Patent Description:
With the improvement of people's living standards, people's desire and expectation for a higher quality of life are steadily increasing. Traditional furniture can no longer meet people's requirements in daily life, giving way to more and more intelligent and versatile furniture in everyday life. For example, typical modular furniture items (i.e., furniture items assembled from a particular combination of standard constituent pieces) may include connections for detachable accessories. A connection for a detachable accessory is typically fixed to a base (i.e., an underlying frame, foundation, or supporting structure of the furniture item) of the modular furniture item, before completing assembly of the modular furniture item. The connection may generally be an equipment support base with a connecting hole or slot for receiving a corresponding connecting portion from a detachable accessory, and a receptacle and/or supporting structure for supporting and securing the detachable accessory in or on the base or a surface of the furniture item. The equipment support base is typically attached to the base by screw rods and nuts.

A typical detachable accessory for use with an equipment support base as discussed above may include an extended connecting column or a connecting key to connect and fix with the connecting hole or slot of the equipment support base. However, when the detachable accessory is not connected to the equipment support base (i.e., during shipment or in general use without the detachable accessory) the connecting hole or slot is exposed and dirt, dust, debris, ash, errant small items, etc. may collect on or fall into the equipment support base and/or block the connecting hole or slot. The blockage may damage or prevent the detachable accessory connection, if installation of the detachable accessory is later attempted. In addition, the exposed connecting hole or slot presents a safety risk for, e.g., small children's fingers, because the connecting hole may be designed to easily receive but strongly retain inserted pieces such as detachable accessories that the equipment support base must secure. Small children who are able to stick their fingers into the connecting hole may fracture their fingers when trying to pull them out.

In the event that a detachable accessory may be an electronic or electrical (collectively, "electrical") accessory, and the equipment support base should desirably provide a power connection for the electrical accessory, the typical equipment support base with electrical connections includes additional risks from electrical short and fire as a result of foreign materials/objects falling in and electric shock to people who touch exposed, hot power connections.

Document <CIT> discloses a support base assembly relating to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose also similar support base assemblies. In view of the above deficiencies, there is a need for an equipment support base that safely and reliably provides a physical and electrical connection for a detachable, electrical accessory on or in a furniture item.

According to the invention a support base assembly according to claim <NUM> is provided. The support base includes a connector hub that has a top end, and a bottom end spaced apart from the top end. A chamber wall extends between the top and bottom ends and defines a chamber. The support base further includes a power interface set that is positioned in the chamber. According to the invention, a maximum outer diameter of the power interface set is less than an inner diameter of the chamber such that an annular support gap is defined between the power interface set and the chamber wall. The support base further includes a cover plate coupled to the top end of the connector hub.

According to the invention, a flange radially extends from the top end of the connector hub. A cover plate is coupled to a top end of the connector hub and has a cover plate hole axially aligned with the chamber. According to the invention,
a power interface set is positioned in the chamber and includes a connector adjacent the cover plate hole.

In a further aspect according to the invention, a method of assembling an electrical accessory and a support base according to claim <NUM> is provided. The method includes inserting a tube of the electrical accessory into an annular support slot of the support base. According to an aspect, the support base includes a connector hub including a chamber wall that defines a chamber of the connector hub. The annular support slot is defined between a power interface set and the chamber wall. The method further includes moving a baffle from a first position away from the chamber wall to a second position nearer the chamber wall, in the annular support slot by compressing a baffle spring positioned between the baffle and a flange. The method may further include contacting a connector of an accessory electrical interface housed in the tube with a corresponding connector of the power interface set to electrically connect the power interface set to the accessory electrical interface.

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Understanding that these drawings depict exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure, the exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and detailed description. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings but are drawn to aid in understanding the features of the exemplary embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims.

The exemplary embodiments include, among other things, a support base configured for connecting to one or more accessories such as, without limitation, a reading lamp, a mobile electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, and the like) holder and/or charger, and a supporting surface for resting items, writing, etc. The one or more accessories may be detachable and interchangeable accessories and the support base may be configured for detachably connecting to the one or more accessories. It is contemplated that the accessories may be interchangeable. The support base includes a power interface set for electrically connecting and providing power to an electrical accessory such as a reading lamp or a mobile electronic device charger.

The support base includes a connector hub having a central hollow interior, and a power interface set positioned in the central hollow interior of the connector hub. According to an aspect, the power interface set may be configured for connecting to an external power source, such as a standard wall outlet, and supplying power to an electrical accessory, such as a reading lamp or a mobile electronic device.

According to the invention, a cover plate covers a non-functional area (i.e., an area to which a detachable accessory does not require direct access for physically or electrically connecting) of the support base, which is on the upper surface of the support base. The cover plate may prevent unwanted materials, such as debris, dust, and the like, from entering the non-functional areas of the support base. The cover may also be designed/provided for aesthetics.

According to the invention, a baffle within the connector hub may be elastically pressed inwardly towards the central hollow interior, through an annular support gap formed in a chamber of the connector hub and in which the detachable accessory may be received, to prevent foreign materials including, e.g., fingers, from entering the annular support gap when the detachable accessory is not connected and stabilizing the detachable accessory when it is connected.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connector hub is cylindrical. The top of the connector hub includes a flange circumferentially disposed about a top portion / top end of the connector hub. The edge of the flange is provided with a set of slots for securing the cover plate to the connector hub. According to the invention, the upper surface of the flange may include a flange groove for receiving the baffle.

According to the invention, the baffle includes springs positioned between the baffle and a flange wall adjacent the flange groove, for biasing the baffle towards the central hollow interior.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power interface set may be positioned in a lumen formed within a casing. The power interface set and casing/lumen may be dimensioned for the power interface set to fit snugly within the lumen. The casing may include a casing flange formed at a bottom end of the casing and including a casing flange slot and pin receptacle for fasteners to connect components of the support base.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support base may include a tubing collar that may be a fluorescent tube rack. The tubing collar may be formed from at least one of plastic, resin and rubber. The tubing collar may be dimensioned such that it fits within the chamber of the connector hub. An annular support slot may be formed between the tubing collar and the casing and correspond to a thickness of a portion of a detachable accessory inserted into the support base. The tubing collar may include a buckling element formed on the tubing collar, for connecting to the casing flange slot.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments. Each exemplary embodiment is provided by way of explanation and illustration, and without limitation. The exemplary embodiments do not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments, whether as a whole or with respect to individual features. For example, the components (individually, collectively, or relative to others) of an exemplary support base as described throughout the disclosure may have any geometry, dimension(s), and/or configuration(s) consistent with the disclosure.

For purposes of this disclosure, each of the phrases "device(s)," "system(s)," and "method(s)" may be used for general reference and without limitation to any particular component, grouping, arrangement, step, function, process, or combination thereof, except where expressly indicated otherwise.

<FIG> illustrates an assembled view of a support base <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the support base <NUM> includes a connector hub <NUM> and a power interface set <NUM> positioned in the connector hub <NUM>. A cover plate <NUM> is coupled or otherwise secured to a top end <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM>. An electrically contactable top end <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> is aligned with a cover plate hole <NUM> (i.e., void) formed in the cover plate <NUM>, such that the cover plate <NUM> is annular. In an exemplary embodiment, the power interface set <NUM> is dimensioned such that, among other things, the electrically contactable top end <NUM> will make electrical contact with an accessory electrical interface <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of a detachable accessory (e.g., <NUM>), when the detachable accessory is attached to the support base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the exemplary support base <NUM> shown in <FIG> and illustrates various components that may be included in an exemplary embodiment of the support base <NUM>. Each component may cooperate with an adjacent component or be arranged such that the support base <NUM> supports, for example, various devices, such as mobile electronic devices, power terminals and cords, mounts or holders for mobile phones and tablet computers, reading lamps, and the like. In an aspect, electrical devices may be powered by the power interface set <NUM> with an appropriate connection thereto.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of the connector hub <NUM> is illustrated in additional detail. The exemplary connector hub <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is formed as an annular cylinder that has the top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> opposite and spaced apart from the top end <NUM>, and a chamber wall <NUM> extending from the top end <NUM> to the bottom end <NUM>. The chamber wall <NUM> defines a chamber <NUM> that extends between the top end <NUM> and the bottom end <NUM>. A central hollow interior <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM> extends, in the exemplary embodiments, along a longitudinal center axis 'y' of the chamber <NUM>. For purposes of this disclosure, the central hollow interior <NUM> is a region or portion of the chamber <NUM> that is defined, without limitation, by the relative position and configuration of components described with respect to the central hollow interior <NUM> and to aid in the description of those and other components.

According to the invention, a flange <NUM> radially extends from the top end <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM>. The flange <NUM> has an outer diameter that is larger than a corresponding outer diameter of the connector hub <NUM>. The flange <NUM> includes a flange slot <NUM> formed in an outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and extending generally from the outer edge <NUM> towards the central hollow interior <NUM> of the connecter hub <NUM>. The flange slot <NUM> may be, e.g., a depression or a gap that is formed in the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. According to an aspect, the flange slot <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more pins, protrusions, or the like, to fasten a component to the connector hub <NUM>. For example, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the cover plate <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the flange <NUM>. The cover plate <NUM> includes a fastening mechanism, such as one or more tabs <NUM> that are inserted into corresponding flange slots <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and then rotated to secure the tabs <NUM> beneath an eave portion <NUM> of the outer edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. According to an aspect, the flange <NUM> may further include one or more fixing holes <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) through which pins, fasteners, and the like may be passed to connect components of the support base <NUM> and/or to connect the support base <NUM> to a furniture item. A plurality of grooves <NUM> (<FIG>) may be formed in the chamber wall <NUM> and extend along the axial direction of the connector hub <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> may be configured for accommodating a buckling element <NUM> of a tubing collar <NUM> as it is inserted into the chamber <NUM>, as described further below.

The bottom end <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM> may include a plurality of cylindrical protruding structures <NUM>, each with a receptacle <NUM> formed within the cylindrical protruding structure <NUM>. Without limitation, the cylindrical protruding structure <NUM> in the exemplary embodiment shown in, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>, may be formed integrally with a portion of the chamber wall <NUM> and a portion of the cylindrical protruding structure <NUM> may be positioned within the chamber <NUM>, such that the cylindrical protruding structure <NUM> extends from a position within the chamber <NUM> to a position below the bottom end <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> of the cylindrical protruding structure <NUM> may be configured for receiving a fastener <NUM> to join components of the support base <NUM>. For example, the receptacle <NUM> may include a threaded portion for connecting to a screw.

The power interface set <NUM> is positioned in the central hollow interior <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM> (<FIG>). With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power interface set <NUM> has an outer diameter OD3 that is less than an inner diameter ID1 of the chamber <NUM> as defined by the chamber wall <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM>. For purposes of this disclosure, the inner diameter ID1 of the chamber <NUM> refers to a minimum inner diameter of the chamber <NUM> and is defined by portions of the chamber wall <NUM> in which the grooves <NUM> are not formed. This forms an annular support gap <NUM> between the power interface set <NUM> and the chamber wall <NUM>. As described further below, at least a portion of a casing <NUM> and a tubing collar <NUM> may be positioned within the chamber <NUM> and in the annular support gap <NUM> (i.e., between the power interface set <NUM> and the chamber wall <NUM>), thereby defining an annular support slot <NUM> portion of the annular support gap <NUM>, between the casing <NUM> and the tubing collar <NUM>. While a width of the annular support gap <NUM> between the chamber wall <NUM> and the power interface set <NUM> may vary because, for example, grooves <NUM> are formed in the chamber wall <NUM>, the annular support slot <NUM> in the exemplary embodiment is substantially constant between the cylindrical tubing collar <NUM> and the casing <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the power interface set <NUM> at, e.g., the electrically connectable top end <NUM> and/or an electrical connection (e.g., female connector <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>)) thereon, may include a magnetic joint power interface set configured for connecting to another electrical interface by attractive magnetic force. In the same or other embodiments, the power interface set <NUM> may include a direct current (DC) electric circuit that may include wired connections.

With further reference to <FIG>, a power interface set flange <NUM> may be formed on a bottom end <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM>. A circular circuit <NUM> may extend downwardly away from the power interface set flange <NUM>. The circular circuit <NUM> may be configured for and, in use, electrically connected to, an electrical receptacle or connection assembly (not shown) within the furniture item and/or a connection to a power source such as, without limitation, a wall outlet. In an exemplary use, a power source such as a wall outlet would provide power to the circular circuit <NUM> via the electrical receptacle assembly or the like, and the circular circuit <NUM> would relay the power to the power interface set <NUM>. Thus, the circular circuit <NUM> is in electrical communication with the power interface set <NUM>, and the power interface set <NUM>, the power interface set flange <NUM>, and the circular circuit <NUM> may be assembled or formed together in any manner consistent with this disclosure and safely insulating and grounding the components subject to a voltage or electric current.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bottom end <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> and the power interface set flange <NUM> are between the electrically contactable top end <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> and the protrusion of the circular circuit <NUM> therefrom. The circular circuit <NUM> may be positioned in a circular circuit through-hole <NUM> (<FIG>) formed in the center of a pressing block structure <NUM>. The pressing block structure <NUM> may include a first half-section <NUM> and a second half-section <NUM>, with each of the half-sections <NUM>, <NUM> including a portion of the circular circuit through-hole. According to an aspect, the pressing block structure <NUM> includes a square protruding structure <NUM> set at a position corresponding to the shape of the power set interface flange <NUM>. The pressing block structure <NUM> is provided with a set of screw fixing holes <NUM>, and the positions of the screw fixing holes <NUM> correspond to the positions of the cylindrical protruding structures <NUM> formed at the lower end of the connector hub <NUM>. According to an aspect, fasteners <NUM> (<FIG>) may be positioned in the screw fixing holes <NUM> and dimensioned so that they extend through the screw fixing holes <NUM> of the pressing block structure <NUM> and through a pin receptacle <NUM> of the casing <NUM> (<FIG>) in which the cylindrical protruding structures <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM> are also inserted to receive the fasteners <NUM> in the receptacles <NUM>.

According to the invention, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the support base <NUM> includes a baffle <NUM> and a spring pressing block <NUM>.

An exemplary baffle <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The baffle <NUM> may be made of multiple portions <NUM>'. Each baffle portion <NUM>' may include an inner portion <NUM> that is dimensioned such that each inner portion <NUM> cooperates with the inner portion <NUM> of adjacent baffle portions <NUM>' to define a circular boundary <NUM>, a circular receiving portion <NUM>, and a fluted section <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>. For purposes of this disclosure, an "inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>" refers to the overall configuration of the collective inner portions <NUM>, including the portions that form the circular receiving portion <NUM> and the circular boundary <NUM>, of the baffle portions <NUM>' in an assembled state (such as shown in <FIG>) or after being displaced within the support base <NUM> (as described further below).

With continuing reference to <FIG>, and further reference to <FIG>, the circular receiving portion <NUM> has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the circular boundary <NUM>. A sloped wall <NUM> of the inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> extends inwardly (i.e., towards the central hollow interior <NUM>) from the circular receiving portion <NUM> to the circular boundary <NUM>.

The sloped wall <NUM> defines a fluted section <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>. The fluted section <NUM> extends from the circular receiving portion <NUM> to the circular boundary <NUM> and has a corresponding diameter at each point along the sloped wall <NUM>. In an aspect, a diameter of the fluted section <NUM> adjacent the circular receiving portion <NUM> may be greater than a diameter of the fluted section <NUM> adjacent the circular boundary <NUM>, and the fluted section <NUM> is frustoconically-shaped. In other aspects, the circular boundary <NUM> may be a portion of the inner end <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> at which the fluted section <NUM> has a minimum diameter and/or the connection end <NUM> of the detachable electronic accessory will contact or engage the baffle <NUM>, as discussed further below. The exemplary configuration of the baffle <NUM>, including, among other things, the fluted section <NUM>, contributes to the function of the baffle <NUM> when a connection end <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the detachable electrical accessory is inserted into the support base <NUM>, as described further below.

Each baffle portion <NUM>' is further configured for being positioned in a flange groove <NUM> (<FIG>) formed in an upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. According to an aspect, the baffle <NUM> helps to prevent foreign materials or objects including, e.g., fingers, from entering the annular support gap <NUM>, and also functions as a clamp to support the detachable accessory when it is attached to the support base <NUM> (i.e., inserted in the annular support slot <NUM>) as described further below. For example, each baffle portion <NUM>' may include or be outfitted with a baffle spring <NUM> that is positioned between the baffle portion <NUM>' and a corresponding flange groove wall <NUM> adjacent to a respective flange groove <NUM> in which each baffle portion <NUM>' is seated in the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. In an aspect, the baffle springs <NUM> may be sleeved on baffle spring guide columns <NUM>. The baffle springs <NUM> are at least partially elastically compressible so that they move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. In an aspect, when the baffle springs <NUM> are in the uncompressed state, a biasing force of the baffle springs <NUM> is in a direction towards the central hollow interior <NUM> and the inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>' extend into the annular support slot <NUM>. For purposes of this disclosure, a position, geometry, or configuration of the baffle <NUM>/baffle portions <NUM>' is not limited with respect to the annular support slot <NUM>, i.e., the tubing collar <NUM> and casing <NUM>, and embodiments in which the baffle <NUM>/baffle portions <NUM>' "extend" into the annular support slot include, for example, configurations in which the baffle <NUM> and/or one or more baffle portions <NUM>' overlap or are positioned in part within the annular support slot <NUM>, consistent with this disclosure. In the compressed state, the baffle springs <NUM> exert an opposing force against a force applied to, e.g., the inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>', in the direction towards the flange groove wall <NUM>. The force applied to the inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>' may move the inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>' part or all of the way out of the annular support slot <NUM>.

The spring pressing block <NUM> (<FIG>) may be positioned between the cover plate <NUM> and the baffle <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. The spring pressing block <NUM> may include a plurality of spring pressing block portions <NUM>' corresponding to the baffle portions <NUM>' and also shaped to define a circular boundary <NUM>. The circular boundaries <NUM>, <NUM> of the spring pressing block <NUM> and the baffle <NUM> may be aligned or concentric with each other and with the annular support slot <NUM>, the annular support gap <NUM>, and/or the chamber <NUM>, about the longitudinal axis y.

According to an aspect, the spring pressing block <NUM> is installed above the baffle <NUM>. The spring pressing block <NUM> may be positioned above the baffle <NUM> in between the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and the cover plate <NUM>. Thus, the spring pressing block <NUM> may cover the baffle <NUM> and the baffle springs <NUM> and prevent foreign materials from getting into the flange grooves <NUM> and potentially seizing the baffle springs <NUM>. The spring pressing block <NUM> may be secured to the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> by a fastener <NUM> that extends through a fixing hole <NUM> of the spring pressing block <NUM> and into a receiving hole <NUM>' (<FIG> and <FIG>) formed in the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be, without limitation, a threaded screw that connects to corresponding threading in the receiving hole <NUM>'. According to an aspect, the spring pressing block <NUM> may thereby secure the baffle <NUM> in place.

The spring pressing block <NUM>, in combination with the baffle <NUM> and the baffle springs <NUM>, may work together as an elastic baffle structure. For example, in an exemplary use when a detachable electrical accessory <NUM> (<FIG>) is attached to the support base <NUM>, a portion <NUM> of the detachable electrically accessory <NUM> is received within the support base <NUM> and extends from the cover plate hole <NUM> to the annular support slot <NUM>, and forces the baffle portions <NUM>' in a direction away from the central hollow interior <NUM> by compressing the baffle springs <NUM>. The opposing bias force urges the inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>' against the portion <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> within the support base <NUM>, thereby stabilizing the detachable electrical accessory within the support base <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, an exemplary tubing collar <NUM> for use with the support base <NUM> is shown. As previously discussed, the tubing collar <NUM> is positioned within the chamber <NUM>, between the chamber wall <NUM> and the casing <NUM> (<FIG>). According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, an outer diameter OD2 of the tubing collar <NUM> is substantially equal to the inner diameter ID1 of the chamber <NUM> and the tubing collar <NUM> is generally flush against the portions of the chamber wall <NUM> in which the grooves <NUM> are not formed, or minimal space exists therebetween, to minimize potential flexing or "play" that the tubing collar <NUM> may experience when the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> is attached to the support base. For purposes of this disclosure, relative terms such as "substantially" and "generally" may be understood from the context of the disclosure in view of the figures and are not limited to any particular value, tolerance, relationship, etc. For example, neither "substantially equal" nor "generally flush," as used above with respect to the exemplary embodiments, is limited to any particular relationship that is not inconsistent with this disclosure, between the tubing collar <NUM> and the chamber wall <NUM>. An inner diameter ID3 of the tubing collar <NUM> is greater than the outer diameter OD1 of the casing <NUM>, and the annular support slot <NUM> has a width equal to the difference between the inner diameter ID3 of the tubing collar <NUM> and the outer diameter OD1 of the casing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and the exemplary use discussed above, the width of the annular support slot <NUM> may correspond to a wall thickness 'T' of a connection end <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory <NUM>, such that the connection end <NUM> may fit snugly within the annular support slot <NUM> when it is attached to the support base <NUM>, as described further below.

With reference again to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the tubing collar <NUM> has a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> opposite the top end <NUM>. A light source (not shown), such as an LED tube, may extend around the top end <NUM> of the tubing collar <NUM> or may be integral thereto. The light source may receive power from a separate lead from the power source for the power interface set <NUM>, according to known techniques. The light source may provide lighting to the annular support slot <NUM> so a user can find it in the dark. According to an aspect, the buckling element <NUM> is positioned adjacent the lower end <NUM> of the tubing collar <NUM> and may extend therefrom. The buckling element <NUM> is dimensionally configured to be received in a casing flange slot <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The casing flange slot <NUM> may be configured as a square groove formed in the casing <NUM> and the buckling element <NUM> may be resilient and shaped complementarily to the casing flange slot <NUM>, to form a positive locking engagement with the casing flange slot <NUM> according to known techniques. The tubing collar <NUM> may be dimensioned and arranged so that at least a portion of the casing <NUM> is positioned within an interior portion 148a of the tubing collar <NUM>. In this configuration, the buckling element <NUM> may be inserted and secured into the casing flange slot <NUM>. According to an aspect, the buckling element <NUM> in the exemplary embodiment includes two spaced apart side walls 151a, and an engagement portion 151b extending between the side walls. The engagement portion 151b may be contoured such that it can be engaged and retained within the casing flange slot <NUM> to connect the tubing collar <NUM> to the casing <NUM>. The buckling element <NUM> may be formed from a variety of resilient materials, such as plastics and the like, consistent with this disclosure. The tubing collar <NUM> in the exemplary embodiments may be formed from, without limitation, one of plastic, resin, and rubber.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of the casing <NUM> is shown. The casing <NUM> has a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> opposite the top end <NUM>, and a casing wall <NUM> extending from the top end <NUM> to the bottom end <NUM>. The casing wall <NUM> defines a lumen <NUM> that extends from a casing lumen upper opening <NUM> at the top end <NUM> of the casing <NUM> to a casing lumen lower opening <NUM> at the bottom end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. According to an aspect, the casing <NUM> is positioned in the annular support gap <NUM>, between the chamber wall <NUM> and the power interface set <NUM>, and the power interface set <NUM> is positioned within the lumen <NUM>. The power interface set <NUM> and the casing <NUM> (including the lumen <NUM>) are complementarily dimensioned and configured for the power interface set <NUM> to fit snugly and in a maintained position within the lumen <NUM>. For example, the casing <NUM> may be cylindrical. At least a portion <NUM> of the power interface <NUM> may include a cylindrical outer profile/contour that has a maximum outer diameter (i.e., OD3) that can be securely fit within an inner diameter ID2 of the casing <NUM>, which may be a diameter of the lumen <NUM>. The outer diameter OD3 of the power interface set <NUM> may such that the portion <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> including the maximum outer diameter OD3 will sit flush against an inner surface of the casing wall <NUM>, within the lumen <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> may further include a casing groove <NUM> formed inside the lumen <NUM>, adjacent the bottom end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The casing groove <NUM> may be configured to receive and secure the power interface set flange <NUM>.

According to an aspect and as further illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the casing <NUM> further includes a casing flange <NUM>. The casing flange <NUM> radially extends from the casing <NUM> and is adjacent the bottom end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The aforementioned casing flange slot <NUM> extends through an upper surface <NUM> of the casing flange <NUM>, such that the buckling element <NUM> of the tubing collar <NUM> can be received and retained therein. When the buckling element <NUM> is positioned in the casing flange slot <NUM>, the lower end <NUM> of the tubing collar <NUM>, in an exemplary embodiment, is adjacent the upper surface <NUM> of the casing flange <NUM>, and the tubing collar <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the casing flange <NUM>. A plurality of casing flange slots <NUM> may be provided, with each slot of the plurality of casing flange slots <NUM> being spaced apart from each other with a pin receptacle <NUM> positioned therebetween. The pin receptacles <NUM> are positioned to respectively align with a corresponding one of the screw fixing holes <NUM> in the pressing block structure <NUM> and the cylindrical protrusions <NUM> from the connector hub <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cylindrical protrusions <NUM> are received within the pin receptacles <NUM> and fasteners <NUM> may be received within the screw fixing holes <NUM> and extend therefrom into the pin receptacles <NUM> within which they are received further within the receptacles <NUM> of the cylindrical protrusions <NUM> and connected thereto, for example, by a threaded connection or other known technique.

With reference now to <FIG>, an exemplary cover plate <NUM> of the support base <NUM> is shown. As previously described with respect to <FIG>, the cover plate <NUM> in the exemplary embodiment is mechanically coupled to the top end <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM> and includes the cover plate hole <NUM> positioned to axially align with the central hollow interior <NUM> of the connector hub <NUM>. The cover plate hole <NUM> may be provided in the cover plate <NUM> to expose the area, including, e.g., the chamber <NUM> including the annular support gap <NUM>, annular support slot <NUM>, and the central hollow interior <NUM> in which the power interface set <NUM> and the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> are received.

The detachable electrical accessory <NUM> may be inserted through the cover plate hole <NUM> and attached to the support base <NUM> as previously described. The exemplary configuration of the support base <NUM> as described with respect to, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>, and the connection end <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> are correspondingly dimensioned (as described further below) to establish an electrical connection upon attaching the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> to the support base <NUM>. For example, the electrical connection may be made when the portion <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory <NUM> is fully received within an axial length of the annular support slot <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an assembly <NUM> including the detachable electrical assembly <NUM> attached to the support base <NUM> is shown, according to exemplary embodiments. The support base <NUM> may be the exemplary support base <NUM> and components as described above with respect to <FIG>, which description is understood to form a part of the exemplary embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, a configuration of the exemplary support base <NUM> includes the power interface set <NUM> and casing <NUM> positioned in the central hollow interior <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>/connector hub <NUM>. The annular support slot <NUM> extends radially from the casing wall <NUM> to the tubular collar <NUM>.

The assembly <NUM> includes a physical and electrical connection between the support base <NUM> and the connection end <NUM> of a detachable electrical accessory <NUM>. In <FIG>, an exemplary connection between the connection end <NUM> and the support base <NUM> is shown in isolation, and the connection end <NUM> may be part of any detachable electrical accessory configured consistently with this disclosure. In <FIG>, the detachable electrical accessory is a reading lamp <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, specifically, in the exemplary assembly <NUM> the connection end <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory includes a hollow cylindrical support tube <NUM> including a tube wall <NUM> having a thickness 'T' and defining a hollow interior <NUM> of the support tube <NUM>. The connection end <NUM> is inserted into the support base <NUM> through the cover plate hole <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the connection end <NUM> that is received within the support base <NUM> extends, without limitation, through the cover plate <NUM> and along a length 'L' from the top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> to a bottom end <NUM> of the annular support slot <NUM>. An open bottom end <NUM> of the support tube <NUM> defines an opening to the hollow interior <NUM>, through which opening the hollow interior <NUM> receives the power interface set <NUM> and the casing <NUM> when the connection end <NUM> is attached to the support base <NUM>.

According to an aspect, the thickness T of the tube wall <NUM> is substantially equal to the width of the annular support slot <NUM> (i.e., the difference between the outer diameter OD1 of the casing <NUM> and the inner diameter ID3 of the tubing collar <NUM>, as described above), such that the tube wall <NUM> fits snugly within the annular support slot <NUM> within which it is secured and supported. The connection end <NUM>, when inserted into the support base <NUM>, passes through the fluted section <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> from the circular receiving portion <NUM> to the circular boundary <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>, and extends past the circular boundary <NUM> to complete the attachment to the support base <NUM>, as described further below. In the exemplary embodiment shown and described with respect to, e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>, the diameter of the circular receiving portion <NUM> is greater than a diameter of the support tube <NUM> at the connection end <NUM> and the diameter of the circular boundary <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> is less than the diameter of the support tube <NUM> at the connection end <NUM>. The diameter of the fluted section <NUM> gradually decreases from the circular receiving portion <NUM> to the circular boundary <NUM>.

In an aspect, as the connection end <NUM> is inserted into the support base <NUM> and passes through the circular receiving portion <NUM> and then the fluted section <NUM>, the connection end <NUM> will, at some point, encounter a portion of the inner end <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> at which a diameter of the fluted section <NUM> is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the connection end <NUM>. As force is applied to push the connection end <NUM> past the baffle <NUM> after contacting the inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>, the support wall <NUM> of the support tube <NUM> overcomes the biasing force of the baffle springs <NUM> and displaces the respective baffle portions <NUM>' towards the corresponding groove walls <NUM>. The opposing force of each baffle spring <NUM> pushes the corresponding baffle portion <NUM>' in the direction from the corresponding groove wall <NUM> towards the central hollow interior <NUM>. In an aspect of the exemplary embodiments, the opposing force from the baffle springs <NUM> maintains an engagement between the inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> and the support wall <NUM> and stabilizes the connection end <NUM>.

The sloped wall <NUM> of the collective inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> or respective inner portions <NUM> of the baffle portions <NUM>' may include any profile consistent with this disclosure or particular applications. For example, the sloped wall <NUM> in the exemplary embodiments is dimensioned to allow the connection end <NUM> to enter the fluted section <NUM> within which the connection end <NUM> may contact and apply a force in the radial direction to the inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM>. The sloped wall <NUM> also provides a portion (i.e., the circular boundary <NUM>) dimensioned to engage the support wall <NUM> after the inner portion <NUM> is displaced. In the same or other embodiments, the sloped wall may include other surface features dimensioned for, without limitation, engaging the support wall <NUM> at multiple positions and/or accommodating structures (e.g., locking structures) on the support wall <NUM>.

With continuing reference to <FIG>, an accessory electrical interface <NUM> including a male connector <NUM> is positioned within the hollow interior <NUM> of the support tube <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> is spaced apart from the open bottom end <NUM> of the connection end <NUM>, by the length L. The power interface set <NUM> also extends axially, in part, along the length L, and the top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> is spaced apart from a position (of the power interface set <NUM>) adjacent to the bottom end <NUM> of the annular support slot <NUM>, by the length L. Thus, the top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the male connector <NUM> when the connection end <NUM> is fully inserted into the support base <NUM> - i.e., when the open bottom end <NUM> of the support tube <NUM> is positioned at the bottom end <NUM> of the annular support slot <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment, a female connector <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> is formed on the top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> of the accessory electrical interface <NUM> and the female connector of the power interface set <NUM> are complementarily dimensioned to mate and form an electrical connection between the power interface set <NUM> and the accessory electrical interface <NUM> when the connection end <NUM> is full inserted into the support base <NUM>. In an aspect, the male connector <NUM> may be a pin contact and the female connector <NUM> may be a pin receptacle, as known in the configuration generally of, for example, RCA connectors, banana plugs, audio jacks, and the like.

The power interface set <NUM> and the accessory electrical interface <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include respective magnetic materials that form a magnetic joint to strengthen the connection between the power interface set <NUM> and the accessory electrical interface <NUM>. The magnetic materials may, in various embodiments, establish the electrical connection or fix a separate electrical connection between the power interface set <NUM> and the accessory electrical interface <NUM>. The power interface set <NUM>, the accessory electrical interface <NUM>, and/or the connection therebetween may additionally or alternatively include a DC electric circuit that may include wired connections.

The type of electrical connection between the power interface set <NUM> and the accessory electrical interface <NUM> is not limited by the disclosure. The electrical connection may be formed by any known technique or componentry for forming a reversible electrical connection consistent with this disclosure.

With reference now to <FIG>, the detachable electrical accessory is a reading lamp <NUM> in an exemplary embodiment of the assembly <NUM>. The reading lamp <NUM> includes a support tube <NUM> having, among other things, a tube wall <NUM> and a connection end <NUM> configured as described with respect to <FIG>. The reading lamp <NUM> attaches to and forms an electrical connection with the support base <NUM> in the same manner as described with respect to <FIG>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, and for the detachable electrical accessories generally, the support tube <NUM> may be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or other similar hard and/or rigid materials consistent with this disclosure.

In the exemplary reading lamp <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the accessory electrical interface <NUM> may be connected to a control board <NUM> installed above the accessory electrical interface <NUM> within the support tube <NUM>. The connection to the control board <NUM> may be, without limitation, via wires <NUM> held in place by a wire pressing block <NUM>. In various aspects, the control board <NUM> for the exemplary reading lamp <NUM> may include a touch sensor unit (not shown) and processing components, drivers, and the like (collectively, "electrical control components"). The touch sensor unit may, for example, sense touch or other tactile or mechanical contact or vibration on the support wall <NUM>, as a control input. The touch sensor and the electrical control components may cooperate to control various functions of the reading lamp <NUM>. The functions may include, without limitation, turning the reading lamp <NUM> on and off and adjusting the brightness of the reading lamp <NUM>. A pressure spring <NUM> may provide support generally for a head support assembly <NUM> securing the accessory electrical interface <NUM>/male connector <NUM> in position within the hollow interior <NUM> of the support tube <NUM>.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of assembling a detachable electrical accessory and a support base, such as the exemplary support base <NUM> and detachable electrical accessory described throughout this disclosure, includes inserting a connection end <NUM> of a support tube <NUM> of the detachable electrical accessory into an annular support slot <NUM> of the support base <NUM>. The exemplary support base <NUM> and detachable electrical accessory (e.g., reading lamp <NUM>) have previously been described and such description is not fully repeated here. Instead, reference is made generally to the above descriptions with respect to <FIG>, where like numerals represent like components and the above descriptions aid in understanding the exemplary method(s).

In the exemplary method, the connection end <NUM> is inserted into an annular support slot <NUM> formed in a chamber <NUM> of the support base <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is defined by a chamber wall <NUM> of a connector hub <NUM> of the support base <NUM>. The annular support slot <NUM> is formed as a gap between a casing <NUM> within which a power interface set <NUM> is positioned in a central hollow interior <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and a tubing collar <NUM> that abuts an inner surface of the chamber wall <NUM>, within the chamber <NUM>. In various aspects, a support wall <NUM> of the support tube <NUM>, at the connection end <NUM>, may have a thickness 'T' corresponding to a width of the annular support slot <NUM> and the method may include inserting the support wall <NUM> into the annular support slot <NUM>. The support wall <NUM> may define a hollow interior <NUM> of the support tube <NUM> and the method may include receiving the casing <NUM> and the power interface set <NUM> within the hollow interior <NUM> as the connection end <NUM> is inserted into the chamber <NUM>. An accessory electrical interface <NUM> may be housed within the hollow interior <NUM> at the connection end <NUM> and the method may include electrically connecting the accessory electrical interface set <NUM> and the power interface set <NUM> by, without limitation, connecting a male connector <NUM> of the accessory electrical interface <NUM> with a female connector <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM>. The accessory electrical interface <NUM> may be positioned within the hollow interior <NUM> at a distance equal to a length 'L' of the connection end <NUM> that is substantially equal to a distance to which a top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> extends axially above a position of the power interface set <NUM> adjacent to a bottom end <NUM> of the annular support slot <NUM>, and the method may include inserting the connection end <NUM> into the chamber <NUM> until an open bottom end <NUM> of the connection end <NUM> is positioned at the bottom end <NUM> of the annular support slot <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the power interface set <NUM> is adjacent and electrically connected to the accessory electrical interface <NUM>.

The method may further include displacing a baffle <NUM>, i.e., an inner portion <NUM> of a baffle <NUM> that extends into the annular support slot <NUM> in an uncompressed state, by displacing the baffle <NUM> with the connection end <NUM> inserted into the annular support slot <NUM>. In an aspect, the connection end <NUM> displaces the inner portion <NUM> of the baffle <NUM> by moving the baffle <NUM> to a compressed state, by compressing baffle springs <NUM> coupled to the baffle <NUM> and biasing the baffle <NUM> towards the central hollow interior <NUM>. In an aspect, the method may include exerting with the baffle springs <NUM> an opposing force, such that the baffle <NUM> engages and stabilizes and/or secures the connection end <NUM> in the annular support slot <NUM>.

The exemplary method may further include installing the support base <NUM> in a furniture item.

This disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatuses as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. This disclosure contemplates, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, the actual or optional use or inclusion of, e.g., components or processes as may be well-known or understood in the art and consistent with this disclosure though not depicted and/or described herein.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an embodiment" and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower" etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be.

As used in the claims, the word "comprises" and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of. " Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that the appended claims should cover variations in the ranges except where this disclosure makes clear the use of a particular range in certain embodiments.

The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description. This disclosure is not limited to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the Detailed Description of this disclosure, for example, various features of some exemplary embodiments are grouped together to representatively describe those and other contemplated embodiments, configurations, and aspects, to the extent that including in this disclosure a description of every potential embodiment, variant, and combination of features is not feasible. Thus, the features of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, and aspects not expressly discussed above.

Claim 1:
A support base assembly (<NUM>) for providing an electrical connection between a detachable electrical accessory (<NUM>) and a support base (<NUM>) in a furniture, comprising:
the support base (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector hub (<NUM>) having a top end (<NUM>), a bottom end (<NUM>) spaced apart from the top end (<NUM>),
and a chamber wall (<NUM>) extending between the top end (<NUM>) and the bottom end (<NUM>) and defining a chamber (<NUM>),
a power interface set (<NUM>) positioned in the chamber (<NUM>), wherein a maximum outer diameter (OD3) of the power interface set (<NUM>) is less than an inner diameter (ID1) of the chamber (<NUM>) such that an annular support gap (<NUM>) is defined between the power interface set (<NUM>) and the chamber wall (<NUM>);
wherein the power interface set (<NUM>) includes a connector (<NUM>) formed on an electrically conductive top end (<NUM>);
characterized in that the support base assembly (<NUM>) further comprises:
a flange (<NUM>) radially extending from the top end (<NUM>) of the connector hub (<NUM>), having an upper surface (<NUM>) comprising a flange groove (<NUM>) with a flange groove wall (<NUM>),
a cover plate (<NUM>) coupled to a top end (<NUM>) of the connector hub (<NUM>), the cover plate (<NUM>) having a cover plate hole (<NUM>) axially aligned with the chamber (<NUM>) and with the power interface set (<NUM>), wherein the connector (<NUM>)formed on the electrically conductive top end (<NUM>) is adjacent the cover plate hole (<NUM>),
wherein a flange slot (<NUM>) formed on an outer edge (<NUM>) of the flange (<NUM>), wherein the cover plate (<NUM>) comprises a fastening mechanism (<NUM>), and the fastening mechanism is mechanically secured within the flange slot (<NUM>) such that the cover plate (<NUM>) is coupled to the flange (<NUM>), and
a baffle (<NUM>) positioned in the flange groove (<NUM>) formed in said upper surface (<NUM>) of said flange (<NUM>); and a baffle spring (<NUM>) positioned between the baffle (<NUM>) and said flange groove wall (<NUM>) of the flange (<NUM>),
wherein the baffle spring (<NUM>) is moveable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state.