Method of branching power around an obstacle
First Claim
1. A modular furniture power distribution system, comprising:
- at least two multiconductor electrical cables, each having an electrical connector at a first end thereof;
at least two upstanding partition panels, each having an elongated generally horizontally extending channel for receiving a corresponding electrical cable;
a stanchion for supporting juxtaposed partition panel ends, the stanchion forming an obstacle precluding direct communication between adjacent partition channels and providing inadequate clearance to accommodate electrical coupling between the electrical connectors; and
a collar at least partially encircling the stanchion and forming an electrical coupling for circumventing the obstacle and electrically coupling the connector of the cable in one channel with a corresponding connector of the cable in the other channel, the collar including a pair of electrical connectors at opposite ends of the collar, each adapted to mate with a corresponding cable connector, the mating cable connector and collar electrical connector pairs engaging and disengaging by relative motion in the direction of channel elongation.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular furniture power distribution system includes at least two multiconductor electrical cables, at least two upstanding partition panels, a stanchion for supporting juxtaposed partition panel ends, and a collar. Each of the at least two multiconductor electrical cables have an electrical connector at a first end thereof. Each of the at least two upstanding partition panels have an elongated generally horizontally extending channel for receiving a corresponding electrical cable. The stanchion forms an obstacle precluding direct communication between adjacent partition channels and providing inadequate clearance to accommodate electrical coupling between the electrical connectors. The collar at least partially encircles the stanchion and forms an electrical coupling for circumventing the obstacle and electrically coupling the connector of the cable in one channel with a corresponding connector of the cable in the other channel. The collar includes a pair of electrical connectors at opposite ends of the collar, each of the electrical connectors being adapted to mate with a corresponding cable connector, the mating cable connector and collar electrical connector pairs engaging and disengaging by relative motion in the direction of channel elongation.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A modular furniture power distribution system, comprising:
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at least two multiconductor electrical cables, each having an electrical connector at a first end thereof; at least two upstanding partition panels, each having an elongated generally horizontally extending channel for receiving a corresponding electrical cable; a stanchion for supporting juxtaposed partition panel ends, the stanchion forming an obstacle precluding direct communication between adjacent partition channels and providing inadequate clearance to accommodate electrical coupling between the electrical connectors; and a collar at least partially encircling the stanchion and forming an electrical coupling for circumventing the obstacle and electrically coupling the connector of the cable in one channel with a corresponding connector of the cable in the other channel, the collar including a pair of electrical connectors at opposite ends of the collar, each adapted to mate with a corresponding cable connector, the mating cable connector and collar electrical connector pairs engaging and disengaging by relative motion in the direction of channel elongation. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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- 3. An electrical coupling for interconnecting a connector of one electrical cable with a like connector of another electrical cable in a partition panel having a raceway therein, the electrical coupling comprising an at least partially collar shaped a rigid insulating body containing a plurality of conductors and at least two radially outwardly extending electrical connectors, each said connector having contact receiving openings extending generally outwardly away from a central opening and adapted to mate with a corresponding cable connector, the mating cable connector and electrical connector pairs engaging and disengaging by relative motion toward and away from the central opening, said body being positionable outside of the raceway and at least one said cable connector being positionable within the raceway.
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8. A power splitter for distributing electrical energy from a source to a plurality of diverse locations in an office furniture environment in a partition panel having a raceway therein, comprising:
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an insulating housing mechanically supporting a plurality of electrical connectors spaced about the opening and having outwardly facing openings for receiving corresponding jumper connectors along respective connection axes, the connection axes generally angularly spaced from one another by integral multiples of a fight angle, said insulating housing lying within the raceway; and electrical conductors within the housing electrically coupling the electrical connectors. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 13)
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Specification