PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9635931-B2
Application Number: US-201414274418-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Table with electrical ports

Abstract:
A table having electrical ports for supplying power or data. The table may include one or more port housings having one or more electrical ports disposed on a surface of the port housing. The port housing may be configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the one or more electrical ports may be concealed beneath the top surface of the table. In the second position, the one or more electrical port may be deployed above the top surface table. The table may include a motor coupled to an assembly for rotating the one or more port housings between the first position and the second position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A table comprising:
 a table top surface defining at least one aperture therethrough; 
 a port housing disposed in the aperture and rotatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the port housing comprises:
 a top surface; and 
 a functional surface coupled to the top surface; 
 
 at least one port coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data; 
 a support bar disposed below the table top surface and hidden from view from above the table top surface; 
 wherein the port housing is rotatable about the support bar; 
 wherein the port housing top surface is flush with the table top surface in the closed position; 
 wherein the port housing top surface is immediately adjacent to the table top surface in the closed position; and 
 wherein the port housing top surface and the functional surface are each orientated at a non-zero angle relative to the table top surface in the open position. 
 
     
     
       2. The table of  claim 1 , wherein the port housing defines a through hole and the support bar extends through the through hole. 
     
     
       3. The table of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor and a controller; the controller configured to:
 receive a first signal and a second signal from the at least one sensor; 
 rotate the port housing from the closed position to the open position in response to the first signal; and 
 rotate the port housing from the open position to the closed position in response to detecting the second signal. 
 
     
     
       4. The table of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of port housings disposed in a plurality of apertures defined by the table top surface. 
     
     
       5. The table of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of port housings include at least one pair of port housings;
 wherein the port housings in the at least one pair are disposed in a back-to-back configuration. 
 
     
     
       6. The table of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a plurality of port housings disposed in a plurality of apertures defined by the table top surface; and 
 a plurality of sensors; 
 wherein each port housing is coupled to an individual sensor. 
 
     
     
       7. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to independently rotate each of the plurality of port housings between the closed position and the open position. 
     
     
       8. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to rotate each of the plurality of port housings between the closed position and the open position simultaneously in response to detecting the first signal and the second signal from the at least one sensor. 
     
     
       9. The table of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the port housing top surface extends below the table top surface in the second predefined position. 
     
     
       10. A table comprising:
 a table top surface; 
 a port housing rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the port housing comprises:
 a top surface; 
 a functional surface coupled to the top surface; and 
 a cavity defined by a cavity wall; 
 
 at least one port coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data; 
 a linkage coupled to the cavity wall; 
 a motor and a gear box coupled to the linkage via a drive shaft, the motor, gear box, drive shaft, and linkage configured to rotate the port housing between the first and second positions. 
 
     
     
       11. The table of  claim 10 , wherein the motor, the gear box, and the drive shaft are all located below the table top surface on the side of the port housing adjacent to the functional surface. 
     
     
       12. The table of  claim 10 , wherein the cavity wall includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface oriented at an angle of less than 90° relative to the top surface and the second surface oriented at an angle of less than 90° relative to the functional surface. 
     
     
       13. The table of  claim 12 , wherein the linkage comprises a curved finger slidably attached to the second surface. 
     
     
       14. The table of  claim 13 , wherein a first end of the curved finger is attached to the drive shaft and a second end of the curved finger is attached to the second surface. 
     
     
       15. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the curved finger curves around at least a portion of the port housing when the port housing is in the first position. 
     
     
       16. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the curved finger extends from outside the cavity to inside the cavity. 
     
     
       17. The table of  claim 10 , wherein the port housing defines a through hole;
 wherein the table further comprises a support bar extending through the through hole; and 
 wherein the port housing is rotatable about the support bar. 
 
     
     
       18. The table of  claim 17 , wherein the motor, the gear box, and the drive shaft are all located on the side of the port housing opposite the through hole. 
     
     
       19. A table comprising:
 a table top surface; 
 a port housing configured to be rotated between a first position and a second position, wherein the port housing comprises:
 a top surface; and 
 a functional surface coupled to the top surface; 
 
 at least one port coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data; 
 a motor configured to rotate the port housing between the first position and the second position; 
 a sensor coupled to the table below the table top surface and in communication with a controller and configured to automatically sense an external condition, wherein the controller is configured to:
 detect a first signal and a second signal from the sensor; 
 rotate the port housing from the first position to the second position in response to detecting the first signal; and 
 rotate the port housing from the second position to the first position in response to detecting the second signal. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is movement, and wherein the sensor is a motion sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing motion. 
     
     
       21. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is capacitance, and wherein the sensor is a capacitive touch sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing touch. 
     
     
       22. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is a weight, and wherein the sensor is a weight sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing weight above or below a threshold weight. 
     
     
       23. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is a device state, and wherein the sensor is a device state sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing a device state above or below a threshold value. 
     
     
       24. The table of  claim 23 , wherein the device state is battery life. 
     
     
       25. The table of  claim 23 , wherein the device state is wireless signal strength. 
     
     
       26. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is an RFID signal, and wherein the sensor is an RFID scanner that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing identification information on an RFID card. 
     
     
       27. The table of  claim 19 , wherein the external condition is a barcode pattern, and wherein the sensor is a barcode scanner that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to reading a barcode. 
     
     
       28. A method for deploying electrical ports on a table, the method comprising:
 receiving a first signal from a sensor disposed below a top surface of a table; 
 rotating a port housing from a first position to a second position relative to the top surface of the table in response to receiving the first signal, wherein a top surface of the port housing is flush with the table top surface in the first position, and wherein the port housing top surface is oriented at an oblique angle to the table top surface and at least one electrical port of the port housing is deployed above the table top surface in the second position; 
 receiving a second signal from the sensor; and 
 rotating the port housing from the second position to the first position in response to receiving the second signal. 
 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is a motion sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing motion. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is a capacitive touch sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing touch. 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is a weight sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing weight above or below a threshold weight. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is a device state sensor that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing a device state above or below a threshold value. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 32 , wherein the device state is battery life. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 32 , wherein the device state is wireless signal strength. 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is an RFID scanner that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to sensing identification information on an RFID card. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 28 , wherein the sensor is a barcode scanner that sends at least one of the first signal and the second signal in response to reading a barcode.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to tables with ports for supplying power and/or data to electronic devices. More particularly, the embodiments relate to tables with ports for supplying power and/or data that can be concealed when not in use. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A retailer or other person may desire to provide a table having a power and/or data supply to provide power and/or data to electronic devices. In some cases, the retailer may desire the power and/or data ports hidden from view while not in use. 
     SUMMARY 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance for electronic devices. The retailer may wish to provide tables at these locations to provide a convenient place for people (e.g., customers, salespeople, and technical support personnel) to use the electronic devices. Users in some cases may need power and/or data ports for facilitating operation, testing, and/or technical assistance of the electronic devices. In other cases, power and data ports may not be needed. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a table is provided with power and/or data ports conveniently located at a top surface of the table. When not needed, the table top surface remains as a flat expanse uninterrupted by power and/or data ports, to maximize working surface, where the power and/or data ports are hidden from view. When needed, the power and/or data ports may be made to rise from the table top surface to become accessible to a user. 
     To accomplish this, the retailer may use a table or elements thereof according to embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a table top surface defining at least one aperture therethrough with a port housing disposed in the aperture and rotatable between a first position and a second position. The port housing may include a top surface and a functional surface coupled to the top surface where at least one port is coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data. The port housing top surface may be flush with the table top surface and immediately adjacent to the table top surface in the first position. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a table top surface and a port housing rotatable between a first position and a second position. The port housing may include a top surface, a functional surface coupled to the top surface, a cavity defined by a cavity wall, and least one port coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data. The table may also include a linkage coupled to the cavity wall, a motor and a gear box coupled to the linkage via a drive shaft, where the motor, the gear box, the drive shaft, and the linkage are configured to rotate the port housing between the first and second positions. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a port housing configured to be rotated between a first position and a second position. The port housing may include a top surface, a functional surface coupled to the top surface, and at least one port coupled to the functional surface for supplying power or data. The table may also include a motor configured to rotate the port housing between the first position and the second position, a sensor coupled to the table and in communication with a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a first signal and a second signal from the sensor, rotate the port housing from the first position to the second position in response to detecting the first signal, and rotate the port housing from the second position to the first position in response to detecting the second signal. 
     In some embodiments, a method for reversibly deploying electrical ports on a table includes receiving a first signal from a sensor, rotating a port housing from a first position to a second position relative to a top surface of the table in response to receiving the first signal, receiving a second signal from the sensor; and rotating the port housing from the second position to the first position in response to receiving the second signal. A top surface of the port housing may be flush with the table top surface in the first position, and the port housing top surface may be oriented at an oblique angle to the table top surface and at least one electrical port of the port housing may be deployed above the table top surface in the second position 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows an aerial view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows an aerial transparent view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows a zoomed in view of area A in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an assembly and a port housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an assembly according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a transparent view of an assembly and a port housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly and a port housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly and a port housing according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  shows a table according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top front perspective view of a table showing our new design in a first state. 
         FIG. 18  shows a front view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 19  shows a rear view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 20  shows a left side view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 21  shows a right side view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 22  shows a top view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 23  shows a bottom view thereof in the first state. 
         FIG. 24  shows a top front perspective view thereof in a second state. 
         FIG. 25  shows a front view thereof in the second state. 
         FIG. 26  shows a rear view thereof in the second state. 
         FIG. 27  shows a left side view thereof in the second state. 
         FIG. 28  shows a right side view thereof in the second state. 
         FIG. 29  shows a top view thereof in the second state. 
         FIG. 30  shows a bottom view thereof in the second state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance related to electronic devices. The retailer may wish to provide a table at one or more of these locations to the provide salespeople, customers, and technical support personnel with a convenient place for working with the electronic devices. Moreover, the retailer may wish to provide power and/or data ports on the table surface for conveniently facilitating testing and technical assistance, but may not want these power and/or data ports to interfere with the table&#39;s work surface when not needed. 
     To keep the power and/or data ports on a table surface accessible when needed, but stowed and hidden from view when not needed, the power and/or data ports may be concealed under the table&#39;s surface in a first position and accessible above the table&#39;s surface in a second position. The retailer may further desire that the power and/or data ports be concealed in an inconspicuous manner that does not interfere with the table&#39;s work surface. To accomplish this, the retailer may use a table as described herein, where the power and/or data ports are incorporated into a port housing that rotates up from the table surface to reveal the ports, and rotates down under the table surface to stow the ports and provide a flat working surface. Although this document describes its table in terms of a retailer facilitating use, display, testing, or technical assistance related to electronic devices, the table can be used in any situation where power and/or data is to be provided through ports incorporated in a surface such as, for example, a desk, a floor, a wall, a temporary workstation, or mobile kiosk for electronic devices. 
     A retailer that provides locations for testing and/or technical assistance may further desire that the power and/or data ports automatically move from a concealed position to an accessible position. The automatic movement between the concealed position and the accessible position may be initiated using one or more sensors coupled to a motor. When a specific signal (e.g., hand motion signal, proximity signal, RFID (radio-frequency identification) signal, fingerprint match signal, and/or weight threshold signal, etc.) is detected by the sensor, the motor may move the power and/or data ports between the concealed position and the accessible position. Such signals may be transmitted over a wired network (e.g., as direct electrical signals) and/or a wireless network (e.g., as radio signals). 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-30 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a table  100  for facilitating operation of electronic devices. Table  100  may have one or more port housings  200 , each having one or more electrical ports  206 . As used herein, “electrical ports” encompasses both data ports and power ports. As shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , table  100  may include legs  102  and a table top  104  having a table top surface  106  and a bottom surface  107 . In some embodiments, table top  104  may include a cavity  105  defined by bottom surface  107 . In some embodiments, cavity  105  is defined by bottom surface  107  and a bottom panel  109 . Table  100  may have one or more cross-supports  110  (see  FIG. 4 ) supporting table top  104  and providing structural rigidity to table top  104 . Table top surface  106  may also define one or more apertures  112  therethrough, each for receiving a port housing  200 . Port housings  200  may be configured to rotate between a first position relative to table top surface  106  where electrical ports  206  are concealed within table  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) and a second position relative to table top surface  106  where electrical ports  206  are accessible above table top surface  106  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , port housing  200  includes a top surface  202  and a functional surface  204 . Electrical ports  206  may be disposed on the functional surface  204 . In the first position, shown in  FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 , top surface  202  of port housing  200  is flush with table top surface  106 . To avoid visual or physical interruption in table top surface  106 , in some embodiments table  100  (including port housing  200 ) does not include a bezel or any additional structure around the edges of port housing  200  (i.e., top surface  202  is immediately adjacent to and aligned with table top surface  106 ). In other words, port housing top surface  202  is immediately adjacent to table top surface  106  in the first position. 
     Some conventional tables may include bezels, sheaths, escutcheons, or other edge features around apertures or operative parts stowed within or extending from the table surface. These edge features may interrupt the table top surface both physically and visually, interfering with the free use and visual effect of an otherwise uninterrupted work surface. For example, even the small lip of an escutcheon, bezel, or sheath extending above the table top surface can catch on papers, devices, or other objects being used on the work surface, thus interfering with its free use. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the lack of such edge features surrounding port housing  200  provides a physically and visually uninterrupted table top surface free from clutter when port housing  200  is in the first, stowed position. In such embodiments, electrical ports  206  can be inconspicuously concealed within table  100  and the entire table top surface  106  can be freely utilized when port housings  200  are in the first position. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show side views of an embodiment where top surface  202  is flush with table top surface  106  in the first position,  FIG. 6  being a cross-sectional view showing port housings  200  stowed within table top  104 . As used herein, “flush” refers to top surface  202  of port housing  200  and table top surface  106  sharing the same geometric plane, at least at their edges. In some embodiments, the flush surfaces may be flush within a deviation of +/− 1/16 of an inch, which is generally imperceptible to a casual observer and will not interfere with use of top surface  202  and table top surface  106  together as a smooth, uninterrupted work surface. It can be seen that no portion of port housing  200  extends above table top surface  106 . Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , table top  106  may have a completely flat profile when port housings  200  are stowed in the first position. This allows the entire table top surface  106 , including top surfaces  202  of port housings  200 , to be utilized without interference from irregular surface features. Further, apertures  112  may have a shape (e.g., rectangular) to accommodate a portion of port housing  200  having a corresponding shape. To effect the physically and visually uninterrupted table top surface, port housing  200  may closely fit within aperture  112 . For example, in the first, stowed, position, top surface  202  of port housing  200  may be spaced apart from table top surface  106  by ⅛ of an inch or less (e.g., 1/16 of an inch). 
     In the second position, shown in  FIG. 2 , top surface  202  and functional surface  204  each extend at least partially above and are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to table top surface  106 . In the second position, a user may plug power and/or data plugs into electrical ports  206 . Electrical ports  206  may include any suitable power or data outlet such as, for example, A/C or D/C power, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, mini-USB, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) (e.g., Parallel ATA, Serial ATA), Ethernet (e.g., Cat  5 ), or any other standard or proprietary connection format. 
     In the second position, top surface  202  and functional surface  204  may be oriented at any non-zero angle relative to table top surface  106 . For example, top surface  202  and/or functional surface  204  may be oriented at an angle, such as, but not limited to 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° relative to table top surface  106 . In some embodiments, top surface  202  and functional surface  204  may be oriented at the same angle relative to table top surface  106 . In some embodiments, top surface  202  and functional surface  204  may be oriented at different angles relative to table top surface  106 . In some embodiments, top surface  202  and functional surface  204  may be fixed relative to each other at a nonzero angle; in some embodiments less than 90 degrees. 
       FIGS. 5, 8, and 9  show side views of an embodiment of table  100  when port housings  200  are in the second position. As shown in  FIG. 5 , electrical ports  206  are accessible above table top surface  106 . This allows a user to access electrical ports  206 . In some embodiments table  100  may include at least one cord  108  extending from table top  104  for supplying data and/or power to table  100  and port housings  200 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , table  100  may include four port housings  200 , which may be located on table  100  in pairs. Each pair may include two port housings  200  disposed in a back-to-back configuration. In such a configuration, the two port housings  200  in each pair may be configured to rotate in opposite directions when moving between the first position and the second position. In other words, the two port housings in each pair may be configured to rotate such that their respective functional surfaces  204  face away from each other toward opposite sides of table  100  when in the second position (see, for example,  FIGS. 8-10 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , apertures  112  for receiving port housings  200  may be located between cross-supports  110 . Furthermore, table  100  may include an opening  116  extending across at least a portion of table top  104 . Opening  116  may provide space for allowing port housings  200  to rotate between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, opening  116  may include at least one brush  114 . Brush  114  may be located anywhere in opening  116  for providing an aesthetically pleasing table surface. For example, to hide brush  114  from view, it may be recessed from table top surface  106 . Brush  114  allows additional cords or cables to pass though it and serves to conceal at least a portion of the additional cords or cables below table  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , opening  116  allows a pair of port housings  200  to be located in a back-to-back configuration and allows the pair of port housings  200  to rotate in opposite directions without interfering with each other or with a portion of table top  104 . Opening  116  defines a void between rear sides  207  of port housings, where no portion of table top surface  106  is disposed. As also shown in  FIG. 10 , apertures  112  may include at least one beveled edge  118  extending from table top surface  106  to bottom surface  107 . Beveled edge  118  may facilitate rotation of port housings  200  between the first and second positions by providing space for port housing  200  as it goes through its rotation, and may help maintain reliable positioning of port housing  200  in the second position by acting as a bumper against which a lower portion of functional surface  204  can register to prevent further rotation. 
     Though  FIGS. 1-4  show four port housings  200  located on table  100  in pairs, table  100  could include any number of port housings  200 , arranged in pairs or not. For example, table  100  could include a single port housing  200 , one pair of port housings  200 , or three pairs of port housings  200 . Furthermore, though  FIGS. 1-4  show port housings  200  all aligned in the same direction, table  100  may include port housings  200  aligned in different directions. 
     In some embodiments, table  100  includes at least one sensor module  402  coupled to table  100  and in communication with a controller  404 . Controller  404  is configured to detect signals from sensor modules  402  and control the rotation of port housings  200  between the first and second positions based on the detected signals. In some embodiments, controller  404  may use a processor to perform these detection and control operations. In some embodiments, controller  404  is coupled to a motor  302  (described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 11-15 ) and is configured to control the operation of motor  302  for rotating port housings  200  between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, a sensor module  402  is provided for each port housing  200  located on table  100 . Providing a sensor module  402  for each port housing  200  allows each port housing  200  to be controlled independently. In other words, a single port housing  200  can be rotated from the first position to the second position while another port housing  200  remains in the first position (see, for example,  FIG. 16 ). In some embodiments, table  100  may be provided with a single sensor module  402  for rotating all the port housings  200  at once. Table  100  could be provided with any number of sensor modules  402  in communication with any number of port housings  200 . Furthermore, though  FIG. 4  shows a separate controller  404  for each sensor module  402 , table  100  may be provided with a single controller in communication with all the sensor modules  402 . 
     Types of sensors that may be used in accordance with the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, fingerprint sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors, weight sensors, motion sensors, capacitive touch sensors, device state sensors, and bar code (including quick response (QR) code) scanners. A motion sensor may send a signal in response to sensing the motion of an object, such as a hand. A capacitive touch sensor may send a signal in response to sensing a touch, for example, the touch of a finger. A weight sensor may send a signal upon sensing a weight above or below a threshold weight. A device state sensor may send a signal in response to sensing a certain electronic device state, such as the battery life or the wireless signal strength of an electronic device. An RFID sensor may send a signal upon sensing identification information on an employee&#39;s or technical assistant&#39;s RFID card. A bar code scanner may send a signal upon reading a bar code associated with an employee or technical assistant. 
     Sensors such as fingerprint sensors, RFID sensors, or bar code readers may provide increased security within a retailer&#39;s store. Such sensors would prevent electrical ports  206  from being deployed and accessed by an unauthorized person and could inhibit unauthorized use of power and/or data within the store. In some embodiments, sensor modules  402  may be located on table  100 . For example, sensor modules  402  may be located on table top surface  106 , on bottom surface  107 , and/or on bottom panel  109 . In some embodiments, sensor modules  402  may not be located on table  100 . For example, sensor modules  402  may be located on a wall or chair near table  100 , or other remote locations. 
     An assembly  300  for rotating port housing  200  between the first and second positions according to some embodiments is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIG. 11  shows port housing  200  connected to assembly  300  and  FIG. 12  shows assembly  300  without port housing  200 . 
     Assembly  300  includes a motor  302 , a gear box  304 , and a drive shaft  306  for rotating port housing  200  between the first and second positions. Motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306  are secured to a support block  308 , which is attached to a frame  312 . Drive shaft  306  is attached to support block  308  via bearing  310 , which allows drive shaft  306  to rotate relative to support block  308 . 
     Frame  312  may be attached to bottom surface  107  within cavity  105  of table top  104  via mounting brackets  314 . Frame  312  and mounting brackets  314  may include any type of fastening mechanism to effect this attachment, such as, but not limited to, clamps, screws, adhesive, and welding. Preferably, mounting brackets  314  are adjustable to allow for precise positioning of assembly  300  when assembly  300  is installed on table  100 . Adjustable positioning of assembly  300  ensures that port housing  200  can be properly aligned to ensure that top surface  202  will be flush with table top surface  106  in the first position. Adjustable positioning also allows for adjustments needed to compensate for minor machining and/or assembly errors (e.g. typical dimensional tolerances) in table  100 , port housing  200 , and/or assembly  300 . Frame  312  and mounting brackets  314  may include any type of adjusting mechanism to effect this adjustment, such as, but not limited to, one or more set screws (as shown in  FIG. 11 ), shims, or slotted fasteners. 
     In some embodiments motor  302  may be, but is not limited to, a brushless DC motor having controlled loop feedback. Controlled loop feedback provides an additional safety feature for table  100 . Controlled loop feedback prevents port housings  200  from closing on objects on table top surface  106 , such as a person&#39;s finger or a cord. A motor having controlled loop feedback senses the force required to rotate drive shaft  306 . If this force exceeds a specific limit (e.g., because a person&#39;s finger is blocking port housing  200  from moving from the second position to the first position), the motor stops, and in some embodiments may reverse the rotation of drive shaft  306 . This prevents injury to customers or employees and prevents damage to the components of assembly  300 . Additionally, closed loop feedback prevents a motor from attempting to rotate port housing  200  to the second position when an object (e.g., a laptop) is lying on top of top surface  202 . This prevents stress on the motor and damage to the components of assembly  300 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a linkage  320  couples port housing  200  to drive shaft  306 . Linkage  320  is configured to rotate port housing  200  between the first and second positions in response to rotational movements of drive shaft  306 . In some embodiments, motor  302  and gear box  304  are configured to rotate drive shaft  306  in response to a signal detected from a sensor module  402 . Linkage  320  may include a curved finger  322  having a first end  321  and a second end  323 . First end  321  may include a coupling  330  for attaching curved finger  322  to drive shaft  306 . In some embodiments first end  321  is coupled to drive shaft  306  non-rotatably, so that curved finger  322  rotates along with drive shaft  306 . Second end  323  may include a guide shaft  324  and a guide bearing  326  for attaching curved finger  322  to a cam guide  328 . Cam guide  328  may be attached to port housing  200  and is designed to guide rotation of port housing  200  by curved finger  322 . Cam guide  328  may include a groove  332  for receiving guide bearing  326  that is configured to slide within groove  332 . Upon rotation of drive shaft  306 , and concurrent rotation of curved finger  322 , cam guide  328  raises or lowers port housing  200  through force applied to groove  332  as cam guide slides within groove  332 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , curved finger  322  has a curved shaped generally in the shape of a “C.” “Curved” is used herein to mean that the finger has a first end and a second end separated by a non-linear body along at least one side thereof between attachment points of the finger. The non-linear body may have a continuous curvature or a non-continuous curvature (e.g., formed in part of straight segments each individually having no curvature at all as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14 ). Curved finger  322  is not limited to a “C-shape,” but may have any curved shape, including other curved shapes that curve back upon themselves to form a concave recess along their lengths, including, but not limited to, a U-shape, a J-shape, etc. The shape of finger  322  in  FIGS. 11-15  is exemplary. A curved finger according to embodiments of this invention may take other curved forms in order to perform the functions described herein, including, for example, allowing assembly  300  to be positioned at a front side of housing  200  by extending around interfering portions of table  100 , as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. 
     Assembly  300  may also include a support bar  340  for supporting port housing  200 . Support bar  340  may be attached to frame  312  via a connection  344 . Connection  344  may be a fixed connection or a rotatable connection (e.g., rotatable via a bearing). In some embodiments, assembly  300  includes a single support bar  340  that extends through a through hole  220  extending through port housing  200 . In some embodiments, assembly  300  may include more than one support bar, each of which extend partially into opposite sides of through hole  220 . The use of a single support bar  340  helps equally distribute load along port housing  200  for uniform rotation and consistent alignment. A single support bar  340  also increases the robustness of assembly  300  and prevents racking by reducing the number of parts in assembly  300 . Reducing the number of parts reduces the number of joints between parts, which reduces the number of possible failure points in assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a port housing  200  according to an embodiment in which port housing  200  has the general shape of a triangular prism and is defined by top surface  202 , a rear side  207 , functional surface  204 , and a side wall  205 . Top surface  202 , functional surface  204 , and side wall  205  define the portion of port housing  200  that is deployed above table top surface  106  in the second position. This shape and configuration of port housing  200  allows port housing  200  to appear as a solid block when exposed above table top surface  106 . While  FIG. 11  shows port housing  200  in the shape of a triangular prism, port housing  200  may have other shapes allowing for a flat surface when stowed in the first position. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  is molded or machined from a single block of material. In some embodiments port housing includes multiple pieces fixed together using adhesives and/or mechanical fasteners to form the impression of a solid block when viewed from above the table in either of the first and second positions. Port housing  200  can be made from materials including, but not limited to, wood, metals, plastics, or composite materials. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  includes a cavity  210  behind top surface  202  and functional surface  204 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , cavity  210  may include a cavity wall  212  having a first surface  214  and a second surface  216 . In some embodiments, first surface  214  is oriented at an angle of less than 90° relative to top surface  202 . In some embodiments, first surface  214  is oriented at an angle of 0° relative to top surface  202  (i.e., first surface  214  is parallel to top surface  202 ). In some embodiments, second surface  216  is oriented at an angle of less than 90° relative to functional surface  204 . In some embodiments, second surface  216  is oriented at an angle of 0° relative to functional surface  204  (i.e., second surface  216  is parallel to functional surface  204 ). 
     In some embodiments, second end  323  of curved finger  322  is attached to cam guide  328 , which is attached to second surface  216 . In some embodiments cam guide  328  is attached in the middle half of second surface  216 . In some embodiments cam guide  328  is attached in the middle third of second surface  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , curved finger extends from drive shaft  306  to cam guide  328  and warps around a bottom side  203  of port housing  200  in both the first and second positions. In other words, curved finger  322  extends from drive shaft  306 , around bottom side  203 , and into cavity  210  in both the first and second positions. The shape and configuration of curved finger  322  allows most of the components of assembly  300 , including motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306  to be located on a single side of port housing  200  opposite the axis of rotation of port housing about support bar  340 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306  may all be located on the side of port housing  200  adjacent to functional surface  204 . Arranging motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306  on the side of port housing  200  adjacent to functional surface  204  may be beneficial for various reasons. For example, it allows two port housings  200  to be arranged in pairs in a back-to-back configuration as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 . In this configuration the distance between rear sides  207  of paired port housings  200  may be less than a width of motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306 , measured in the same direction. 
     Also for example, it allows concealment of assembly(ies)  300  underneath table top  104 . Since motor  302 , gear box  304 , and drive shaft  306  can be positioned on the side of port housing  200 , and not below it, these components can be concealed within table top  104 , even when table top  104  has a relatively shallow depth (e.g., 4½ inches). In some embodiments, the thickness of table top  104  is between 3½ inches and 5 inches. This also allows these components to be positioned directly adjacent bottom surface  107 , which helps prevent them from being seen or interfered with by customers or oilier users of the table. Furthermore, in embodiments including bottom panel  109 , this allows these components to fit completely within cavity  105  between bottom surface  107  and bottom panel  109  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). 
     Also for example, the arrangement of assembly  300  and configuration of curved finger  322  creates a compact design that can be installed into an existing table without excess modification of the table. The assembly can be fit into small areas beneath a table that may not interfere with the existing structure of the table. Additionally, curved finger  322  can wrap around existing structures present on bottom surface  107 , such as paneling or electronics. All these features of assembly  300  reduce the amount of modification needed to install assemblies  300  onto existing table designs and reduce the possibility that old table designs would need to be replaced completely for failing to accommodate port housing  200  and assembly  300 . 
     While  FIGS. 13-15  have been described as having a single linkage  320  having a single curved finger  322  and cam guide  328 , assembly  300  may include multiple linkages  320 . For example, assembly  300  may include two linkages  320  each having a curved finger  322  and a cam guide  328 . In such an embodiment, each cam guide  328  may be attached to second surface  216 . Each cam guide  328  may be attached within the middle half of second surface  216 . 
     The operation of assembly  300  according to an embodiment will now be described in reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 .  FIG. 14  shows port housing  200  in the first position with top surface  202  flush with table top surface  106 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , functional surface  204  of port housing  200  is hidden from view within aperture  112  located in table top  104 . In the first position, guide bearing  326  is in a first location within groove  332 . In response to a first signal from a sensor module  402 , motor  302  and gear box  304  rotate drive shaft  306  and port housing  200  is rotated to the second position as shown in  FIG. 15 . Port housing  200  rotates about support bar  340 , thereby causing at least a portion of functional surface  204  to be deployed above table top surface  106 . 
     During rotation of port housing  200  from the first position to the second position, drive shaft  306  forces curved finger  322  upward. As curved finger  322  is forced upward, guide bearing  326  slides within groove  332  to a second location, thereby translating the upward movement of curved finger  322  into the rotational movement of port housing  200 . A hard stop  346  located on support block  308  may be configured to stop the rotation of port housing  200  at specific points corresponding to the first and second positions. This ensures that top surface  202  is always flush with table top surface  106  in the first position. This also ensures that the portion of functional surface  204  deployed above table top surface  106  is the same each time port housing  200  is rotated to the second position. Alternatively or additionally, a limit switch may provide an electrical signal which stops the rotation of port housing  200  at the specific points. 
     When sensor module  402  sends a second signal, motor  302  and gear box  304  rotate drive shaft  306  again, this time in the opposite direction. This causes port housing  200  to return to the first position as shown in  FIG. 14 . During the rotation of port housing  200  from the second position to the first position, drive shaft  306  forces curved finger  322  downward, thereby returning functional surface  204  to its concealed position below table top surface  106 . As curved finger  322  is forced downward, guide bearing  326  slides within groove  332  and returns to the first location within the groove. 
     While the operation depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15  is described as reversibly rotating port housing  200  between two discrete positions, port housing  200  may be rotated to any number of positions in response to sensor signals. For example, functional surface  204  may be deployed at various positions. In other words, motor  302  and gear box  304  may be configured to rotate port housing  200  such that it extends from table top surface  106  at various heights or degrees of rotation. 
     Sensor module  402  may be a sensor configured to sense a value or other criteria based on an external source. Sensor module  402  may also include (physically or by communication therewith) a processor capable of interpreting signals from the sensor and determining whether threshold criteria are met. Sensor module  402  may transmit signals as described elsewhere herein based upon whether such criteria are met. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  may be rotated between the first and second positions in response to a first signal or a second signal from sensor module  402 , where sensor module  402  is a weight sensor. In such embodiments, sensor module  402  may be embedded table top  104  or placed on table top surface  106 . The weight sensor may be configured to send the first signal in response to sensing the weight of an electronic device. For example, the weight sensor may send the first signal when an electronic device, such as a laptop, tablet, or cellphone is placed on the sensor, where the electronic device has a weight above a threshold value. In operation, the weight sensor may send the first signal upon sensing the weight of the electronic device being above the threshold value. In response to the first signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to rotate into the second position as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 14-15 . When the user picks up the electronic device the weight sensor may send a second signal to controller  404  in response to the sensed weight dropping below the threshold value. In response to receiving the second signal, controller  404  may rotate the drive shaft in a second direction, opposite the first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to return to the first position. Controller  404  may wait a specified amount of time, for example 30 seconds, before rotating port housing  200  to the first position. This allows a user to temporarily pick up an electronic device without causing port housing  200  to return immediately to the first position. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  may be rotated between the first and second positions in response to a first signal or a second signal from sensor module  402 , where sensor module  402  is a device state sensor. The device state sensor may be configured to receive a signal from an electronic device received directly through a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth®, or through communication with the electronic device through a network such as the Internet or a local wireless network. The signal received by the device state sensor may be related to, for example, location, battery life, wireless signal strength, and/or the software status (e.g., software out-of-date and/or malfunctioning) of an electronic device. In such embodiments, the device state sensor may be located on, for example, table top surface  106 , bottom surface  107 , a wall near table  100 , the ceiling above table  100 , a chair near table  100 , or other remote locations. 
     In operation, the device state sensor may be configured to sense a device state and send a first signal to controller  404  upon sensing that the device state is below a certain threshold in order to make available power to recharge it. For example, device state sensor may send a first signal to controller  404  when the battery life of an electronic device is below 10%. In response to the first signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to rotate into the second position as discussed, above in reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The device state sensor may send a second signal to controller  404  after the electronic device&#39;s battery is no longer below a threshold level (i.e., after the device is fully charged), after the device is unplugged from an electrical port  206  of port housing  200 , or both. In response to receiving the second signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a second direction, opposite the first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to return to the first position. For example, if a device charges to X % full power and is then unplugged, controller  404  may cause port housing  200  to return to the first position in response to detecting that the device has been unplugged if X % is above the threshold level. In some embodiments, if X % full power is below the threshold level, controller  404  may keep port housing  200  in the second position even after the device is unplugged. In some embodiments, controller  404  may cause port housing  200  to return to the first position in response to detecting that the device has been unplugged regardless of the device&#39;s power level. 
     Also for example, the first signal may be sent to and acted upon similarly by controller  404  in response to a determination that a device&#39;s wireless Internet signal is below (or above) a threshold level as sensed by sensor module  402 , in order to make available (or stow) a network port for Internet access. Also for example, the first signal may be sent to and acted upon similarly by controller  404  in response to a determination that a device&#39;s software is out-of-date (or up-to-date) as sensed by sensor module  402 , in order to make available (or stow) a data port to receive a software update. Also for example, the first signal may be sent to and acted upon similarly by controller  404  in response to a determination that a device is malfunctioning (or operating properly) as sensed by sensor module  402 , in order to make available (or stow) a data port for diagnosing and addressing the malfunction. In some embodiments, the first signal may be sent based on a device state as described herein, in combination with the device location. For example, when criteria for sending the first signal is met with respect to a particular electronic device (as sensed by sensor module  402 ), sensor module  402  may only send the first signal to the controller  404  that controls port housing  200  closest to the electronic device. In some embodiments, controller  404  may cause a port housing  200  to return to the first position upon detecting that nothing is plugged into the electrical ports  206  on port housing  200 . For example, if a user plugs in a data cord to update the software on an electronic device and subsequently unplugs the data cord, controller  404  may cause port housing  200  to return to the first position upon receiving a second signal indicating that the software has been updated and/or upon detecting that the data cord has been unplugged. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  may be rotated between the first and second positions in response to a first signal and a second signal from sensor module  402 , where sensor module  402  is a motion sensor or a capacitive touch sensor. In such embodiments, the motion or touch sensor may be embedded within table top  104 , or located on table top surface  106  or bottom surface  107 , or coupled to a surface of or embedded within a wall or chair near table  100 . The motion or touch sensor may be configured to send a first signal to controller  404  in response to a first motion (e.g., a hand wave motion in front of a sensing element thereof) or a first physical touch (e.g., on a sensing surface thereof). In response to the first signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to rotate into the second position as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The motion or touch sensor may send the second signal when it senses a second motion or touch. In response to receiving the second signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a second direction, opposite the first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to return to the first position. 
     In some embodiments, port housing  200  may be rotated between the first and second positions in response to a first signal and a second signal from sensor module  402 , where sensor module  402  is a barcode (including quick response (QR) code) or radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner. In such embodiments, the scanner may be embedded within table top  104 , or located on table top surface  106  or bottom surface  107 , or coupled to a surface of or embedded within a wall or chair near table  100 . The scanner may be configured to read bar codes or RFID chips associated with a person or device (e.g., store employees, such as salespeople and technical support personnel). The scanner may be configured to send the first and second signals in response to scanning a barcode or RFID chip associated with authorized personnel. In response to the first signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to rotate into the second position as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 14  and  15 . In response to receiving the second signal, controller  404  may rotate drive shaft  306  in a second direction, opposite the first direction, thereby causing port housing  200  to return to the first position. 
     In some embodiments, table  100  may include or may be coupled to various types of sensor modules  402  for rotating port housings  200  between the first and second positions. For example, table  100  may include one or more device state sensors and one or more touch sensors. In such an embodiment, the device state sensors may automatically rotate port housings between the first and second positions in response to receiving device signals, but direct-interaction sensors such as the touch sensors would allow port housings  200  to be rotated as desired by a user. In some embodiments, table  100  does not include a sensor, but operation of motor  302  as described is controlled directly by a physical button or switch, actuation of which takes the place of sending the first and second signals. 
       FIG. 16  shows a table  100  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 16  shows a pair of port housings  200  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. One of the port housings  200  is shown in the first position where top surface  202  is flush with table top surface  106 . The other port housing  200  is oriented in the second position with functional surface  204  deployed above table top surface  106 . As depicted in  FIG. 16 , individual port housings  200  can be rotated independent of each other. Additionally,  FIG. 16  shows that port housings  200  can be arranged in a back-to-back configuration and can be rotated using an assembly  300  according to embodiments described herein without interfering with each other. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140509
Publication Date: 20170502
Grant Date: 20170502
Priority Date: 20140509
Inventors: MANDON KULLY
GREEN CHRISTOPHER M.
SIEGEL JONATHAN P.
WOOD EDWIN
MURPHY ANDREW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A47B2021/068", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B21/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B21/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B21/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/068", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/068", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02G3/185", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02G3/185", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53180879