Temporary power/data tap

• US 5,575,668 A
• Filed: 10/06/1995
• Issued: 11/19/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Norman R. Byrne
• Original Assignee: Paul Timmerman
• Inventors: Timmerman, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradley, P. Austin
• Assistant Examiner(s): WITTELS, DANIEL NMN
• Application Number:
  US08/544,789
• Time in Patent Office: 410 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/535, 174/48, 174/52, 174/53
• US Class Current: 439/131
• 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: H02G 3/185 Floor outlets and access cups

Abstract

A temporary power/data tap for delivering both electrical power and data service line to a work surface from a distant standard wall or floor mounted electrical receptacle and data port. The power/data tap is designed to be selectively moved between retract and extended positions to provide electrical power and data service line to the work surface. The power/data tap is a self-contained unit designed for easy installation on the work surface which meets or exceeds United Laboratory standards. At least one electrical receptacle and one data port is mounted on a pivoting outlet enclosure housed inside an enclosure assembly. The electrical receptacle and data port are disposed in two separate compartments formed in the outlet enclosure. A power cord capable of being plugged into a standard wall or floor receptacle delivers electrical power to one side of the enclosure assembly. A power distribution assembly located inside the enclosure assembly then safely distributors the electrical power inside the enclosure assembly. Optional electrical connectors and interconnecting cable is provided for electrical power from one power/data tap to another.

Claims

1. A temporary power/data tap, comprising:

a. an enclosure assembly capable of being attached to a work surface, said enclosure assembly having a top opening;

b. a power cord capable of attaching to a standard electrical receptacle and delivering electrical power to said enclosure assembly;

c. a data service line capable of attaching to a standard data port to deliver data communication service to said enclosure assembly;

d. a power distribution assembly located inside said enclosure assembly capable of safely receiving and delivering said electrical power delivered by said power cord to said enclosure assembly, said power distribution assembly also capable of isolating and grounding said electrical power from said data service line thereby reducing radio frequency and magnetic interference therein;

e. at least one outlet enclosure pivotally attached inside said enclosure assembly, said outlet enclosure including a lower box member having a top cover, a front cover and being divided into a first and second compartments, said outlet enclosure capable of being be selectively rotated inside said enclosure assembly thereby enabling said lower box member to be moved between a retracted and extended positions through said top opening in said enclosure assembly;

f. at least one electrical receptacle disposed inside said first compartment in said lower box member of said outlet enclosure, said electrical receptacle being connected to said electric power delivered by power distribution assembly; and

,

g. at least one data port disposed inside said second compartment in said lower box member of said outlet enclosure, said data port being connected to said data service line delivered to said enclosure assembly.

2. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 1, wherein said enclosure assembly includes a box structure with a integrally attached bezel.

3. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 2, further including a mounting means for adjustably mounting said temporary power/data tap to a work surface.

4. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 1, wherein said enclosure assembly includes an upper skirt assembly and a lower box structure, said skirt assembly including a bezel and perpendicularly aligned side members, said lower box structure having an elevated central area, said skirt assembly capable of being adjusted on said lower box structure.

5. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 4, further including a mounting means for adjustably mounting said temporary power/data tap to a work surface.

6. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 5, wherein said means for mounting said enclosure assembly under said work surface includes two L-shaped brackets adjustably attached to opposite sides of said skirt assembly, said L-brackets capable of being selectively attached to the work surface to attach said enclosure assembly thereto.

7. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 1, wherein said power distribution assembly includes a first junction box and a second junction boxes separated and connected together by rigid conduit, said power distribution assembly also including a set of wires located between said first and second junction boxes and disposed inside said rigid conduit and a second set of wires located between each said junction box and each said outlet enclosure, said power distribution assembly further including a flexible conduit disposed over each said second set of wires.

8. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 7, further including an electrical connector attached to said enclosure assembly, said electrical connector being connected to said first set of wires terminated in said second junction box, said electrical connector capable of being connected to an interconnecting cable to deliver electrical power to an adjacent temporary power/data tap.

9. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 8, further including a cable manager over said interconnecting cable disposed between adjacent said temporary power/data taps capable of protecting and shielding said interconnecting cable.

10. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 7, a circuit breaker disposed inside said temporary power/data tap and electrically connected to said power cord.

11. A temporary power/data tap, comprising:

a. an enclosure assembly having a top opening;

b. means for mounting said enclosure assembly under a work surface with said top opening being placed in a suitable opening formed in the work surface;

c. a power cord capable of attaching to a standard electrical receptacle and delivering electrical power to said enclosure assembly;

d. a power distribution assembly disposed inside said enclosure assembly capable of safely receiving and distributing said electrical power delivered by said power cord to said enclosure assembly, said power distribution capable of isolating and grounding said electrical power from said data service line thereby reducing radio frequency and magnetic interference therein;

e. at least one outlet enclosure placed inside said enclosure assembly, said outlet enclosure being pivotally attached along one edge to said enclosure assembly thereby enabling said outlet enclosure to rotate therein between an extended and retracted positions from said top opening in said enclosure assembly, said outlet enclosure having a front cover and a top cover and being divided into two isolated, first and second compartments;

f. at least one electrical receptacle attached to said outlet enclosure and disposed in said first compartment, said electrical receptacle capable of being electrically connected to said power cord to deliver electrical power;

g. at least one data service line capable of attaching to a standard data port and delivering data communication line service to said enclosure assembly;

h. at least one data port attached to said front surface of said lower box member over said second compartment, said data port capable of being connected to a data service line; and

,

i. a circuit breaker disposed inside said temporary power/data tap and electrically connected to said power cord.

12. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 11, wherein said enclosure assembly includes a lower box structure with an integrally attached upper bezel, said lower box structure capable of housing said outlet enclosure and said power distribution assembly therein, said bezel being disposed on the top surface of a work surface when said temporary power/data tap is inserted through a suitable opening formed on the work surface to hold said temporary power/data tab therein.

13. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 12, wherein said power distribution assembly includes a first junction box and a second junction boxes separated and connected together by rigid conduit, said power distribution assembly also including a set of wires located between said first and second junction boxes and disposed inside said rigid conduit and a second set of wires located between each said junction box and each said outlet enclosure, said power distribution assembly further including a flexible conduit disposed over each said second set of wires.

14. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 13, wherein said means for mounting said enclosure assembly under said work surface includes two mounting brackets adjustably attached to opposite sides of said lower box structure, said mounting brackets capable of being selectively attached to the lower surface of the work surface to securely attach said temporary power/data tap thereto.

15. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 11, wherein said enclosure assembly includes an upper skirt assembly and a lower box structure, said skirt assembly including a bezel and perpendicularly aligned side members, said lower box structure having an elevated central area, said skirt assembly capable of being adjusted on said lower box structure.

16. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 15, wherein said power distribution assembly includes a first junction box and a second junction boxes separated and connected together by rigid conduit, said power distribution assembly also including a set of wires located between said first and second junction boxes and disposed inside said rigid conduit and a second set of wires located between each said junction box and each said outlet enclosure, said power distribution assembly further including a flexible conduit disposed over each said second set of wires.

17. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 16, wherein said means for mounting said enclosure assembly under said work surface includes two, longitudinally aligned, L-shaped brackets adjustably attached to opposite sides of said box structure, said mounting brackets capable of being selectively attached to the work surface to attach said power data tap thereto.

18. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 17, further including an electrical connector attached to said first set of wires in said second junction box, said electrical connector capable of connecting to a suitable electrical connecting means capable to safely deliver electrical power to an adjacent temporary power/data tap.

19. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 18, further including a raceway disposed between adjacent said temporary power/data tap capable of shielding said interconnecting cable.

20. A temporary power/data tap, as recited in claim 17, further including a fuse electrically connected between said power cord and said electrical receptacles in said outlet enclosures.