Worksurface utilities module

• US 5,230,552 A
• Filed: 06/06/1991
• Issued: 07/27/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Inventors: Maas, Thomas R., Fox, Larry D., Musculus, Jeffery A., Frantz, Gary P., Hausner, Paul P., Wiersma, Steven E., Rillema, Larry L., Doornbos, Robert J., Brandt, James L., Shipman, David A., Russell, Scott H., Tyler, Edward L., Schipper, Timothy H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Peter R.
• Application Number:
  US07/711,662
• Time in Patent Office: 782 Days
• Field of Search: 108/26, 174/48, 174/49, 312/223, 312/196, 312/327, 312/328
• US Class Current: 312/223.6
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/066 with power or communication connection interface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0082 Cable inlet in worktop or desk, e.g. grommet
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/185 Floor outlets and access cups

Abstract

A module is provided for communicating utilities to a worksurface or the like from a remote source. The module includes a housing which is pivotally mounted within an aperture in the worksurface. The housing has a hollow interior for receiving one of a plurality of utility connector modules, such as an electrical or communication receptacle. The housing is pivotable between an open position wherein the receptacle is exposed and accessible, and a closed position wherein the receptacle is substantially hidden or retracted. In the preferred embodiment, the housing naturally moves to a closed position so that the receptacles are protected by an upper surface on the housing that is contoured to direct any spilled fluids away from the receptacle when the housing is in the closed position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the receptacles are oriented so that any spilled fluids flow away from the receptacles. Further, the preferred module assembly is constructed to generally set in an aperture in a worksurface panel in a hanging fashion, thus facilitating installation, maintenance and repair.

Claims

1. A module for dispensing utilities at a selected workstation location comprising:

a housing defining an interior compartment, said housing including an imperforate cover and further including side walls and a front portion extending from said imperforate cover fully around said imperforate cover to form a protective canopy-like barrier over the interior compartment;

mounting means for mounting said module in a worksurface;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting means to permit rotation of said housing between an open position for access, and a closed position wherein said housing is retracted below the selected worksurface;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one receptacle opening therein shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed, said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position moves said utility connector module to a protected position under said imperforate cover so that liquid spilled on said imperforate cover will not enter said receptacle opening;

self-closing means for biasing said housing toward said closed position from any position including the open position, whereby when an operator releases said housing after accessing said receptacle opening said housing automatically returns said utility connector module to the protected position; and

spill barrier means for preventing fluid spilled on the worksurface from washing into and around said utility connector module, said spill barrier means including said imperforate cover and said side walls which form the canopy-like barrier over said interior compartment.

2. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said said housing includes an upper half with sides and a lower half having mateable sides that join with the upper half sides to form a substantially liquid-tight joint therebetween.

3. The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said pivot means includes axle means laterally extending from opposite sides of said housing to facilitate the rotation of said housing.

4. The apparatus as defined by claim 3 including a plurality of different utility connector modules, each having a unique face and related set of openings;

and

means for detachably mounting one of said utility connector modules on said housing beneath said imperforate corner.

5. The apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said mounting means includes a rim which functions as a part of said spill barrier means.

6. The apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said self-closing means includes locating said pivot means with respect to said housing so that gravity causes said housing to close when released by an operator.

7. The apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said housing is adapted to hold electrical circuitry, switches, fuses, and the like therein.

8. The apparatus as defined by claim 7 wherein a portion of said module face is located above the selected workstation panel when said housing is in the open position.

9. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said interior compartment is substantially liquid-tight and is adapted to hold electrical circuitry, switches, fuses, and the like therein.

10. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a rim which functions as a part of said spill barrier means.

11. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 including a wire management tray mounted under said module, said tray adapted to loosely retain a portion of the cables associated with the removable utility taps.

12. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 including a plurality of different utility connector modules having different faces and openings interchangeably mountable to said housing, at least some of said different faces being oriented at different angles with respect to said housing when installed so that a selected one of said utility connector modules orients the at least one receptacle opening at a desired angle when the module is in the open position and also when the module is in the closed position.

13. The apparatus as defined by claim 12 wherein said plurality of different utility connector modules includes at least one utility connector module having an electrical receptacle opening and at least a second utility connector module having a communication receptacle opening.

14. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said mounting means is adapted to receive at least two of said housings positioned in opposing relationship.

15. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 including a second cover for aesthetically covering said housing, mounting means, and utility connector module.

16. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a support piece adapted to set in an aperture in the workstation panel in a hanging fashion thereby facilitating installation.

17. The apparatus as defined by claim 16 wherein said support piece includes a marginal lip which covers the marginal edge of the aperture, said marginal lip providing support for said mounting means and said housing and also forming a part of said spill barrier means.

18. The apparatus as defined by claim 16 wherein said mounting means includes a bracket that cooperates with said support piece to mount said housing on the workstation panel, said bracket including walls forming a part of said spill barrier means.

19. The apparatus as defined by claim 18 wherein said bracket includes a quick attachment means for installing or removing said housing to facilitate installation and repair.

20. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said mounting means includes a quick attachment means for installing and removing said housing from the workstation panel to facilitate installation and also removal and repair.

21. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said pivot means includes an opening to allow utility source cables and cords to be laterally routed therethrough to said utility connector module.

22. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a housing defining an interior compartment and having an imperforate cover and side walls extending from said imperforate cover, said housing being shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in any position being oriented such that a line extending perpendicularly from said face through said at least one electrical receptacle opening is never oriented at an angle above horizontal; and

a removable cover positionable to cover said housing when said housing is in the closed position, said removable cover, when installed, including a portion recessed partially below the level of the worksurface whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said at least one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening.

23. The apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said imperforate cover extends substantially horizontally over said electrical receptacle opening when said housing is in the closed position, said imperforate cover being shaped to direct liquid away from said electrical receptacle opening.

24. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 wherein said mounting bracket is adapted to set in an aperture in the worksurface and be supported in a hanging fashion from the marginal edge of the aperture.

25. The apparatus as defined by claim 24 including an open tray positioned generally below said utility connector module and adapted to manage the excess length of cords and cables extending from the removable utility taps plugged into said utility connector module.

26. The apparatus as defined by claim 25 wherein said open tray includes a divider to separate the cords and cables carrying different types of utilities to prevent interference therebetween.

27. The apparatus as defined by claim 26 wherein said mounting bracket is adapted to receive at least two of said housings.

28. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 wherein said pivot means provides space between said mounting bracket and said housing through which liquids flow when spilled onto said housing.

29. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 including a plurality of different types of said utility connector modules that can be selectively mounted to said housing, said plurality of modules having respective faces with different types and arrangements of receptacle openings therein shaped to detachable receive different types of removable utility taps.

30. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 wherein said pivot means includes axle means laterally extending from said housing to permit said rotation of said housing.

31. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 including an open tray positioned generally below said utility connector module and adapted to manage the excess length of cords and cables extending from the removable utility taps plugged into said utility connector module.

32. The apparatus as defined by claim 31 wherein said open tray includes a divider to separate the cords and cables carrying different types of utilities to prevent interference therebetween.

33. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 wherein said mount is adapted to receive at least two of said housings with said housings being positioned in opposing relationship.

34. The apparatus as defined by claim 22 wherein said housing defines a substantially liquid-tight interior compartment suitable to hold electrical circuitry, switches, fuses, and the like.

35. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a housing having an imperforate cover and shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in any position being oriented such that a line extending perpendicularly from said face through said at least one electrical receptacle opening is never oriented at an angle above horizontal, whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said at least one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening;

said imperforate cover extending substantially horizontally over said electrical receptacle opening when said housing is in the closed position, said imperforate cover being shaped to direct liquid away from said electrical receptacle opening; and

said mounting bracket including a rim which keeps liquids spilled on the worksurface from washing onto said housing.

36. The apparatus as defined by claim 35 wherein said pivotal means provides space between said mounting bracket and said housing through which liquids flow when spilled onto said housing.

37. The apparatus by claim 36 including a plurality of different utility connector modules, each having a unique face and related set of openings;

and

means for detachably mounting one of said utility connector modules on said housing beneath said imperforate cover.

38. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a worksurface having an imperforate cover and shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachable receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in any position being oriented such that a line extending perpendicularly from said face through said at least one electrical receptacle opening is never oriented at an angle above horizontal, whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said at least one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening; and

a second housing pivotally supported in said mounting bracket in opposing relationship to said first housing;

said second housing having a plurality of second utility connector modules that can be selectively mounted to said second housing, said second connector modules having a second face shaped to detachably receive removable communication utility taps.

39. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a housing having an imperforate cover and shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in any position being oriented such that a line extending perpendicularly from said face through said at least one electrical receptacle opening is never oriented at an angle above horizontal, whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said at least one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening;

said mounting bracket being adapted to set in an aperture in the worksurface and be supported in a hanging fashion from the marginal edge of the aperture, said mounting bracket being adapted to receive at least two of said housings;

an open tray positioned generally below said utility connector module and adapted to manage the excess length of cords and cables extending from the removable utility taps plugged into said utility connector modules;

said open tray including a divider to separate the cords and cables from carrying different types of utilities to prevent interference therebetween; and

a removable cover that is positionable to cover said housing when said housing is in the closed position, said removable cover having an upper surface that directs fluids away from said utility connector module.

40. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a housing having an imperforate cover and shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in any position being oriented such that a line extending perpendicularly from said face through said at least one electrical receptacle opening is never oriented at an angle above horizontal, whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said at least one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening; and

a support piece having a rim which keeps liquids spilled on the worksurface from entering said aperture.

41. In a furniture unit of the type having a worksurface, the improvement of a module for dispensing utilities at a selected location on said workstation, comprising:

a mounting bracket positioned in a selected portion of said worksurface;

a housing having an imperforate cover and shaped for reception within said mounting bracket;

pivot means for pivotally connecting said housing with said mounting bracket to permit rotation of said housing between an open and closed position;

a utility connector module having a face with at least one electrical receptacle opening therein for dispensing electrical power shaped to detachably receive a removable utility tap therein and through which associated utilities can be selectively accessed;

said utility connector module being mounted on said housing beneath said imperforate cover such that rotation of said housing into the closed position retracts said housing below the worksurface and rotation of said housing into the open position provides ready access to said utility connector module;

said module face when in the closed position being oriented such that a normal line extending from said face through said one electrical receptacle opening is not oriented at an angle above horizontal, whereby liquid spilled on said housing and said utility connector module will naturally flow away from said one receptacle opening and not into said electrical receptacle opening; and

a removable lid positionable to cover said housing when said housing is in the closed position, said lid having upper surface that directs fluids away from said utility connector module.

42. The apparatus as defined in claim 41 wherein the lid includes a notch located along at least one side of the lid for allowing cables to be routed therethrough.

43. The apparatus as defined in claim 41 wherein the lid is reversible.

44. A module for dispensing utilities at a selected workstation comprising:

a housing mount adapted to set within an aperture in the selected worksurface in a hanging fashion, the housing mount including a support means for engaging the marginal edge of the aperture to support the housing mount;

a housing shaped to set within said housing mount;

pivot means for pivotally mounting said housing to said housing mount, said pivot means allowing said housing to pivot between an open access position and closed position;

a utility connector module mounted to said housing, said connector module including a receptacle opening oriented so that said receptacle opening is accessible when said housing is in said open access position and said receptacle opening is substantially hidden when said housing is in said closed position; and

said housing mount having a rim which keeps liquids spilled on the worksurface from entering said housing.