Patent Publication Number: US-2022224787-A1

Title: Integrated Power Supply System with Audio and Electronic Communication and Connection Capabilities

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63/117,706, filed Nov. 24, 2020, the entirety of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic power and communication. More particularly, disclosed herein is an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities for permitting effective communication and electronic connection in office, academic, and home environments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Power and communication capabilities are an integral part of modern office and academic settings. In any given situation involving individuals seeking to make use of electronic devices, such as computer tablets and laptops and mobile telephones, there are inherent needs for the supply of power, for video and audio communication capabilities, and for data connectivity. 
     Remote conferencing, which typically requires both audio and video communication, has become increasingly common. Disadvantageously, however, the ability of individuals, particularly groups of individuals, to access and be provided with sufficient power, data, and communication capabilities is severely limited and compromised under current practices. For instance, it is not uncommon for multiple persons in an office or personal environment to be forced to huddle around and strain to hear the relatively ineffective audio eked out by one individual&#39;s mobile telephone or laptop computer. Meanwhile, individuals in office, academic, and home environments commonly find themselves searching for power and data outlets and spreading and stringing electronic wiring and electronic devices over the work surface in a complicated and inefficient manner. 
     In view of the limitations and difficulties presented by current methods and systems for providing power, data, and communication in office, academic, and home environments, it is apparent to the present inventor that an integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities would represent a marked advance in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is thus founded on the basic object of providing an integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities. 
     A more particular object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities that can be mounted in relation to a work surface, such as a table or desk, to permit convenient, enhanced access to electrical power and audio and electronic communications and connections in office, academic, and home environments. 
     These and in all likelihood further objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to those who have an opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that, although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities is founded on a system base for being retained by a work surface. At least one power outlet is retained by the system base. The system base also retains at least one electronic data connectivity port and at least one speaker. 
     In embodiments disclosed herein, for instance, the system base has a central portion and first and second end portions. A first speaker is built into the first end portion of the system base, and a second speaker is built into the second end portion of the system base. The electronic data connectivity ports can vary within the scope of the invention, such as to include one or more universal serial bus (USB) ports, one or more universal serial bus type C (USB-C) ports, one or more local area network (LAN) ports, one or more high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports, and, additionally or alternatively, one or more other electronic data connectivity ports as may now exist or hereafter be developed. 
     In certain practices of the invention, the system base can further include an electronic telephone connectivity subsystem with electronic telephone circuitry, a telephone control interface, and a microphone interface. Still further, the system base can further comprise a wireless connectivity subsystem to permit wireless communication to and from the system base in relation to external electronic devices, such as laptop and tablet computers, telephones, and other electronic devices. 
     According to manifestations of the integrated power supply system, the system base can have a main body portion with an upper surface and a lower surface. A central engaging portion can project distally from the lower surface of the main body portion of the system base for being received into positive engagement with an aperture in the work surface. 
     A mounting bracket can retain the system base in relation to an aperture in the work surface. For example, the mounting bracket can be adapted to be disposed to an underside of the work surface to be secured to the system base thereby to secure the work surface between the system base and the mounting bracket. Still more particularly, the mounting bracket can have an opening sized and shaped to receive the central engaging portion of the system base. Further, the mounting bracket can have inwardly-extending projections for receiving fasteners therethrough and into the system base and outwardly extending projections for receiving fasteners therethrough and into the work surface. 
     In practices of the invention, a mounting collar can be provided for lining the aperture in the work surface. The mounting collar has an opening with a width and a length, and the mounting bracket has a width sized to be received into the mounting collar. The system base can be considered to have a longitudinal length while the mounting collar has a longitudinal opening with a length. The length of the longitudinal opening of the mounting collar can then be greater than the longitudinal length of the system base such that the system base can be selectively positioned within the mounting collar. 
     Also as disclosed herein, the system base can have an option window in the upper surface of the system base and an option bay in the lower surface of the system base. The option window and the option bay can be selectively employed to retain corresponding electronic data connectivity ports. The option window and the option bay can be selectively removable and replaceable in relation to the system base to enable an adaptation of the connectivity ports provided by the integrated power supply system. 
     Embodiments of the integrated power supply system further incorporate an electronic command console operative to control electronic operation of the system base. The command console is detachable from the system base. The command console retains electronic memory and has an electronic display screen. Wirelessly connectivity of the command console to the system base enables the command console to be operative as a handheld, portable control unit to provide wireless control over operation of the system base. Also as disclosed herein, the command console is operative to provide wireless control over the operation of electronic devices connected to the system base by wire or wirelessly, including laptop and tablet computers, telephones, and other electronic devices. The system base can include a reception bay for receiving and selectively retaining the command console. Electrical contacts provide an electronic connection between the system base and the command console. Where the system base incorporates an electronic telephonic connectivity subsystem, the command console can be operative to provide display and operation of alphanumeric buttons as interface controls operative to permit control and operation of the electronic telephone connectivity subsystem. 
     One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines the more important goals and features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventor&#39;s contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawing figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a lower perspective view of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities; 
         FIG. 4  is a lower perspective view of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a work surface; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a work surface; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities with a mounting structure; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded lower perspective view of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities with the mounting structure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a work surface; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective plan view of the integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a work surface; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of first and second integrated power supply systems with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a large work surface; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities mounted within a small work surface; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic connection capabilities and an electronic command console; 
         FIG. 15  is a rearward perspective view of the integrated power supply system of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the integrated power supply system of  FIG. 14  with the command console detached from the base; 
         FIG. 17  is a lower perspective view of the integrated power supply system of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a lower perspective view of an alternative integrated power supply system; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of first and second integrated power supply system mounted in relation to a work surface with a wire management system applied in support of wiring for plural electronic devices; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of an integrated power supply system depicted in relation to a work surface and a wire management system; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of first and second integrated power supply systems depicted in relation to a work surface and a wire management system; 
         FIG. 22  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of an integrated power supply system mounted within a work surface with a wire management system; 
         FIG. 23  is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of an integrated power supply system mounted within a work surface with a wire management system depicted in management of electronic wiring; and 
         FIG. 24  is a lower perspective view of an integrated power supply system mounted within a work surface with a wire management system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The integrated power supply system with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities disclosed herein is subject to a wide variety of embodiments. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures. 
     The integrated power supply system with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities can be employed to advantage relative to desks and other work surfaces. However, it is to be understood that the power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities could be employed in other applications within the scope of the invention except as it may be expressly limited by the claims. Before any particular embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention. 
     Turning more particularly to the drawings, an integrated power supply system with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities according to the invention is indicated generally at  10  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . There, the system  10  is founded on a base  12 , which in this embodiment is oblong, with a raised, elongate central portion and first and second end portions. The base  12  tapers in height from a flat central plateau of the raised, elongate central portion toward the lateral edges of the central portion and toward the arcuate first and second end portions. A first speaker  14  has a half frusto-conical shape spanning approximately 180 degrees and is built into the first end portion of the base  12 , and a second speaker having a half frusto-conical shape again spanning approximately 180 degrees is built into the second end portion of the base  12 . The first and second end portions of the base  12  thus act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system  10 . 
     The central portion provides a plurality of electric power and electronic data connections for providing ready power and data access to surrounding users. More particularly with respect to the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a plurality of grounded power outlets  18 , in this non-limiting example four, are retained within the central portion of the base  12  to provide accessible power supply. Further, the central portion retains plural power and data connectivity ports. In this embodiment, the power and data connectivity ports comprise first and second universal serial bus (USB) ports  22  within each sloped lateral surface of the base  12  and first and second universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports  24  disposed within each sloped lateral surface of the base  12  in parallel with the USB ports  22 . A power button  20  is disposed within the plateau of the base  12  for selectively powering one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system  10 , such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers  14  and  16  and other electrical power. A system ground indicator light  26  is provided for indicating power and grounding to the system  12 , and a power surge protector indicator light  28  is provided for confirming power surge protection to the system  12  and to connected electronic components. 
     Looking more particularly to  FIG. 2 , where the lower portion of the system  10  is illustrated, a central engaging portion  30  projects a given height distally from the lower surface of the base  12  for being received into and positively engaging a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture  102  in a work surface  100  as shown, for instance, in  FIG. 6 . As shown and described further hereinbelow, fastening apertures  32  in the base  12  permit the use of fasteners to retain the system  10  in relation to the work surface  100 . In the present embodiment where the base  12  has an oblong configuration, the central engaging portion  30  similarly has an oblong peripheral shape. The central engaging portion  30  has a peripheral outer edge spaced inwardly of the peripheral outer edge of the base  12 . The fastening apertures  32  are disposed within inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion  30 . Power and data cabling  64  extends from the lower surface of the base  12  for electrical connection to, for instance, building power supplies and external communication and other electronic connectivity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the base  12  incorporates what can be referred to as an option window  75  that can be selectively employed to retain connectivity ports. For instance, as in  FIG. 1 , the option window  75  can be provided as a blank plate without functionality. Alternatively, as in  FIG. 3 , for example, the option window  75  can be employed to provide connectivity ports comprising local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports  34  and  36 . In a similar manner, as  FIGS. 2 and 4  show, an option bay  82  is provided on the underside of the base  12 , in this embodiment within the central engaging portion  30 . The option bay  82  permits the provision of electronic connection ports corresponding to the options on the user-facing surface of the base  12 . For instance, the option bay  82  can retain electronic ports, such as a local area network (LAN) port  38  and a high-definition multimedia (HDMI) port  40 , for electronic connection external to the base  12 . Within the scope of the invention, the option window  75  within the upper surface of the base  12  and the option bay  82  in the lower surface of the base  12  can be removable and replaceable, such as with snap-fit or fastener engagement and electronic contacts adaptable to the retained connectivity ports. 
     Referring to the alternative embodiment of the integrated power supply system  10  depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the system  10  is again founded on an oblong base  12  that has a raised, elongate central plateau portion and first and second end portions. First and second speakers  14  and  16  having half frusto-conical shapes are built into the first and second end portions of the base  12  to act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system  10 . Power and data connections are retained by the central portion of the base  12 . These again include grounded power outlets  18  and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports  22  and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports  24 . Here, however, the system  10  further incorporates a local area network (LAN) port  34  and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port  36  within the option window  75  in the upper surface of the central portion and corresponding LAN and HDMI ports  38  and  40  within the option bay  82  in the lower surface of the base  12  for providing external connectivity. A power button  20  is disposed within the plateau of the base  12  for selectively powering one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system  10 , such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers  14  and  16  and further electronic aspects of the system  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4  where the lower portion of the system  10  is illustrated, the base  12  has a central engaging portion  30  that projects a given height distally from the base  12  for being received into and positively engaging a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture  102  in a work surface  100 . Fastening apertures  32  in the base  12  permit the use of fasteners to retain the system  10  in relation to the work surface  100 . Like the base, the central engaging portion  30  has an oblong peripheral shape, and the fastening apertures  32  are disposed within inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion  30 . In the present embodiment where the base  12  has an oblong configuration, the central engaging portion  30  has an oblong outer periphery corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the base  12 . Power and data cabling  64  extends from the lower surface of the base  12  for electrical connection to, for instance, building power supplies and external communication and other electronic connectivity. 
     An integrated power supply system  10  with still further functionality is shown in  FIG. 5 . The system  10  has an oblong base  12  again retaining first and second half frusto-conical speakers  14 . Grounded power outlets  18  and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports  22  and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports  24  are built into the base  12  as is a local area network (LAN) port  34  and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port  36 , again with corresponding LAN and HDMI ports in the lower surface of the base  12  as previously illustrated for providing external connectivity. A power button  20  again selectively enables the providing of electrical power to one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system  10 , such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers  14  and  16 . 
     The integrated power supply system  10  of  FIG. 5  further provides telephonic and wireless connectivity, such as through the short range wireless connectivity technology operated under the registered trademark BLUETOOTH. A wireless connectivity button  48  is disposed within the plateau of the central portion as is a telephone connection button  42 , a telephone disconnection or muting button  50 , and volume increase and decrease buttons  44  and  46 . The base  12  additionally retains a microphone port  52 . Corresponding circuitry for each of the described components is housed within the base  12 . 
     According to the practices of the invention, the integrated power supply system  10  could be used independently without mounting to any particular support structure to provide electrical power and audio and electronic communications and connections in office, academic, and home environments. In other practices of the invention, the integrated power supply system  10  can be mounted in relation to a support structure, such as a work surface  100 . For instance, the system  10  can be retained in a corresponding aperture  102  in a work surface  100  as in  FIG. 6 . The work surface  100  could, by way of example and not limitation, comprise a conference table, a desk, or any other work surface  100 . 
     With added reference to  FIGS. 8, 9, and 20 through 24 , a mounting bracket  56  is provided for selectively fixing the base  12  in place in relation to a work surface  100 . Here, the bracket  56  is received from an underside of the work surface  100  to be matingly engaged with the aperture  102  in the work surface  100  and the mounting collar  54  and the central engaging portion  30  in the base  12 . The bracket  56  is operative effectively to clamp the work surface  100  between the base  12  to the upper side of the work surface  100  and the bracket  56  to the lower side of the work surface  100 . As illustrated, the bracket  56  has a wall sized and shaped to closely receive the central engaging portion  30  of the base  12 . For instance, where the central engaging portion  30  is oblong as in the present embodiment, the bracket  56  can have a wall defining an oblong aperture sized and shaped to receive the central engaging portion  30  of the base  12  closely. The bracket  56  is also sized and shaped with a width to be closely received into the mounting collar  54  but with a length less than the length of the opening in the mounting collar  54  and the length of the aperture  102  in the work surface  100  so that the base  12  and the bracket  56  fixed relative thereto can be selectively positioned along the mounting collar  54  and the aperture  102  and then fastened in place. 
     As best seen, perhaps, in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bracket  56  in the depicted embodiment has inwardly-extending ears for being received into the inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion  30  and outwardly extending ears for overlying the underside of the work surface  100  adjacent to the aperture  102 . The inwardly-extending apertures correspond in number and location to the inlets in the central engaging portion  30 . With that, fasteners can be received through the bracket  56  and into the apertures in the base  12  as in  FIGS. 22 through 24 . Additionally or alternatively, fasteners can be received through the bracket  56  and into the work surface  100  as is also shown in  FIG. 22 , for instance. According to embodiments of the invention, therefore, an oblong mounting collar  54  can be fixed to line an oblong aperture  102  in the work surface  100 , and the base  12  of the system  10  can then be secured within the aperture  102  by a reception of the central engaging portion  30  into the mounting collar  54  and a fixation of the base  12  relative to the mounting collar  54  and the work surface  100 . The mounting bracket  56  is thus secured to the base  12  with the mounting collar  54  and the work surface  100  disposed therebetween. 
     As  FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate, the mounting collar  54  can have a wall portion with a portion that tapers proximally to distally, and the aperture  102  in the work surface  100  can be chamfered at an angle generally corresponding to the taper of the wall tapered wall portion of the mounting collar  54 . The mounting collar  54  can thus be closely received into the aperture  102  in the work surface  100 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the aperture  102  and the mounting collar  54  can have a longitudinal opening dimension greater than the length of the base  12 . As such, the position of the base  12  within the slot aperture  102  can be selectively adjusted, such as to provide adjustable spacing within the slot aperture  102 . The base  12  can thus be disposed with spacing to the first or second ends of the base  12  as in  FIG. 7  or with spacing to both ends of the base  12  as in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a given work surface  100  could retain plural integrated power supply systems  10 A,  10 B,  10   n  within a corresponding plurality of apertures  102 A,  102 B,  102   n . In each instance, although other dispositions are possible and within the scope of the invention, the integrated power supply systems  10 A,  10 B,  10   n  can be disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the work surface  100 . Alternatively, as is shown in relation to a smaller, round work surface  100  in  FIG. 13 , a single integrated power supply system  10  could be selectively and adjustably retained. It is also within the scope of the invention for a single elongate slot aperture  102  to retain plural systems  10  in an adjustable manner. 
     The ability to place the base  12  selectively in relation to the mounting collar  54  and within the slot aperture  102  provides a number of benefits. For instance, selective spacing can permit placing of the base  12  in greater proximity to a given location along the work surface  100 . Selective adjustment of the base  12  in relation to the slot aperture  102  can also permit spacing for wire management, such as to permit the passage of power and data cords and the like. 
     An integrated power supply system  10  with still greater capabilities is shown in  FIGS. 14 through 18 . There, the integrated power supply system  10  again has an oblong base  12  with a raised, elongate central portion and first and second end portions. First and second half frusto-conical speakers  14  and  16 , which are built into the first and second end portions of the base  12 , act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system  10 . Power and data connections are retained by the central portion of the base  12 , again including grounded power outlets  18  and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports  22  and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports  24 . A local area network (LAN) port  34  and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port  36  are disposed within the central portion and corresponding LAN and HDMI ports  38  and  40  are disposed in the lower surface of the base  12  for providing external connectivity. Still further, a memory card slot  68  is provided in the base  12  to receive and electronically connect with a memory card that can retain data, software applications, or other electronic items in electronic memory. A power button  20  within the plateau of the base  12  selectively powers one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system  10 . 
     As can be understood with combined reference to  FIGS. 14 through 18 , the base  12  in each of the embodiments disclosed herein can incorporate what can be referred to as an option window  75  that can be selectively employed to retain connectivity ports. In certain embodiments, as in  FIG. 16 , the option window  75  can be provided as a blank plate without functionality. Alternatively, as in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , for example, the option window  75  can be employed to retain local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports  34  and  36 . In a similar manner, as  FIGS. 17 and 18  show, an option bay  82  can be provided on the underside of the base  12  so that, where appropriate based on the options on the user-facing surface of the base  12 , local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports  38  and  40  and a telephone line port  66  can be provided for connection external to the base  12 . 
     As taught herein, wireless connectivity can be provided through the integrated power supply system  10  by operation of a wireless connectivity button  48  disposed within the plateau of the central portion. Telephone connectivity, including via speakerphone, is controlled by a telephone connection button  42 , a telephone disconnection or muting button  50 , and volume increase and decrease buttons  44  and  46  in cooperation with a microphone port  52  in the base  12 . Again, electronic circuitry and electrical wiring for each of the described components is housed partially or completely within the base  12 . 
     The embodiment of the integrated power supply system  10  of  FIGS. 14 through 18  further incorporates a detachable electronic command console  70 . The electronic command console  70  is operable to control the operation of the base  12  and the system  10  in general. The command console  70  has an electronic display screen  72  for operating as a graphic user interface with plural user interface controls  74  that can control not only the wired and wireless connectivity described hereinabove but also presentation, telephone and video conferencing, local and remote communications, and other electronic power and data operations of the system  10 . The user interface controls  74  can be fixed in character, or they can be variable, such as through a menu or other control function. One or more display or status icons  76 , such as power, connectivity, and time icons  76 , can be displayed on the display screen  72  for indicating relevant status conditions, including general status conditions and those particular to the command console  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the command console  70  is detachable from the main base  12  of the integrated power supply system  10 . When detached from the base  12 , the command console  70  can communicate wirelessly, such as through the protocol offered under the registered trademark BLUETOOTH or otherwise, with the base  12  and with other electronic devices, including through electronic communication with the base  12  and potentially directly with the other electronic devices. When received within a corresponding reception bay  78  in the base  12 , the command console  70  can receive power, such as for recharging of an internal power supply, and the command console  70  can electronically connect with the base  12  to provide command and control functions by direct electrical connection via electrical contacts  80  disposed in the reception bay  78  and on the command console  70 . 
     The command console  70  can thus operate as a handheld, portable control unit. One using the command console  70  can execute a number of tasks, including managing presentations displayed on a monitor or projector connected by wire or wirelessly to the integrated power supply system  10 . The display screen  72  of the command console  70  can enable the display, control, and operation of computer applications retained in electronic memory, whether in the command console  70 , in the base  12 , in a connected electronic device, by remote communication, or otherwise. Computer applications can be individually opened and operated thereby to allow the appropriate content to be displayed relevant to managing the operative software application. The command console  70  can permit a person, such as a person making a presentation, to use the command console  70  as a pointing device, an underlining device, or another input device, including for text and graphics displayed on, for example, a projection screen, a video display screen, or another user interface to maximize presentation abilities. 
     The display screen  72  of the command console  70  can further enable the display and operation of alphanumeric buttons as the interface controls  74  to permit control and operation of the integrated power supply system  10  as a fully-operational telephone system. Stated alternatively, as disclosed herein, the display screen  72  can be operative as a telephone keypad to permit the placement and control of telephone calls and other communications using the telephone and other connectivity of the integrated power supply system  10  with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 19 through 24 , further wire management can be achieved below the work surface  100  by use of a wire management system  200 , such as that disclosed by the present inventor&#39;s application Ser. No. 16/874,545, filed May 14, 2020, for Wire Management Systems and Methods, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly when used in combination with the present integrated power supply system  10 , the wire management system  200  provides enhanced capabilities for below-work surface support and storage for power and communication wires, cables, and accessories. 
     In  FIGS. 19 and 21 , for example, first and second integrated power supply systems  10 A and  10 B are adjustably received within first and second elongate slots  102 A and  102 B in the work surface  100 . In a display of the utility of the integrated power supply systems  10  disclosed herein, the first system  10 A is electrically connected by a cable  106  to a first electronic device  104 , which comprises a tablet computer  104 . The cable  106  can be operative to provide power and data connectivity between the tablet computer  104  and the system  10 A. A second electronic device  108 , which in this example comprises a smart phone  108 , is similarly connected to the first integrated power supply system  10 A by a cable  110  that can provide power and data connectivity between the smart phone  108  and the system  10 A. Still further, a third electronic device  112  comprising a laptop computer  112  is electrically connected for power and, additionally or alternatively, data connectivity by a cable  114  to the second integrated power supply system  10 B. Also as disclosed herein, it would be possible for one or more of the cables  106 ,  110 , and  114  or other wiring connections to bypass the integrated power supplies  10 A and  10 B and to pass directly through an aperture  102 A or  102 B in the work surface  100  for wire management and connection below the work surface  100 . 
     In any case, by use of the integrated power supply systems  10 A,  10 B,  10   n  and the aperture  102 A,  102 B,  102   n  provided therefor, the plural electronic devices  104 ,  108 , and  112  can thus be provided with readily available, effective power and data connectivity without a nest of wires crowding the valuable work surface  100 . Below the work surface  100 , as  FIGS. 22 and 23  show, the power and data cabling  64  exiting the integrated power supply system  10  and wiring  106  and  115  connecting electronic devices  104 ,  108 , and  112  themselves can be cradled, organized, and otherwise managed by the wire management system  200 . As in  FIG. 24 , power and data cabling  64 , LAN cables  38 , telephone cables  66 , and other wiring can be disposed and retained below the work surface  100 . 
     As is further described in copending application Ser. No. 16/874,545, the wire management system  200  can, in certain embodiments, have a flexible cradle  214 , which can comprise or incorporate a mesh material, that is supported to span below the work surface  100  by first and second elongate rails  218  and  220  that are mounted to the work surface  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the flexible cradle  214  comprises a central, elongate mesh portion  230  that is joined along longitudinal edges with first and second attachment sections  232  and  234 . The first and second attachment sections  232  and  234  are selectively and removably coupled to the first and second elongate rails  218  and  220  by a spline engagement, and the first and second attachment sections  232  and  234  are crenelated to have spline segments  242  separated by spline apertures  244 . Together, the spline segments  242  and the spline apertures  234  permit adjustable attachment of the flexible cradle  214  while also enabling the interstitial passage of wiring through the apertures  234 . Wiring exiting the cradle  214  of the wire management system  200  can pass within a cable sleeve  298 , such as to a floor connection  300  for power and data connectivity. 
     Making use of an embodiment of the integrated power supply system  10 , a user can thus be simultaneously provided with accessible power for computers, mobile telephones, tablets, and other electronic devices while also enjoying audio capabilities provided by the integrated speakers  14  and  16  and the electronic communication and connection capabilities provided, for instance, by the universal serial bus (USB) ports  22 , by the universal serial bus type C (USB-C) ports  24 , by the local area network (LAN) port  34 , and by the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port  36 . Rather than a roomful of individuals huddling around the weak speaker of a mobile phone or laptop, full, powerful audio capabilities are provided by presently disclosed system  10  through the speakers  14  and  16 . 
     The system  10  can be connected by wire or wirelessly to mobile telephones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, and electronic wiring can be readily routed through the aperture or apertures  102  disposed in a work surface  100 . Moreover, where incorporated into the system  10 , the microphone  52  and speakers  14  and  16  can be employed for telephone and online conferencing to provide reliable and robust communication capabilities. Still further, the command console  70  can enable handheld, plenary control over the integrated power supply system  10  as a presentation, communication, connectivity, and power supply station. By providing an integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities, the system  10  can be mounted in relation to a work surface  100  to enable convenient, enhanced access to electrical power and audio and electronic communications and connections in office, academic, and home environments. Electronic wiring can be passed through the work surface  100  with extra wiring stored beneath the work surface  100  to enable the surface  100  to be open and unobstructed. 
     With certain details and embodiments of the present invention for an integrated power supply system  10  with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with certain major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments. 
     Therefore, the following claims shall define the scope of protection to be afforded to the inventor. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may express, or be interpreted to express, certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, any such claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all legally-cognizable equivalents thereof