Steelcase Inc.

Robert J Doornbos

David A Shipman

Scott H Russell

Thomas R Maas

Edward L Tyler

Timothy H Schipper

Gary P Frantz

Larry D Fox

Larry L Rillema

James L Brandt

Jeffery A Musculus

Steven E Wiersma

Paul P Hausner

A module is provided for communicating utilities to a worksurface or the like from a remote source. The module includes a housing which is pivotally mounted within an aperture in the worksurface. The housing has a hollow interior for receiving one of a plurality of utility connector modules, such as an electrical or communication receptacle. The housing is pivotable between an open position wherein the receptacle is exposed and accessible, and a closed position wherein the receptacle is substantially hidden or retracted. In the preferred embodiment, the housing naturally moves to a closed position so that the receptacles are protected by an upper surface on the housing that is contoured to direct any spilled fluids away from the receptacle when the housing is in the closed position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the receptacles are oriented so that any spilled fluids flow away from the receptacles. Further, the preferred module assembly is constructed to generally set in an aperture in a worksurface panel in a hanging fashion, thus facilitating installation, maintenance and repair.

Worksurface utilities module

Growing community of inventors

Wyoming, MI, United States of America

Robert J Doornbos