Patent Publication Number: US-10766736-B2

Title: Gravity-driven cable retractor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/813,738, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a cable retractor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cable retractor attached to flip-top enclosure recessed in a tabletop surface having modular connectivity modules. 
     Background Art 
     Most business and academic environments include one or more conference rooms. These conference rooms may be used for any number of functions, but are typically used for meetings in which participants are seated around a table to discuss matters of interest to the participants. Conference rooms are frequently used for presentations where a presenter, standing at one end of the table and using one or more visual aids, such as a video projector or video display screen mounted on the wall at the opposite end of the table, addresses a number of participants seated around the table. It is also common for participants seated at a conference room table to use the table&#39;s work surface to support or rest any electronic devices they have with them, for example, a mobile laptop computer. It is also common for one or more of the participants seated at a conference room table to present information from one of their electronic devices (e.g., a laptop) to one or more available conference room visual aids using a cable. 
     Tabletop enclosures may include one or more cables to provide a data communication interface to users. Cables can be connected to information sources such as laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, to connect with presentation aids installed within the room, for example, projection devices, graphical displays, and speakers. 
     The cables may be tensioned so that they retract back into the enclosure when not in use. Cable retractors can be secured directly to a tabletop enclosure. Cable retractors can be hidden under a table work surface and provide access to a cable directly through the interior of a tabletop enclosure. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides a modular flip-top tabletop enclosure having a gravity-driven cable retractor. The tabletop enclosure includes a self-actuated lid configured to spring open by pivoting up along its rear edge. After the lid has sprung open and is standing vertically upright (i.e., perpendicular to its closed position) it begins to automatically recess, by sliding downwardly in a smooth controlled manner into the tabletop enclosure until it is substantially recessed. In an embodiment, the tabletop enclosure is configured with a sensor to determine if the lid is open. Any number of sensors may be used determine the lid position. This information may be transmitted to and used by a control processor or control system. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the flip-top enclosure is configured to include at least one retractor module insert in which a cable end plug of a gravity retractor cable of a retractor enclosure retractor is exposed. In this embodiment, a retractor enclosure is secured to the flip top frame locking slots by inserting the retractor enclosure locking tabs into said slots. After said insertion, the tabs interlock and seat behind the frame when the retractor enclosure is pulled downward. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the retractor enclosure includes an opposing set of enclosure cable pulley guide rails. In an embodiment, a cable pulley slidably rides within two cable pulley guide rails. It is preferable that the cable pulley is weighted with one or more weighted disks secured thereto. One end of a gravity retractor cable is anchored at the top of the retractor enclosure. The gravity retractor cable runs down from the anchored point and wraps down underneath a cable pulley and then back up out of the enclosure. Gravity retractor cable has a cable end plug at its non-anchored end. The other end of the gravity retractor cable is passed up through a slot of a retractor module insert door. In another embodiment, the other end of the gravity retractor cable is passed up through an opening at the bottom of a retractor module insert. The gravity retractor cable is preferably flat in order to ease insertion through the slot of the pass-through a module insert door, however other shapes of cables may be used (e.g., round). 
     One or more interchangeable modules can be inserted from the top of the housing frame, thereby allowing the tabletop enclosure to be configured for a various number of connectivity and/or power distribution scenarios. In some embodiments, the various module inserts may be configured to provide one or more of, USB charging, A/C power, D/C Power, LAN connection, OneTouch button control, low-voltage power distribution, retractor cable access, pass-through cable access, or the like. In an embodiment, the module inserts are secured into place by one or more module locking bars. 
     In an embodiment, the flip-top enclosure includes a DC-DC power and signal bus board with multiple bus board module connectors in each module bay. A module insert may include a connector that mates to a corresponding bus board module connector. The power and signal bus board can distribute power and data to any module insert requiring it. In an embodiment, the bus board provides 24-Volt DC power to module inserts and a communication bus for data communication with control system. 
     In an embodiment, a magnetic bezel is secured using a plurality of magnets disposed thereunder, which secure along top perimeter of the tabletop enclosure frame so that the surface of the magnetic bezel conceals the edges of an opening cut through a tabletop. The magnetic bezel may include a crossbar in order that module inserts may only be installed, removed, or changed when the magnetic bezel is removed from the flip-top tabletop enclosure frame. 
     In an embodiment, the enclosure houses a control system. The control system may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The control system may be any controller, microcontroller, or state machine. control system may be implemented with, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component(s), or any combination thereof. 
     According to an embodiment, the enclosure includes geolocation beacons. In an embodiment, the enclosure includes backlighting for one or more buttons accessible to users 
     In an embodiment, the enclosure frame is constructed from metal. According to an embodiment, the enclosure includes one or more dog-ears recessed into the frame to initially ease of the frame installation into the tabletop so that when the frame is positioned properly into the table the dog ears will open into their locking position and as they are screw tightened from the top of the enclosure, they will engage the bottom of the table and lock down the frame. According to an embodiment, the enclosure includes two dog-ear fasteners on each of its sides. 
     According to an embodiment, a retractor enclosure is installed vertically below a retractor module insert. The gravity retractor cable is guided into a retractor enclosure and is passed underneath a cable pulley, therefore causing a retracting bias relative to the combined weight of both the cable pulley and the gravity retractor cable. In one embodiment, the cable pulley has two weighted disks secured to each of its sides. 
     A loop of cable is formed inside the storage compartment with the pulley resting in the 180-degree curve at the bottom of that loop. In an embodiment, when a length of gravity retractor cable is pulled out and laid flat, it stays in place due to the friction from bending and from the reduction in the vertical length and weight of the remaining gravity retractor cable in the storage compartment retractor enclosure. To retract the gravity retractor cable, the user lifts up the cable end plug of the gravity retractor cable to a nearly vertical orientation (to reduce the friction) and guide it by hand into the retractor enclosure until the shortened length enables the cable to start retracting under its own weight. The cable pulley, due to its weight, moves down while it is rotating and is guided through two profile guide rails that are built into inside surfaces of the retractor enclosure. The gravity retractor cable is wrapped one-half turn around the cable pulley. This approach enables retraction of a length of cable which is twice the distance of the cable pulley&#39;s travel which is approximately the length of the retractor enclosure. The retractor enclosure can be fabricated out of formed or extruded metal, molded plastic, extruded plastic, or the like. 
     According to one embodiment, the retractor enclosure is secured to a flip top frame via one or more retractor enclosure locking tabs are inserted and interlocked within one or more frame locking slots located about said frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention may be better understood and its features made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a flip-top in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  without any module inserts, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front isometric view of a USB charging module insert in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front isometric view of a 2-gang power module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front isometric view of a 3-gang power module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front isometric view of a video module in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front isometric view of a video retractor module in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front isometric view of the module guides and module locking bars of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded front isometric view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  showing one or more of the modules shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front isometric view of one or more modules like those shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , inserted within the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of the housing back of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  showing a profile guide rail and rack gear in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a front isometric sectional view of the housing back of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  showing the profile guide rail, rack gear, of  FIG. 12 , and the position of the door guide blocks of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded isometric view of the lid assembly of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear isometric view of the lid assembly of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded isometric view of the housing back and lid assembly of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded isometric view of the steel insert, adhesive pad, and steel insert recess of the lid of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a portion of a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 18  enlarged for magnification purposes. 
         FIG. 20  is a portion of a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 18  enlarged for magnification purposes. 
         FIG. 21  is a series of front isometric views showing the flip-top lid in  FIG. 2  springing upwardly to a vertical position and then afterwards recessing by dropping down into the flip-top frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 22  is a front partial isometric view showing the flip-top lid assembly recessing along the profile rail while engaging the rack gear, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a front isometric view showing the flip-top lid assembly in  FIG. 22  continuing to recess along the profile rail while engaging the rack gear, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a front isometric view showing the flip-top lid assembly in  FIG. 23  after it has fully recessed, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of the magnetic bezel of the flip-top enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a top isometric view of the magnetic bezel of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a side sectional view of the magnetic bezel in  FIG. 26  showing the release button assembly of the lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a portion of the side view of the magnetic bezel in  FIG. 27  enlarged for magnification purposes 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded isometric view of the release button assembly showing the magnet used to capture and hold the lid in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a front isometric view showing the bus board, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a top view showing the exposed bus board module connectors of the bus board Assembly as installed within the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom isometric view showing the bus board Module Data connector of the bus board Assembly as installed within the flip-top in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a front exploded isometric view showing the bus board and bus board cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom isometric view showing the bus board cover installed over the bus board, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a front isometric view of a flip-top having a retractor enclosure attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded rear isometric view of a flip-top showing a retractor module insert and a retractor enclosure secured to the opposite side than that of shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded rear isometric view of a flip-top with a retractor enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of a flip-top and an attached retractor enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 39  is an isometric view of the retractor enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 40  is an exploded front isometric view of the retractor enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 41  is an exploded rear isometric view of the retractor enclosure shown in  FIG. 40 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a retractor enclosure with the cover removed showing the cable pulley interacting with one of the enclosure cable pulley guide rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a side view of a cable pulley, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded view of the cable pulley of  FIG. 43 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a bottom front isometric view of a retractor module insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 46  is a bottom rear isometric view of the retractor module insert of  FIG. 45 . 
     
    
    
     The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LISTING 
     The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings:
           100  Bus Board     110  Bus Board Data Connector     120  Bus Board Module Connector     140  Bus Board Cover     200  Lid Assembly     205  Lid     210  Steel Insert     211  Adhesive Pad     212  Steel Insert Recess     220  Lid Carrier     230  Torsion Spring     240  Linear Guide Carriage     250  Rotary Damper     260  Hinge Pin     300  Magnetic Bezel     310  Bezel Crossbar     400  Frame     450  Housing Back     500  Dog Ears     600  Video Module Insert     601  Power Module Insert 3-Gang     603  Gravity Retractor Cable     604  Female NEMA Connector     605  Retractor Module Insert     606  Video Cable Connector     607  Retractor Enclosure Locking Tabs     608  Frame Locking Slots     609  AC Power Cables     610  Retractor Enclosure     611  Retractor Enclosure Cover     612  Cable Pulley     613  Weighted Disk     614  Enclosure Cable Pulley Guide Rail     615  Retractor Module Insert Door     616  Cable End Plug     650  USB Charger Module     651  USB A Cable Connector     652  USB A Cable Connector     700  Module Guides     701  Module Locking Bars     750  Module Rails     751  Module Rail Grove     800  Door Guide Block     850  Profile Guide Rail     860  Rack Gear     900  Lid Release Button     910  Lid Release Button Assembly     920  Lid Release Button Assembly Magnet     1000  Exploded Frame Modules     2000  Exploded Lid Assembly     3000  Exploded Housing Back     4000  Exploded Button Assembly     5000  Exploded Bus Bar Assembly       

     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a flip-top enclosure according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen, flip-top enclosure has a frame  400 . When installed into a cutout opening of a table, frame  400  sits recessed below the table surface. Magnetic bezel  300  sits flush above the tabletop surface. As shown in  FIG. 1 , self-deploying dog-ears  500  can be used to secure the flip-top enclosure into an opening of the tabletop by deploying outwardly underneath the tabletop work surface. Magnetic bezel  300  includes a crossbar  310 . The shown flip-top enclosure has a lid assembly  200  that includes a steel insert  210 . As can be seen, gravity retractor module cable  603  exits the bottom of enclosure frame  400 . 
     As can been seen in  FIG. 1 , the shown flip-top enclosure has six module inserts installed therein. As described more in detail below, module inserts are interchangeable with various module inserts of a different type and/or gang-size. Some of the module inserts used in  FIG. 1  include a 3-gang power module insert  601 , and a video module insert  600 . The module configuration shown in  FIG. 1  is only exemplary, and the types, sizes (gang-size), or locations of the module inserts used within the flip-top enclosure is not limited to the configuration shown. 
       FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the flip-top enclosure without any modules inserts installed therein. As can be better seen in this view, a plurality of mutually opposing module guides  700  are arranged to receive one or more module inserts. Opposing sides of the module guides  700  provide a plurality of module rail grooves  751  to help align module insert interspacing and ensure proper orientation of any module inserts inserted into the flip-top enclosure. Module rail grooves  751  may be distributed to help adjust module insert interspacing. 
     In an embodiment, the proper orientation of any module inserts to be inserted can be guaranteed by alternating the width of forward facing module rail grooves  751 . For example, forward facing module rail grooves  751  can be made wider than rearward facing rail grooves  751 . In a like manner, rearward facing module rails can be made wider than the forward facing module rails make. Therefore, a module insert orientated backwards could not be inserted in to the module guides  700  because the wider module rail would be too wide to slide into the narrow module rail grove  751 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1 . Taken from this view, it can be seen that lid release button assembly magnet  920  is exposed from the inside ledge of magnetic bezel  300 . When the lid is in the closed position (closed lid position shown in other views), the lid release button assembly magnet  920  magnetically holds the lid in the closed position. When the lid release button  900  is depressed, it causes the lid release button assembly magnet  920  to swing away from the lid allowing the lid to escape the magnetic pull of the lid release button assembly magnet  920 . 
       FIGS. 4-8  show embodiments of interchangeable module inserts that may be mounted within the tabletop enclosure in one or more embodiments of the invention. In all embodiments, it is preferable that the interchangeable module inserts have one or more set of opposing module rails  750  disposed along their front and back for slidably engaging a corresponding number of module rail grooves  751  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the opposing module guides  700  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the flip-top enclosure. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments a module insert can be 1-gang sized USB charger module  650  that provides power to an external device via an universal serial bus (“USB”) C (type-C) cable connector  652  or an USB a (type-A) cable connector  651 . In an embodiment, the flip-top enclosure provides an interface for connecting an information source to a presentation device. Connections may also be made to other interconnected devices, for example, a conference room head-end connected to a presentation device. Presentation devices include but are not limited to display equipment, screen projectors, large flat screens, audio speakers, and the like. In some embodiments, a cable is used in order to connect to a module insert installed within the flip-top enclosure. 
     In some embodiments, module inserts only pass power to the devices connected to it. An example use would to be recharge a battery-powered device, like a cell phone. Some module inserts act as a data interface. In an embodiment, for example, data from a connected information source can directly delivered to a head-end for a presentation device. In another embodiment, data from a connected information source is digitally encoded by audio/video encoders into data packets suitable for transmission via a connected LAN (local area network) by encoding their output into network-compatible digital format and transmitting such information via the local area network. Encoded video signals may be recovered from the network signals by a video decoder before being presented to a presentation device. A presentation device can be located in the same or any number of rooms local or remotely located. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments a module insert can be 2-gang sized power module having a one or more female NEMA connectors  604 . Additional module rails  750  can be provided in embodiments using 2-gang sized module inserts. In some embodiments a module, inserts may include one or more AC power cables  609  to provide, for example, mains power. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments a module insert is 3-gang sized. In these embodiments, additional module rails  750  are provided to correspond with the larger gang size. In these embodiments, additional female NEMA connectors  604  and/or AC power cables  609  may be provided. Now turning to  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments a module insert can be 1-gang size video module insert  600  having one or more a video cable connectors  606 . In some embodiments, module inserts may be a gravity retractor module with a cable passed through the module insert as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  shows three module guides  700  having a plurality of module rail grooves  751 . Module locking bars  701  can be used to secure all installed module inserts after they have been slid in to module rail grooves  751 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an exploded view  1000  of a flip-top enclosure. As can be seen, cable  603  passes through gravity retractor module  605 .  FIG. 11  shows a flip-top enclosure with several components removed in order to show the housing back  450 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an exploded housing back  3000  of a flip-top enclosure according to the one or more embodiments. In these embodiments, a rack gear  860  and profile guide rail  850  are secured to housing back  450 . 
       FIG. 13  shows rack gear  860  and profile guide rail  850  assembled to housing back  450 . A door guide block  800  sits adjacent to topmost inside of housing back  450 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . Lid  205  is pivotally connected to lid carrier  220  using one or more hinge pins  260 . Lid  205  includes steel insert  210  so that it touches lid release button assembly magnet  920  (shown in  FIGS. 27-29 ) when lid  205  is in the closed position. The lid  205  is biased upwardly by a torsion spring  230 . Rotary damper  250  provides the dampening forces to permit the entire lid assembly to recess at a smooth rate of decent into the flip-top enclosure and linear guide carriage  240  provides linear guidance for the lid assembly decent during the recess.  FIG. 15  shows a rear view of the assembled lid assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of the housing back and lid assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , note that when both the housing back and lid assembly are assembled together, the rack gear  860  and rotary damper  250  interface, and mesh. Likewise, linear guide carriage  240  slides up and down within profile guide rail  850  ( FIGS. 18 and 19  show this in detail). 
       FIG. 17  shows an exploded view of one or more embodiments of a flip-top lid utilizing a steel insert. In these embodiments, an adhesive pad  211  may be used to secure steel insert  210  within a steel insert recess  212  of lid  205 . 
       FIG. 18  is a top view of the flip-top in  FIG. 1  showing frame  400  and housing back  450 .  FIG. 19  is an enlarged portion in  FIG. 18 , showing linear guide carriage  240  of lid  205  inserted within profile guide rail  850 .  FIG. 20  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 18 , showing the sides of lid  205  slidably engaging one of the door guide blocks  800 . 
       FIG. 21  shows intermediate positions of the self-actuated lid springing open as it pivots up along its rear edge. After a user presses the lid release button, the lid begins to automatically spring open (See e.g., A, B, and C). The only interaction needed by a user to start lid opening sequence, is the pressing of the lid release button. The lid is biased upwardly by a hinge-pin retained torsion spring. The lid release button permits the release of the lid release button assembly magnet and thereby permits the torsion spring to springably act upon the lid and cause it to pivot upward about its hinge. After the lid has sprung open and is standing vertically upright (See e.g., D) the gravitational forces direct the lid assembly and cause it to recess by sliding downwardly into the tabletop enclosure (See e.g., E) until it is substantially recessed (See e.g., F). 
       FIGS. 22-24  show a front partial view of the flip-top lid assembly recessing along the profile rail while engaging the rack gear of the housing back. Gravitational forces begin the recessing procedure subsequent to the lid having completed its spring upward to the open position. 
       FIG. 25  shows the bottom of magnetic bezel  300 . In an embodiment, magnetic bezel  300  has a plurality of magnets  311  disposed thereunder to magnetically secure to the top perimeter of the tabletop enclosure frame. The magnets can be selected from any appropriate magnet types including, neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic, or ferrite. The top perimeter of the tabletop enclosure frame can be constructed from a ferromagnetic metal. Examples include iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, dysprosium, or alloys that contain ferromagnetic metals, such as steel. 
       FIG. 26  shows a front isometric view of the magnetic bezel  300 . In some embodiments, the crossbar  310  of magnetic bezel  300  may act to conceal any included module locking bars  701  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Lid release button  900  is exposed through magnetic bezel  300 . 
       FIG. 27  shows an embodiment of a the magnetic bezel in  FIG. 26  showing a release button assembly that includes a lid release button  900  connected to a lid release button assembly magnet  920 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 28 , (portion of  FIG. 27  enlarged for magnification), pressing the lid release button exposed through the top surface of the magnetic bezel causes the lid release button assembly  910  and its embedded lid release button assembly magnet  920  to pitch downwardly and away from any lid or steal insert included thereon. It is preferable that a flip-top lid can held in the closed position by the magnetic grabbing force of magnet  920 , and be released by pitching magnet  920  downwardly. The release occurs because the distance between the magnet and lid is increased when pitching magnet  920  down thus allowing the torsion spring&#39;s bias to overcome the magnetic field of the distanced lid release button assembly magnet  920 .  FIG. 29  shows an exemplary embodiment of a lid release button assembly  910  showing a magnet  920  used to capture and hold a lid in the closed position. 
     In an embodiment, the flip-top enclosure may have a control system installed within its frame. The control system could be used to communicate with a conference room head-end, for example, to provide control commands to one or more information sources. Examples of information sources include DVD players, television receivers, video cameras, cd players, networked media servers, laptop computers, tablets, mobile phones, and the like. 
       FIG. 30  shows a bus board for use in a flip-top enclosure according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, one or more module inserts can be configured with a bus board connector that connects to a bus board module connector  120  when the module is inserted into a flip-top enclosure. Embodiments utilizing module guides and module rails ensure that the bus board connector and bus board module connector  120  are properly aligned during module insert insertion. The use of module locking bars  701  (See e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) further ensures that module inserts are not accidentally pulled out of the flip-top enclosure. 
       FIG. 31  shows is a top view of the exposed bus board module connectors  120  of the bus board assembly  100  as installed within a flip-top. In some embodiments a module insert&#39;s bus board connector mates with one of the corresponding exposed bus board module connectors  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , the bottom of bus board assembly  100 , as installed, includes a bus board data connector  110 . In some embodiments, bus board data connector  110  is provided to enable a data controller or control computer to pass bidirectional data to or from any installed module insert. As shown in  FIG. 33 , some embodiments may include a bus board cover  140 . Bus board cover  140  may be used to secure bus board  100  into the flip-top enclosure as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
       FIG. 35  shows a flip-top having with a retractor enclosure  610  attached to the flip-top frame  400 . The flip-top is equipped with retractor module insert  605 . The retractor enclosure  610  provides a cable having a cable end plug  616 , which is pulled through a retractor module insert door  615  (shown in  FIG. 45 ) of, said retractor module insert  605 . 
       FIG. 36  is an exploded rear isometric view of the flip-top in  FIG. 35  showing retractor module insert  605  before cable end plug  616  is passed through the retractor module insert door  615  (See e.g.,  FIG. 45 ). The module guides  700  help align the insertion of retractor module insert  605 . 
       FIG. 37  shows how retractor enclosure  610  is secured to the flip-top frame  400 . Frame locking slots  608  receive one or more aligned retractor enclosure locking tabs  607 . Frame locking slots  608  are narrower at their bottom, causing retractor enclosure locking tabs  607  to interlock when dropped behind the narrow portion of frame locking slots  608 . 
       FIG. 38  show a top view of the flip-top with the retractor enclosure  610  secured. As can be seen, retractor module insert  605  has cable end plug  616  passed through retractor module insert door  615  (See e.g.,  FIG. 45 ). 
       FIG. 39  is an isometric view of retractor enclosure  610  showing the retractor enclosure cover  611 . 
       FIG. 40  has said retractor enclosure cover  611  exploded from retractor enclosure  610 . Cable pulley  612  has a weighted disk  613  secured to both sides. Each side of cable pulley  612  rides within enclosure cable pulley guide rail  614 . Retractor enclosure  610  has a gravity retractor cable  603  anchored at one end, which passes underneath cable pulley  612  before exiting from the top of retractor enclosure  610 . Gravitational forces act upon cable pulley  612  causing gravity retractor cable  603 , which passes underneath said cable pulley  612 , to retract back into retractor enclosure  610 . However, when retractor cable  612  is pulled out from retractor enclosure  610  the length of gravity retractor cable  603  remaining within retractor enclosure  610  decreases, thereby causing cable pulley  612  to be pulled upward, along enclosure cable pulley guide rail  614 .  FIG. 41  shows the opposing cable pulley guide rail  614  that is secured to retractor enclosure cover  611 . 
       FIG. 42  is a view of a retractor enclosure  610  with the cover removed showing the cable pulley  612  riding along enclosure cable pulley guide rail  614  according to the amount of gravity retractor cable  603  that is retracted. 
       FIG. 43  shows a cable pulley  612  having a weighted disk  613  at each end. As can be seen in  FIG. 44 , the weighted disk  613  can be interchanged with another having a different weight, for example. The greater the weight, the greater the retraction caused by the gravitational bias cable pulley  612  has on gravity retractor cable  603 . 
       FIG. 45  shows the retractor module insert door  615  of retractor module insert  605 . Cable end plug  616  is larger in diameter than the opening in retractor module insert door  615 . Therefore, after gravity retractor cable  603  is passed though the slot to the center of the round opening of retractor module insert door  615 , cable end plug  616  will become retained by retractor module insert door  615 , after retractor module insert door  615  is closed. When the door is closed, the retractor module insert door slot is no longer available because it is blocked off by the side of retractor module insert  605 .  FIG. 46  shows the rear isometric view of the retractor module insert in  FIG. 45 . 
     Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, cable end plug of the gravity retractor cable (or any module receptacle) can be one of any commonly used types such as, Universal Serial Bus (USB) A-Type, USB B-Type, USB C-Type, USB Micro, USB Mini, RS-232, DB-25F serial port, D-Subminiature (DB)-9, DB-15, DB-25, DB-37, 20-pin Thunderbolt, 24-pin Thunderbolt, 4-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394), 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394), 9-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Micro HDMI, Mini HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), Mini DP, Digital Visual Interface (DVI)-A (analog), DVI-D (digital), DVI-I (digital and analog), Embedded DisplayPort (eDP), 4-pin Registered Jack (RJ)-11, 6-pin RJ-12, RJ21, 8-pin RJ-45, 8-pin RJ-48, 5-pin Din (Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), 4-pin Mini DIN (S-Video), 6-pin Mini DIN (PS/2), 7-pin Mini DIN, 8-pin Mini DIN, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 1-15, IEC 320 C5, IEC 320 C7 (non-polarized), IEC 320 C7 (polarized), IEC 320 C13/C14, IEC 60958 type II (SPDIF), Electronic Industries Association of Japan (EIAJ) optical, XLR Connector (IEC 61076-2-103), Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connector, TRS Audio, or any cable type typically desired in a conference, meeting, or presentation room scenario. 
     It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments might be practiced without such specific details. 
     Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.