Apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface

An apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface. The apparatus has a housing structure having a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, a bottom section and a top section that is attached to the sidewalls. The top section includes a central section and at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has at least one opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive a utility receptacle. The central section has a transverse slot along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The bendable tab can be bent 90° with respect to the central section. The bendable tab has at least one transverse slot along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

Not applicable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface of an article of furniture such as a table, desk, workbench, workstation or similar article.

BACKGROUND

Devices that provide electrical power and data receptacles on a work surface are known in the art. These devices are typically mounted within a cut-out or opening formed in the work surface. Typical prior art devices for providing electrical power and data receptacles on work surfaces of workbenches, workstations and similar articles of furniture are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,156, 7,407,392, 7,407,392, 7,614,889 and 7,901,224.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to an apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface. The apparatus comprises a housing structure having a pair of sidewalls that are substantially parallel to each other. The housing structure further comprises a top section that is attached to sidewalls. The top section comprises a central section that has an opening for receiving a utility receptacle. The top section further comprises at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has a transverse slot along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The bendable tab has at least one transverse slot along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab.

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to an apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface. The apparatus comprises a housing structure comprising a pair of sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom section and a top section, wherein the sidewalls, front wall, rear wall, bottom section and top section form a compartment within the housing structure. The top section comprises a central section that has a first opening for receiving a utility receptacle. The top section includes a second opening. The top section further comprises at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has a transverse slot along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The bendable tab has at least one transverse slot along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab. The apparatus further comprises a device charging port assembly that is positioned within the compartment and comprises a device charging port. The device charging port is aligned with the second opening in the central section. The apparatus further comprises a cover member that is attached to the top section. The cover member has a top side, a first opening aligned with the first opening of the central section and a second opening that is aligned with the second opening of the central section. The apparatus further comprises a utility receptacle mounted to the central section and positioned within the first opening of the central section. The utility receptacle has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the utility receptacle is within the first opening of the cover member. The rear portion of the utility receptacle extends through the first opening of the central section and protrudes into the compartment. In one embodiment, the utility receptacle is an electrical power receptacle

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface comprising a housing structure having a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall that is transversely attached to the sidewalls and a bottom section. The sidewalls are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the rear wall and the bottom section. The housing structure further comprises a top section that is attached to the sidewalls. The top section further comprises a central section and at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has a transverse bend line along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The transverse bend line of the central section is positioned such that the at least one bendable tab can be bent to a position wherein the bendable tab is adjacent to one of the sidewalls. The at least one bendable tab has at least one transverse bend line along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab. The central section has at least one opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive a utility receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “utility receptacle” shall include electrical power receptacles that provide either AC or DC voltages, data communication ports, USB ports, device charging ports, USB charging ports, Power Pole® conductors manufactured by Anderson Power Products, Inc. of Sterling, Mass., RS-232 connectors, RS-422 connectors, RS-485 connectors and telephone line connectors or jacks such as RJ-11, RJ-12, RJ-14, RJ-15, RJ-21X, RJ-25, RJ-31X and RJ-48C.

Referring toFIG. 2, there is shown completely assembled apparatus100for providing utility receptacles on a work surface in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Apparatus100comprises a housing structure102that is shown inFIGS. 1A-F. Housing structure102comprises a pair of sidewalls104and106, and a transverse rear wall108that is transversely attached to sidewalls104and106. Sidewall104has a bottom edge104A and a top edge104B. Sidewall106has a bottom edge106A and a top edge106B. Transverse rear wall108has a top edge108A and a bottom edge108B. Structure102includes bottom section110. In one embodiment, bottom section110is attached only to sidewall106. In one embodiment, bottom section110is attached to bottom edge106A of sidewall106. In another embodiment, bottom section110is integrally formed with sidewall106. In one embodiment, bottom section110is attached to sidewall106and transverse rear wall108. In another embodiment, the bottom section110is attached to sidewalls104and106and transverse rear wall108. In another embodiment, bottom section110is attached to the bottom edges106A and108B of sidewall106and transverse rear wall108, respectively. Sidewalls104and106are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to transverse rear wall108and bottom section110. An electrically conductive post member111is attached to transverse wall108(seeFIG. 1C). Ground terminal326(seeFIG. 1G) is connected to post member111. Housing structure102further comprises top section112that is attached to the top edges104B and106B of sidewalls104and106, respectively. In one embodiment, top section112is also attached to the top edge108A of transverse rear wall108. Top section112comprises central section114. Central section114has first end portion114A and second end portion114B. Central section114includes openings115A and115B. The purpose of openings115A and115B is described in the ensuing description. Top section112further comprises bendable tab116which extends from first end portion114A of central section114. Top section112further comprises bendable tab118that extends from second end portion114B of central section114. Bendable tab116extends to distal end120and bendable tab118extends to distal end122. Prior to being bent, bendable tabs116and118are coplanar with central portion114as shown inFIGS. 1A-E.

Central portion114includes openings124and126that are in the form of transverse slots. Bendable tab116can be bent about transverse slot124so that bendable tab116is adjacent to sidewall104as shown inFIGS. 1F, 1G and 2. Thus, bendable tab116can be bent 90°. Similarly, bendable tab118can be bent about transverse slot126so that bendable tab118is adjacent to sidewall106as shown inFIGS. 1G and 5B. Thus, bendable tab118can be bent about 90°. Bendable tab116has at least one opening130that is in the form of a transverse slot. In one embodiment, bendable tab116has a plurality of transverse slots130. In one embodiment, transverse slots130are equidistantly spaced. The transverse slots130allow a first portion116A of the bendable tab116to be bent with respect to a second portion116B of the bendable tab116(seeFIG. 3). Similarly, bendable tab118has at least one opening132that is in the form of a transverse slot. In one embodiment, bendable tab118has a plurality of transverse slots132. In one embodiment, transverse slots132are equidistantly spaced. The transverse slots132allow a first portion of bendable tab118to be bent with respect to a second portion of bendable tab118. The purpose and function of transverse slots130and132are described in the ensuing description.

Bendable tab116has thru-hole136in proximity to distal end120. Thru-hole136is sized to receive a fastener such as a screw, bolt or nail. Similarly, bendable tab118has thru-hole138in proximity to distal end122. Thru-hole138is sized to receive a fastener such as a screw, bolt or nail.

Referring toFIGS. 1C, 1F and 2, each sidewall104and106has the same length L1. In one embodiment, each bendable tab116and118has a predetermined length L2that is relatively greater than length L1such that when bendable tab116is bent 90° so that it is adjacent to sidewall104, distal end120of bendable tab116extends beyond bottom edge104A of sidewall104, and when bendable tab118is bent 90° so that it is adjacent to sidewall106, the distal end122of bendable tab118extends beyond bottom edge106A of sidewall106(seeFIG. 1E). Housing structure102further comprises front wall180that is transversely attached to sidewalls104and106so as to form compartment190.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, central portion114of top section112has cut-out or opening150and cut-out or opening152. Apparatus100further comprises utility receptacle160. In one embodiment, utility receptacle160is configured as an electrical power receptacle. Electrical power receptacle160comprises rear portion162and front portion164. Electrical power receptacle160is fitted within opening150such that rear portion162protrudes into compartment190. In one embodiment, fasteners (e.g. screws, clips, brackets, etc.) are used to keep electrical power receptacle160positioned within opening150. Opening152of central section114is sized to provide access to another utility receptacle202. In one embodiment, utility receptacle202comprises a device charging port which is described in the ensuing description.

Referring toFIGS. 1G, 5B and 6A, bottom section110includes a cut-out or opening170in which cable strain-relief member172is tightly positioned. In one embodiment, front wall180is also attached to bottom section110. Apparatus100further comprises an electrical power cord192that extends through strain relief member172. Electrical power cord192has a first end that is located within compartment190and electrically connected to electrical power receptacle160. Electrical power cord192has male plug194that is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power source (e.g. A.C. power source). Apparatus100includes device charging port assembly200that is mounted within compartment190and is secured to housing structure102via screws, fasteners or any suitable fastening technique. Device charging port assembly200comprises assembly housing201and device charging port202(seeFIGS. 1F and 1G). In one embodiment, device charging port202is a USB charging port. Device charging port assembly200is positioned so that device charging port202is aligned with opening152of central section114. Device charging port assembly200comprises circuitry that is electrically connected to device charging port202. Electrical power cord192is electrically connected to the circuitry within device charging port assembly200and provides a first voltage at a first current to the circuitry within device charging port assembly200. The circuitry in device charging port assembly200converts the first voltage at the first current to a relatively lower second voltage at a relatively lower second current that is suitable for charging electronic devices, e.g. smart phones, iPads, iPod, PDA, etc. This lower second voltage and current are available at device charging port202.

Referring toFIG. 1H, there is shown a wiring diagram of apparatus100. Apparatus100includes barrier terminal strips or blocks300and302. Barrier terminal strip300includes electrical contacts304A-C. Contacts304A,304B and304C are electrically connected together. Similarly, barrier terminal strip302includes electrical contacts306A-C. Contacts306A,306B and306C are electrically connected together. The “hot” wire320of power cord192is electrically connected to electrical contact304A and neutral wire322of electrical power cord192is electrically connected to electrical contact306A. Electrical ground wire324of power cord192is electrically connected to ground terminal326. Ground terminal326is connected to post111(seeFIG. 1G). Thus, ground terminal326is electrically connected to transverse rear wall108. Wire330is electrically connected to electrical contact304B and a corresponding electrical contact on device charging port assembly200. Wire332is electrically connected to electrical contact306B and a corresponding electrical contact on device charging port assembly200. Wire334is electrically connected to electrical contact304C and a corresponding electrical contact on rear portion162of utility receptacle160. Wire336is electrically connected to electrical contact306C and a corresponding electrical contact on rear portion162of utility receptacle160. Wire338is electrically connected to ground terminal326and a corresponding electrical ground contact on rear portion162of utility receptacle160.

Referring toFIG. 1F, apparatus100further comprises cover member or faceplate250that is attached to top section112. Cover member250has top side252and bottom side254. In one embodiment, cover member250is removably attached to top section112. Any suitable fastener or fastening technique may be used to attach cover member250to top section112. In one embodiment, cover member250has a pair of standoffs (not shown) that extend outwardly from bottom side254. Each of these standoffs is sized to fit into a corresponding opening115A and115B. Cover member250has a first opening therein that is sized to receive front portion164of electrical power receptacle160. Cover member250further includes a second opening256that is aligned with opening152of central section114thereby providing access to device charging port202.

Referring toFIGS. 1F and 2, there is shown completely assembled apparatus100. Bendable tabs116and118are bent 90° along transverse slots124and126, respectively, so that bendable tabs116and118are adjacent to sidewalls104and106, respectfully. Since the length of each bendable tab116and118is relatively greater than the length of sidewalls104and106, distal ends120and122extend below the bottom edges of sidewalls104and106, respectively. For example, referring toFIG. 2, distal end120of bendable tab116extends below bottom edge104A of sidewall104.FIG. 3shows a portion of bendable tab116bent upward to a 45° position along a particular transverse slot130, indicated by reference number130A. Although not shown in the drawing, a portion of bendable tab118is also bent upward along one of the transverse slots132to a 45° position.FIG. 4shows bendable tab116bent upward along one of the transverse slots130to a 90° position. Although not shown in the drawing, bendable tab118is also bent upward along one of the transverse slots132to a 90° position.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6Billustrate how apparatus100is mounted to work surface400which is part of an article of furniture such as a table, work bench, conference table, laboratory table or work station, etc. Work surface400has a top side402and a bottom side403. The article of furniture includes thru-hole or opening404that has a predetermined size that is relatively smaller than the size of cover member250but large enough to allow housing structure102, with bendable tabs116and118bent downward 90° as shown inFIG. 1F, to pass therethrough. In order to install apparatus100on work surface400, a user or installer grasps apparatus100and inserts housing structure102, with tabs116and118bent downward 90°, through opening404so that bottom side254of cover member250contacts and rests upon top side402of work surface400. Once housing structure102is inserted through opening404, a user or installer then bends bendable tab116about one of the transverse slots130to a 90° position, as shown inFIG. 6A, so that bendable tab116is against or adjacent to bottom side403of work surface400. The particular transverse slot130at which bendable tab116is bent depends upon the thickness T of the table, work bench top, etc. (seeFIG. 5B). The user or installer then bends bendable tab118to a 90° position in the same manner so that bendable tab118is against or adjacent to bottom side403. As an option, the user may insert fasteners, such as screws420, through openings136and138of bendable tabs116and118, respectively, in order to further secure bendable tabs116and118to bottom side403.

In another embodiment, housing structure102is configured with only a single bendable tab. For example, in such an embodiment, housing structure102would have either bendable tab116or bendable tab118, but not both. In a further embodiment, there are two or more bendable tabs on each side of housing structure102.

In another embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is configured with more than one bendable tab on each side of the apparatus. Such an embodiment is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, apparatus500comprises housing structure502that comprises front wall503, rear wall504, side wall505, an opposite side wall (not shown) and a bottom section506. Housing structure502also includes a top section (not shown) that is similar to top section112(seeFIGS. 1A and 1B). The aforesaid top section of housing structure502comprises a central section (similar to central section114) and a first pair of bendable tabs510and512that extend from this central section of housing structure502. The top section of housing structure502further includes a second pair of bendable tabs (not shown) that extend from the corresponding central section and are located on the other side of housing structure502. The top section of housing structure502includes a pair of openings in the form of transverse slots (similar to transverse slot124) which allow bendable tabs510and512to be bent downward 90° with respect to the central section so that the bendable tabs510and512are adjacent to sidewall505. The top section of housing structure502also includes another pair of openings (i.e. transverse slots) on the opposite side to allow the bendable tabs (not shown) on the opposite side of housing structure502to be bent downward 90° with respect to the central section of housing structure502. Bendable tab510has at least one opening520that is in the form of a transverse slot. In a preferred embodiment, bendable tab510has a plurality of transverse slots520. Transverse slots520perform the same function as transverse slots130. Bendable tab512has at least one opening522that is in the form of a transverse slot. In a preferred embodiment, bendable512has a plurality of transverse slots522. Transverse slots522perform the same function as transverse slots130. Bendable tab510has distal end530. Bendable tab512has distal end532. Bendable tab510has thru-hole534. Similarly, bendable tab512has thru-hole536. Thru-holes534and536have the same purpose and function as thru-holes136and138(seeFIGS. 1A and 1B). Similarly, the bendable tabs on the other side (not shown) of housing structure502have the same structure and configuration as bendable tabs510and512.FIG. 7shows bendable tabs510and512bent downward 90° and adjacent to the sidewall505of housing structure502. The bendable tabs (not shown) on the other side of housing structure502are also bent downward 90°. Referring toFIG. 8, a first portion of bendable tab510is bent along a transverse slot520to a 90° position with respect to a second portion of bendable tab510. Similarly, a first portion of bendable tab512is bent along a transverse slot522to a 90° position with respect to a second portion of bendable tab512. Apparatus500further comprises cover member550which has the same function as cover member250. Apparatus500further includes an electrical power receptacle (not shown) and a device charging port (not shown) which provide the same functions as electrical power receptacle160and device charging port202, respectively.

Various suitable materials can be used to fabricate the components of the apparatus of the present invention. For example, the cover members250and550can be fabricated from metal, plastic or PVC. Suitable metals are steel, stainless steel, chrome or aluminum. Housing structures102and502can be fabricated from metal such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, copper or brass.

In another embodiment, housing structure102is configured to use bend lines instead of transverse slots124,126,130and132. In such an embodiment, the bend lines are used in place of slots124,126,130and132. In one embodiment, the aforementioned bend lines are formed in accordance with the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,980, entitled “Field Bendable Tab For Electrical Box Support.” The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,980 is hereby incorporated by reference. In accordance with the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,980, bend lines are defined by two or more discontinuous score lines formed in each bend line and which weaken the metal along the bend line to facilitate bending but permit straightening and rebending of the bendable tab when necessitated by field conditions and without the risk of substantially weakening or breaking the metal that forms the bendable tab.