Abstract:
An electrical outlet device comprising a mounting plate and an electrical outlet assembly containing electrical components and a hinge assembly coupled to the electrical outlet assembly and the mounting plate and adapted to enable the electrical outlet assembly to pivot with respect to the mounting plate between a raised horizontal orientation and a lowered operative orientation.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This U.S. patent application is based upon Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/727,184 filed Oct. 17, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a retractable electrical power outlet device and more particularly pertains to mounting electrical components beneath horizontal surfaces and folding them out of sight when not in use. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The use of outlet assemblies of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, outlet assemblies of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of providing access to electricity through known methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
   By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,069 issued Jun. 16, 1992 to Brownlie relates to an access flooring module. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,993 issued Aug. 30, 1994 to Siems relates to a weather-proof floor outlet method. U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,668 issued Nov. 19, 1996 to Timmerman relates to a temporary power/data tap. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,209 issued Dec. 27, 2005 to Griepentrog relates to a biased utility receptacle assembly. 
   While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the prior patents do not describe retractable electrical-power outlet device that allows for mounting electrical components beneath horizontal surfaces and folding them out of sight when not in use. 
   In this respect, the retractable electrical power outlet device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of mounting electrical components beneath horizontal surfaces and folding them out of sight when not in use. 
   Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device which can be used for mounting electrical components beneath horizontal surfaces and folding them out of sight when not in use. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of outlet assemblies of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved retractable electrical power outlet device. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
   To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a retractable electrical power outlet device which mounts beneath horizontal surfaces and folds out of sight when not in use. The device comprises a base mounting plate, which provides attachment to a mounted surface and an electrical power outlet assembly containing a plurality of electrical outlet sockets positioned on the end of the assembly. A hinge assembly enables the outlet assembly to swing downward from a forward facing horizontal position. Also provided is an electrical power input connector and an electrical power output-connector which allows interconnection to another concealable outlet device. A locking mechanism retains the outlet assembly in the horizontal position. Lastly provided is a hinged safety cover which guards against accidental contact with the electrical outlets when the device is not in use. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device which has all of the advantages of the prior art electrical outlet devices and none of the disadvantages. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
   It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device which is of durable and reliable constructions. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such retractable electrical power outlet device economically available to the buying public. 
   Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a retractable electrical power outlet device for mounting electrical components beneath horizontal surfaces and folding them out of sight when not in use. 
   Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electrical outlet device comprising a mounting plate and an electrical outlet assembly containing electrical components and a hinge assembly coupled to the electrical outlet assembly and the mounting plate and adapted to enable the electrical outlet assembly to pivot with respect to the mounting plate between a raised horizontal orientation and a lowered operative orientation. 
   These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. 
   For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing of the existing state of the art of placing electrical outlets and interfaces insofar as they are installed in the kitchen. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing illustrating how the same kitchen illustrated in  FIG. 1  would appear if the devices described herein were used. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective drawing illustrating how the typical cabinet bottom trim is used to conceal one of the concealable electrical fixtures. 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective drawing illustrating how a concealable electrical interface fixture would appear when attached to a cabinet that does not have bottom trim. 
       FIG. 3  is a three view drawing of a primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use in the un-used or closed position. 
       FIG. 4  is a three view drawing of the same embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use in the open position. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view including interior detail of the primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term 
       FIG. 5A  is a right-side view including interior detail of the primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use. 
       FIG. 6  contains an isometric view of a basic embodiment of a hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for long-term use in the closed or unused position. 
       FIG. 6A  contains an isometric view of a basic embodiment of a hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for long-term use in the open or used position. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view with internal details of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection. 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection in the closed or unused position. 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection affixed to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet in the unused position. 
       FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection affixed to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet in the position used to plug and un-plug line cords. 
       FIG. 9B  is an isometric view of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection affixed to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet in the position used when a line cord is attached. 
       FIG. 9C  is an isometric view of a folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection with an alternate detent handle style. 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection. 
       FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of the embodiment described in  FIG. 10  affixed to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet. 
       FIG. 10B  is an isometric view of an additional embodiment of the folding electrical outlet device suitable for permanent connection. 
       FIG. 10  C is an isometric view of the device described by  FIG. 10B  with the addition of an electrical fixture and cover plate. 
       FIG. 10D  is an isometric view of an additional and more robust embodiment of the folding electrical power outlet device suitable for permanent connection. 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a hinged electrical lighting device which provides countertop work area illumination in one position under-cabinet accent lighting when pivoted to the other position 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of the hinged device, which serves as an under cabinet holder for remote battery powered controllers in the closed or unused positions. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates an embodiment of the hinged device, which serves as an under cabinet holder for remote battery powered controllers in the usable or open positions. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of the hinged device which provides countertop work area illumination and electrical outlets. 
   

   The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1  thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved retractable electrical power outlet device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
   The present invention, the retractable electrical power outlet device is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include a base mounting plate, an electrical power outlet assembly, a hinge assembly, an electrical power input connector, and electrical power output connector, a locking mechanism and a safety cover. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objectives. 
   The detailed description is organized into the following sections, each describing a type of concealable electrical interface: Concealable Electrical Power Outlets, Concealable Multi-Purpose under Cabinet Lights, Concealable Electrical Switches and Dimming Devices, Concealable Communications Interface Connection Points, and Concealable Radio Frequency Remote Controller Mounts. 
   General topic applicable to some, or all, of the above concealable interface types include various Electrical Connections. 
   Concealable Electrical Power Outlets are a class of devices which are offered in multiple basic embodiments. Different embodiments are dictated by length of usage repeated plugging and un-plugging vs. permanent or long term, electrical line cord placement and visibility, ease of use, available space and allowable device thickness. In general, embodiments intended for long-term use place the connected electrical line cords near the counter backsplash or distant from the front of the horizontal surface to which the embodiment is affixed. Ease of use is influenced by factors such as design for one handed plugging and un-plugging. Device thickness can be minimized by positioning the electrical power outlets on their side with the blades oriented from left to right instead of top to bottom. Other differentiators between embodiments include the substation of a GFCI device or a surge suppression device and the method used to connect the devise to premise power. Connection methods include hard wiring, modular connectors and a conventional 120 V AC plug installed on the rear of the device. 
   Concealable Multi-Purpose under cabinet lights is another basic embodiment of this class of device which is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . An electrical lighting module  19  is used in place of the outlet assembly that is used in other embodiments that provide outlet box capabilities. An electrical light source being Light Emitting Diodes, Halogen, Incandescent, fluorescent or other light source type is positioned within the electrical light module. When the electrical lighting module is positioned in the forward horizontal position the light would be projected downward toward the counter top and serves as a task light. As the electrical lighting module is pivoted to the 90-degree or vertical position, the lighting is redirected to the backsplash. Rotating the electrical lighting module past the vertical position will redirect the light upward and will ultimate cause light to be reflected off of the cabinet bottom and infuse the under cabinet area with indirect light. The effect and influence of the lighting variations can be further embellished with the addition of a dimming rheostat on the lighting fixture or on a common switch if multiple Concealable multi-purpose under counter Lights are used as a group. 
   Concealable Electrical Switches and Dimming Devices include a Concealable electrical switch or Dimming device which uses any embodiment of the Concealable Electrical Power Outlet Device that provides outlet box capabilities. The moveable assembly  13  can contain any standard electrical device manufactured for an outlet box including but not limited to light dimmers, fan switches, 911 dialers, mechanical electrical switches and the like. 
   Concealable Communications Interface Connection Points is a class of device which offers a connection point to common household interfaces such as an RJ-11 telephony port, a RJ-42 Internet port or a television signal co-axial port. This class of device would be another embodiment of the Concealable Electrical Power Outlet Device depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
   Concealable Radio Frequency Remote Controller Mounts is a class of device that is used to hold and store various types of remote controllers that may be used to control Televisions, Sound Systems, Remotely toggled electrical power control, Ceiling fan controllers or any other battery operated controller that would benefit from always being in a known place and position. The controller would be affixed via hook and loop fasteners or by two sided tape or any adhesive supplied with the remote device to be attached and can be removed for use or left in place on the Controller mount when used. 
   All device classes and embodiments that interconnect with premise power or premise circuits such as lighting or fan circuits will contain minor embodiments to permit interconnection via electrical three wire pigtails or via modular connectors. 
   All internal wiring utilized in any electrical embodiment of any device will utilize extremely flexible high strand count wires to facilitate a large number of repetitive duty cycles. All bends will be torsion with the actual twisting to take place over a long segment of wire in order to minimize stress and fatigue. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates the typical use of the present state of the art of providing electrical outlets  5 , electrical switches  4  and coaxial or telephone connections  6  in the typical kitchen environment. A common kitchen implementation will feature upper cabinets  1  and lower cabinets  3 . When the cabinets are wall mounted there will be a backsplash  2  surface between them. The Installation of the aforementioned electrical devices is accomplished by cutting holes in the backsplash  2  material, which can be anything from a granite slab to painted drywall and connecting the device to the signal cable or the buildings electrical power circuit. The various type of electrical interfaces are then decorated with switch or outlet plates in order to make them more pleasing to the eye and cover any exposed wiring or mechanical paraphernalia. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates how the same kitchen environment might appear when various embodiments of the concealable electrical interfaces are used in lieu of the interfacing devices offered by the present state of the art. In this drawing, various embodiments of concealable electrical interface devices would be used to accomplish the replacement of the electrical outlets, switches and coaxial cable contained in  FIG. 1 . The various embodiments will be further explained in subsequent drawings. 
     FIG. 2A  illustrates the installation of a concealable interfacing device  5  on an upper kitchen cabinet  1  with bottom trim installed at the front and sides  7 . The trim typically extends below the lower surface of the cabinet bottom to conceal the illustrated concealable electrical interfacing device  5 . 
   When the term conceal is used it is a relative term in that the various embodiments herein are far less visible than the present embodiments of the present state of the art. 
   Some of the embodiments of the concealable interfacing devices herein are usually in a horizontal state. Other embodiments, which are suitable for short-term task usage are in a vertical position only when they are being used. 
   The design of all embodiments is such that they would not be viewable by most people who are standing. If desired, the bottom cabinet trim can be modified so as to render it deeper and thus even further reduce the visibility of any concealed electrical devices that might be present. 
     FIG. 2B  illustrates the installation of a concealable interfacing device  5  on an upper kitchen cabinet bottom  9  with no bottom trim on the front or sides. This style will provide less concealment for attached concealable interfacing devices  5  than would be available with bottom and side trim. 
   Even without bottom and side trim the overall appearance presented by the use of concealable electrical interfacing devices is far superior to the present state of the art as there are no holes or mechanisms on the backsplash surfaces beneath the cabinet. 
     FIG. 3  is a three-view top, front and right side drawing of a primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use in the closed or unused position. The left side is omitted as it is a mirror image to the right side. The base mounting plate  11  contains mounting screw holes  12 , which are used to effect a mechanical connection between the base mounting plate and the lower surface of the cabinet bottom. The front of the electrical power outlet assembly  13  shows the placement of two electrical power outlet sockets  14  offered by this embodiment. The electrical power out assembly pivots about the pivot shaft  22 . This illustration contains two standard polarized 110-volt outlet plugs as used in the United States and Canada. All devices in this application that contain electrical outlets are also intended to offer outlet types suitable to comply with the standards and code requirements of other countries. The fingertip openings  15  as illustrated in the side view are placed on both sides of the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to allow a user to pivot the outlet assembly while keeping their fingers distant from the electrical outlet sockets  14 . The electrical outlet sockets  14  depicted in this view are oriented such that their blades are vertically oriented. A minor embodiment of this device includes electrical outlet sockets  14  with the blades oriented horizontally in order to further reduce the overall height of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . 
     FIG. 4  is a three-view top, front and right side drawing of a primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use in the open or used position. When it is desired to plug in an electrical line cord the operator grasps the electrical power outlet assembly  13  by the fingertip openings  15  and pulls downward causing the assembly to rotate about the pivot shaft  22 . 
   The angled design is offered in all embodiments of the short-term usage devices to better facilitate the higher number of plugging and unplugging cycles anticipated for this use as the plug is inserted directly toward the hinge assembly. Thus there is a reduced tendency for repetitious use to loosen the device mounting screws or cause excessive wear on the pivot mechanism. 
     FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the outlet device suitable for short-term use in the open or usable position. This embodiment offers a base mounting plate  11 , which is attached to the desired surface with adhesives or by using screws passing through the mounting screw holes  12  in the same fashion as previous embodiments. All electrical connectors needed to provide electrical power to the assembly and pass power to an adjacent assembly as well as the hinge assembly anchor are positioned within the support module  37 , which is affixed to the base mounting plate  11 . Mounting screw access holes  14  permit mounting screws to pass through the support module  13 . This ensures that this portion of the device is firmly affixed to the desired mounting surface in order to resist any movement due to forces imparted when the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is pivoted. The pivot shaft  22  extends from the support module  37  and serves as the mounting mechanism for the electrical power outlet module  13 . 
     FIG. 5  is a top view including interior detail of the primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use. Two modular electrical plugs  20  are included within the design. Both connectors are wired in common to each other as well as to both electrical power outlets. Thus, either connector can be used to receive incoming premise electrical power. The second connector plug  20  may be optionally utilized to supply electrical power to an additional power outlet device. Braided three conductor electrical wire  21  is used to interconnect both modular electric plugs  20  as well as both front mounted electrical power outlets  14 . The three-conductor wire is routed through an opening  4  into the interior of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . Fingertip openings  15  are provided on both sides of electrical power outlet assembly  13  to provide a gripping point for the user. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  circumscribes a 45-degree arc about the electrical power outlet assembly pivot shaft  22 . Two permanent magnets  24  are used to keep the electrical power outlet assembly  13  in a horizontal position against the bottom surface of the base mounting plate  11  when the device is not in use. 
   Another embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use includes of an un-terminated three-wire cable assembly pre-attached to the device in place of a modular connector. 
     FIG. 5A  is a right-side view including interior detail of the primary embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for short-term use. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  has an angular surface  26 , which abuts the bottom surface of the base mounting plate  11  to limit the rotational movement of the electrical power outlet assembly to 45 degrees. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the hinged electrical power outlet device suitable for long-term usage. This base mounting plate  11  of this embodiment attaches to the underside or bottom of a cabinet and can be attached mechanically with screws passing through the mounting holes  12  or adhesively with double-sided construction tape. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  can be opened and closed by pivoting it about the pivot shaft  22  using the front handle  30 . Two 110 Volt, three prong polarized plugs  14  are positioned on the face of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . 
     FIG. 6A  is the same embodiment represented in  FIG. 6  with the electrical power outlet assembly  13  pivoted downward 90 degrees. Although the device can be positioned anywhere under a cabinet, it is recommended that it be positioned toward the back of the cabinet. Positioning the device toward the back allows the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to be located near the backsplash, which makes the device less intrusive and avoids any access restriction to the countertop task area. When in use, the device is placed in the position shown. One or two electrical line cords can then be placed within the electrical power outlet modules  14 . If use of the device is no longer required, the electrical plugs are extracted and the electrical power outlet assembly  13  can be rotated forward to a horizontal position. A critical design point of each embodiment of all of the hinged electrical power outlet devices described within this application is the overall distance  17  the electrical plug descends beneath the surface to which the device is attached when the device is rotated to the vertical position. While it is desirable to conceal the device as much as practical while the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is in a horizontal attitude, it is likewise desirable to ensure a user can clearly see the assembly when it is placed in the vertical position to aid and assist their ability to insert and remove electrical power line cords. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates yet another embodiment of a hinged electrical power outlet device intended for permanent electrical plug connectivity. It differs from previous hinged electrical power outlet assembly embodiments in that the electrical outlet assembly  13  can be positioned in the horizontal or least visible position when a line cord is connected or there is no connection. The electrical outlet assembly  13  mechanically detents in either of the two horizontal positions or the vertical position. The assembly is detented into the horizontal positions to ensure the electrical power outlet assembly  13  remains adjacent and parallel to the horizontal surface to which it is mounted in either the connected or disconnected position. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  is detented in the vertical position to permit a user to plug and unplug an electrical line cord with one hand. Detenting is accomplished by the action of the detent assembly spring  31  pushing the detent  32  toward the electrical power outlet assembly pivot shaft, mounting bracket  33 . The detent pawl  34  engages one of the two horizontal positioning detent notches  35 , or the vertical positioning detent notch  36 , all of which are cut into the electrical power outlet assembly pivot shaft, mounting bracket  33 . 
   The horizontal positioning detent notches  35  are shallow and only a portion of the detent pawl  34  enters the slot. Only moderate pressure is required to disengage the electrical power outlet assembly from either of the two horizontal positions. 
   The vertical positioning detent notch  36  is larger and accepts the full width of the detent pawl  34  and thus ensures a positive positioning that can be disengaged only when the user slides the detent handle downward, thus disengaging the detent pawl  34  from the vertical positioning detent notch  36 . The positive interlocking formed by the relationship of the vertical positioning detent notch  36  and the detent pawl  34  is necessary to allow one-handed plugging and un-plugging of electrical line cords without imparting any motion of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . 
   The support module  37  contains two external modular power connectors  20 . Either of the two external power connectors  20  may be utilized to connect to the building power network. The additional external power connector  20  may be used to supply power to another electrical interface module via an inter device cable assembly. A cable trough  38  and the cable bracket  39  provide a path for any building power cables to be routed from left to right or visa versa and ensures the cable will not interfere with normal use of the device. 
     FIG. 8  shows the base mounting plate  11  of this embodiment which attaches to the underside or bottom of a horizontal surface and can be attached mechanically with screws passing through the mounting holes  12  or adhesively with double-sided construction tape. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  can be rotated 180 degrees from a forward facing horizontal position to a rearward facing horizontal position to the 90 degree or plug and un-plug position by pivoting it about the mounting pivot shaft  22  using the front handle  30  or the right side fingertip opening  15 . Releasing the electrical power outlet assembly from the vertical or plug and un-plug position is accomplished by pushing the detent handle  32  downward. Two 110 Volt, three prong polarized plugs  14  are positioned on the face of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . 
     FIG. 9 , an isometric view, is of the hinged electrical power outlet device intended for permanent electrical plug connectivity mounted to the bottom surface  9  of an upper kitchen cabinet  1  in the unused position. The base mounting plate  11  is positioned, as far toward the rear of the cabinet as possible to ensure that when in use, attached electrical line cords will be less intrusive as they descend along the back splash at the rear of the cabinet. The electrical power outlet assembly  13  is placed in a forward facing horizontal position when the device is not in use and no electrical line cords are connected. This horizontal position reduces visibility of the device by exposing the thinnest profile, that being the vertical height of the electrical power outlet assembly  13 . This positioning also ensures ease of use as the electrical power outlet assembly  13  and the detent handle  32  contained therein are easy to access from the normal user position, that being from in front of the device. When the device is to be used, the user inserts fingertips into the detent handle  32  and slides the handle forward to detach the detent and allow the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to rotate downward until the vertical position is attained. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9A , after rotating the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to the vertical position, the spring-loaded detent handle  32  will latch the electrical power outlet assembly  13  at the vertical position so as to enable the user to place an electrical line cord  41  with one hand. 
   Although it is not the preferred use, the electrical power outlet assembly  13  may be left in the vertical placement at any time, either when in use or out of use if desired. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9B , following the placement of an electrical line cord  41  the user may push the detent handle  32  in a downward position and rotate the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to the inside horizontal position. When the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is properly aligned the spring-loaded detent handle  32  will seat and lock the assembly in the horizontal position. While in this position, the electrical line cord  41  will be aligned near the backsplash in a vertical position and will therefore be less visually intrusive than it would be if positioned more toward the front of the cabinet  1 . 
     FIG. 9C  illustrates another alternative style of detent handle  18 . This is one of many alternatives to the finger-tip slot detent handles previously depicted. This style may be more desirable for those with physical impairments and would be easier to locate and use when the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is positioned to the rear and, therefore, furthest from the user. 
     FIG. 10  is another embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device intended for permanent electrical plug connectivity. It differs from the original embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  9 A and  9 B in that this embodiment is limited to 90 degrees of movement. In order to insert an electrical line cord, the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is positioned in a vertical position by pushing the detent handle  32  down and rotating the assembly in a forward and downward fashion until it reaches a vertical attitude, which exposes the electrical power outlets  14  toward the user. Releasing the spring-loaded detent handle then causes the electrical power outlet assembly  13  to latch in the vertical position. An electrical line cord can then be inserted with one hand when the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is in the vertical position. Following electrical line cord insertion, the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is rotated 90 degrees rearward and upward away from the operator until the electrical power outlet assembly  13  is parallel and abuts the base mounting plate  11 . The spring-loaded detent handle  32  then latches the electrical power outlet assembly  13  in the horizontal position. 
     FIG. 10A  illustrates the 90 degree embodiment of the hinged electrical power outlet device intended for permanent plug connectivity attached to the bottom of an upper kitchen cabinet  1  in the used or connected position with an electrical line cord  41  attached. A positive attribute of this embodiment is the reduced mounting footprint required for device installation that is derived from using a shortened base mounting plate  11 . 
     FIG. 10B  illustrates an additional embodiment which contains several refinements to the invention designed to rotate through a 90 degree arc. The base mounting plate  11  contains an access plate  50  which is attached to the base mounting plate  11  by 2 prongs and locking screws  51 . Removal of the access plate  50  allows an installer to make electrical connections to building power within the support module  37 . Provision for electrical circuit entry and exit are made by the addition of electrical knock-outs  53  that are cut into the base mounting plate  11  for access from above and into the back of the base module  37  for rear entry as depicted by the attached electrical conduit  52 . Two mounting brackets  33  are used to form the pivot points from which the power outlet assembly is suspended. A user can unlatch the electrical power outlet assembly  13  by use of a detent handle  18  and rotate it 90 degrees from the vertical position shown to a position whereby the electrical fixture bay  54  is facing downward. 
   Any type of standard electrical fixture may be positioned inside of the electrical fixture bay  54 . 
     FIG. 10C  is a perspective drawing of the same embodiment shown in  FIG. 10B  with an electrical fixture  55  and a cover plate  54  installed. 
     FIG. 10D  depicts an additional embodiment of the invention. This embodiment utilizes a single and much wider mounting bracket  33 . The wider mounting bracket  33  has a wider vertical positioning slot  36  and a correspondingly wider detent pawl  34  in order to better resist forces imparted on the electrical power outlet assembly  13  when excessive force is used to insert electrical plugs. The detent  32  is spring loaded to ensure proper engagement of the detent pawl  34  into the vertical positioning slot  36  by the detent spring  31 . Users of the apparatus may rotate the electrical power outlet assembly by moving the detent handle  18  downward and extracting the detent pawl  34  from the vertical positioning slot  36 . 
   A solenoid coil  58  surrounds the detent retraction rod  57 . The detent retraction rod  57  is attached to the detent  32 . When the solenoid coil  58  is energized the detent retraction rod  57  and attached detent  32  are drawn downward causing the detent pawl  34  to be withdrawn from the positioning slot. If the solenoid coil  58  is energized when the electrical power assembly  13  is in the horizontal position it will rotate downward to the vertical position thus bringing the assembly into view. The solenoid can be energized via a low voltage wired circuit or a radio frequency receiver emplaced in the low voltage wire  59  that is used to connect the solenoid coil  58  to its control circuit. 
   The fixture mounting standoffs  60  are shown. These fixtures are positioned to be compatible with standard sized electrical fixtures and enable the easy attachment of them. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates the hinged electrical lighting device for work area and accent lighting. This lighting module  19  traverses an arc of 180 degrees when rotated about the pivot shaft  22 . The lighting module  19  is held in any position by use of a friction plate  25 . When the lighting module  19  is positioned toward the cabinet front, the light source  23  faces downward toward the counter top. When the light is activated, by transferring the module light switch  27  the counter area will be illuminated and if desired, the user can reposition the lighting module  19  by changing the angle about the pivot shaft  22  to better illuminate the desired area. 
   A secondary use of the device is to direct light at any angle toward the backsplash or bounce the light off of the cabinet bottom by pivoting the lighting module  19  all the way to the back. This results in an indirect lighting configuration that can be used for alternate purposes such as accent lighting or a night-light. The light source used can be any of a multitude of light source types including Halogen, incandescent, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or other alternatives. Optional cooling fins  28  may be included to heat sink a transformer if required to power a particular light source type. 
     FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of the hinged device, which serves as an under cabinet holder or mounting for remote battery powered wireless switches. Several manufacturers now offer adhesively attached switches that may be used to perform “wireless” appliance and lighting control. The adhesively attached switches offer the advantage of not having to physically wire them into the circuits they control and therefore allow complete flexibility in where they are located. Despite all of the advantages to this art, the wireless devices are just as unsightly when applied to a back splash as are the wired switches they replace. The described device is, therefore, proposed as a method of placing wireless switches and small wireless controllers in a concealed position when they are not in use. 
   The primary embodiment of this device uses no electrical power. The switch mounting module  40  is normally positioned in the horizontal position. When it is desired to operate a wireless switch  42  which has been affixed to the switch mounting module  40  the module is rotated downward to a vertical position. An alternative embodiment of this device would include a small replaceable battery, a low voltage light source and a tilt switch. These additions would provide illumination for the wireless switch when the device is rotated to the vertical position. 
     FIG. 12A  illustrates an under cabinet holder or mounting for remote battery powered wireless switches with the switch mounting module  40  in the vertical position with an adhesively affixed wireless switch  42 . 
     FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment  44  of the hinged device  46  which provides countertop work area illumination through lamps  47 . Such embodiment also provides electrical outlets  48 . Included are one or more, preferably a plurality, of various electrical components of types including lamps, electrical outlets and telephone outlets and outlet cables for television and the internet. 
   The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. A multitude of embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical application. The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. 
   The devices claimed and described herein may be designed to meet and comply with different standards, building codes and requirements while still being within the state of the art as described herein. The base plate assemblies, moveable modules and other external accessories may be manufactured from various plastics, metals and resins. The exterior finish may have embedded colors, be painted or be metallically finished in order to match and compliment kitchen faucets and fixtures including stainless steel appliances. All description drawings contained herein illustrate the “right hand” version of all of the devices illustrated. It should be noted that the devices would be manufactured in right and left handed format to suit user preference as well as allow positioning in corners with walls abutting the device. 
   Other embodiments that would fit within this statement of the art are possible including modifying the hinging and latching mechanisms, changing the number or electrical outlet plugs to increase capacity or to reduce the device size and mounting footprint, moving the support module from the left to the right side, utilizing differing power cable connectivity and wiring methods, and other design and styling possibilities. In addition, the various classes of devices described herein may be combined by including the functionality of a multitude of class types within one device. An example of combining functions would be the inclusion of RJ-11 modular telephone connectivity on any of the embodiments of the electrical power outlet devices. 
   Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
   As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.