Patent Publication Number: US-11038331-B1

Title: Pop-up power system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/772,110 entitled “Horizontal Surface Enclosures” to Jeffrey P. Baldwin that was filed on Nov. 28, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of this document relate generally to a pop-up power system, and more specifically to a power system for installing into a top surface of a cabinet or a countertop. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The placement of electrical receptacles on or near a horizontal surface or workspace such as a countertop or a desk may provide convenient power, but that convenience comes at a cost. Placement on a wall within easy reach of the horizontal surface usually means the receptacle is very visible. In situations where a wall is not available, such as on a kitchen island or a desk pulled away from a wall, the receptacle must either be placed in a less convenient location (e.g. floor, a lower wall of a countertop, etc.) or embedded in the surface itself. Conventional receptacles used in horizontal surfaces sometimes disrupt the surface and reduce its utility. In some environments, such as a kitchen countertop, conventional receptacles are susceptible to exposure to liquids and spills. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pop-up power system, may comprise a tower having a body that is hollow, an electrical receptacle, and a lid releasably coupled to and covering the body, the lid extending radially out beyond the body, wherein the electrical receptacle is mounted to an interior surface of the body by a first plurality of fasteners passing through both a wall of the body and the electrical receptacle hold the electrical receptacle between the wall and the bracket, the electrical receptacle comprising a face with electrical outlet openings therein that are accessible through an opening in the body of the tower, the lid further comprising a lid locking mechanism located on a perimeter of the lid, the tower further comprising at least one guide pin extending outward from the body, the tower rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a mounting sleeve comprising a lip, an aperture through which the body passes, a gasket surrounding the body and positioned between the mounting sleeve and the lid, the mounting sleeve further comprising a mounting sleeve locking mechanism located on a surface of the mounting sleeve alignable with the lid locking mechanism, a liner between the tower body and the mounting sleeve, the liner comprising a groove for each of the at least one guide pins of the tower, each groove being in an interior surface of the liner, having a first segment and a second segment, and mated with a different guide pin of the at least one guide pins, the liner surrounding and slideably coupled to the body, and rotatably coupled to the mounting sleeve, and a biasing element coupled to the tower and to the liner, the biasing element biasing the lid of the tower away from the liner, wherein the tower is configured to be slidable between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to a mounting surface clamped below the lip of the mounting sleeve wherein in the extended position the electrical receptacle is positioned above the mounting surface and in the retracted position the electrical receptacle is positioned below the mounting surface, the extended position comprising an extended locked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the second segment of a different groove, and an extended unlocked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the first segment of the different groove, the retracted position comprising a retracted locked position in which the lid locking mechanism engages the mounting sleeve locking mechanism and a retracted unlocked position in which the lid locking mechanism is disengaged from the mounting sleeve locking mechanism. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The biasing element may be coupled to the tower closer to the lid than to an end of the tower distal to the lid, and wherein a majority of the biasing element is inside the body of the tower when the tower is in the retracted locked position. The lid may further comprise a receiving rim projecting outward from a bottom surface, the lid releasably coupled to the body by a second plurality of fasteners passing through the wall of the body and the receiving rim of the lid. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pop-up power system may comprise a tower having a body that is hollow and a lid releasably coupled to and covering the body, the lid extending radially out beyond the body, the lid comprising a lid locking mechanism located on a perimeter of the lid, the tower rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the tower further configured to mount an electrical receptacle to the interior surface by holding the electrical receptacle within the body through a first plurality of fasteners passing through both the wall and the electrical receptacle, wherein when the electrical receptacle, having a face with electrical outlet openings, is mounted to the interior surface, the electrical outlet openings are accessible through an opening in the body of the tower, a mounting sleeve comprising, an aperture through which the body passes, the mounting sleeve further comprising a mounting sleeve locking mechanism located on a surface of the mounting sleeve alignable with the lid locking mechanism, and a liner positioned within the mounting sleeve, and a biasing element coupled to the tower and to the liner, the biasing element biasing the lid of the tower away from the liner, wherein the tower is configured to be slidable between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to a mounting surface to which the mounting sleeve is coupled, wherein in the extended position the opening is positioned above the mounting surface and in the retracted position the opening is positioned below the mounting surface, the retracted position comprising a retracted locked position in which the lid locking mechanism engages the mounting sleeve locking mechanism and a retracted unlocked position in which the lid locking mechanism is disengaged from the mounting sleeve locking mechanism. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. An electrical receptacle may be coupled to the interior surface of the body by the first plurality of fasteners and a bracket. The biasing element may be coupled to the tower closer to the lid than to an end of the tower distal to the lid, and wherein a majority of the biasing element is inside the body of the tower when the tower is in the retracted locked position. The lid may further comprise a receiving rim projecting outward from a bottom surface, the lid releasably coupled to the body by a second plurality of fasteners passing through the wall of the body and the receiving rim of the lid. The mounting sleeve may further comprise a lip and a threading distal to the lip, wherein when the mounting sleeve is coupled to the mounting surface, the mounting surface is clamped between the lip and a mounting nut threadedly coupled to the threading of the mounting sleeve. A gasket may surround the body, coupled to one of the lid and the mounting sleeve, and positioned between the mounting sleeve and the lid. A liner may be positioned between the tower body and the mounting sleeve, the liner surrounding and slideably coupled to the body, and rotatably coupled to the mounting sleeve, wherein the biasing element is coupled to the mounting sleeve through the liner. The tower may further comprise at least one guide pin extending outward from the body, the liner comprises a groove for each of the at least one guide pins of the tower, each groove being in an interior surface of the liner, having a first segment and a second segment, and mated with a different guide pin of the at least one guide pins, and the extended position comprises an extended locked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the second segment of a different groove, and an extended unlocked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the first segment of the different groove. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pop-up power system may comprise a tower having a body that is hollow and a lid coupled to and covering the body, the lid extending radially out beyond the body, the lid comprising a lid locking mechanism configured to fix the lid in an extended position or a retracted position, the tower movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the tower further comprising an electrical receptacle to the interior surface by holding the electrical receptacle between a wall of the body through a first plurality of fasteners passing through both the wall and the electrical receptacle, wherein when the electrical receptacle, having a face with electrical outlet openings, is mounted to the interior surface, the electrical outlet openings are accessible through an opening in the body of the tower, a mounting sleeve comprising, an aperture through which the body passes, the mounting sleeve further comprising a mounting sleeve locking mechanism located on a surface of the mounting sleeve alignable with the lid locking mechanism, and a liner positioned adjacent to the mounting sleeve, and a biasing element coupled to the tower and to the liner, the biasing element biasing the lid of the tower away from the mounting sleeve, wherein the tower is configured to be slidable between the extended position and the retracted position with respect to a mounting surface to which the mounting sleeve is coupled, wherein in the extended position the opening is positioned above the mounting surface and in the retracted position the opening is positioned below the mounting surface, the retracted position comprising a retracted locked position in which the lid locking mechanism engages the mounting sleeve locking mechanism and a retracted unlocked position in which the lid locking mechanism is disengaged from the mounting sleeve locking mechanism. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. An electrical receptacle may be coupled to the interior surface of the body by the first plurality of fasteners and the bracket. The lid may further comprise a receiving rim projecting outward from a bottom surface, the lid releasably coupled to the body by a second plurality of fasteners passing through the wall of the body and the receiving rim of the lid. A gasket may surround the body, coupled to one of the lid and the mounting sleeve, and positioned between the mounting sleeve and the lid. The tower may be rotatably coupled to the mounting sleeve and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A liner may be positioned between the tower body and the mounting sleeve, the liner surrounding and slideably coupled to the body, and rotatably coupled to the mounting sleeve, wherein the biasing element is coupled to the mounting sleeve through the liner, and wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the mounting sleeve through the liner. The tower may further comprise at least one guide pin extending outward from the body, the liner may comprise a groove for each of the at least one guide pins of the tower, each groove being in an interior surface of the liner, having a first segment and a second segment, and mated with a different guide pin of the at least one guide pins, and the extended position may comprise an extended locked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the second segment of a different groove, and an extended unlocked position in which the guide pins of the tower are each in the first segment of the different groove. The biasing element may be coupled to the tower closer to the lid than to an end of the tower distal to the lid, and wherein a majority of the biasing element is inside the body of the tower when the tower is in the retracted locked position. The mounting sleeve may further comprise a lip and a threading distal to the lip, wherein when the mounting sleeve is coupled to the mounting surface, the mounting surface is clamped between the lip and a mounting nut threadedly coupled to the threading of the mounting sleeve. 
     Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pop-up power system; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a pop-up power system; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a pop-up power system; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of a pop-up power system; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a pop-up power system in an extended position; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a pop-up power system in a retracted unlocked position; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a pop-up power system in a retracted locked position; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the pop-up power system of  FIG. 2  along A-A; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view of a pop-up power system; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the pop-up power system of  FIG. 3  along C-C; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of a pop-up power system with lid removed; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of a lid; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the pop-up power system of  FIG. 2  along B-B; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a liner; 
         FIG. 12B  is a front view of the liner of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a side view of the liner of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view of the liner of  FIG. 12B  along D-D; 
         FIG. 12E  is a side view of a liner coupled to a mounting sleeve; 
         FIG. 13A  is a front view of a tower; and 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the tower of  FIG. 13A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation. 
     The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity. 
     While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated. 
     The placement of electrical receptacles on or near a horizontal surface or workspace such as a countertop or a desk may provide convenient power, but that convenience comes at a cost. Placement on a wall within easy reach of the horizontal surface usually means the receptacle is very visible. In situations where a wall is not available, such as on a kitchen island or a desk pulled away from a wall, the receptacle must either be placed in a less convenient location (e.g. floor, a lower wall of a countertop, etc.) or embedded in the surface itself. Conventional receptacles used in horizontal surfaces sometimes disrupt the surface and reduce its utility. In some environments, such as a kitchen countertop, conventional receptacles are susceptible to exposure to liquids and spills. 
     Contemplated herein is a pop-up power system that can be installed in a horizontal surface to provide convenient power without sacrificing aesthetics or reducing the usable area of the surface. When power is needed, the pop-up power system springs up from the surface with a simple twist, exposing an electrical receptacle for use. When the receptacle is no longer needed, the pop-up power system can be retracted and locked into the surface. Various embodiments provide protection against the introduction of liquid while still keeping a low profile when retracted. 
       FIGS. 1-4  are various views of a non-limiting example of a pop-up power system. Specifically,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view,  FIG. 2  is a front view,  FIG. 3  is a side view, and  FIG. 4  is a rear view of a pop-up power system  100 . As shown, the pop-up power system  100  comprises a tower  102  that houses an electrical receptacle  108 . The tower  102  has a body  104  to hold the electrical receptacle  108 , and a lid  106  that serves as a cover when the pop-up power system  100  is retracted into a surface. The body  104  of the tower  102  slides up and down through a mounting sleeve  112 , able to move between extended and retracted positions, which will be discussed further with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5C , below. 
     As shown, the lid  106  is attached to an end of the body  104 , and extends radially outward, beyond the body  104 , allowing it to function as a protective cover for the body  104 , and the receptacle  108  contained within, when the tower  102  is retracted into the mounting sleeve  112 . In some embodiments, the lid  106  may be releasably coupled to the body  104  of the tower  102 , facilitating the installation of an electrical receptacle  108 . In other embodiments, such as embodiments where the electrical receptacle  108  is incorporated into the system  100  at the time of manufacture, the lid  106  may be fixedly coupled to the body  104 . The coupling of the lid  106  to the body  104  will be discussed further with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , below. 
     According to various embodiments, the pop-up power system  100  may also comprise a biasing element  110  coupled to the tower  102 , biasing the tower  102  toward either an extended or raised position or a retracted or lowered position. A bias towards the extended position (e.g. biasing the tower  102  so the lid  106  moves away from the mounting sleeve  112  and mounting surface  114 ) makes the system  100  easily utilized while maintaining a low profile when retracted (e.g. no need for a handle or pull to extract the tower  102 , etc.). A bias towards the retracted position may assist in protecting the electrical receptacle  108  from liquids when stored, ensuring the lid  106  is held tightly against mounting sleeve  112 . Exemplary biasing elements  110  include, but are not limited to, springs, elastomers or similar materials, magnets, and the like. Other embodiments may not include a biasing element  110 , but may instead include a handle or finger-grab to allow the user to pull the pop-up power system  100  manually. 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the biasing element  110  is a spring coupled to the tower  102  and a structure that remains stationary relative to the mounting surface  114 . In this case, that structure is a liner  134 , which will be discussed in the context of  FIG. 6 , below. In other embodiments, the biasing element  110  may be coupled to the tower  102  and the mounting sleeve  112 , or some other structure that remains effectively motionless relative to the mounting surface  114  as the tower  102  slides up and down. 
     In addition to being slideably coupled to the mounting sleeve  112 , in some embodiments, the tower  102  may also be rotatable with respect to the mounting sleeve  112 . This may facilitate access to the electrical receptacle  108  from a wider range of directions. As will be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5C , in some embodiments, the rotation of the tower  102  may also be used to move the system  100  between a locked position, where it is maintained in a retracted or extended configuration, and an unlocked position, where the tower  102  may slide up and down, freely. 
     According to various embodiments, the body  104  is hollow, allowing the electrical receptacle  108  to be installed inside of the body  104 , exposing the electrical outlet openings of the receptacle  108  through an opening in the body  104 . The coupling of the electrical receptacle  108  to the body  104  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 7-9 , below. 
     According to various embodiments, the mounting sleeve  112  comprises the necessary structure to mount the system  100  to a surface  114 . For example, as shown in the non-limiting example of  FIGS. 1-4 , in some embodiments, the mounting sleeve  112  may comprise a lip  116  on one end, and a threading  118  at the opposite end. The mounting sleeve  112  may be feed through, or driven through, a hole in the mounting surface  114 . The mounting surface  114  may then be clamped between the lip  116  and a mounting nut  120  as the nut  120  is threaded onto the threading  118  of the mounting sleeve  112 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting sleeve  112  may be coupled to the mounting surface  114 , or the intended location for installation, using other methods, including but not limited to, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and the like. 
     According to various embodiments, the pop-up power system  100  may be installed in a horizontal surface. Examples include, but are not limited to, structural fixtures (e.g. countertops, islands, etc.), furniture (e.g. desks, workbenches, tables, etc.), and the like. In some embodiments, a system  100  may be installed at the time of manufacture of the surface  114 , while in other embodiments, a system  100  may be installed in a preexisting surface or object. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of a pop-up power system  100 , with the tower  102  in various positions.  FIG. 5A  shows a system  100  with its tower  102  in an extended position  122 , while  FIGS. 5B and 5C  show the system  100  with its tower  102  in a retracted position  124 . In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a tower  102  is in an extended position  122  is when it has been raised up high enough that the electrical receptacle  108  is accessible for use. Furthermore, the tower  102  is in a retracted position  124  is when the electrical receptacle  108  is below the surface  114  in which the system  100  is installed. Specifically, when the receptacle  108  is below the outer surface of the mounting surface  114 . In other words, the thickness of the mounting surface  114  does not affect the determination of when the tower  102  is in a retracted position  124 . It should be noted that, in some embodiments, there may not be a single extended and/or retracted position. For example, in some embodiments, the tower  102  may be long enough to raise the electrical receptacle  108  beyond the point of barely being accessible, creating a range of extended positions  122 . 
     In addition to comprising extended  122  and retracted  124  positions, the tower  102  may also comprise a locked position  126  and an unlocked position  128 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are non-limiting examples of a system  100  whose tower  102  is in an unlocked position  128 . In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a tower  102  in an unlocked position  128  is able to move up and down with respect to the mounting surface  114  (and any surface or structure that is held motionless to sliding up and down relative to the mounting surface  114 , such as the mounting sleeve  112  or liner  134 ). According to various embodiments, a tower  102  in the unlocked position  128  is able to move freely between an extended position  122  and a retracted position  124 .  FIG. 5A  is a non-limiting example of a system  100  whose tower  102  is in an extended unlocked position  133 , meaning it is extended but still able to slide up and down.  FIG. 5B  is a non-limiting example of a system  100  whose tower  102  is in a retracted unlocked position  132 , meaning it is retracted but still able to slide up and down. 
     In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a tower  102  is in a locked position  126  when it is in one of an extended position  122  and a retracted position  124 , and is unable or prevented from moving to the other position.  FIG. 5C  is a non-limiting example of a system  100  whose tower  102  is in a retracted locked position  130 , meaning it is in a retracted position  124 , and is unable to change to an extended position  122  until the tower is unlocked. In some embodiments, being in a locked position  126  may also mean being prevented or unable to move to another position of the same type. As a specific example, in one embodiment, a tower  102  may have an extended locked position that inhibits movement to other extended positions  122 , up or down. 
     According to various embodiments, a tower  102  may be rotatable between a locked position  126  and an unlocked position  128 . In other embodiments, the transition between locked and unlocked positions may be triggered by a different action or motion, depending on the locking mechanism being used. Locking mechanisms will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 6 , below. 
     In some embodiments, a tower  102  may have only a single locked position  126 . For example, in some embodiments, the system  100  may only possess the structure sufficient to lock the tower in place at one position. As a specific example, in some embodiments, a tower  102  may only have a single locked position  126 , that is a retracted locked position  130  that comprises the lid  106  being in contact with the mounting sleeve  112  (or an intermediary object such as a gasket  140 , as will be discussed below). 
     In other embodiments, a system  100  may possess multiple locked positions  126 . In some embodiments, a tower  102  may have one or more extended locked positions  131  in addition to a retracted locked position  130 , while in others a tower  102  may only have multiple extended locked positions  131 . Multiple extended locked positions  131  may be advantageous in embodiments comprising more than one electrical receptacle  108 , allowing the tower  102  to be extended until a sufficient number of receptacles  108  have been accessible. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the non-limiting example of a pop-up power system  100  shown in  FIG. 2 ; the section is taken along the line A-A. As shown, the body  104  is hollow, and according to various embodiments, the electrical receptacle  108  may be mounted or affixed to the body  104  on the inside, or on an interior surface  150  of the body  104 . In other embodiments, the receptacle  108  may be mounted on the other side of the wall  152  of the body  104 , and only a portion of the receptacle  108  extends into the hollow area of the body  104 . The mounting of the electrical receptacle  108  within the pop-up power system  100  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 7-9 , below. 
     As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the tower  102  may be able to rotate with respect to the mounting surface  114 , in addition to sliding up and down through an aperture  146  in the mounting sleeve  112 . In some embodiments, the tower  102  may slide up and down as well as rotate while in direct contact with the mounting sleeve  112 . In other embodiments, the system  100  may comprise a liner  134  that is between the body  104  of the tower and the mounting sleeve  112 . The liner  146  may be configured to surround the body  104 , slideably coupling with the tower  102  allowing the up and down movement, while also rotatably coupling with the mounting sleeve  112 , permitting the tower  102  to rotate with respect to the sleeve  112  (and surface  114 ). In embodiments where the tower  102  rotates while also being biased by a biasing element  110 , the use of a liner  134  may be advantageous. Coupling the biasing element  110  to the tower  102  and the liner  134  would allow the tower  102  to be biased in the up and down direction, but still able to rotate without interference or biasing from the biasing element  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the biasing element  110  may be located outside of the tower, or may exist only slightly inside of the hollow body  104 . In other embodiments, including the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6 , the biasing element  110  may be coupled to the tower  102  at or near the lid  106  end of the body  104 . In other words, in some embodiments, the biasing element  110  may be coupled to the tower  102  closer to the lid  106  than the end of the body  104  distal to the lid  106 , such that a majority  144  of the biasing element  110  is inside of the tower  102  when the tower  102  is in a retracted position  124 . 
     According to various embodiments, a system  100  may have a tower  102  capable of being put in a locked position  126  by employing a locking mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the tower  102  may comprise a retracted locked position  130 , meaning a position held that keeps the lid  106  near the mounting sleeve  112 . In some embodiments, this position  130  may be achieved with a locking mechanism split between the lid  106  and the mounting sleeve  112 . For example, as shown in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the lid may comprise a lid locking mechanism  136  (here, the horizontal tab located on a perimeter  154  of the lid  106 ), and the mounting sleeve  112  may comprise a mounting sleeve locking mechanism  138  (here, the horizontal tab located on an upper surface  148  of the sleeve  112 ). These two locking mechanisms are alignable with each other, such that when the lid  106  is very close to or in contact with the mounting sleeve  112 , rotating the tower  102  may cause the lid locking mechanism  136  to engage with the mounting sleeve locking mechanism  138  (e.g. the tabs interlock), resulting in the tower  102  moving to a retracted locked position  130 . Turning the tower  102  the other direction will cause the lid  136  and sleeve  138  locking mechanisms to disengage, moving the tower  102  into an unlocked position  128 . 
     Some embodiments may permit the tower  102  to move into a locked position  126  while in an extended position  122 . Other embodiments may be able to lock into extended and retracted positions. A non-limiting example of a locking mechanism for the extended position  122  will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 12A-E  and  FIGS. 13A and 13B , below. 
     It should be noted that the locking mechanisms shown in  FIG. 6  are non-limiting examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other locking mechanisms, including mechanisms that do not involve rotating the tower  102 , may be used. Additional examples include, but are not limited to, spring loaded magnetic release (e.g. triggered by pressing the lid  106  down into the surface  114 ), retractable pins or tabs that move horizontally when activated by a toggle or button, and the like. 
     As shown, some embodiments of the pop-up power system  100  may comprise a gasket  140 , to prevent water or other liquids from running off the mounting surface  114  (e.g. a kitchen countertop, etc.) and intruding through the mounting sleeve  112  into the electrical receptacle  108  and the space below the mounting surface  114 . According to various embodiments, the gasket  140  may surround the body  104 , and may be positioned between the mounting sleeve  112  and the lid  106 . Furthermore, the gasket  140  may be coupled to either the lid  106  or the mounting sleeve  112  or liner  134 . The gasket  140  may be composed of an elastomeric material, or any other material known in the art of gaskets. 
     In other embodiments, the role of a gasket  140  may be played by interlocking portion of the lid  106  and mounting sleeve  112 . For example, in one embodiment, the lid  106  may comprise a first barrier extending downward from the bottom of the lid  106  and the mounting sleeve  112  may comprise a second barrier extending upward from the top of the sleeve  112 . When the tower  102  is in a retracted locked position  130 , the two barriers may over lap, and in some embodiments may be mated, such that liquid is inhibited from intruding. In other embodiments, barriers may be used in conjunction with one or more gaskets  140 . In still other embodiments, other structures, materials, or methods known in the art may be employed. 
       FIGS. 7-9  expose the internal structures of a non-limiting example of a pop-up power system  100  that attach the electrical receptacle  108  to the inside of the body  104 . Specifically,  FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view,  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the system  100  with the lid  106  removed. 
     According to various embodiments, the electrical receptacle  108  is mounted to an interior surface  150  of the body  104  by a bracket  156  coupled to a first plurality of fasteners  160  that pass through the body wall  152 , and the receptacle  108 , and into the bracket  156  such that the receptacle  108  is sandwiched between the bracket  156  and the interior surface  150  of the body  104 . 
     In the context of the present description and the claims that follow, a bracket  156  is a structure or member that is configured to receive the first plurality of fasteners  160  such that the receptacle  108  is held in place. The bracket  156  may facilitate the installation of an electrical receptacle  108 . In some embodiments, there is not much space inside the hollow body  104 . The bracket  156  allows the installer to line up a fastener  160  that is easy to access; once fastened, the bracket  156  is in alignment for subsequent, more difficult fastener  160  installations. The first plurality of fasteners  160  may include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, tabs, plugs, and the like. 
     Other embodiments may employ different methods to affix the electrical receptacle  108  within the hollow body  104 . For example, in one embodiment, the receptacle  108  may be adhered to the interior surface  150 , while in another embodiment, the body  104  may comprise a clip or other structure inside the hollow area that is designed to receive and latch onto a portion of the receptacle  108  upon insertion. 
     According to various embodiments, the method or structure used to affix the electrical receptacle  108  to the interior surface  150  also aligns the receptacle  108  with an opening  164  in the body  104  that allows access to the electrical outlet openings on the face  158  of the receptacle  108 . Embodiments of the system  100  may comprise a single electrical receptacle  108 , such as the non-limiting examples shown in  FIGS. 1-11 . In other embodiments, a system  100  may comprise multiple electrical receptacles  108 , allowing for a greater number of devices to receive power. As an option, some embodiments may be lockable in multiple extended positions, exposing different numbers of receptacles  108  depending on the user&#39;s needs. The systems  100  contemplated herein may be used with any electrical receptacle, including but not limited to duplex, Decora style devices, USB interfaces, GFCI outlets, or other outlets, units or types. Some embodiments may be configured for use with devices having a similar form factor, but different function, such as controls, audio/video interfaces, and the like. 
     As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the lid  106  may be permanently affixed to the body  104 . In other embodiments, the lid  106  may be releasably coupled to the body  104 , facilitating the installation of an electrical receptacle  108 .  FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of a non-limiting example of a lid  106 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the tower body  104  and a portion of a lid  106 , viewed along line B-B of  FIG. 2 . 
     According to various embodiments, the lid  106  may be releasably coupled to the body  104  using a second plurality of fasteners  162 . The fasteners  162  may pass through the lid  106  into the body  104 , holding the lid in place. In some embodiments, the lid  106  may comprise structure or structures for the purpose of receiving these fasteners  162  without disrupting the surface of the lid  106  or interfering with efforts to inhibit the introduction of liquids to the system  100 , as previously discussed. 
     In some embodiments, the lid may comprise one or more receiving rims  168 , which project outward from the bottom surface  170  of the lid. The fasteners  162  may pass through the body  104  and the rims  168 , holding the lid  106  in place without compromising the top surface of the lid  106 . In some embodiments, the rims  168  may be mated with the interior surface  150  of the body  104 . 
     As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the pop-up power system  100  are able to lock in an extended position  122 .  FIGS. 12A-13B  are various views of non-limiting examples of a liner  172  and a tower  182  configured to move into a locked position  126  while also in the extended position  122 . Specifically,  FIGS. 12A-12C  are perspective, front, and side views of a liner  172 .  FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view of the liner of  FIG. 12B  along D-D.  FIG. 12E  is a side view of the liner  172  of  FIG. 12A  coupled to a mounting sleeve  112 .  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are front and side views of a tower  182  configured to couple with the liner  172  of  FIG. 12A . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12D , the liner  172  may comprise one or more grooves  176  on the inner surface of the liner  172 . These grooves  176  are sized and shaped to receive guide pins  184  on a tower  182 , as shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . The inverted “L” shape of the groove allows the tower  182  to slide upward into an extended position  122  while the pins  184  are in a first segment  178  of the groove  176 , and then rotate into a locked position  126  as the pins  184  are in a second segment  180  of the groove  176 . According to various embodiments, the first segment  178  may be approximately vertical, while the second segment  180  may be closer to horizontal, or even angled downward, allowing the tower  182  to remain in an extended position  122 , even under the weight of conduits plugged into the electrical receptacle  108 . 
     Other embodiments may implement a locking mechanism similar to the retracted locking mechanism previously discussed. Some embodiments may make use of slots in place of grooves  176 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the locking mechanisms previously discussed with respect to the retracted position  124  may be adapted to locking the extended position  122 . 
     As shown, the liner  172  comprises a plurality of locking tabs  174  along the lower edge, with a barb pointing outward from the side wall of the liner  172 . These locking tabs  174  are configured to prevent the liner  172  from separating from the mounting sleeve  112  once the two parts are assembled together. According to various embodiments, these locking tabs  174  are configured to deflect inward as the liner  172  is inserted into the aperture  146  of a mounting sleeve  112 . Once the liner  172  is fully seated in the mounting sleeve  112 , the locking tabs  174  emerge from the bottom of the mounting sleeve  112 , allowing the locking tabs  174  to deflect outward, trapping the mounting sleeve  112  between the barbs of the locking tabs  174  and an upper lip of the liner  172 , as shown in  FIG. 12E . 
     It should be noted that locking tabs  174  along the lower rim of the liner  172  is a non-limiting example of a method for inhibiting the liner  172  from separating from a mounting sleeve  112  once the two have been assembled together. Examples of other structures and methods that may be used to prevent such a separation include, but are not limited to, adhesive, thermal welding, threading, pins, screws, locking collars, and the like. 
     It will be understood that pop-up power system implementations are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and components consistent with the intended operation of a pop-up power system may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular towers, bodies, lids, sleeves, liners, locks, fasteners, brackets, surfaces, biasing elements and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a pop-up power system. Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a pop-up power system implementation. 
     Accordingly, the components defining any pop-up power system implementations may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a pop-up power system. For example, the components may be formed of: polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. 
     For the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, sizing, dimensions, and angles of pop-up power system implementations may vary according to different implementations. 
     Various pop-up power systems may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. Some components defining pop-up power system implementations may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another, while other components may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with the integral components. Various implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. 
     Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. 
     It will be understood that the assembly of pop-up power systems is not limited to a specific order of steps as disclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of the assembly of pop-up power systems indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or a sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble pop-up power systems. 
     The pop-up power system implementations described are by way of example or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similar results for a variety of other applications requiring a pop-up power system.