Patent ID: 12188608

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 at10inFIGS.1and2. There, the system10is founded on a base12, which in this embodiment is oblong, with a raised, elongate central portion and first and second end portions. The base12tapers 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 speaker14has a half frusto-conical shape spanning approximately 180 degrees and is built into the first end portion of the base12, and a second speaker having a half frusto-conical shape again spanning approximately 180 degrees is built into the second end portion of the base12. The first and second end portions of the base12thus act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system10.

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 ofFIG.1, a plurality of grounded power outlets18, in this non-limiting example four, are retained within the central portion of the base12to 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) ports22within each sloped lateral surface of the base12and first and second universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports24disposed within each sloped lateral surface of the base12in parallel with the USB ports22. A power button20is disposed within the plateau of the base12for selectively powering one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system10, such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers14and16and other electrical power. A system ground indicator light26is provided for indicating power and grounding to the system12, and a power surge protector indicator light28is provided for confirming power surge protection to the system12and to connected electronic components.

Looking more particularly toFIG.2, where the lower portion of the system10is illustrated, a central engaging portion30projects a given height distally from the lower surface of the base12for being received into and positively engaging a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture102in a work surface100as shown, for instance, inFIG.6. As shown and described further hereinbelow, fastening apertures32in the base12permit the use of fasteners to retain the system10in relation to the work surface100. In the present embodiment where the base12has an oblong configuration, the central engaging portion30similarly has an oblong peripheral shape. The central engaging portion30has a peripheral outer edge spaced inwardly of the peripheral outer edge of the base12. The fastening apertures32are disposed within inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion30. Power and data cabling64extends from the lower surface of the base12for electrical connection to, for instance, building power supplies and external communication and other electronic connectivity.

As shown inFIGS.1and3, the base12incorporates what can be referred to as an option window75that can be selectively employed to retain connectivity ports. For instance, as inFIG.1, the option window75can be provided as a blank plate without functionality. Alternatively, as inFIG.3, for example, the option window75can be employed to provide connectivity ports comprising local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports34and36. In a similar manner, asFIGS.2and4show, an option bay82is provided on the underside of the base12, in this embodiment within the central engaging portion30. The option bay82permits the provision of electronic connection ports corresponding to the options on the user-facing surface of the base12. For instance, the option bay82can retain electronic ports, such as a local area network (LAN) port38and a high-definition multimedia (HDMI) port40, for electronic connection external to the base12. Within the scope of the invention, the option window75within the upper surface of the base12and the option bay82in the lower surface of the base12can 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 system10depicted inFIGS.3and4, the system10is again founded on an oblong base12that has a raised, elongate central plateau portion and first and second end portions. First and second speakers14and16having half frusto-conical shapes are built into the first and second end portions of the base12to act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system10. Power and data connections are retained by the central portion of the base12. These again include grounded power outlets18and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports22and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports24. Here, however, the system10further incorporates a local area network (LAN) port34and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port36within the option window75in the upper surface of the central portion and corresponding LAN and HDMI ports38and40within the option bay82in the lower surface of the base12for providing external connectivity. A power button20is disposed within the plateau of the base12for selectively powering one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system10, such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers14and16and further electronic aspects of the system10.

As shown inFIG.4where the lower portion of the system10is illustrated, the base12has a central engaging portion30that projects a given height distally from the base12for being received into and positively engaging a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture102in a work surface100. Fastening apertures32in the base12permit the use of fasteners to retain the system10in relation to the work surface100. Like the base, the central engaging portion30has an oblong peripheral shape, and the fastening apertures32are disposed within inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion30. In the present embodiment where the base12has an oblong configuration, the central engaging portion30has an oblong outer periphery corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the base12. Power and data cabling64extends from the lower surface of the base12for electrical connection to, for instance, building power supplies and external communication and other electronic connectivity.

An integrated power supply system10with still further functionality is shown inFIG.5. The system10has an oblong base12again retaining first and second half frusto-conical speakers14. Grounded power outlets18and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports22and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports24are built into the base12as is a local area network (LAN) port34and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port36, again with corresponding LAN and HDMI ports in the lower surface of the base12as previously illustrated for providing external connectivity. A power button20again selectively enables the providing of electrical power to one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system10, such as but not necessarily limited to the speakers14and16.

The integrated power supply system10ofFIG.5further provides telephonic and wireless connectivity, such as through the short range wireless connectivity technology operated under the registered trademark BLUETOOTH. A wireless connectivity button48is disposed within the plateau of the central portion as is a telephone connection button42, a telephone disconnection or muting button50, and volume increase and decrease buttons44and46. The base12additionally retains a microphone port52. Corresponding circuitry for each of the described components is housed within the base12.

According to the practices of the invention, the integrated power supply system10could 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 system10can be mounted in relation to a support structure, such as a work surface100. For instance, the system10can be retained in a corresponding aperture102in a work surface100as inFIG.6. The work surface100could, by way of example and not limitation, comprise a conference table, a desk, or any other work surface100.

With added reference toFIGS.8,9, and20through24, a mounting bracket56is provided for selectively fixing the base12in place in relation to a work surface100. Here, the bracket56is received from an underside of the work surface100to be matingly engaged with the aperture102in the work surface100and the mounting collar54and the central engaging portion30in the base12. The bracket56is operative effectively to clamp the work surface100between the base12to the upper side of the work surface100and the bracket56to the lower side of the work surface100. As illustrated, the bracket56has a wall sized and shaped to closely receive the central engaging portion30of the base12. For instance, where the central engaging portion30is oblong as in the present embodiment, the bracket56can have a wall defining an oblong aperture sized and shaped to receive the central engaging portion30of the base12closely. The bracket56is also sized and shaped with a width to be closely received into the mounting collar54but with a length less than the length of the opening in the mounting collar54and the length of the aperture102in the work surface100so that the base12and the bracket56fixed relative thereto can be selectively positioned along the mounting collar54and the aperture102and then fastened in place.

As best seen, perhaps, inFIGS.8and9, the bracket56in the depicted embodiment has inwardly-extending ears for being received into the inlets in the oblong peripheral shape of the central engaging portion30and outwardly extending ears for overlying the underside of the work surface100adjacent to the aperture102. The inwardly-extending apertures correspond in number and location to the inlets in the central engaging portion30. With that, fasteners can be received through the bracket56and into the apertures in the base12as inFIGS.22through24. Additionally or alternatively, fasteners can be received through the bracket56and into the work surface100as is also shown inFIG.22, for instance. According to embodiments of the invention, therefore, an oblong mounting collar54can be fixed to line an oblong aperture102in the work surface100, and the base12of the system10can then be secured within the aperture102by a reception of the central engaging portion30into the mounting collar54and a fixation of the base12relative to the mounting collar54and the work surface100. The mounting bracket56is thus secured to the base12with the mounting collar54and the work surface100disposed therebetween.

AsFIGS.22and23illustrate, the mounting collar54can have a wall portion with a portion that tapers proximally to distally, and the aperture102in the work surface100can be chamfered at an angle generally corresponding to the taper of the wall tapered wall portion of the mounting collar54. The mounting collar54can thus be closely received into the aperture102in the work surface100. As shown, for example, inFIGS.6and7, the aperture102and the mounting collar54can have a longitudinal opening dimension greater than the length of the base12. As such, the position of the base12within the slot aperture102can be selectively adjusted, such as to provide adjustable spacing within the slot aperture102. The base12can thus be disposed with spacing to the first or second ends of the base12as inFIG.7or with spacing to both ends of the base12as inFIG.6.

As shown inFIG.12, a given work surface100could retain plural integrated power supply systems10A,10B,10nwithin a corresponding plurality of apertures102A,102B,102n. In each instance, although other dispositions are possible and within the scope of the invention, the integrated power supply systems10A,10B,10ncan be disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the work surface100. Alternatively, as is shown in relation to a smaller, round work surface100inFIG.13, a single integrated power supply system10could be selectively and adjustably retained. It is also within the scope of the invention for a single elongate slot aperture102to retain plural systems10in an adjustable manner.

The ability to place the base12selectively in relation to the mounting collar54and within the slot aperture102provides a number of benefits. For instance, selective spacing can permit placing of the base12in greater proximity to a given location along the work surface100. Selective adjustment of the base12in relation to the slot aperture102can also permit spacing for wire management, such as to permit the passage of power and data cords and the like.

An integrated power supply system10with still greater capabilities is shown inFIGS.14through18. There, the integrated power supply system10again has an oblong base12with a raised, elongate central portion and first and second end portions. First and second half frusto-conical speakers14and16, which are built into the first and second end portions of the base12, act as audio outputs for the integrated power supply system10. Power and data connections are retained by the central portion of the base12, again including grounded power outlets18and power and data connectivity ports comprising universal serial bus (USB) ports22and universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) ports24. A local area network (LAN) port34and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port36are disposed within the central portion and corresponding LAN and HDMI ports38and40are disposed in the lower surface of the base12for providing external connectivity. Still further, a memory card slot68is provided in the base12to receive and electronically connect with a memory card that can retain data, software applications, or other electronic items in electronic memory. A power button20within the plateau of the base12selectively powers one or more aspects of the integrated power supply system10.

As can be understood with combined reference toFIGS.14through18, the base12in each of the embodiments disclosed herein can incorporate what can be referred to as an option window75that can be selectively employed to retain connectivity ports. In certain embodiments, as inFIG.16, the option window75can be provided as a blank plate without functionality. Alternatively, as inFIGS.14and15, for example, the option window75can be employed to retain local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports34and36. In a similar manner, asFIGS.17and18show, an option bay82can be provided on the underside of the base12so that, where appropriate based on the options on the user-facing surface of the base12, local area network (LAN) and high-definition multimedia (HDMI) ports38and40and a telephone line port66can be provided for connection external to the base12.

As taught herein, wireless connectivity can be provided through the integrated power supply system10by operation of a wireless connectivity button48disposed within the plateau of the central portion. Telephone connectivity, including via speakerphone, is controlled by a telephone connection button42, a telephone disconnection or muting button50, and volume increase and decrease buttons44and46in cooperation with a microphone port52in the base12. Again, electronic circuitry and electrical wiring for each of the described components is housed partially or completely within the base12.

The embodiment of the integrated power supply system10ofFIGS.14through18further incorporates a detachable electronic command console70. The electronic command console70is operable to control the operation of the base12and the system10in general. The command console70has an electronic display screen72for operating as a graphic user interface with plural user interface controls74that 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 system10. The user interface controls74can be fixed in character, or they can be variable, such as through a menu or other control function. One or more display or status icons76, such as power, connectivity, and time icons76, can be displayed on the display screen72for indicating relevant status conditions, including general status conditions and those particular to the command console70.

As shown inFIG.16, the command console70is detachable from the main base12of the integrated power supply system10. When detached from the base12, the command console70can communicate wirelessly, such as through the protocol offered under the registered trademark BLUETOOTH or otherwise, with the base12and with other electronic devices, including through electronic communication with the base12and potentially directly with the other electronic devices. When received within a corresponding reception bay78in the base12, the command console70can receive power, such as for recharging of an internal power supply, and the command console70can electronically connect with the base12to provide command and control functions by direct electrical connection via electrical contacts80disposed in the reception bay78and on the command console70.

The command console70can thus operate as a handheld, portable control unit. One using the command console70can execute a number of tasks, including managing presentations displayed on a monitor or projector connected by wire or wirelessly to the integrated power supply system10. The display screen72of the command console70can enable the display, control, and operation of computer applications retained in electronic memory, whether in the command console70, in the base12, 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 console70can permit a person, such as a person making a presentation, to use the command console70as 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 screen72of the command console70can further enable the display and operation of alphanumeric buttons as the interface controls74to permit control and operation of the integrated power supply system10as a fully-operational telephone system. Stated alternatively, as disclosed herein, the display screen72can 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 system10with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities.

With additional reference toFIGS.19through24, further wire management can be achieved below the work surface100by use of a wire management system200, such as that disclosed by the present inventor'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 system10, the wire management system200provides enhanced capabilities for below-work surface support and storage for power and communication wires, cables, and accessories.

InFIGS.19and21, for example, first and second integrated power supply systems10A and10B are adjustably received within first and second elongate slots102A and102B in the work surface100. In a display of the utility of the integrated power supply systems10disclosed herein, the first system10A is electrically connected by a cable106to a first electronic device104, which comprises a tablet computer104. The cable106can be operative to provide power and data connectivity between the tablet computer104and the system10A. A second electronic device108, which in this example comprises a smart phone108, is similarly connected to the first integrated power supply system10A by a cable110that can provide power and data connectivity between the smart phone108and the system10A. Still further, a third electronic device112comprising a laptop computer112is electrically connected for power and, additionally or alternatively, data connectivity by a cable114to the second integrated power supply system10B. Also as disclosed herein, it would be possible for one or more of the cables106,110, and114or other wiring connections to bypass the integrated power supplies10A and10B and to pass directly through an aperture102A or102B in the work surface100for wire management and connection below the work surface100.

In any case, by use of the integrated power supply systems10A,10B,10nand the aperture102A,102B,102nprovided therefor, the plural electronic devices104,108, and112can thus be provided with readily available, effective power and data connectivity without a nest of wires crowding the valuable work surface100. Below the work surface100, asFIGS.22and23show, the power and data cabling64exiting the integrated power supply system10and wiring106and115connecting electronic devices104,108, and112themselves can be cradled, organized, and otherwise managed by the wire management system200. As inFIG.24, power and data cabling64, LAN cables38, telephone cables66, and other wiring can be disposed and retained below the work surface100.

As is further described in copending application Ser. No. 16/874,545, the wire management system200can, in certain embodiments, have a flexible cradle214, which can comprise or incorporate a mesh material, that is supported to span below the work surface100by first and second elongate rails218and220that are mounted to the work surface100. In the depicted embodiment, the flexible cradle214comprises a central, elongate mesh portion230that is joined along longitudinal edges with first and second attachment sections232and234. The first and second attachment sections232and234are selectively and removably coupled to the first and second elongate rails218and220by a spline engagement, and the first and second attachment sections232and234are crenelated to have spline segments242separated by spline apertures244. Together, the spline segments242and the spline apertures234permit adjustable attachment of the flexible cradle214while also enabling the interstitial passage of wiring through the apertures234. Wiring exiting the cradle214of the wire management system200can pass within a cable sleeve298, such as to a floor connection300for power and data connectivity.

Making use of an embodiment of the integrated power supply system10, 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 speakers14and16and the electronic communication and connection capabilities provided, for instance, by the universal serial bus (USB) ports22, by the universal serial bus type C (USB-C) ports24, by the local area network (LAN) port34, and by the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port36. 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 system10through the speakers14and16.

The system10can 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 apertures102disposed in a work surface100. Moreover, where incorporated into the system10, the microphone52and speakers14and16can be employed for telephone and online conferencing to provide reliable and robust communication capabilities. Still further, the command console70can enable handheld, plenary control over the integrated power supply system10as a presentation, communication, connectivity, and power supply station. By providing an integrated power supply with audio and electronic communication and connection capabilities, the system10can be mounted in relation to a work surface100to 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 surface100with extra wiring stored beneath the work surface100to enable the surface100to be open and unobstructed.

With certain details and embodiments of the present invention for an integrated power supply system10with 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