The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 27, 1993
Filed:
Jun. 06, 1991
Timothy H Schipper, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Robert J Doornbos, Wyoming, MI (US);
Larry D Fox, Grandville, MI (US);
Gary P Frantz, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Paul P Hausner, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Thomas R Maas, Wyoming, MI (US);
Jeffery A Musculus, Wyoming, MI (US);
Larry L Rillema, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Scott H Russell, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
James L Brandt, Jenison, MI (US);
David A Shipman, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Edward L Tyler, Caledonia, MI (US);
Steven E Wiersma, San Diego, CA (US);
Steelcase Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
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.