. In another example, the fold-out plug may be a plurality of nested two-pin plugs similar to that defined above with respect to the second aspect.

The fold-out connector unit may comprise a connector arm pivotably mounted at the second end of the housing. The connector arm may have the plurality of independently

selectable connectors mounted thereon. For example, each connector may be pivotably mounted on the connector arm. The connector arm may be a U-shaped frame that flips out of the housing .

The housing may comprise a fold-out support element mounted at a second end of the housing. The fold-out support element may be movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed configuration in which it extends away from the housing to provide a support surface for the external portable electronic device when connected to one of the plurality of independently selectable connectors. The fold-out support element may flip out from an opposite side of the housing from the fold-out connector unit.

The fold-out support element may be a platform. The fold-out support element may be rotatable about the same axis as the fold-out connector arm.

The fold-out connector unit may comprise a plurality of connector arms pivotably mounted at the second end of the housing. Each of the plurality of connector arms may have a respective one of the plurality of independently selectable connectors mounted thereon. The plurality of connector arms may be pivotably mounted about a common rotation axis.

Each connector arm of the plurality of connector arms may be independently movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed configuration in which it extends away from the housing.

The housing may include a rotational inhibiting lock mechanism arranged to secure the plurality of connector arms when the fold-out connector unit is in the deployed

configuration. For example, the rotational inhibiting lock mechanism may comprise a locking nut arranged to engage the plurality of connector arms to prevent them pivoting relative to the housing. The locking nut may be screwed along the common axis, e.g. to provide a frictional engagement that secures the plurality of connector arms together.

In a fourth aspect, there may be provided a power adapter comprising: a housing; a fold-out plug mounted in the housing, the fold-out plug being movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed

configuration in which it is insertable in a mains supply; and a storage recess in the housing for receiving a pair of wireless earphones.

The fold-out plug may be a pivotable two-pin plug body. The fold-out plug may be configured as a three-pin plug, and may operate in the same way as defined above with respect to the first aspect. In another example, the fold-out plug may be a plurality of nested two-pin plugs similar to that defined above with respect to the second aspect.

The fourth aspect may have any of the features defined above relating to the first, second and third aspects. For example, the housing may include a rechargeable battery arranged to receive power from the fold-out plug when in the deployed configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the power adapter may include a fold-out connector unit mounted in the housing, the fold-out connector unit being movable between a folded configuration in which it is stowed in the housing and a deployed configuration in which it extends away from the housing. The fold-out connector unit may comprise a connector that is insertable in a corresponding connector port of an external portable electronic device to electrically connect the power adapter to the external portable electronic device.

Similarly to the other aspects, the housing may include a connection port, e.g. a USB port or the like, for connecting the power adapter to a portable electronic device, e.g. a smartphone or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a power adapter that is a first embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration;

Fig. IB shows the power adapter of Fig. 1A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 1C shows the power adapter of Fig. 1A in a second transitional position;

Fig. ID shows the power adapter of Fig. 1A in a deployed configuration (i.e. an operational position);

Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a power adapter that is a second embodiment of the invention in a folded

configuration;

Fig. 2B shows the power adapter of Fig. 2A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 2C shows the power adapter of Fig. 2A in a second transitional position;

Fig. 2D shows the power adapter of Fig. 2A in a deployed configuration;

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a power adapter that is a third embodiment of the invention in a folded

configuration;

Fig. 3B shows the power adapter of Fig. 3A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 3C shows the power adapter of Fig. 3A in a second transitional position;

Fig. 3D shows the power adapter of Fig. 3A in an

operational position;

Fig. 4A shows a power adapter that is a fourth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration;

Fig. 4B shows the power adapter of Fig. 4A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 4C shows the power adapter of Fig. 4A in a second transitional position;

Fig. 4D shows the power adapter of Fig. 4A with a fully deployed recharge connection support and a partially deployed support stand; Fig. 4E shows the power adapter of Fig. 4A with a fully deployed recharge connection support and fully deployed support stand;

Fig. 5A is a fifth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration;

Fig. 5B shows the power adapter of Fig. 5A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 5C shows the power adapter of Fig. 5A in a second position in which a recharge connection support is deployed;

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a power adapter unit that is a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6B shows the power adapter of Fig. 6A in a first transitional position;

Fig. 6C shows the power adapter of Fig. 6A with a continental-type plug in a fully deployed position;

Fig. 6D shows the power adapter of Fig. 6A in a second transitional position;

Fig. 6E shows the power adapter unit of Fig. 6A with a US-type plug connecter in a fully deployed position;

Fig. 7A shows a power adapter that is a seventh

embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration;

Fig. 7B shows the power adapter of Fig. 7A in a first transitional position, in which a US-type plug connector is being unfolded;

Fig. 7C shows the power adapter of Fig. 7A in a second transitional position, in which a continental-type plug connector is being deployed;

Fig. 8A is a front perspective view of a power adapter that is an eighth embodiment of the invention in a deployed configuration with a smartphone mounted thereon; and

Fig. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the power adapter of Fig. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION; FURTHER OPTIONS AND PREFERENCES

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a power adapter 100 that is a first embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 1A, the power adapter 100 is in a folded configuration, in which a three-pin plug for inserting into a mains supply is stowed. In the folded configuration, the adapter has a thin cuboidal profile, suitable for convenient storage, e.g. in a pocket or the like. The shape of the power adapter 100 in the folded configuration is similar to that of a conventional smart phone .

The power adapter 100 comprises an outer housing that is defined by a first housing portion 102, a second housing portion 104 and a plug base plate 106. In combination, in the folded configuration, the first housing portion 102, the second housing portion 104 and the plug base plate form an enclosure. The enclosure may be used to retain or house components of the adapter, e.g. the means for transforming received AC power into a DC output, or to stow peripheral components, such as earphones or the like.

The plug base plate 106 has three parallel elongate slots formed therein. The slots are for permitting pins of the plug to project there through when the power adapter 100 is in a deployed position. There is a central slot 110 for receiving an earth pin. There are a pair of side slots 108a, 108b flanking the central slot 110 for receiving the line and neutral pins.

Fig. IB shows the power adapter in a first transitional position, as it is manipulated between the folded

configuration and a deployed configuration. In Fig. IB, the first housing portion is moved relative to the plug base plate 106 in order to unlock a hinge mechanism within the housing. In this example, the first housing portion 102 is slidable with respect to a first body portion 112. The first housing portion 102 may be slidably engaged with the first body portion 112 via a track 114 or the like. The first body portion 112 and the second housing portion 104 are pivotably connected to the plug base plate 102 at respective axes that lie parallel to a plane of the plug base plate 106.

Fig. 1C shows the power adapter 100 in a second

transitional position in which the first housing portion 102 and first body portion 112 have pivoted away from an upright position, and in which the second housing portion 104 has pivoted with respect to the plug base plate away from an upright, or aligned position. The pivotable portions of the adapter are arranged to pivot towards each other behind the plug base plate. As can be seen in Fig. 1C, the second housing portion 104 is connected to line and neutral pins

118A, 118B in a fixed manner which means that rotation of the second housing portion 104 out of alignment with the plug base plate 106 causes the line and neutral pins 118a, 118b to pivot out and protrude from the slots 108a, 108b. Similarly, the first body portion 112 is connected to an earth pin 120 in a fixed manner that means rotation of the first body portion 112 out of alignment with the plug base plate 106 causes the earth pin 120 to pivot outwardly from the slot 110.

Fig. ID shows the power adapter 100 in a deployed position, where the first housing portion 102 and the second housing portion 104 are fully pivoted backward with respect to the plug base plate such that they abut one another. The line and neutral pins 118a, 118b and the earth pin 120 are fully pivoted outward from their respective slots so that they lie perpendicular to the outer surface of the plug base plate 106.

In the deployed configuration, the power adapter provides a three-pin plug suitable for use as a power adapter for a portable electronic device. The housing may be provided with a connector port (not shown), e.g. a USB port or the like. In other examples, a connector may be integrated directly into the first housing portion 102, the second housing portion 104 or the first body portion 112 to permit a portable electronic device to be mounted directly to the power adapter.

The first body portion 112 or the second housing portion 104 may be used as a storage enclosure, for retaining

peripheral components, such as earphones or the like. In one example, the earphones are wireless earphones that can connect wirelessly with a portable electronic device, e.g. via

Bluetooth® connection or the like.

Fig. 2A shows a power adapter 200 that is a second embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the power adapter 200 has a similar shape to the power adapter 100 discussed above. The power adapter 200 may have a more compact shape than the power adapter 100 because it uses a double hinge opening mechanism. The power adapter 200 comprises a first housing portion 202, a second housing portion 204, a back plate 208, and a plug base plate 206 that are arranged to form an enclosure for the device. The plug base plate 206 has a similar form to the plug base plate 106 discussed above, so description thereof is not repeated. Fig. 2B shows the power adapter 200 in a first

transitional position as it moves from the folded

configuration to a deployed configuration. Here it can be seen that the back plate 208 is moveable laterally away from the plug base plate. The first housing portion 202 and the second portion 204 are pivotably connected at one end to the back plate 208. The first housing portion 202 has a pin body 210 that is pivotably connected at a first end to the plug base plate 206 and pivotably connected at a second end to the first housing portion 202. As the back plate 208 is moved away from the plug base plate 206, the first housing portion 202 is moved from an upright position in which it is aligned with the plug base plate towards a lateral position in which it lies behind and perpendicular to the base plate 206. This movement causes the first pin body to pivot with respect to the plug base plate 206. The first pin body has an earth pin 212 fixed to it. Pivoting of the first pin body 210 with respect to the plug base plate 206 causes the earth pin to protrude from a slot formed in the plug base plate 206 into a deployed position, as shown in Figs. 2C and 2D in a similar manner to the plug adapter 100 discussed above.

Similarly, the second housing portion 204 has a second pin body 214 that is pivotably connected to the second housing portion 204 at a first end and pivotably connected to the plug base plate 206 at a second end. As the back plate 208 is moved away from the plug base plate 206, the second housing portion 204 moves from an upright position in which it is aligned with the plug base plate to a lateral position where it lies behind and perpendicular to the plug base plate. This movement causes the second pin body 214 to pivot with respect to the plug base plate 206. The second pin body has line and neutral pins 216 attached to it. As shown in Figs 2C and 2D, as the second pin body 214 pivots with respect to the plug base plate 206 the line and neutral pins 216 project out of slots formed in the plug base plate 206 until they protrude perpendicularly to the plug base plate 206 in a deployed positon (as shown in Fig. 2D) .

Similarly to the power adapter 100 discussed above, the housing may comprise a suitable port for connecting the adapter to a portable electronic device. Fig. 3A shows a power adapter 300 that is a third embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 300 has a similar form factor to the power adapters 100, 200 discussed above. The power adapter 300 comprises a housing having a first housing portion 302 and a second housing portion 304 and a plug base plate 310 (not visible in Fig 3A, which form an enclosure for the power adapter when it is in the folded configuration. In this example, a connector port 306, e.g. a USB port or the like, is shown on the bottom surface of the second housing portion 304.

The first housing portion 302 has a pair of push buttons 308 which, when pressed, unlock the adapter from the folded configuration to enable it to be moved into the deployed configuration shown in Fig. 3D. The push buttons 308 are each operably connected to a respective latch that may be

engageable with a corresponding feature on the plug base plate 310 to retain the first housing portion 302 in position against the plug base plate 310. The first housing portion 302 may have a back edge 303 that engages against a

corresponding edge of the second housing portion 304 when in the folded configuration.

Fig. 3B shows the power adapter 300 in a first

transitional position as it moves from the folded

configuration to a deployed configuration. In Fig. 3B, the push buttons 308 have been pressed to release the first housing portion 302 from the plug base plate 310. The plug base plate is configured in a similar way to that described above with respect to the power adapters 100, 200 in that it has slots formed in its front surface through which the pins of the plug can protrude. In the example, the plug base plate

310 is a pivotably connected to the second housing portion 304 which has the line and neutral pins of the plug projecting therefrom.

As the plug base plate 310 pivots with respect to the second housing portion 304, the pins 310 project from

corresponding slots in the plug base plate 310.

As shown in Fig. 3C, the first housing portion 302 is connected to the plug base plate 310 via a intermediate pin body 316 which has an earth pin 314 protruding from it. The pin body is pivotably connected to the plug base plate 310 so that relative rotation between the plug base plate 310 and the pin body 316 causes the earth pin 314 to protrude from a respective slot through the plug base plate 310. The first housing 302 is pivotably connected to the pin body along an axis that is displaced from the rotation axis between the pin body 316 and the plug base plate 310. Thus, when the first housing portion is released from the plug base plate 310, relative rotation is permitted between the components about the various pivot axes to permit the pins to project from the plug base plate 310 as shown in the deployed configuration of Fig. 3D.

In one example, the power adapter 300 may include biasing elements that act to urge the pins 312, 314 into the deployed configuration, where they protrude from the plug base plate 310. For example, one or more of the pivot axes may be spring loaded to urge the power adapter towards the deployed

configuration. The power adapter can be retained in the folded configuration shown in Fig. 3A by the reaction force between the edge 303 of the first housing portion 302 and the second housing portion 304. The urging force of the biasing elements may act to push the first housing portion 302 against the second housing portion. The push button 308 may act as a latch to support this resistance, e.g. by locking the first housing portion 302 to the plug base plate 310.

Alternatively, the push button may not be associated with any latch or locking mechanism, but may simply operate to push the first housing portion 302 out of engagement with the second housing portion 304.

Fig. 4A shows a power adapter 400 that is a fourth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 400 has a similar form factor to the power adapter 300 discussed above. Components which perform the same function are given the same reference number and are not described again. The power adapter 400 is movable between the folded configuration and a first deployed configuration for insertion into a mains supply in the same manner as the power adapter 300 discussed above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3D. Figs. 4A to 4E show a transition of the power adapter 400 from the folded configuration to a second deployed configuration in which it provides a recharge connection support for a portable electronic device. As shown in Fig. 4B, the second housing portion 304 of the power adapter 400 comprises a fold-out connecter arm 402 in a rear surface thereof. The fold-out connector arm 402 is a U-shaped frame that is pivotably connected to the second housing portion 304. The U-shaped frame has one or more connector fingers disposed thereon. The connector fingers are shaped to be receivable in corresponding ports on a portable electronic device. For example, the connector fingers may include a micro USB connector, a Lightning connector, or the like. Each connector may be arranged to transfer a signal

(e.g. a power signal or data signal) between the power adapter 400 and the portable electronic device when connected to the connector. In the example shown in Fig. 4B, there are three connector fingers 404, 406. The connectors are rotatably mounted on the U-shaped frame so that the desired connector

404 to be used can be rotated out of the plane of the U-shaped frame to permit insertion into a corresponding port. The connectors 406 that are not in use can be rotated out of the way .

As shown in Fig. 4C, the fold-out connector arm 402 may be rotated around from the rear of the second housing portion 304 so that it projects forwardly from a front surface thereof. The second housing portion 304 comprises a fold-out support arm 408 in the front surface thereof. The fold-out support arm 408 may comprise a U-shaped frame that is

pivotably mounted on the second housing portion 302, where it can be folded out to surround the fold-out connector arm 402 in the deployed position. The extent of rotation of the fold- out support arm 408 may be limited so that it can support the weight of a portable electronic device mounted thereon. The fold-out support arm 408 may include one or more upstanding flange elements 410 on its front edge when in a deployed position (e.g. as shown in Fig. 4D and 4E) . The upstanding flange elements 410 may assist in retaining the portable electronic device on the fold-out support arm 408.

In use in the deployed configuration shown in Fig. 4D and 4E, a portable electronic device can rest on the fold-out support arm 408 and operably (e.g. electrically) connect to the power adapter 400 via the deployed connector 404. This deployed configuration may be used to recharge the portable electronic device from a battery (not shown) within the power adapter 400 that may have been previously charged from a mains supply. Alternatively or additionally, this deployed

configuration may be used to pass data or other signals between the portable electronic device and the power adapter 400.

In other examples, the fold-out support arm 408 may be omitted, and the fold-out connector arm 402 may provide a support function on its own. Where the connector fingers 404, 406 are not required to plug into a device, they may be used either individually or jointly or in any combination as a flange to retain the device on the connector arm 402, e.g. between the connector fingers 404, 406 and back surface of the housing .

As shown in Figs. 4D and 4E, the second housing portion 304 further includes a foldable stand 412 that is pivotable away from the housing to enable the power adapter to stand on a surface with only a bottom edge thereof in contact with the surface. In other words, the stand 412 enables the power adapter to stand in a substantially upright orientation when in the second deployed configuration. The foldable stand 412 may be hinged at a pivot point located in a middle region of the housing. The foldable stand 412 may have one or more support feet 414 that swing away from the housing as the stand pivots relative to the housing.

The fold-out stand 412 may be lockable, i.e. retainable against the housing. For example the fold-out connector arm 402 may have an engagement feature that abuts the stand 412 when it is folded into the housing. The stand may be released by folding out the connector arm 402. Alternatively, the fold-out stand 412 may be lockable by a separate latch, e.g. an engagement element that is pivotably mounted to the housing .

The fold-out connector arm 402 and the fold-out support arm 408 may be retained (e.g. locked) in place by a latch or the like when the power adapter is in the folded

configuration. Alternatively the fold-out connector arm 402 and the fold-out support arm 408 may be mounted on friction hinges as discussed below with reference to Figs. 8A and 8B. A release actuator 416 may be provided on the front surface of the second housing portion 304. Actuating, e.g. sliding or pressing, the release actuator 416 may unlock the fold-out connector arm 402 and the fold-out support arm 408 to enable them to be deployed.

Fig. 5A shows a power adapter 500 that is a fifth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 500 has a similar form factor to the power adapters 300, 400 discussed above. Components which perform the same function are given the same reference number and are not described again. The power adapter 500 is movable between the folded configuration and a first deployed configuration for insertion into a mains supply in the same manner as the power adapter 300 discussed above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3D. Figs. 5A to 5C show a transition of the power adapter 500 from the folded configuration to a second deployed configuration in which it provide a recharge connection support for a portable electronic device.

The power adapter 500 operates in a similar way to the power adapter 400 discussed above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4E in that it provides a fold-out connector arm on the second housing portion 304. However, the power adapter 500 differs from the power adapter in that it provides a plurality of fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506, each having a separate respective connector. Furthermore, instead of providing a separate fold-out support arm, the power adapter 500 comprises a mechanism for retaining each fold-out

connector arm 502, 504, 506 in a deployed position in a manner than enables it to support the weight of a portable electronic device .

Fig. 5B shows the power adapter 500 in a transitional configuration between the folded configuration and the second deployed configuration. In this example, the plurality of connector arms 502, 504, 506 comprise a nested set of U-shaped frames, each hinged about a pivot axis that lies laterally parallel to a bottom edge of the housing. Each U-shaped frame has an upstanding connector disposed on a cross-bar thereof. For example, a first fold-out connector arm 502 has a

connector 508 disposed thereon, as shown in Fig. 5C. The second housing portion 304 is provided with recesses for receiving the connectors when the power adapter is in the folded configuration so that the plurality of fold-out connector arms can lie flush with the rear surface of the housing when in the folded configuration. In Fig. 5B, a second fold-out connector arm 504 has been partly pivoted away from the rear surface of the housing.

Fig. 5C shows the power adapter 500 in the second deployed configuration with the first fold-out connector arm pivoted into a positon to receive a portable electronic device. In this example, the other fold-out connector arms 504, 506 are partly pivoted away from the housing so that they lie at an angle to the rear surface of the housing. The first fold-out connector arm 502 lies in a plane that is

substantially orthogonal to the plane of the other fold-out connector arms 504, 506, whereby the other fold-out connector arms 504, 506 provide a back support surface for a portable electronic device when mounted on the first fold-out connector arm. The plurality of fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 may be rotatably coupled to each other to limit the maximum angular separation therebetween. Thus, when the first fold- out connector arm 502 is rotated beyond a threshold angle with respect to the housing, the other fold-out connector arms 504, 506 will pivot with it.

Similarly to the power adapter 400 discussed above, each of the plurality of fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 may be retained (e.g. locked) in place by a latch or the like when the power adapter is in the folded configuration. In this embodiment, a plurality of release actuators 514, 516, 518 may be provided on the front surface of the second housing portion

304. Each of the plurality of fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 can be selected by actuating, e.g. sliding or pressing, a respective release actuator 514, 516, 518.

Actuating the release actuator may cause the respective fold- out connector arm to be pushed out of the plane of the rear surface of the housing to enable a user to grip it and move it to a desired deployed position.

To fix the fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 in the deployed position, a rotational inhibiting lock mechanism is provided. In this example, the lock mechanism comprises a rotatable lever 510 mounted on the second housing and

rotatable about the pivot axis of the fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506. The rotatable lever 510 is operably connected to a locking nut (not shown) that can be screwed along the pivot axis. Screwing the locking nut along the pivot axis in a first direction pushes the fold-out connector arms together at their pivot points, which serves to fractionally fix their position. Screwing the locking nut in a second direction releases the frictional engagement.

The rotatable lever 510 may be rotatably mounted in the housing via a ratchet mechanism (not shown) that can restrict its movement to prevent accidental operation. The ratchet mechanism may have three operational positions that are selectable by a switch 512 mounted in the second housing portion 304. In a first operational position, the ratchet can prevent rotation of the lever 510 to cause movement of the locking nut in the second direction. This operational position locks the power adapter in the second deployed configuration. In a second operational position the ratchet can prevent rotation of the lever 510 to cause movement of the locking nut in the first direction. This position may be used when the level lies flush with the housing to lock the power adapter 500 in the folded configuration. In a third

operational position, the ratchet may permit rotation of the lever 510 in both directions. This may be an adjustment position occupied while the power adapter is in a transitional configuration between the folded and second deployed

configurations .

Fig. 6A shows a power adapter 600 that is a sixth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 600 has a similar form factor to the power adapter 500 discussed above. In particular it comprises a plurality of fold-out connector arms 602, 604, 606 that may operate in a similar manner to the fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 discussed above. This functionality is

therefore not described again.

The power adapter 600 differs from the examples described above in that it provides a two-pin plug adapter rather than the three-pin arrangement described above. As described below, the power adapter 600 includes two different

independently selectable two-pin plugs: a "continental" two- pin type (also known as Type C or Europlug, which is commonly used in Europe, South America and Asia) and a US-style two-pin type (also known as Type A, and mainly used in the USA,

Canada, Mexico & Japan) . Figs. 6A to 6C show deployment of a first plug type. Figs. 6A, 6D and 6E show deployment of a second plug type. The power adapter 600 comprises a housing 608 having a first end at which the plurality of fold-out connector arms 602, 604, 606 are pivotably mounted. The first end also comprises a connector port 610, e.g. a USB port or the like, for connecting the power adapter to a portable electronic device or other peripheral component.

The housing 608 has a second end at which a pair of pivotable plug bodies 612, 614 are mounted. In the folded configuration shown in Fig. 6A both of the plug bodies are rotated to lie flush with the housing. Each of the plug bodies 612, 614 has a pair of pins that are retained within corresponding recesses formed within the housing 608 in the folded configuration. For example, a first plug body 612 has a pair of pins 616 that lie within recesses 618. A second plug body 614 has a pair of pins 620 that lie within recesses

622. Each plug body may rotate in the same or a different sense to move between the folded configuration and its respective deployed configuration. The recesses 618, 622 may be through holes that pass through the housing. The recesses 618, 622 may form a common aperture for retaining pins from both plug bodies together in the folded configuration.

The housing 608 may include a biasing element arranged to urge the plug bodies 612, 614 towards their deployed

configuration. The biasing element may include a spring (or a respective spring for each plug body) mounted on a pin in the housing around which the plug bodies rotate.

In the folded configuration, the plug bodies 612, 614 may be retained by a suitable latch against the urging force of the biasing element, e.g. by securing them to the housing 608 to prevent movement relative to the housing 608. Each of the plug bodies 612, 614 may have a respective latch (not shown) that can be independently released by a respective actuator 624, 626. In this example, the actuators 624, 626 are sliders mounted on the housing 608. The housing may include a rotation stop for each plug body 612, 614 against which the plug body 612, 614 is urged by the biasing element to ensure that it automatically adopts its position for the deployed configuration. As shown in Figs. 6C and 6E, the deployed configuration for each plug body in this example has the pair of pins for the deployed plug body extending away from the housing substantially in alignment with the plane of the housing. In other examples, the plug bodies may adopt different angles with respect to the housing 608 when in the deployed position.

Fig. 7A shows a power adapter 700 that is a seventh embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 700 has a similar form factor to the power adapter 300 discussed above. However, its functionality is a combination of the multiple two-pin plug body deployment mechanism discussed above with reference to Figs. 6A to 6E and the plurality of fold-out connector arms 502, 504, 506 discussed above with reference to Figs. 5A to 5C . Components which perform the same functions as described above are given the same reference number and are not described again.

Fig. 7B shows the power adapter 700 with a first plug body 612 in a deployed configuration. Fig. 7C shows the power adapter 700 with a second plug body 614 in a deployed

configuration. This embodiment differs from the power adapter 600 in that the first plug body is mounted within the second plug body 614, so that the recesses for receiving the pair of pins 616 when the first plug body is stowed are in the second plug body 614.

Fig. 8A shows a power adapter 800 that is an eighth embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration. The power adapter 800 has a similar form factor to the power adapter 100 discussed above with respect to Figs. 1A to ID.

Features in common are given the same reference number and are not described again.

Figs . 8A and 8B show the power adaptor in a deployed configuration in which a three-pin plug is exposed at one end, ready to be inserted into a mains socket. At an end opposite the plug, the second housing portion 104 comprises a fold-out connecter arm 812. The fold-out connector arm 812 is a crossbar supported by two side arms 814 to form a U-shaped frame that is pivotably connected to the second housing portion 104. The U-shaped frame has one or more connector fingers disposed thereon. The connector fingers are shaped to be receivable in corresponding ports on a portable electronic device. For example, the connector fingers may include a micro USB connector, a Lightning connector, or the like. In Figs. 8A and 8B, a smartphone 850 is mounted on a connector finger (not shown) . The fold-out connector arm 812 may be pivotably mounted on the second housing portion 104 by a friction hinge that is arranged to resist pivoting motion caused by a moment that is less than a predetermined threshold. The threshold may be set so that the fold-out connect arm 812 can support a smartphone without requiring any supplementary engagement or support means .

In this embodiment, the second housing portion 104 provides a storage compartment . The storage compartment may be shaped to receive a pair of wireless earphones and may additionally provide power sources, e.g., for the purpose of recharging batteries . The storage compartment may include one or more magnet elements arranged to magnetically attract corresponding magnetic elements on the earphones in order to retain them in the storage compartment. In this embodiment, the second housing portion 104 may comprise a pair of

apertures 810 which provide access to the storage compartment, e.g. to permit the earphones to be pushed out of engagement with the retaining magnetic elements.