Abstract:
A modular, customizable, versatile, easy to use, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing surface mountable enclosure is presented. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes a modular housing that is configured to be gangable with one or more other housings to provide a range of sizes and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention is configured to accept a variety of interchangeable cassettes or modules that provide a variety of cable and power connections or other resources. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention includes an articulating lid mechanism that is configured to smoothly open and slide neatly out of the way while occupying a reduced volume than the lid mechanisms of the prior art. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes cam driven mounting clamps that allow the enclosure to be quickly and easily secured to a table top or other mounting surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/785,398 filed on Mar. 14, 2013 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a modular table top and other surface mountable enclosure for electrical cables and connections and other items. 
         [0004]    (2) Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Often it is desirable to provide electrical connections to laptops and other electrical devices when used on a desk or table, for example a conference room table. Prior art enclosures exist that can be mounted in a table top that provide electrical outlets and various cable connections. A typical prior art enclosure consists of a rectangular housing with a bezel or flange that is inserted in an opening cut in a table top or other surface such that the bezel rests on the table top surface adjacent the opening and the housing extends below the table top surface. The enclosure may include a door or lid that folds flush with the table top when the connections provided by the enclosure are not used and access to the interior of the enclosure is not required.  FIG. 1  shows an example of an example prior art table top enclosure  100 . In the example of  FIG. 1  the lid  105  is configured to open by pivoting up along its rear edge and then sliding partially down adjacent to the rear wall of the enclosure so as to be partially recessed when the lid is fully open. 
         [0006]    Important aspects of table top enclosures include functionality, customizability and versatility, ease of installation, ease of use, and aesthetics. Functionality, customizability and versatility are important to allow the type and number of cable connections to be tailored to the end user&#39;s needs and the particular location in which the enclosure is being used. Ease of installation is important to reduce the time, and therefore cost, of installation. Aesthetics are important because enclosures must not spoil the aesthetics of the table top or other surface in which they are installed. 
         [0007]    Prior art table top enclosures have addressed the above aspects to various degrees. However, there remains a need for a table top enclosure that provides improved functionality, customizability, versatility, ease of installation, ease of use, and aesthetics compared to the table top enclosures of the prior art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A modular, customizable, versatile, easy to use, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing surface mountable enclosure is presented. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes a modular housing that is configured to be gangable with one or more other housings to provide a range of sizes and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention is configured to accept a variety of interchangeable cassettes or modules that provide a variety of cable and power connections or other resources. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention includes an articulating lid mechanism that is configured to smoothly open and slide neatly out of the way while occupying a reduced volume than the lid mechanisms of the prior art. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes cam driven mounting clamps that allow the enclosure to be quickly and easily secured to a table top or other mounting surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention may be better understood, and its features made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an enclosure of the prior art. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of an enclosure module of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a front view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention installed in a surface. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a clamping mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a cam lever of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a clamping mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a clamping mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a lid mechanism of the prior art. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a side detail view of an enclosure module of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a side phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a side phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a side phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a side phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a perspective phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a top view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a side phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a rear perspective phantom view of a lid mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a top view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is a side phantom view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is a side phantom view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a cassette of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a cassette of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a flexible top plate of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 39  is a top view of a cassette casing of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a cassette of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 41  is a rear perspective view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 42  is a side view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0052]    The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0053]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without those specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 2-5  show embodiments of enclosure module  200  of one or more embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , enclosure module  200  includes a rectangular open-bottomed housing  217  with an articulated lid  250 . The back  220  of housing  217  is formed from one piece of material and the left, front, and right sides,  216 ,  212  and  214 , respectively, are formed from a second piece of material  215 . Second piece of material  215  may, for example, be formed into its three sided shape by bending, if it comprises sheet metal, or by molding or vacuforming if it comprises a plastic. Lips  245 ,  252  and  255  are also formed from second piece of material  215  along the top of housing  217 . Two additional lips  270  are formed along the edges of second piece of material  215  that are adjacent to back  220 . Back  220  is fastened to lips  270  of second piece of material  215  using fasteners  240  and  265 , which may, for example, comprise threaded fasteners. 
         [0055]    Lid  250  pivots about pins extending from the sides  275  of lid  250  adjacent rear edge  280  that engage and move along slots  285  in brackets  230  to partially recess rear edge  280  behind back  220  of housing  217  when lid  250  is opened. Lid  250  is aided in its movement and supported by lid extension  235 , as described in greater detail in connection with  FIGS. 20-27  below. Opening  205  between the front of lid  250  and the front  212  of enclosure module  200  provides space for a user&#39;s fingers to engage and open lid  250 . 
         [0056]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , enclosure module  200  includes two clamping mechanisms  210  that are slidably and rotatably mounted to shafts  225  along either side of enclosure module  200 . The top ends of shafts  225  are rotatably mounted to lips  245  and  255  with fasteners  247  and  257 , while the bottom ends of shafts  225  are mounted through openings  262  in tabs  260  that project from the sides of second piece of material  215 . If second piece of material  215  comprises sheet metal, tabs  260  may be formed by making a u-shaped cut in second piece of material  215  and bending the resulting tab along the top of the “U”. Clamping mechanisms  210  are configured to facilitate the mounting of embodiments of the enclosure of the invention to a table top or other surface, as described in greater detail in connection with  FIGS. 14-18 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , enclosure module  200  includes an electrical switch  290  mounted to back  220 . The operation of switch  290  is discussed in connection with  FIG. 26  below. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 3-5  show embodiments of a single module enclosure  300  of the invention. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-5 , a single module bezel  305  is attached to the top of enclosure module  200 , forming single module enclosure  300 . Single module bezel  305  is used in embodiments of the enclosure of the invention that comprise a single enclosure module  200 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-5 , bezel  305  is fastened to enclosure module  200  with threaded fasteners  335  that engage threaded holes in the bottom of main section  330  of bezel  305  and fasten lips  245 ,  252  and  255  of enclosure module  200  to the bottom of main section  330  of bezel  305 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , bezel  305  also includes a peripheral mounting lip  325  that extends outward from the main body  330  of bezel  305  and that is intended to rest upon a surface, such as a table top, to which enclosure  300  may be mounted. In one or more embodiments, the top of bezel  305  is intended to be decorative and visible when the enclosure  300  is mounted to a table top or other surface, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 9  shows enclosure  300  with lid  250  in a closed position.  FIG. 10  shows enclosure  300  with lid  250  in an opened position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a power outlet cassette  1005  and a cable retractor module  1010  are mounted within the interior of enclosure  300 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 4  is a front view of enclosure  300 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , front side  212  of enclosure module  200  includes a number of holes  310  and  350  configured to receive fasteners, such as screws  315 , for mounting interchangeable cassettes or modules, such as power outlet cassette  1005  and cable retractor module  1010  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 6-8  show embodiments of a two module enclosure  600  of the invention. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8 , enclosure  600  includes two modules  200  joined back to back using, for example, threaded fasteners  620  that bind together respective brackets  230  of each enclosure module  200 . A dual module bezel  605  is attached to the tops of the two joined modules  200  in the same manner as bezel  305  is attached to a single enclosure module  200  in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3-5 . Like bezel  305 , bezel  605  includes a peripheral mounting lip  810  that extends outward from main section  820  of bezel  605 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In one or more embodiments, the top of dual module bezel  605  is intended to be decorative and visible when enclosure  600  is mounted to a table top or other surface, as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 .  FIG. 11  shows enclosure  600  with both lids  250  in a closed position.  FIG. 12  shows enclosure  600  with both lids  250  in a partially open position.  FIG. 13  shows enclosure  600  with both lids  250  in an opened position. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 15-18  show embodiments of clamping mechanism  210  of one or more embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 15-18 , clamping mechanism  210  includes a bracket  1500  slidably mounted to shaft  225 , a cam lever  1505  rotatably mounted to bracket  1500  by pin  1520 , a locking plate  1510 , and a spring  1515 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , locking plate  1510  has an opening  1530  through which it engages shaft  225 . The rear  1525  of locking plate  1510  engages a notch  1535  in bracket  1500 . In addition, a compression spring  1515  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) biases the front of locking plate  1510  upwards, while notch  1535  prevents the upward movement of the rear of locking plate. As a result, locking plate  1510  becomes slightly inclined, causing the effective size of opening  1530  of locking plate  1510  that engages shaft  225  to be reduced, such that the edges of opening  1530  press against shaft  225 , thereby preventing downward movement of clamping mechanism  210  along shaft  225 . Upward movement of clamping mechanism  210  along shaft  225  is not restrained, however. Exerting an upward force on bracket  1500  (for example by the hand of an installer) reduces the incline of locking plate  1510 , effectively expanding the size of opening  1530  that engages shaft  225 , and allowing clamping mechanism  210  to slide upwards on shaft  225 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , clamping mechanism  210  is rotatable about the vertical axis of shaft  225 .  FIG. 18  shows clamping mechanism  210  rotated so that bracket  1500  is parallel to the side of enclosure  1410  such that it can be inserted along with enclosure  1410  through an opening in a table top or other surface to which enclosure  1410  is to be mounted.  FIG. 17  shows clamping mechanism  210  rotated such that bracket  1500  is perpendicular to the side of enclosure  1410  such that it extends outwardly from bezel  1415  of enclosure  1410 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 16  shows a cam lever  1505  of one or more embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , cam lever  1505  includes a lever end  1630 , a cam lobe  1605 , and a bore  1620 . Bore  1620  is configured to engage pin  1520  of cam mechanism  210  (as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 17-18 ). Cam lobe  1605  is configured to have a radius with respect to the center of bore  1620  that increases from a minimum value at  1600  to a maximum value at  1610  then decreases again to value  1615  that is somewhat less than maximum value  1610 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 14  shows how clamping mechanisms  210  may be used to secure an enclosure  1410  of the invention to a table top or other surface  1400  in one or more embodiments of the invention. After enclosure  1410  is inserted in an opening in surface  1400  (with clamping mechanisms  210  rotated parallel to the sides of enclosure  1410  in the orientation shown in  FIG. 18 ), clamping mechanisms  210  are rotated perpendicular to the sides of enclosure  1410  (to the orientation shown in  FIG. 17 ). Each clamping mechanism  210  is then slid upwards on shaft  225  until its cam lobe  1605  contacts the underside of surface  1400 . Cam levers  1505  are then rotated about pins  1520  until ends  1630  of cam levers  1505  are contact the underside of surface  1400 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Cam levers  1505  are configured that when ends  1630  are in the orientation shown in  FIG. 14 , cam lobes  1605  have been rotated a bit over center (i.e. over cam lobes  1605 &#39;s maximum widths  1610 ), such that ends  1630  of cam levers  1505  are locked in place against the underside of surface  1400 , with cam lobes  1605  and ends  1630  exerting pressure against underside of surface  1400  while bezel  1415  exerts pressure against the top of surface  1400 , thereby securing enclosure  1410  to surface  1400 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 19  shows a lid retraction mechanism  1915  of a prior art enclosure  1900 . The lid retraction mechanism  1915  includes a y-shaped slot  1905  that engages pins  1925  and  1930  that extend from lid  1910 . The mechanism operates as follows. When the front edge  1940  of lid  1910  is lifted, pin  1930  moves along branch  1935  of slot  1905 , causing lid  1910  to pivot about pin  1925  while pin  1925  is maintained in position at the top of channel  1905 . After lid  1910  has pivoted about 90 degrees about pin  1925 , pin  1930  reaches the main channel of slot  1905 . Pins  1925  and  1930  are then in position to move down slot  1905 , retracting lid  1910  into lid retraction mechanism  1915 . The width  1920  of prior art lid retraction mechanism  1915  reduces the usable volume of enclosure  1900  by occupying a volume that could otherwise be part of the usable interior volume of enclosure  1900 . 
         [0067]    FIGS.  2  and  20 - 28  show embodiments of a lid retraction mechanism of the invention that occupies less space than the lid retraction mechanism of the prior art shown in  FIG. 19 . The lid retraction mechanism of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  includes a pair of brackets  230 , lid  250  and lid extension  235 . Brackets  230  are fastened to each side of back  220  of enclosure module  200 . Each bracket  230 , which is a mirror image of the other bracket  230 , includes an inverted L-shaped channel  285  comprising a long vertical channel section  2710  and a shorter horizontal channel section  2705 , as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 28 . Two pins  2105  and  2110  that extend from the sides of lid  250  engage channel  285 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 27 , vertical channel section  2710  is deeper than horizontal channel section  2705 , and pin  2710  extends outward from lid  250  a greater distance than pin  2705 . 
         [0068]    Lid extension  235  is pivotally connected to pins  2105  via holes in side flanges  2405 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . In addition, lid extension  235  includes pins  2410  that extend outwards from the side flanges  2405  of lid extension  235  that also engage channels  285  of brackets  230 . Side flanges  2405  also include cut outs  2510  that are configured to engage pins  2110  of lid  250  when lid  250  is in a vertical position. In the embodiment of  FIG. 25 , side flanges  2405  also include cut outs  2520 . Lid extension  235  helps guide lid  250  along channels  285  and provides additional stiffness and support to lid  250  while lid  250  is being opened or closed. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 20-24  and  28  show the interaction of lid  250 , lid extension  235  and channels  285  when lid  250  is moved from a horizontal, closed position (shown in  FIG. 20 ) to a vertical, open and recessed position (shown in  FIG. 24 ). When lid  250  is in the horizontal, closed position, pin  2105  is positioned at the front of horizontal channel section  2705 , pin  2110  is positioned at the junction of horizontal channel section  2705  and vertical channel section  2710 , and pin  2410  is disposed along vertical channel section  2710 . As lid is opened (as shown in  FIG. 28 ), pin  2105  moves horizontally along backwards along horizontal channel section  2705 , while pins  2110  and  2410  move vertically downwards along vertical channel section  2710 . Pin  2105  reaches the juncture between horizontal channel section  2705  and vertical channel section  2710  when lid  250  reaches its initial vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 22 . At that point, pins  2105 ,  2110  and  2410  are all disposed in vertical channel section  2705 , and lid  250  can move vertically downward until it reaches its recessed position, shown in  FIGS. 24 and 26 . The lid opening mechanism of the embodiments of FIGS.  2  and  20 - 28  results in a novel articulated lid mechanism that provides a smooth lid opening action and positive retention of lid  250  in the opened position. Further, it occupies less volume than the prior art lid opening mechanism of  FIG. 19 , as is evident by comparing width  2810  of  FIG. 28  to width  1920  of  FIG. 19 . 
         [0070]    In one or more embodiments, the lid opening mechanism of the invention includes a switch  290 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 26 , which may be fastened to rear  220  of enclosure module  200 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 26 , lid extension  235  includes a notch  295  that engages and actuate switch  290  when lid  250  is in its fully recessed position as shown in  FIG. 26 . In one or more embodiments, switch  290  is configured to generate a signal indicating that lid  250  has been opened that can be used by power receptacles (e.g. to switch on power) or other modules or cassettes that may mounted in the enclosure of the invention. 
         [0071]    In one or more embodiments, a linear damper  2910  may be attached to rear  220  of enclosure module  200 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 29 , linear damper  2910  engages the bottom of lid extension  235  as lid extension approaches the bottom of its travel, smoothly decelerating lid extension  235  and lid  250  as they reach their fully retracted positions. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 30-40  show embodiments of interchangeable cassettes and modules that may be mounted within enclosure modules  200  in one or more embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 30  is a top view of an enclosure  300  incorporating a single enclosure module  200 . Lid  250  is shown in an opened position exposing the interior of enclosure module  200 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the interior of enclosure module is configured to accept four “gangs” of cassettes or modules that provide various kinds of functionality. In the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , two cassettes  3005  and  1005  and two modules  1010  are mounted inside of enclosure module  200 . Cassette  3005  is a single gang cable holder cassette that provides a convenient facility for holding the ends of cables, as described further below in connection with  FIGS. 36-38 . Cassette  1005  is a two-gang 220 Volt power cassette that provides two 220 Volt power outlets  3010 . Each module  1010  is an approximately half-gang sized cable retractor module, which may, for example, have the configuration described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/795,611, filed Jun. 7, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , a filler piece  3510  is used to fill the gap between cable retractor modules  1010  and adjacent power cassette  1005 , as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 35 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 35  is a front phantom view of module  200  configured as in  FIG. 30 . In  FIG. 35 , front side  212  of enclosure module  200  is rendered transparent to show the arrangement of modules and cassettes in the interior of enclosure module  200 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , front side  212  is configured with mounting holes  310  and  350  that are arranged to allow the mounting of modules and cassettes to the interior of enclosure module  200  at various heights or tiers. In the embodiment of  FIG. 35 , power cassette  1005  is mounted at the top tier position, such that it&#39;s top with power outlets  3010  are positioned at a convenient location at the top of enclosure module  200 . Cable holder cassette  3005  is mounted at the lower tier location, providing room between the top of cable holder cassette  3005  and the top opening of enclosure module  200  for the ends of cables that may protrude from cable holder cassette  3005  in the manner shown, for example, in  FIG. 36  (which shows a double-gang cable holder cassette  3620 ). In the embodiment of  FIG. 35 , mounting holes  310  in front side  212  of enclosure module  200  and mounting holes  3520  of cassettes  1005  and  3005  are configured such that there is no visible gap between the top right edge of cable holder cassette  3005  and power cassette  1005  when cassette  3005  is mounted at the lower tier location and cassette  1005  is mounted at the upper tier location, as in  FIG. 35 . 
         [0074]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 35 , cable retractor  1010  is mounted to enclosure module  200  using a bolt  3515  installed in a hole  350  adjacent to the bottom edge of front side  212  such that its top  3540  is recessed somewhat below the top of enclosure module  200 . Filler plate  3510  is mounted in a lower tier location such that there is no visible gap between filler plate  3510  and power cassette  1005 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 31  is a top view of an enclosure  600  incorporating two enclosure modules  200  attached back-to-back. Lids  250  are shown in an opened position exposing the interiors of enclosure modules  200 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 31 , each enclosure module  200  has a two-gang cable holder cassette  3105  and a two gang 110 Volt power cassette  3110  mounted within its interior.  7 .  FIG. 34  is a front phantom view of one of enclosure modules  200  of enclosure  600  of  FIG. 31  with front panel  212  rendered transparent to show the configuration of cassettes  3105  and  3110  in the interior of the enclosure module  200 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , cassettes  3105  and  3110  are both mounted at the lower tier position, such that their tops are recessed substantially below the top of enclosure module  200 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 32  shows a top view of an enclosure  300  incorporating a single enclosure module  200  that contains a two-gang power cassette  3110 , three cable retractor modules  1010 , and a filler plate  3215 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 33  shows a top view of an enclosure  300  incorporating a single enclosure module  200  that contains two-gang cable holder cassette  3105  and a two-gang power cassette  3110  arranged within enclosure module  200  in the same manner cassettes  3105  and  3110  are arranged in enclosure modules  200  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 31 and 34 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 36-38  show details of a two-gang cable holder cassette  3105  of one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 36 , cable holder cassette  3105  is assembled by attaching the corners of top plate  3605  to cassette casing  3620  using screws  3610 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 36 and 37 , top plate  3605  features eight (8) cutouts  3615  into which cables such as cable  3630  (shown in  FIG. 36 ) can be inserted. As shown in  FIG. 37 , each cutout  3615  includes a round central opening  3715 , an inner slot  3740 , and an outer slot  3745 . Outer slot  3745  extends from central opening  3715  to the perimeter of top plate  3605 . Inner slot  3740  extends inwards from central opening  3715  in the opposite direction from outer slot  3745 . In one or more embodiments, top plate  3605  is made from a flexibly resilient material such as plastic or rubber that allows top plate  3605  to be flexed about cut-outs  3615 , as shown in  FIG. 38 , to allow the insertion of cables into cut-outs  3615  even after the corners of top plate  3605  have been affixed to casing  3620 . 
         [0079]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 37 , cassette casing  3620  is an extruded rectangular casing having an open top and bottom and incorporating a number of integrally formed flanges. Casing  3620  may, for example, constitute a metal (e.g. aluminum) or plastic extrusion. In the embodiment of  FIG. 37 , the flanges are arranged in pairs and include vertical attachment flange pair  3705 , horizontal attachment flange pair  3725 , and slot flange pair  3720 . Vertical attachment flange pair  3705  is configured to provide a channel into which a threaded fastener, such as for example top plate mounting screw  3610  shown in  FIG. 36 , may be inserted vertically. Horizontal attachment flange pair  3725  is configured to provide a channel into which fasteners, such as for example cassette mounting screws  315  shown in  FIG. 34 , may be inserted horizontally through holes such as holes  3730  through the wall of casing  3620  that are aligned with the channel formed by horizontal attachment flange pair  3725 . Slot flange pair  3720  is configured to accept a dividing wall, such as dividing wall  4010  shown in  FIG. 40 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 39  shows an extrusion profile  3900  for a cassette casing of one or more embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment of  FIG. 39 , extrusion profile includes six (6) vertical attachment flange pairs  3705 , eight (8) horizontal attachment flange pairs  3725 , and eight (8) slot flange pairs  3720 , arranged as shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 40  shows an embodiment of a power cassette  4000  that includes a 220 Volt outlet  4025  and a pair of USB outlets  4020 . Cassette  4000  also includes a top plate  4005 , a bottom plate  4015 , and a dividing wall  4010 . In one or more embodiments, dividing wall  4010  is made of sheet metal and is intended to provide shielding and isolation between power outlet  4025  and USB outlets  4020 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 41  shows an embodiment of an enclosure  300  that includes a single enclosure module  200 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 41 , a protective cover plate  4100  has been attached to enclosure module  200  using threaded fasteners  4110  to cover otherwise exposed components of the lid retraction mechanism of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 42 , a similar cover plate is not needed in a two-module enclosure such as enclosure  600  in which two enclosure modules are attached back to back such that the lid retraction mechanisms are disposed between the two enclosure modules and therefore not exposed. 
         [0083]    Thus a novel surface mountable enclosure has been presented. Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the inventive features of the present invention are applicable to other embodiments as well, all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.