Utility interface system

[0002] The present application is related to the following applications (each incorporated by reference herein): U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/093,996 titled “Floor System”, filed Jun. 9, 1998; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/724,298 titled “Floor System”, filed Nov. 28, 2000; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/724,486 titled “Floor System”, filed Nov. 28, 2000.

[0003] The present invention relates generally a utility interface system for use in an office or work environment.

[0004] It is generally known to provide a system for delivering utilities such as power, voice and/or data to devices and equipment within an office or work environment. Such known systems typically provide utility outlets or receptacles for providing access to utilities such as power, voice and data communications. However with such known systems, the position of utility outlets is established during the construction of the work environments (e.g. with utility outlets “hard-wired” within walls and/or floors). Such known systems provide a generally “fixed” arrangement that may be difficult to modify subsequently or may not be well suited to the use in, or the changing needs of, a dynamic work environment. For example, in such known systems extension cords may be used to interconnect devices and equipment requiring passage or cords along floors and walls. Such known systems may also use externally-routed conduit or wire molding along walls and ceilings or within partition panels to route utilities.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a utility interface system providing for selective placement of access to utilities in a work environment. It would also be advantageous to provide a utility interface system that is readily adaptable to change or modification but yet has a relatively minor impact on the permanent structure. It would also be advantageous to provide for a utility interface system having movable modules or units that may be stowed and concealed when utility access is not required and may be activated and deployed when utility access is required. It would be further advantageous to provide a utility interface system where the modules or units may be configured for installation and use throughout the work environment. It would also be further advantageous to provide a utility interface system where the modules or units may be configured for use in association with various articles of furniture in a work environment.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide for a utility interface system providing any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

[0007] The present invention relates to a utility interface system for use in a raised floor system, including a floor panel having an access opening and an upper surface; a compartment configured to fit within the access opening where the compartment has a cover that is substantially flush with the upper surface, and a utilities module adapted to be received within the compartment, where the utilities module can be stored and concealed within the compartment while not in use and the module can be positioned outside of the compartment for use.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a floor system having a plurality of floor panels where at least one panel includes an access opening, a plurality of pedestals adapted to support the panels, a compartment configured to fit within the access opening, and a utilities module adapted to be received within the compartment, where the module can be stored and concealed within the compartment while not in use and the module can be positioned outside of the access opening for use.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility interface system in a work environment according to a first embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a utility interface system in a work environment according to a second embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a utility interface system in a work environment.

[0012] FIG. 3B is cross sectional view of a utility terminal in a work environment taken along line 3B—3B on FIG. 3A according to a preferred embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a first utility interface system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a first utility interface system in various stages of deployment according to a preferred embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view of a first utility interface system taken along line 4C—4C on FIG. 4B, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a first utility interface system in a deployed configuration according to a preferred embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of a first utility interface system in a deployed configuration according to a preferred embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5C is a rear elevation view of a portion of a first utility interface system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5D is a rear perspective view of a portion of a first utility interface system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5E is a cross sectional view of a portion of a first utility interface system taken along line 5E—5E on FIG. 5B, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5F is a cross sectional view of a body for a first utility interface system taken along line 5F—5F on FIG. 5A according to a preferred embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second utility interface system according to an alternative embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a second utility interface system taken along line 7—7 on FIG. 6, according to an alternative embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second utility interface system in a deployed configuration according to an alternative embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second utility interface system in a deployed configuration in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another utility interface system according to an alternative embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further utility interface system according to an alternative embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the utility interface system of FIG. 10 in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the utility interface system of FIG. 11 in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a work environment 10 is shown according to a preferred embodiment. Work environment 10 may include one or more work areas 12 that may contain one or more workstations 14. Work environment 10 includes a raised floor system 16 that provides a floor surface 18 for supporting a variety of items useful in a work environment. The floor system may be of any type configured to provide a raised floor having floor tiles (e.g. floor sections, panels, etc.) supported by pedestals above a base sub-floor. (Exemplary arrangements of a floor system are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/093,996 titled “Floor System” which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/724,298 titled Floor System” which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/724,486 titled “Floor System” which is incorporated herein by reference.) Raised floor 16 includes interchangeable floor tiles or panels 20 or 22 having an upper surface (e.g. outward surface) and a lower surface and access openings 28 or 30 (e.g. cutaways, apertures, etc.). As shown in the FIGURES, a utility interface system installed in (or otherwise associated with) floor system 16 provides for access to utilities (e.g. power, voice, data, etc.).

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a utility interface system 40 (e.g. terminal, etc.) is shown in a work environment including an article of furniture (e.g. a furniture unit shown schematically as a mobile table 32 providing a worksurface 33) and appliances (shown schematically as a computer 35, a personal digital assistant 37 with station 39 and a lamp 38). Utility interface system 40 is installed within a compartment within floor system 16 (see FIG. 4A). As shown in FIGS. 1, 4B and 5A, utility interface system 40 may be stowed within the floor system or deployed from the floor system for use (e.g. to allow access and/or interconnection of one or more appliances or other equipment or devices to power and/or voice and/or data sources or networks). When stowed, the utility interface system is generally level or “flush” with the surface of the floor provided by the floor system.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 5F, utility interface system 40 includes a base 44 and a body 46 (e.g. cover panel, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, base 44 is installed within a recess or access opening 28 in floor system 16. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, base 44 includes tabs 48 which may be rotated by a key or latch mechanism 50 shown schematically in FIGS. 4B, 5A and 5B to engage corresponding slots 52 shown schematically in FIG. 4A within panels or tiles 20 of the floor system to retain and secure base 44 to the floor system. Alternatively, tabs 50 may be configured to engage an underside of floor panel 20. As shown in FIG. 4B, body 46 is coupled to base 44 (e.g. by a hinge mechanism 54 shown schematically in FIGS. 4B and 5A) for pivoting movement between a stowed position and a plurality of fully deployed positions. Body 46 includes a compartment or pocket for housing a module 58 which is configured for translating movement between a stowed position and a fully deployed position. Body 46 and module 58 have a depth suitable for containing a variety of power, voice or data connection devices shown schematically in FIG. 5A as electrical outlet 90 and data connection outlet 94, but can be any suitable device for reception or transmission of power, voice and data signals including wireless technologies (such as infrared, RF, Bluetooth™ systems, etc.). The power, voice and data connection devices are connected to utility carriers such as wires or cables (not shown) that may include a harness or other bundling device and a quick-disconnect junction or connection device (not shown) for selectively relocating utility interface system 40 in a variety of locations within the work environment. Module 58 includes a handle 60 which is configured to fit over a cap 62 within base 44 and provide a flush floor surface when module 58 is in the stowed position. Body 46 also includes a stand 64 (e.g. with a pivoting coupling 66 shown schematically in FIG. 5B). Base 44 also includes a track 68 with a set of slots 70 which engage the bottom of stand 64 to secure body 46 in any of a set of designated deployed positions (see, e.g., FIGS. 5B and 5E) and a recess 72 allowing stand 64 to retract fully when body 46 is in the stowed position. Body 46 provides a set of guides 74 which define a path of travel corresponding to grooves 76 on module 58 (see FIGS. 5D and 5F). Body 46 also provides a stop 80 which engages tabs 82 on module 58 when module 58 is in the fully deployed position (see FIG. 5C). As shown schematically in FIG. 5D, a catch 84 (e.g. a spring-biased button or the like) is provided to retain module 58 in both the fully deployed position (e.g. on the upper surface 47 of body 46) and in the stowed position (e.g. within an aperture or recess 86).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, a utility interface system 100 (e.g. terminal, etc.) is shown according to an alternative embodiment. Utility interface system 100 is installed within an access opening 30 in floor system 16 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, utility interface system 100 may be stowed within floor system 16 or deployed from the floor system for use (e.g. to allow access and/or interconnection of one or more appliances or other equipment or devices to power and/or voice and/or data sources or networks). When stowed, the utility interface system is generally level or “flush” with the surface of the floor provided by floor system 16.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, utility interface system 100 includes a base 102 providing a body 104 having a compartment or pocket for housing a removable module 106. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 through 9, base 102 is installed within a recess or opening 30 in floor system 16. Body 104 is coupled to base 102 (e.g. by a hinge mechanism 108 as shown schematically in FIG. 6) for pivoting movement between a stowed position in which body 104 is generally level (or “flush”) with the floor and a fully deployed position in which body 104 is lifted from the floor and access to removable module 106 is provided (see FIG. 7). Removable module 106 communicates with body 104 through a utility carrier shown schematically as a flexible wire or cable 110. Cable 110 may be routed beneath floor system 16 from a utility supply source (not shown) to any desired utility interface system location in the floor system. As shown schematically in FIGS. 6 through 8, a floor covering 112 (e.g. a carpet tile or cover or the like) having a flap 114 may be installed over utility interface system 100. Body 104 includes aperture 118 for allowing passage (e.g. extension or retraction) of cable 110 when module 106 is moved between the stowed and deployed positions. Removable module 106 includes an interface shown schematically as a hook 120 that is accessible through a notch 122 in body 104 to facilitate access and removal of module 106 from body 104. Body 104 may be returned to the stowed position in panel 22 following deployment of module 106 by lowering body 104 into base 102 to provide a smooth floor surface. Cable 110 may extend from beneath floor system 16, through aperture 118 and notch 122 and through one or more slits 116 in flap 114 to allow unobtrusive passage of cable 110 when module 106 is in the deployed position (e.g., laying on the floor, hanging or suspended from an article of furniture such as a desk, etc.) and body 104 is returned to the stowed position.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, a utility interface system 150 is shown according to an alternative embodiment. Utility interface system 150 is installed within an access opening 30 in floor system 16 and includes one or more removable modules 156 that may be stowed within floor system 16 or deployed from floor system 16 for use. A cover 152 is provided having one or more apertures 154 along its peripheral edges to allow passage of a cable 158 and covering of access opening 30. Cover 152 is removable to allow access to module 156 as shown in FIG. 12, cable 158 may have a plug or connector 159 that engages an outlet or interface within access opening 30; when stowed, module 156 rests on base 151 of access opening 30. (The cover is typically level or “flush” with the surface of the floor). Module 156 is connected by cable 158 to an under-floor utility distribution system (not shown) that may be within panel 22 or run beneath panel 22. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, cable 158 is semi-rigid and repositionable, for example constructed of a resilient cable material, a spiral-wound material, or any other suitable material for providing flexibility and structural rigidity for adjustably positioning the location of the module in any of a variety of fixed free-standing positions while maintaining support of module 156. In use, the module may selectively or alternatively be placed directly on a floor or placed on, suspended from, affixed to, or otherwise associated with an article of furniture.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, utility interface system 170 is shown according to an alternative embodiment. Utility interface system 170 is installed within an access opening 30 in floor system 16 and includes one or more removable modules 176 that may be stowed within floor system 16 or deployed from floor system 16 for use. Module 176 may be connected to a cable 186 for delivering utility access from a utility distribution system (not shown) located beneath floor system 16. Utility system 170 includes a support assembly 178 (e.g. support frame, bracket, etc.) having a base frame 180 and one or more braces or legs 182. Base frame 180 and legs 182 may be pivotally mounted (e.g. by a hinge) to access opening 30 or may be removably inserted into apertures provided in ledges or tabs 188 extending outward from the perimeter of access opening 30 beneath cover 184. According to an alternative embodiment, the base frame may be detachably mounted within the access opening 30 or other suitable structure on floor panel 22 using any suitable mounting configuration for rapid installation during system deployment and convenient removal and storage beneath floor system 16 in the stowed position. A cover 184 is configured to cover access opening 30. According to any preferred embodiment, module 176 is removably attachable to base frame 180. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, base frame 180 may have contours such as bends 181 configured to form a slot 183 and module 176 may have a co-acting projection for slidably coupling the module to the base. According to other exemplary embodiments, the module may be coupled to the base frame by any other suitable connecting structure (e.g. by a snap-fit, rotating lock tabs, etc.).

[0037] According to any preferred embodiment, the utility interface system may be coupled to or otherwise associated with an article of furniture. As shown in FIG. 2, utility interface system 100 provides a removable module 106 that can be attached to or supported on worksurface 33 provided by table 32 (e.g. through a support or post 36 on table 32 that engages an interface or hook 120 on module 106) as shown in FIG. 9, utility interface system 100 provides a removable module 106 that is supported on worksurface 33 of table 32. As shown in FIG. 8, utility interface system 100 is supported on the surface of floor panel or tile 22 provided by floor system 16. According to an alternative embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 3A and 3B, utility interface system 100 may include a module 144 configured for selective attachment to, or otherwise associated with, an article of furniture (for example, by an integral “C” shaped channel with a compliant “grip” 142 or clamp or other device or arrangement).

[0038] According to any preferred embodiment, the utility interface system will provide terminations or connections for utilities, for example, in the form of one or more outlets or “jacks” for utility carriers (e.g. electric cords, network or data connections, telephone lines, etc.); according to alternative embodiments, the utility interface system may also provide indicators (e.g. status lights) or power conditioning or protection (e.g. surge protection, circuit breakers, fuses or the like). For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 3A, module 140 provides indicator lights 148 and outlets for power connection 144 to a docking cradle 39 (of a type for a cellular or portable telephone or a personal digital assistant) and to a desk lamp 38, a data connection 146 for a computing device (shown as a notebook computer 35), and voice (or data) connections and a power connection to a telephone 41. As shown schematically in FIGS. 5A and 8, modules 58 and 106 may provide conventional electric outlets 90 for an electric cord 92 (shown in phantom lines) and conventional voice/data outlets 94 for a telephone or data cable 96 (shown in phantom lines). It should be noted that according to alternative embodiments of the utility interface system, any of power or voice or data connections suitable for wired or wireless technology may be provided, as well as various combinations of power and/or voice and/or data connections.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments, the utility interface system is stowed within the floor system and deployed from an opening in the raised floor so that utilities may be passed from beneath the raised floor into the work environment above the raised floor. According to any preferred embodiment, the openings may have any suitable shape or size for accommodating a utility interface system. Opening 28 shown in FIG. 1 has an elongated oval shape; opening 30 as shown in FIG. 2 has a rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 3A, openings 28 or 30 may be within a single floor tile or may be between adjacent floor tiles (as shown in FIG. 1). According to alternative embodiments, the utility interface systems may be similarly configured for installation in an article of furniture or other surface such as a partition, wall or ceiling to provide increased flexibility in creating a utility access pattern in a work environment.

[0040] The utility interface systems may be installed at desired locations in the floor system throughout the work area to accommodate the utility needs of one or more workstations and associated workers. An access pattern for the utility interface systems may be created by selective arrangement of the floor panels. The modular nature of the utility interface systems in conjunction with the interchangeable floor panels of the floor system permit customization of the utility interface system and the access pattern to utilities to support improved layout concepts and space utilization designs for increasing the productivity, safety and aesthetic appeal of the work area or the workstation. The floor system may be provided with “blank” covers (such as covers 29 shown schematically in FIG. 1) to cover access openings where utility interface systems are not currently installed. The location of the utility interface systems may be subsequently reconfigured by rearranging the floor panels, covers, and utility interface systems to suit the changing needs of a work environment.

[0041] Referring to the FIGURES, workstation 14 may include a variety of items for performing work, including articles of furniture such as table 32 having worksurface 33 with a projecting ledge 34, hangers 36 (e.g. pegs, hooks, etc.) and wheels, but may also include tables, desks, chairs, benches, cabinets, files, shelves, etc. Articles of furniture (such as table 32) may be designed for stationary use or may contain mobility features (e.g. rails, tracks, rollers, hangers, etc.—not shown) for reconfiguring the layout of the workstation. Workstation 14 may also include a wide variety of other communication, computing, data processing, and display devices, etc. that require access to utilities. Appliances may be freestanding or contained on or within an article of furniture. Any preferred embodiments of a utility interface system will be configured to enhance the level of accessibility to utilities within the work environment while reducing the difficulties and potential hazards posed by the traditional need to run long utility carriers throughout a work area.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment of the utility interface system shown in FIG. 4A, tabs 48 may be outwardly fixed at one end of base 44 and maneuvered into opening 28 first, then base 44 may be completely inserted into opening 28 and then tab 48 at the opposite end may be activated to engage slots 52 or the underside of floor tile 20. Handle 60 may be used to upwardly rotate body 46 through a range of zero (0) degrees to ninety (90) degrees about a hinge 54, whereby handle 60 may be pulled to extend module 58 from body 46 into an access position, or handle 60 may be pushed to retract module 58 within body 46 when utility access is no longer desired.

[0043] In other alternative embodiments aperture 86 may include additional apertures (not shown) for securing module 58 within body 46 at various partially-extended positions. Latch 84 may have a beveled surface for smooth and slidable engagement with aperture 86 to facilitate extension and retraction of module 58. Furthermore, body 104 may be provided without a hinge, whereby body 104 may be directly inserted and withdrawn from opening 30 in its entirety. Utilities carrier 110 may be provided with a selectively locking take-up reel (not shown) beneath floor system 16 for convenience in returning module 106 to the stowed position.

[0044] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the utility interface system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, the utility interface system may be adapted for use in walls, partition panels, or ceilings in a wide variety of applications including office spaces, data processing rooms, commercial, residential, retail and public facilities, etc. Further, the utility carriers and ports included on the utilities modules may include or accommodate wireless communication technology (including but not limited to infrared, satellite and RF). Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.