LATCHING POWER AND DATA CENTER

• US 20100178797A1
• Filed: 06/11/2008
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Norman R. Byrne
• Original Assignee: Norman R. Byrne
• Inventors: Byrne, Norman R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,690,590 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/540.100
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/068 with pop-up power outlet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/447 Shutter or cover plate
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0247 Electrical details of casings, e.g. terminals, passages for cables or wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/03 Covers

Abstract

An expandable power and data center (300) is adapted to be mounted within a slot (304) of a work surface (302). The power and data center (300) includes a stationary housing (306) and a carriage (328). The carriage (328) includes socket areas where power receptacles (338) and data ports (340) can be inserted. A top surface (330) of the carriage (328) and a top surface (350) of a frontal cover (348) form a pressure area (360). With the carriage in a closed position (328), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area (360), causing the carriage (328) to move to an open position. A damper (368) restricts the speed at which the carriage (328) moves between the closed position and an open position.

Claims

1. A pivotable power and data center adapted to be mounted to a work surface, said power and data center comprising:

a storage area;

at least one power receptacle for energizing electrical devices;

at least one data port for communications interconnection to communication devices;

means for maintaining said power and data center in a closed, retracted position, while still retaining the capability of continued interconnection of said electrical devices and said communication devices; and

means for moving said power and data center between said closed, retracted position and an open, extended position in response to a manual touch on a top of said power and data center.