Abstract:
An electrical floor access system ( 100 ) is provided so as to be accessible to the electrical equipment of an office system ( 50 ). The electrical system ( 100 ) includes a number of access floor modules ( 102 ) jpositioned beneath an access floor ( 30 ). The electrical system ( 100 ) also includes junciton block cables ( 104 ) and junction blocks ( 108 ) which can be connected the junction block cables ( 104 ). The junciton blocks ( 108 ) serve to provide electrical interconnection and mounting for electrical receptacles and similar devices for interconnection with electrical equipment. The access floor modules ( 102 ) are substantially interchangeable with each other, and the junction block cables ( 104 ) are substantially interchangeable with each other so as to provide an electrical system as a modular system adapted to be sized and configured in a manner which does not require any substantial number of different types and/or sizes of cables and other electrical equipment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is based upon and claims priority of International Patent Application No. PCT/US02/03424 filed Feb. 6, 2002, which is based upon and correspondingly claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/266,769 filed Feb. 6, 2001. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to electrical power systems, and more particularly, to power systems having modules positioned beneath access flooring structures and the like. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   The use of computers, sophisticated telecommunications equipment and other electronic devices is continuing to rapidly increase in commercial, industrial and other office environments. As a result, the importance of efficiently supplying power throughout these environments is also increasing. In particular, the use of modular office systems, with movable workstations and interior walls, has led to electrical systems far different and more sophisticated than the conventional designs comprising single or double unit electrical receptacles mounted in stationary walls, with the receptacles energized from incoming power supplies with cables extending through wall interiors. Such conventional single or double unit receptacles, particularly when used with modular office systems, were often located a substantial distance from electrical devices to be energized and would cause unsightly and sometimes dangerous arrays and result in entanglements of the electrical cords connected to the devices. Thereafter, pluggable units having a number of receptacles and a common power source cord to be plugged into the conventional utility outlet started to be used. Again, however, such units result in unsightly and entangled arrays of electrical device cords. 
   With the growth of the use of electrical power and modular office systems, it became known to employ removable wall panels or the like (which defined the workstation areas), with the panels or other structures having a raceway area for accommodating electrical wiring and electrical junction blocks near the floor or otherwise near the locations to be energized. Typically, junction blocks were mounted within the raceway areas by attaching them with various types of structural arrangements. During the past two decades, a substantial number of issued patents have been directed to concepts associated with these raceways and means for mounting electrical receptacles within the raceways. 
   Although the concept of employing raceways and electrical receptacles within modular wall panels and the like presented a substantial advance in electrical power supply design, this type of design does not provide a complete solution for all office system arrangements. For example, such panels can be relatively expensive and require a substantial number of different types of electrical components. Further, the particular electrical components to be employed can be dependent on the specific office system design. For example, many of these electrical system arrangements require different components dependent upon whether outlets are to be used on one side of a removable panel or the other side. Still further, many of these systems include relatively complex and expensive components to interconnect electrical power among various wall panels. 
   In addition to the foregoing problems, these electrified panels do not provide a complete solution to efficiency and aesthetics of power supply design when a more conventional office system design employs stationary walls with more permanent and fully enclosed offices. On the other extreme, in completely open office or “bullpen” design arrangements, no walls, removable or otherwise, are employed and the electrical system designer is again left with significant design problems. 
   In view of all of the foregoing, electrical system designers are again considering the use of electrical receptacles and similar electrical devices beneath access flooring. Such flooring arrangements allow power and signal cables to be placed beneath the floor in positions which do not interfere with the placement of walls or furniture. Further, such arrangements do not require any walls whatsoever, as required with raceways and receptacles mounted within removable walls. With the use of access flooring, the power and signal cables, along with other appropriate electrical devices, can be moved as the modular offices or other office design arrangements are modified. 
   Floor mounted devices for providing electrical service have been known for several decades. Early devices typically employed power supply cables extending underneath permanent flooring and interconnected to junction boxes or the like. Electrical receptacles would be mounted by some means within the junction boxes and electrically connected to the receptacle outlets. 
   For example, Stas, U.S. Pat. No. 2,996,566 discloses a floor-type outlet box for use within concrete flooring. The outlet box includes a duplex receptacle positioned so that the receptacle outlets extend vertically upward slightly beneath the floor level. A cover plate is hingedly mounted to the box and capable of being sealed to provide a water-tight housing flush with the concrete floor. Another, still earlier, disclosure of a junction box having electrical outlets for use in concrete floors is set forth in Buchanan, U.S. Pat. No. 1,928,198. The Buchanan patent is primarily directed to an arrangement for adjusting the position of the outlet box after the concrete floor is poured so as to compensate for any undesired displacement. 
   Several of the known arrangements for providing electrical receptacles in floors include arrangements for selectively positioning the receptacles between exposed and concealed positions. For example, Press, U.S. Pat. No. 3,622,684 discloses a floor receptacle mounting unit having electrical receptacles which can be rotated to a position in which the receptacles are exposed above the level of the floor or, alternatively, rotated to positions in which the receptacles are concealed below the floor level. Myers, U.S. Pat. No. 3,433,886 discloses an electrical junction box to be mounted flush with a floor. The junction box adjustably mounts an electrical service or receptacle box which is recessable below the floor surface through the use of adjusting machine screws. Other floor mounted electrical junction boxes and receptacles are shown in the following references: Kelly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,243; Wiesmann, U.S. Pat. No. 2,738,892; Fuller, U.S. Pat. No. 3,975,074; Guerrero, U.S. Pat. No. 2,811,574; MacLeod, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 3,131,512; and Dubreulio, U.S. Pat. No. 3,794,956. 
   With respect to the previously cited references, most of these references are directed to floor mounted electrical receptacles and junction boxes to be mounted in permanent flooring. However, with the increase in use of modular offices, and for various other design and structural reasons, the use of access flooring is becoming more widespread. Such access flooring also allows the positioning of junction boxes and incoming power and signal cables to be placed beneath the floor after or during the design of the office systems (modular or otherwise) to be employed within the commercial or industrial environment. Such access flooring also allows for power and signal cables to be placed beneath the floor in a position which will not necessarily interfere with the placement of walls or, for that matter, furniture placement following complete office design. In addition, the use of such access flooring allows for junction boxes, electrical outlet boxes, power and signal cables to be selectively moved as the office systems are rearranged. 
   In known systems for utilizing electrical power with access flooring, power and signal cables are interconnected between incoming power supplies and junction or electrical receptacle boxes referred to herein as access floor modules. Appropriate office equipment is directly connected to receptacle outlets within the access modules which are designed specifically for receiving the receptacle outlets. 
   An example of a known access floor module is disclosed in Brownlie et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,069. With reference to the drawings and the numerals disclosed in the Brownlie et al. patent,  FIGS. 1–4  illustrate an access flooring module to be mounted in an opening  4  provided in an access floor. The module  2  is movable between an open position ( FIG. 3 ) and a closed position ( FIG. 4 ). Recesses  24  are provided so as to receive electrical components such as power sockets  34  or signal sockets  36  shown in  FIG. 1 . Metal plates  25  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) selectively provide electrical contact with electrical components to be utilized with the module  2 . In an alternative embodiment of the Brownlie et al. patent,  FIG. 12  depicts interconnection of high tension cables  240  and low tension cables  241  to the rear of an alternative module  200 . The high tension cable  240  is secured through a hard wire bracket  209 , with the low tension cable  241  secured through a data bracket  211 . Cable ties  242  are utilized to secure the cables to the rear of the module. 
   Although the prior art shows a number of designs for floor-mounted boxes capable of mounting electrical receptacles, an important aspect of floor-mounted arrangements is the overall “system.” The overall system includes all of the junction boxes, electrical receptacle boxes and outlets, and the requisite cabling, including the means for interconnection of cabling. For example, if the system requires cables of different types with respect to lengths, connectors, and other structural considerations, the system designer&#39;s job is more complex, since the designer must essentially have a final system design before ordering the requisite cabling. Although an inventory of various cables may be ordered and stored, such an inventory may be expensive, take up valuable storage space and involve components which are never used. Still further, if a voluminous inventory is not desired, the designer must have exact details as to positioning of electrical outlets, system dimensions and other layout information before undertaking the process of ordering the cabling. 
   Other design and assembly issues for these types of electrical systems relate to system components other than cabling. For example, such systems may utilize one type of component for a junction box, and another type of component for mounting electrical receptacles. Again, such a structure suffers from the same problems previously described with respect to requiring various types of cables for the overall system. 
   In addition to issues associated with cabling, junction boxes and receptacle mounting structures, the means for interconnecting system components is also important. For example, if the interconnection of cables to other cables, or to junction boxes and the like, requires hard-wired connections, problems arise with respect to both design and assembly. More specifically, assembling electrical components beneath a floor structure by means of screws and bolts is an arduous task, even for the most skilled electrician. 
   In view of all of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide an electrical access floor system with substantial interchangability of components, reduction in the number and types of different components, and ease of interconnection of components and general assembly. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the invention, an electrical system is provided which is adapted to be positioned under an access floor. The electrical system is further adapted for supplying electrical power from an interconnected power source to selectively interconnected electrical devices. The electrical system in accordance with the invention is advantageous in that it comprises a relatively few number of different types of components, allows for various types of electrical and communications outlets, facilitates rearrangement of the overall system configuration, and allows for ease of removable interconnection of system components. In this regard, certain components of the electrical system are substantially interchangeable with each other, including floor access modules and junction block cables. 
   The electrical system includes a plurality of substantially identical electrical access floor modules selectively spaced under the access floor. The modules provide conveniently located electrical power locations for energizing the electrical devices. The system also includes a plurality of substantially identical junction block cables for electrically interconnecting the access floor modules to the power source. 
   Releasable connection means are also provided, with the connection means being associated with the access floor modules and the junction block cables. The connection means provide for releasably and mechanically connecting each of the access floor modules to at least one of the junction block cables. 
   In addition to the foregoing, the electrical system also includes a plurality of electrical receptacle blocks. Each of the receptacle blocks includes at least one electrical receptacle which is electrically connectable to one or more of the electrical devices for supplying electrical power to the devices. Each of the receptacle blocks is further electrically connectable to the junction block cables. 
   Further in accordance with the invention, the electrical floor access modules are substantially interchangeable with each other, and the junction block cables are substantially interchangeable with each other so as to provide the electrical system as a modular system which is adapted to be sized and configured in a manner which does not require any substantial amount of different types and/or sizes of cables and other electrical equipment. 
   The electrical receptacles include a first predetermined terminal connection arrangement. Each of the junction block cables includes a junction block connectable to an access floor module through the releasable connection means. Each of the junction block cables includes a second predetermined terminal connection arrangement for electrically and releasably engaging the first predetermined terminal connection arrangement. In addition, each of the junction block cables also includes an external third terminal connection arrangement. 
   The junction block cables each further comprises an electrical conduit section and a terminating connector which is electrically connected to the second terminal connection arrangement of the junction block of the junction cable through the conduit section. The terminating connector of each of the junction block cables is electrically and releasably engagable with a third terminal connection arrangement of another of the junction block cables. 
   The electrical system in accordance with the invention can also include a plurality of extension cables, with each of the extension cables being electrically connectable to the junction block cables. At least one of the extension cables can include a terminating connector electrically and releasably engagable with a third terminal connection arrangement of a junction block cable. At least one of the extension cables can also include a double terminating connector at one end of the extension cable, for electrical interconnection with two of the junction block cables. 
   The electrical system in accordance with the invention can also include a power input cable connectable to the power source, and also connectable to one of the terminating connectors of one of the junction block cables. Also, at least one of the electrical receptacle blocks can include duplex electrical receptacles. Further, at least one of the electrical receptacle blocks can include communication ports. Still further, the electrical system can include voice/data or other communication ports, in addition to means associated with at least one of the access floor modules for mechanically and releasably connecting at least one of the communication ports to the at least one access floor module. 
   The electrical system in accordance with the invention can also include conventional communications element and mounting brackets, which are mechanically connectable to at least one of the access floor modules. Further, at least one of the junction blocks can be double sided so as to mechanically and electrically connect at least one of the electrical receptacle blocks to either side of the junction block. Still further, the electrical conduit section of at least one of the junction block cables can be adjustable in length. 
   The electrical system in accordance with the invention can be sized and configured so that multiple junction blocks associated with multiple junction block cables may be mechanically and releasably interconnected to a single access floor module, with the multiple junction blocks being electrically interconnected to each other. Still further, the third terminal connection arrangement of at least one of the junction blocks can include a connector block pair connectable to a terminating connector of each of two other junction block cables. Further, at least one of the junction blocks can include a recessed area for releasably engaging at least one of the receptacle blocks. 
   Each of the junction blocks associated with one of the junction block cables can be permanently connected to an associated one of the electrical conduit sections of the junction block cable. Each of the terminating connectors associated with the junction block cable can be permanently connected to an associated electrical conduit section of the corresponding junction block cable. Still further, each of the floor access modules can include a floor component formed in a rectangular, boxed-like structure having an open top portion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a partial, perspective view of a typical workstation employing an electrical access floor system for electrically interconnecting various equipment to an incoming power supply under an access floor; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an under floor electrical system arrangement in accordance with the invention, showing a partially cut-away access flooring; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the under floor area of  FIG. 2  (with the floor almost completely cut-away except for supporting braces), showing relative positioning of electrical access floor module components; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of cabling interconnections for the access floor modules illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of an under floor area (with the floor cut-away except for supporting braces) of an alternative embodiment of a configuration of access floor modules and cabling interconnections therefor in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an access floor module in accordance with the invention, with the access module having an outlet receptacle pair, a voice/data communications outlet pair and a junction block cable releasably connected to the access module; 
       FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the access floor module shown in  FIG. 6 , with the view essentially opposing the view of  FIG. 6 , and specifically showing the outlet receptacle pair in the rear portion of the voice/data outlet pair; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the junction block portion of the junction block cable shown in  FIG. 6 , and further showing the releasable interconnection of the junction block to the access floor module component; 
       FIG. 9  is an elevation view of one side of the access floor module component to which the junction block of the junction block cable is releasably interconnected, and specifically showing the mounting bracket arrangement of the access floor module, with the junction block cable removed; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the junction block of the junction block cable releasably interconnected to the access floor module component, through lines  10 — 10  of  FIG. 8 ; and 
       FIG. 11  is an underside view of the mounting bracket for the releasable interconnection of the junction block to the access floor module, shown through lines  11 — 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a junction block assembly in accordance with the invention, as provided with connection lugs which provide a means for securing preformed halves of the junction block together along a seam. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in an electrical access floor system as depicted in  FIGS. 1–11 . The electrical access floor system provides for readily accessible access floor modules having means for selectively mounting and positioning electrical receptacle outlets, communications outlets and similar devices. The floor access system also provides for facilitating interconnection of cables and receptacles without hard-wired interconnections. In addition, the electrical access floor system uses a relatively minimum number of different types of electrical components and readily provides component interchangeability and facilitates system reconfiguration. 
   The access floor system as described in subsequent paragraphs herein is adapted for use in various types of office and other commercial and industrial environments. For example, such an office environment can include a workstation such as workstation  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown therein, the workstation  10  can include a modular office arrangement comprising worksurfaces  12  removably mounted by conventional means (not shown) to modular and moveable wall panels  14 . The workstation  10  can also include conventional components such as storage drawers  16  and like equipment. In addition, the workstation  10  can include equipment requiring electrical interconnections, such as the telecommunications station  18  and personal computer  20 , with the personal computer  20  comprising a display monitor  22 , processor  24  and keyboard  26 . In addition, other devices such as printer  28  may also be employed. 
   As previously described in the section entitled “Description of the Related Art,” modular office panels such as panels  14  may often include electrical raceways for mounting electrical receptacles or the like (not shown) near the lower portions or in other areas of the panels  14 . As an alternative, workstation  10  may also be employed in an office environment having access flooring such as access floor  30  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The access floor  30  can include floor apertures such as floor aperture  32  opening to an area below the floor  30 . Access floors such as floor  30  are well known in building and office system design. The floor aperture  32 , as described subsequently herein, can provide access to electrical and communications outlets for energizing the various electrical equipment of the workstation  10 . Interconnection to an electrical power source is provided by means of electrical and communications cords  34  also illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The cords  34  can be in the form of conventional insulated electrical wires carrying AC power to components such as the printer  28 . The cords  34  may also comprise communication lines carrying voice or other data signals from equipment such as the telecommunications station  18  and personal computer  20 . 
   The workstation  10  with the access floor  30  can be employed within a modular office system, such as the system  50  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the office system  50  may comprise several of the workstations  10 , in addition to other work areas (not shown) having more of an “open” environment such as conventional desks and the like. Although not expressly shown in  FIG. 2 , the desk areas  52 , as well as the workstations  10 , would include electrical cords and communication lines, such as the cords and lines  34  shown in  FIG. 1 , extending from electrical equipment at the desks and workstations  10  through apertures (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) extending through the access floor  30 . 
   As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the access floor  30  can essentially comprise a “raised” floor structure. The raised access floor  30  can be mounted by any suitable means to a floor mounting system  54 . The floor mounting system  54  can include vertical support posts  56  mounted in an upright orientation and secured by any suitable means to a permanent floor or base structure  58 . The floor support system  54  can include opposing end braces  60 . Mounted between the opposing end braces  60  are spaced apart longitudinal braces  62 . The opposing end braces  60  and the two longitudinal braces  62  at opposing far sides of the floor support system  54  essentially form a perimeter (in the case of the structure shown in  FIG. 2 , a rectangular perimeter) for the support system  54 . Mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal braces  62  are spaced apart transverse braces  64 . The braces  62  and  64  form square or rectangular sections of the access floor  30 . In many of these types of raised access floor systems, the rectangular sections formed by the braces  62  and  64  are of a size so as to appropriately position and support a corresponding unitary section of the access floor  30 . 
   It should be emphasized that the particular access floor  30  and the individual elements of the support system  54  do not form any of the principal concepts of the invention. Electrical access floor systems in accordance with the invention may be utilized with varying types of floor structures. However, systems in accordance with the invention are particularly well suited for access flooring systems having removable sections and the like. 
   The general structure of an embodiment of an electrical access floor system in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 . As shown in these drawings, an electrical floor access system  100  is employed under the access floor  30  in a manner so as to be accessible to the electrical equipment of the office system  50 . A primary component of the electrical system  100  comprises an access floor module  102 . The electrical system  100  comprises a number of access floor modules  102  positioned beneath the access floor  30  and mounted by any suitable means (not shown) above the permanent flooring  58 . 
   As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the access floor modules  102  comprise structures to which electrical receptacles and communication outlets may be mounted. That is, the access floor modules  102  essentially comprise a basic “building block” of the electrical system  100 . When the general locations of the workstations  10 , desks  52  and other components of the office system  50  are determined by the office system designer, a general layout can be provided as shown in  FIG. 3  for the access floor modules  102 . That is, it would typically be preferable to have at least one access floor module  102  adjacent each of the workstations  10  and desks  52 . Accordingly,  FIG. 3  essentially illustrates a “starting point” for the overall configuration of the electrical system  100  after the general layout of the office system  50  has been determined. 
   After the appropriate positioning of the access floor modules  102  has been determined, an appropriate and efficient cabling interconnection in accordance with the invention can be determined.  FIG. 4  illustrates a relatively simplified and somewhat symbolic block diagram format for the access floor modules  102  and the appropriate cabling interconnections. Details of the access floor modules  102  and the cabling arrangements will be set forth subsequently herein. The purpose of  FIGS. 2–4  is to provide a general overall view of the system concept associated with the electrical system  100  in accordance with the invention. 
   In addition to the access floor modules  102 , a basic element of the electrical system  100  comprises the junction block cable  104 . As will be described in greater detail herein, each of these junction block cables  104  includes a connector  106  permanently connected with the cable at one terminating end thereof. The connector  106  is capable of direct and releasable electrical interconnection to another junction block cable  104 . As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the electrical interconnection between junction block cables  104  can be made without requiring any tools or “hard” wiring. 
   At the opposing ends of each of the junction block cables  104  is a permanently connected junction block  108 . As with the connectors  106 , details of an exemplary embodiment of the junction block  108  will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein. The junction blocks  108  can be removably mounted to a selected access floor module  102 . The junction blocks  108  serve to provide electrical interconnection and mounting for electrical receptacles and similar devices for direct interconnection with the electrical cords and communication lines  34  previously described with respect to  FIG. 1 . Of particular advantage, and as also further described in subsequent paragraphs herein, each of the junction blocks  108  includes an electrical structure which is capable of electrical interconnection to a connector  106  of a junction block  108  of another junction block cable  104 . 
     FIG. 4  also illustrates, in symbolic form, a power supply source  110  can comprise an input location for conventional utility power. To interconnect the electrical system  100  to the power supply input  110 , a power input cable  112  as shown in  FIG. 4  can be utilized. The cable  112  can include an electrical connector  107  capable of electrically mating with the connector  106  of one of the junction block cables  104 . Accordingly, the cable  112  can be interconnected to the power supply input  110  and one of the junction block cables  104  through connectors  106  and  107 . In this manner, external utility power can be initially supplied to the electrical system  100 . 
   In accordance with the foregoing, the electrical system  100  can provide a number of locations for supplying electrical power to the workstations  10  and desks of the office system  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . Such power can be provided with a relatively minimum number of different types of components, namely the access floor modules  102  and junction block cables  104 . The system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4  will again be referred to after a more detailed description is provided of the access floor modules  102  and junction block cables  104 . 
     FIG. 4  also illustrates one other type of cable-connector element. More specifically, as shown with respect to the majority of the access floor modules  102  in  FIG. 4 , interconnections can be made from one access floor module  102  to another access floor module  102  through the use of a single junction block cable  104 . However, in certain instances, the distance between relatively adjacent floor access modules  102  may be longer than a conventional and uniform length of a junction block cable  104 . In these situations, a second type of cable, referred to herein as an extension cable and shown as extension cables  114  in  FIG. 4 , may be employed. The extension cables  114  differ from the junction block cables  104  in that the extension cables  114  do not have any junction blocks  108  at their terminating ends. Instead, the extension cables  114  comprise a connector  106  electrically interconnected to one of the terminating ends of the cable  114 , while a somewhat different electrical connector  109  is connected to the other of the terminating ends of the cable  114 . As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the electrical connector  109  includes a pair of connector terminals capable of electrical interconnection to a connector  106  of one of the junction block cables  104  or, alternatively, to a connector  106  of another of the extension cables  114 . 
     FIG. 4  also illustrates, in symbolic and block diagram format, the location of electrical receptacle outlets shown as outlets  116  in  FIG. 4 . The outlets  116  may be in the form of conventional single or duplex electrical receptacles, or may also take the form of other types of communication interconnections. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the outlets  116  are actually mounted within the junction blocks  108  in a manner so as to facilitate assembly and disassembly. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an electrical access floor system in accordance with the invention. In this particular embodiment, shown as electrical system  200  in  FIG. 5 , a somewhat different arrangement of access floor modules  102  is provided, relative to the system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As with the electrical system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the electrical system  200  also includes access floor modules  102 , with the use of junction block cables  104 . However, in the particular arrangement shown as electrical system  200  in  FIG. 5 , the extension cables  114  briefly introduced with respect to  FIG. 4  are used fairly extensively. As previously briefly described with respect to  FIG. 4 , each of the extension cables  114  includes an electrical connector  106  at one terminating end thereof. The electrical connector  106  associated with extension cable  114  corresponds to the electrical connectors  106  previously described with respect to the junction block cables  104 . However, unlike the junction block cables  104 , the other terminating end of the extension cables  114  include a double connector  109 . The double connectors  109  have the capability of interconnecting one or two other cable elements through connectors corresponding to connectors  106  previously described with respect to the junction block cables  104  and extension cables  114 . Accordingly, each extension cable  114  has the capability of interconnection to one or two other extension cables  114  or junction block cables  104 , or a combination of the two. Again, after describing in greater detail the individual components of the electrical access floor systems in accordance with the invention, the structural interconnection configurations of the electrical systems  100  and  200  will again be referenced. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate perspective views of the access floor module  102  with an attached junction block cable  104 . The access floor module  102  comprises an access floor component  101  which is essentially formed in a rectangular, box-like structure with an open top portion. The access floor component  101  comprises a bottom floor portion  302 , along with an integrally connected front portion  304  and rear portion  306 . The front portion  304  and rear portion  306  are each positioned vertically upright and perpendicular to the floor portion  302 . The access floor module  102  also includes a first end portion  308  and a second opposing end portion  310 . Each of the end portions  308 ,  310  is also vertically upright and extends perpendicular to the floor portion  302 . In accordance with the foregoing, the access module  102  forms the access module component  101  in the rectangular, box-like structure. 
   Positioned in each of the front and rear portions,  304 ,  306  and end portions  308 ,  310  is a rectangular aperture  312  positioned as desired for purposes of providing mounting and electrical access positions as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. In the particular embodiment of the access floor module  102  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the rectangular apertures  312  in the first end portion  308  and second end portion  310  are concealed by covers  314 . The covers  314  are snapped or otherwise secured into the rectangular apertures  312  by means of bendable fittings  316 . When the rectangular apertures  312  with the covers  314  are to be utilized for electrical components, the fittings  316  can be bent or otherwise disconnected from the interconnected potions of the access module  102 , so as to remove the covers  314  and expose the apertures  312 . 
   As further shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , for purposes of interconnection of telecommunications facilities or the like, the rectangular aperture  312  in the rear portion  306  can be fitted with a conventional communications element mounting bracket  318 . The mounting bracket  318  will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein. In general, the mounting bracket  318  can be employed to mount communications connectors such as the voice communications connector  320  and the data communications connector  322 . The communications connectors  320 ,  322  can be connected to corresponding voice communications line  324  and data communications line  326 , respectively. The communications lines  324 ,  326  are conventional in nature and can be connected to external communications facilities, such as incoming telephone lines and the like. Internally, with the floor access module  102  appropriately located beneath communications equipment within the office system, communications lines, such as the lines  34  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , can be dropped through the floor  30  and interconnected to the appropriate voice communications connector  320  and data communications connector  322  internal to the structure of the floor access module  102 . For simplicity of illustration, these communication lines running from the appropriate office equipment to the communications connectors  320 ,  322  are not illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   In addition to the access floor module  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ,  FIGS. 6 and 7  also illustrate a junction block cable  104  interconnected with the access floor module  102 . The junction block cable  104  includes a junction block  108 . Electrically interconnected to the junction block  108  is an electrical receptacle block  332 . The electrical receptacle block  332  is illustrated only in  FIG. 7  of the drawing of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown specifically in  FIG. 7 , the electrical receptacle block  332  includes a pair of receptacle outlets  116  conventional in design and structure. The electrical receptacle block  332  is coupled to the junction block  108 , and the junction block  108  is releasably mounted to the access floor module  102 , in a manner such that the receptacle outlets  334  face inwardly into the interior of the access floor module  102 . 
   The junction block  108  is releasably mounted to the access floor module  102  by means of a mounting assembly  336 . Details of the junction block  108 , electrical receptacle block  332  and mounting assembly  336  will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to more detailed illustrations. 
   The junction block cable  104  also includes an adjustable cable or conduit section  338  electrically connected to one end of the junction block  108 . The junction block  108 , as will be apparent from the description of additional illustrations in subsequent paragraphs herein, is double sided and includes, on each side, an opening  340  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Positioned in the opening  340  is a set of connectors  342  which are adapted to be interconnected to corresponding connectors of one of the electrical receptacle blocks  332 . The particular opening  340  shown in  FIG. 6 , which extends external from the interior of the access floor module  102 , is illustrated without any corresponding electrical receptacle block  332 . The interconnection of the electrical receptacle blocks  332  with the connectors  342  will be described in greater detail with respect to additional illustrations in subsequent paragraphs herein. 
   The adjustable cable or conduit section  338  is connected at its end, opposing the end connected to the junction block  108 , to a male connector block  106 . The male connector block  106  includes, at its terminating end, a male connector  352  which is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals  354 . The male connector block  106  is adapted to be interconnected to appropriate energy sources so as to provide electrical power to the electrical receptacle block  332  through the junction block  108  and adjustable cable or conduit section  338 . The male connector block  106  will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to further illustrations. In particular, the male connector block  106  is adapted to be interconnected directly to an incoming power feed cable, such as the cable  112  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, power is provided directly from the power feed cable  112  to the particular electrical receptacle block  332  associated with the corresponding junction block  108 . In addition, the male connector block  106  is also adapted, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, to be electrically and releasably mechanically connected directly to a junction block  108  associated with another junction block cable  104  interconnected with a different access floor module  102 . This type of interconnection is also shown in the particular access floor system of  FIG. 4 . Still further, the male connector block  106  may be connected to another junction block  108 , where such other junction block  108  is also interconnected to the same access floor module  102  as is interconnected the junction block  108  associated with the particular junction block cable  104  having the male connector block  106 . Such a configuration is illustrated by the particular access floor modules  102  and junction block cables  104  identified by reference numerals  356  in  FIG. 5 . Still further, the male connector block  106  can also be interconnected to a female connector block of an extension cable, such as the extension cables  114  also illustrated in  FIG. 5 . An example of this type of interconnection is shown by the combined extension cable  114 , junction block cable  104  and floor access module  102  identified by reference numeral  358  in  FIG. 5 . 
   As earlier described, with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the access floor module  102  can include a mounting assembly  336 , with respect to each of the junction block cables  104  to be interconnected to the access floor module  102 . The mounting assembly  336  shown in  FIG. 6  with respect to the embodiment of the access floor module  102  illustrated therein is further illustrated in  FIGS. 8–11 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly  336 , with an interconnected junction block  108 . Correspondingly,  FIG. 10 , a sectional view, also shows the mounting assembly  336  with the junction block  108 .  FIG. 9 , for purposes of illustration, illustrates a front, sectional view of the mounting bracket of the mounting assembly  336 , with the junction block  108  removed. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 8–11 , the mounting assembly  336  provides attachment of the junction block  108  to a mounting bracket  360  by means of L-shaped mounting lugs  362  and  364  engaging corresponding L-shaped support brackets  366  and  368 , respectively. The support brackets are integral with or otherwise connected to a horizontal member  370  which extends across the top of and between the L-shaped support brackets  366  and  368 . 
   The horizontal member  370  is connected below and to a horizontal supporting tab  372 . The supporting tab  372  is rectangular in structure and formed as an integral piece cut and bent from the front portion  304  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The supporting tab  372  is bent at a right angle relative to the remaining part of the front portion  304 , and includes a pair of apertures (not specifically shown in the drawings) through which a pair of rivets  374  or other appropriate connecting means are received. The rivets  374  extend through apertures  376  disposed in the horizontal member  370 . In this manner, the horizontal member  370 , with integrally connected L-shaped support brackets  366  and  368 , is secured in an abutting relationship immediately below the horizontal supporting tab  372 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the junction block  108  comprises a housing having a lower wall  380 , upper wall  382  and middle walls  384  which serve to provide a spatial area  386  and a similar area on the opposite side of the middle walls  384 . The spatial area  386  is also formed by a left side wall  388  and a right side wall  390 . As described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to further illustrations of the drawing, the spatial area  386  shown in  FIG. 8  and the like spatial area on the opposing side of the junction block  108  may be used to accommodate electrical receptacle blocks, such as the electrical receptacle block  332  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Such an electrical receptacle block is energized through interconnection with the connectors  342  positioned within the spatial area  386 . Again, the connectors  342  and the interconnection of an electrical receptacle block will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein. 
   In addition to the connectors  342 , the junction block  108  also includes a female connector block pair  392  extending outwardly from the right side wall  390 . The female connector block pair  392 , and the use thereof, is described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to further illustrations of the drawing. In particular, each of the female connector blocks of the female connector block pair  392  is adapted to be electrically interconnected to a male connector, such as the male connector  352  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
   Extending outwardly and externally from the left side wall  388  is the adjustable cable or conduit section  338  interconnected in an electrical manner to the junction block  108  through the cable connector block  394 . The cable connector block  394  and the adjustable cable or conduit section  338  are electrically interconnected to the connectors  342  and the female connector block pair  392  as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. 
   The junction block  108  is maintained in a stationary and releasably secured position relative to the L-shaped support bracket  366  and L-shaped support bracket  368  by engagement of an arcuate retaining tab  396 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the arcuate retaining tab  396  is preferably integral with the horizontal member  370  and comprises a tab which extends downwardly in a curved manner within a rectangular aperture  398  formed in the central portion of the horizontal member  370 . 
   The arcuate retaining tab  396  extending downward from the horizontal member  370  is adapted to engage a latching device  400  which is disposed between the mounting lugs  362 ,  364  extending upwardly from the upper wall  382  of the junction block  108 . The latching device  400  comprises a pair of interlocking latch members  402  and  404 . The interlocking latch member  402  is provided with an elongated member such as tongue  406  as primarily shown in  FIG. 10 . Correspondingly, the interlocking latch member  404  is provided with an appropriate opening such as the groove  408  for purposes of interlockingly receiving the tongue  406 . As shown in both  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404  are integrally formed on the top of the upper wall  382  of the junction block  108 , and may be constructed of a resilient plastic material such as polycarbonate which provides a restoring force on the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404 . A channel  410  is defined by the interlocking members  402 ,  404  for engaging the arcuate retaining tab  396 . The latching device  400  may be disengaged from the retaining tab  396  by depressing either of the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404 , which causes both of the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404  to be depressed and causes the arcuate retaining tab  396  to be disengaged from the channel  410 . The junction block  108  may then be removed from the L-shaped supporting brackets  366  and  368  by pulling the junction block  108  outwardly from the tab  372 . Similarly, the junction block  108  may be installed and releasably interconnected with the access module  102  by slidingly engaging the attachment lugs  362  and  364  with the L-shaped support brackets  366  and  368 . The sliding motion on the L-shaped support brackets  366  and  368  will result in engagement of the latching device  400  with the retaining tab  396 , causing both of the interlocking latch members  402  and  404  to be depressed until the retaining tab  396  is aligned with the channel  410 . At that point, the restoring force imparted to the latching device  400  due to the resiliency of the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404  causes engagement of the channel  410  with the retaining tab  396 , thereby placing the junction block  108  in a releasably locked position relative to the access module  102 . 
     FIG. 10  specifically illustrates a cross-sectional view along lines  10 — 10  of  FIG. 8 , and illustrates the middle walls  384 . As earlier described, the middle walls  384  forms the open areas  386  on each side of the junction block  108  for receiving electrical receptacle blocks, such as the electrical receptacle block  332  shown in  FIG. 7 . The channel  410  is illustrated in  FIG. 10  as being defined by opposing edges of the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404 . A lower surface of the channel  410  is defined by the tongue  406  of the member  402 . The tongue  406  engages the groove  408  of member  404 . The cooperation of the tongue and groove  406 ,  408  causes the latching device  400  to disengage from the retaining tab  396  when either of the interlocking latch members  402 ,  404  is depressed and forced toward the upper wall  382 . As can be seen from FIG.  10 , when the latch member  402  is depressed, an upper edge of the latch member  402  exerts pressure on the latch member  404 . This causes both members  402 ,  404  to be depressed, releasing engagement with the retaining tab  396  and allowing the junction block  108  to be slidably removed from the retaining tab  372 . The same result may be obtained when the tongue  406  of the latch member  402  is forced against the lower edge of the groove of member  404 . 
   As earlier described, the interlocking latch members  402  and  404  may be formed integral with the upper wall  382  in a suitable manner. With this configuration, and as shown in  FIG. 10 , the latch members  402  and  404  are integrally connected with the upper wall  382  by vertical hinge sections  416  and  418 . The vertical hinge sections  416  and  418 , like the interlocking latch members  402  and  404 , are preferably formed of resilient plastic material so as to provide a restoring spring force for the latch members  402 ,  404  when the same are depressed and forced toward the upper wall  382 . 
   In accordance with the forgoing, the junction block  108  and associated junction block cable  104  may be releasably secured to a floor access module component  101  for purposes of providing electrical power in an appropriate position in the floor access layout. Concepts associated with mounting assemblies for electrical junction block housings are disclosed in the inventors own U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,576 issued Feb. 19, 1991. The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,576 are hereby incorporated by reference herein. As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, one or more of the junction block cables  104  may be releasably interconnected to a floor access module  102  as desired by the electrical system designer. 
   Additional detail regarding the junction block cables  104  is illustrated in the enlarged perspective view of the one of the junction block cables  104  as shown in  FIG. 12 . As earlier described with respect to  FIGS. 6–11 , the junction block cable  104  includes a junction block  108 , adjustable cable or conduit section  338  and male connector block  106 . With respect specifically to the junction block  108 , the block  108  as also previously described, includes a lower wall  380 , upper wall  382  and middle wall  384  which form an open spatial area  340  on each side of the junction block  108  (only one side of which is illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). In addition, as also described with respect specifically to  FIGS. 8–11 , the block  108  includes a female connector block pair  392  extending outwardly from one end of the general housing structure of the block  108 . Extending outwardly from the other end of the junction  108  is a cable connector block  394  which, in turn, is interconnected to the cable of conduit section  338 . As further described with respect to  FIGS. 8–11  for purposes of releasably securing junction block  108  to a floor access module  102 , L-shaped mounting lugs  362  and  364  are integrally mounted on the top of the upper wall  382 . Also mounted on the top of the upper wall  382  are interlocking latch members  402  and  404 . 
   The junction block  108  is also provided with connection lugs  420  which provide a means for securing preformed halves of the junction block  108  together along the seam  422  as further illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The particular means for forming the junction block  108  and the formation as an integral block or otherwise as separate pieces do not form any of the basic principles of the invention, and various types of structures can be employed. As shown primarily in  FIG. 13 , which comprises a sectional view through lines  13 — 13  of  FIG. 12 , the junction block  108  comprises a pair of female receptacle connectors  342 , with each of the connectors  342  being located in a separate one of the open spatial areas  386  on each side of the junction block  108 . Electrical outlet receptacle blocks, such as the electrical receptacle block  332  previously described with respect to  FIG. 7  and illustrated in greater detail in further drawings, are adapted to engage the female receptacle connectors  342 . In this manner, each of the junction blocks  108  is adapted to support, if desired, two electrical outlet receptacle blocks  332 , one on each side of the junction block  108 . However, for purposes of selective interconnection of the electrical receptacle blocks  332  with electrical devices above the floor, the electrical system designer will likely use only one electrical receptacle block  332  for each of the junction blocks  108 , with the electrical receptacle block  332  electrically connected to the junction block  108  within the open spatial area  386  which faces inwardly of the access floor module  102  to which the junction block cable  104  is releasably secured as previously described with respect to  FIGS. 8–11 . 
   As previously described, the junction block  108  further comprises a female connector block pair  392  extending outwardly from the junction block  108  adjacent the female receptacle connectors  342 . The female connector block pair  392  comprises a pair of female connector sets  424 . Each of the female connector sets  424  is essentially positioned in a straight line relationship with a corresponding one of the female receptacle connectors  342 . As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the female connector block pair  392  is adapted to electrically interconnect the corresponding junction block cable assembly  104  to one or two others of the junction block cable assemblies  104 . 
   In addition to the female connector block  392 , the junction block cable assembly  104 , as previously described herein, comprises the male or end connector block  106 . The male or end connector block  106  comprises a male connector  352  having a series of male connector terminals  354  positioned at the terminating end thereof. The male or end connector block  106  is connected to the junction block  108  by means of the adjustable cable or conduit section  338 . 
   Electrical power is transmitted through the junction block cable assembly  104  by means of electrical wires disposed in the adjustable cable or conduit section  338 , with the wires terminating at the male connector terminals  354  of the male connector  352 . Correspondingly, these wires are further connected to the female receptacle connectors  342  located on the junction blocks  108 . The female receptacle connectors  342  are further electrically connected to the female connector sets  424  of the female connector block pair  392 . In this manner, electrical power may be transmitted from external connections to the male connector terminals  354  or female connector sets  424  to the female receptacle connectors  342 . 
   For purposes of accommodating distance requirements between and among access floor modules  102 , the cable or conduit section  338  may be adjustable and comprise an expandable flexible conduit, as is well known in the art. For purposes of providing such adjustability, the male or end connector block  106  may be provided with an inner spatial area  426 , as shown in a partially broken-away view in  FIGS. 6 and 12 . The inner spatial area  426  is provided for storage of excess length of electrical wiring  428  in a coiled or other similar configuration. The excess length of electrical wiring  428  may be withdrawn with the adjustable conduit section  338  and expanded to an extended length. This type of an arrangement is similar to that disclosed in my earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 05,096,434 (dated Mar. 17, 1992) and entitled ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION ASSEMBLY, and further disclosed in my still earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,403 (dated Apr. 1, 1986) and entitled ELECTRICAL JUNCTION ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE CONNECTORS. 
   The cable or conduit section  338  is preferably a flexible conduit which may be bent to accommodate a connection to others of the junction block cable assemblies  104  and access floor modules  102 , rather than merely in straight line connections. Of primary importance, the male connector terminals  354  of a male or end connector block  106  of a particular junction block cable assembly  104  are electrically connectable to a female connector set  424  of a junction block  108  as associated with another of the junction block cable assemblies  104 . In this manner, electrical interconnection of access floor modules  102  located at various positions under the floor illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be readily electrically interconnected. In fact, with the particular female connector block pair  392  of each junction block  108 , it is possible to electrically interconnect two other junction block cable assemblies  104  through the male connectors  352  of each of the other cable assemblies  164 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 12 , each of the female connector sets  424  of the female connector block  392  is provided with a side flange  430  having upper and lower recessed areas  432 . The upper and lower recessed areas  432  are adapted to assist in providing engagement with flanges  434  of one of the male or end connector blocks  106  associated with another of the junction block cable assemblies  104 . In this manner, a releasable locking arrangement is provided between a female connector set  424  and the male connector terminals  354 . The side flanges  430  are preferably made of a resilient plastic material and formed integral with the housing of the junction block  108  to which they are associated. Preferably, the side flanges  430  are also provided with an outwardly extending inclined end surface  436 . When the surfaces  436  are engaged by flanges, such as the flanges  434  of the male connector  352  on the male or end connector block  106  of another junction block cable assembly  104 , the flanges  430  will be deflected inward, allowing the flanges  434  of the male connector  352  to engage the recesses  432  so as to provide a locking engagement of the male and the female connectors. Preferably, each of the female connector sets  424  is provided with a plurality of female connector terminals  438  and a key lug  440 . Correspondingly, the male connector  352 , as previously described herein, is provided with a plurality of male connector terminals  354  and an opening  442  for receiving the key lug  440 . 
   The electrical outlet receptacle block  332  is illustrated in perspective and side elevation views in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively. In the particular embodiment of a receptacle block in accordance with the invention as set forth in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , block  332  is provided with male connectors  444  at both ends, thereby allowing the receptacle block  332  to be plugged into either of the female receptacle receptors  342  associated with both sides of a junction block  108  of a junction block cable assembly  104 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the junction block  108  provided with the open spatial areas  340  in which to support the electrical receptacle blocks  332 . Each of the open spatial areas  340  is provided, on the lower wall  380 , with a slightly recessed locking flange  446 . Although not shown in  FIG. 12 , a corresponding locking flange  446  is provided within the other open spatial area  340  on the side of the junction block  108  not shown in  FIG. 12 . Returning to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the electrical receptacle block  332  is provided with a spring latch  448  disposed within a recess  450  in a lateral side surface  452  of the receptacle block  332 . With respect to the particular open spatial area  340  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the electrical receptacle block  332  illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15  can be inserted into the open spatial area  340  so that the electrical receptacle sockets  454  face outwardly from the spatial area  340  illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The open spatial area  340  is of a sufficient depth and other dimensions so that the receptacle block  332  can be fully inserted into the spatial area  340 . When inserted, the locking flange  446  will cause the spring latch  448  to be depressed. The receptacle block  332 , with the particular open spatial area  340  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , may then be moved to the right (in the view shown in  FIG. 12 ) to engage the female receptacle connectors  342 . With respect again to the illustration in  FIG. 14 , the receptacle block  332  also includes recesses  456  so as to accommodate the locking flange  446 . In the particular embodiment and views shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , movement to the right by a sufficient distance will cause the spring latch  448  to be moved past the locking flange  446 , causing the spring latch  448  to return to its extended position. In this manner, the receptacle  332  may be retained in a locked position. The receptacle may be removed from electrical connection with the female receptacle connectors  342  by depressing the spring latch  448  and sliding the receptacle  332  to the right so as to align the locking flange  446  with the recess  108 .  FIG. 15  is a right-hand elevation of the receptacle  332 , showing the right-hand male connector  444 . 
   If the electrical receptacle block  332  is to be electrically interconnected to the other female receptacle connectors  342  within the open spatial area  340  on the opposing side of junction block  108  (not shown in  FIG. 12 ), the receptacle block  332  will be inserted in the corresponding open spatial area  340  in the same manner as previously described, but may then be moved to the right (as viewed into the open spatial area  340 ) so as to electrically interconnect the male connectors  444  with the female receptacle connectors  342 . 
   It will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are only illustrative of the invention and numerous other arrangements may be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.