Office furniture abstract
A modular powerway is provided for electrifying office furniture
units and the like, such as freestanding partition panels, systems
furniture elements, and modular furniture units of the type having
a utility raceway associated therewith. The powerway includes a
housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office
furniture unit and electrical conductors mounted in the housing.
At least one power tap or receptacle supplies electrical power from
the powerway to electrical appliances, such as computers, typewriters
and other similar devices. A power terminal is mounted in one end
of the housing, and includes a set of quick-disconnect power connectors.
A flexible flag connector has one end mounted in the opposite end
of the housing, and includes a flag terminal at its free end with
a set of quick-disconnect power connectors that separably mate with
the quick-disconnect power connectors on the power terminal of an
adjacent powerway to electrically interconnect the powerways.
Office furniture claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property
or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. In a freestanding office furniture system of the type having
a plurality of individual furniture units interconnected side-by-side
in a predetermined orientation, and wherein each of said furniture
units includes a utility raceway therethrough accessible at opposite
sides of said furniture unit, the improvement of a modular powerway
comprising:
an elongated housing received within the utility raceway of an
associated one of said furniture units, and including first and
second ends thereof positioned adjacent opposite ends of said utility
raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect
power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly
configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance
on the same side of said powerway;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected
with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with
the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on
said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either
in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected
by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on said flag terminal
of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors
on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.
2. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said powerway includes a second flexible flag connector having
one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said first
end thereof, and a second flag terminal mounted on the opposite
end of said second flag connector; said second flag terminal including
a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected
with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with
the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on
said power terminal for branching.
3. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 2 wherein:
said first and second-named flag connectors on said powerway face
in opposite directions for connection with opposite sides of said
powerway.
4. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 3 wherein:
said first and second-named flag connectors on said powerway are
coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent
powerways for electrical interconnection.
5. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 4 wherein:
said powerway includes a parking member positioned adjacent the
second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon
for storage one of said flag terminals.
6. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 5 wherein:
said powerway includes a second parking member positioned adjacent
the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named
parking member; said first and second-named parking members being
disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally
apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag
terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either
in-line or angular relationships.
7. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 6 wherein:
said first-named flag terminal on said powerway has a generally
L-shaped plan configuration, and faces in a direction opposite to
the direction in which the first and second sets of quick-disconnect
power connectors on said power terminal face to facilitate interconnecting
the same.
8. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 7 wherein:
said second-named flag terminal on said powerway is adapted to
mate with one of said first and second sets of quick-disconnect
connectors on said power terminal of the same powerway to retain
said second-named flag connector in a storage position.
9. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 8 wherein:
said powerway includes a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said
housing adjacent said second end thereof, and having a set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical
conducting means.
10. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 9 wherein:
said power tap on said powerway includes a set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors on said receptacle-only terminal to separably electrically
interconnect the same.
11. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 10 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical
conducting means, and shaped to mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors on said power tap to separably electrically interconnect
the same.
12. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 11 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect
power-in connectors electrically connected with said electrical
conducting means, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including
a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors
which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to
supply electrical power to said powerway.
13. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 12 wherein:
said quick-disconnect power-in connectors on said powerway are
offset inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
on said power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in
module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.
14. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 13 wherein:
said powerway receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out
which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.
15. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 14 wherein:
said powerway power terminal is coded with indicia similar to said
indicia on said second-named flag connector.
16. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 15 wherein:
said powerway receptacle-only terminal is coded with indicia similar
to said indicia on said first-named flag connector.
17. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 16 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical
connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said
first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
power terminal.
18. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 17 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect
auxiliary connectors, electrically connected with said electrical
connecting means, and positioned on the same side of said panel
as said power-in connector.
19. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 18 wherein:
said powerway receptacle-only terminal includes a second set of
quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with
said electrical connecting means, configured similarly to and facing
opposite said first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
on said receptacle-only terminal.
20. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said flag connector and said power terminal of said powerway are
coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent
powerways for electrical interconnection.
21. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said powerway includes a parking member positioned adjacent the
second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon
for storing one of said flag terminals from an adjacent powerway.
22. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 21 wherein:
said powerway includes a second parking member positioned adjacent
the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named
parking member; said first and second-named parking members being
disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally
apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag
terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either
in-line or angular relationships.
23. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said powerway includes a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said
housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a set of
quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with
said conductor means.
24. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 23 wherein:
said powerway power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
on said receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect
the same.
25. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors thereon; and
said powerway power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
on said power terminal to removably electrically interconnect the
same.
26. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 25 wherein:
said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect
power-in connectors, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including
a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors
which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to
supply electrical power to said powerway.
27. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 26 wherein:
said quick-disconnect power-in terminals on said powerway are offset
inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in
module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.
28. An office furniture system as set forth in claim 27 wherein:
said receptacle-only terminal on said powerway includes a keyed
lock-out which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.
29. A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like
of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent
opposite sides of the office furniture unit, the improvement of
a modular powerway, comprising:
an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway
of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends
thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of said
utility raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect
power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly
configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance
on the same side of said powerway;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected
with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with
the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on
said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either
in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected
by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on said flag terminal
of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors
on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.
30. A powerway as set forth in claim 29 including:
a second flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly
mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including
a second flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said second
flag connector; said second flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect
power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect
power connectors on said power terminal for branching.
31. A powerway as set forth in claim 30 wherein:
said first and second-named flag connectors face in opposite directions
for connection with opposite sides of said powerway.
32. A powerway as set forth in claim 31 wherein:
said first and second-named flag connectors are coded with different
indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for
electrical interconnection.
33. A power way as set forth in claim 32 including:
a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing,
and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said
flag terminals.
34. A powerway as set forth in claim 33 including:
a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said
housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member;
said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the
same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart
a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals
thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or
angular relationships.
35. A powerway as set forth in claim 34 wherein:
said first-named flag terminal has a generally L-shaped flag configuration,
and faces in a direction opposite to the direction in which the
first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said
power terminal face to facilitate interconnecting the same.
36. A power way as set forth in claim 35 wherein:
said second-named flag terminal is adapted to mate with one of
said first and second sets of quick-disconnect connectors on said
power terminal of the same powerway to retain said second-named
flag connector in a storage position.
37. A powerway as set forth in claim 36 including:
a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said
second end thereof, and including a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means.
38. A powerway as set forth in claim 37 wherein:
said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect
the same.
39. A powerway as set forth in claim 38 wherein:
said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and shaped to mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
on said power tap to removably electrically interconnect the same.
40. A powerway as set forth in claim 39 wherein:
said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in
connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors define a power-in connector; and including
a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors
which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to
supply electrical power to said powerway.
41. A powerway as set forth in claim 40 wherein:
said quick-disconnect power-in connectors are offset inwardly from
the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal
to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without
increasing the overall thickness of said panel.
42. A powerway as set forth in claim 41 wherein:
said receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out which prevents
connecting said power-in module therewith.
43. A powerway as set forth in claim 42 wherein:
said power terminal is coded with indicia similar to said indicia
on said second-named flag connector.
44. A powerway as set forth in claim 43 wherein:
said receptacle-only terminal is coded with indicia similar to
said indicia on said first-named flag connector.
45. A powerway as set forth in claim 44 wherein:
said power terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors electrically connected with said electrical connecting
means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said first-named
set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal.
46. A powerway as set forth in claim 45 wherein:
said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect auxiliary
connectors, electrically connected with said electrical connecting
means, and positioned on the same side of said panel as said power-in
connector.
47. A powerway as set forth in claim 46 wherein:
said receptacle-only terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect
receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical
connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said
first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
receptacle-only terminal.
48. A powerway as set forth in claim 29 wherein:
said flag connector and said power terminal are coded with different
indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for
electrical interconnection.
49. A powerway as set forth in claim 29 including:
a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing,
and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said
flag terminals from an adjacent powerway.
50. A powerway as set forth in claim 49 including:
a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said
housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member;
said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the
same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart
a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals
thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or
angular relationships.
51. A powerway as set forth in claim 29 including:
a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said
second end thereof, and including a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors electrically connected with said conductor means.
52. A powerway as set forth in claim 51 wherein:
said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect
the same.
53. A powerway as set forth in claim 29 wherein:
said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors thereon; and
said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors
which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said
power terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.
54. A powerway as set forth in claim 53 wherein:
said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in
connectors, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle
connectors define a power-in connector; and including
a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors
which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to
supply electrical power to said powerway.
55. A powerway as set forth in claim 54 wherein:
said quick-disconnect power-in terminals are offset inwardly from
the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal
to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without
increasing the overall thickness of said panel.
56. A powerway as set forth in claim 55 wherein:
said receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out which prevents
connecting said power-in module therewith.
57. In an office furniture unit of the type having a utility raceway
therethrough accessible at opposite sides thereof, the improvement
of a modular powerway comprising:
an elongated housing received within the utility raceway of said
office furniture unit, and including first and second ends positioned
in adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect
power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly
configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance
on the same side of said powerway;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected
with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with
the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on
said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either
in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected
by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on the flag terminal
of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors
on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.
58. A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like
of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent
opposite sides of said powerway, said powerway comprising:
an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway
of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends
thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the
utility raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including first and second power connectors electrically
connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and
second power connectors being configured similarly, and disposed
on one side of said powerway in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship
to define an inboardmost one of said first and second power connectors,
and an outboardmost one of said first and second power connectors;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway,
electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and
adapted to mate with the first and second power connectors on said
power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways are electrically interconnected
by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway
with the inboardmost of said first and second power connectors on
the power terminal of an adjacent powerway when said panels are
oriented in an in-line relationship, and with the outboardmost of
said first and second power connectors on the power terminal of
an adjacent powerway when said panels are oriented in an angular
relationship.
59. A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like
of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent
opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising:
an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway
of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends
configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility
raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including power connectors electrically connected with
said electrical conducting means;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway;
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power
terminal, whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected
by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway
with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent
powerway; and
a pair of parking members positioned adjacent one of the first
and second ends of said housing; said parking members being spaced
longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of
said powerway, and being shaped to detachably mount thereon for
storage one of said flag terminals when adjacent said powerways
are in either in-line or angular relationships.
60. A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like
of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent
opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising:
an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway
of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends
configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility
raceway;
means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between
opposite ends of said powerway;
a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end
thereof, and including power connectors positioned on one side of
said powerway and electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means;
a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting
means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway;
a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted
in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including
a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector
and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including
power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway,
electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and
adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power terminal,
whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected
by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway
with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent
powerway; and
a parking member positioned adjacent one of the first and second
ends of said housing, and shaped to detachably mount thereon for
storage one of said flag terminals.
Office furniture description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the electrification of office
furniture and the like, and in particular to a modular powerway
therefor.
Open office plans are well known in the art, and generally comprise
large, open floor spaces that are divided off into individual offices
or workstations. Several different furniture arrangements are presently
available to divide up open office space, including partition panels,
systems furniture, and modular furniture.
Such office furniture is preferably capable of being electrified
in some fashion, so as to provide electrical power at the various
workstations for computers, typewriters, dictating equipment, and
other electrical appliances. To facilitate electrification, many
office furniture units include a utility raceway associated therewith,
in which a wiring system is housed.
Many different wiring systems for such office furniture units are
currently available. Examples of some of these wiring systems are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4429934; 4060294; 4278834; 4382648.
Office furniture wiring systems employ different techniques and
arrangements to conduct electrical power through the office furniture
units, and to electrically interconnect adjacent office furniture
units. Convenience and versatility in both in-line and branched
configurations are important design considerations, as well as electrical
integrity, durability and overall safety.
Since the space inside the utility raceways is typically limited,
compact wiring systems, which can fit into existing furniture units
are particularly advantageous. Also, the ability to be compatible
and electrically connectable with present wiring systems provides
improved versatility, and greatly facilitates furniture installation
and reconfiguration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a modular powerway
arrangement for electrifying office furniture and the like, which
includes a mating power terminal and flag connector system that
reduces the number of separate parts and separable connectors in
the powerway, so as to achieve improved electrical integrity, reliability,
durability and safety. The powerway is configured so as to fit into
the utility raceway of existing office furniture units, and to electrically
connect with the same, thereby achieving total compatibility, and
permitting retrofitting. The powerway is very versatile, adapted
to electrically interconnect office furniture units in either an
in-line, "L," "T," or "X" configuration.
The powerway is adapted to be quickly and easily installed in the
office furniture unit, is efficient in use, economical to manufacture,
capable of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted
for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood
and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the
following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a modular powerway
embodying the present invention, taken from one side thereof, and
wherein various receptacles and electrical accessories are shown
in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the powerway, taken
from the opposite side thereof, and with the receptacles and accessories
shown in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the powerway and an associated
partition panel shown in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a fastener mounting one
end of the powerway in the partition panel.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a fastener mounting the
opposite end of the powerway in the partition panel.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the powerway and the partition
panel shown in an assembled condition.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the powerway and partition panel
in the assembled condition, and wherein opposite flag connector
portions of the powerway are shown in a folded storage position
with opposite base cover panels exploded away.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of one side of a
power terminal portion of the powerway.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the power terminal, shown
with a triplex receptacle, a duplex receptacle, and a flag connector
in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the power terminal shown
in FIG. 9 wherein the triplex receptacle, the duplex receptacle,
and the flag connector are shown in an assembled condition.
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the opposite
side of the power terminal.
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the power terminal,
shown with a duplex receptacle, a power-in module, and a flag connector
in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the power terminal shown
in FIG. 12 wherein the duplex receptacle, the power-in module,
and the flag connector are shown in an assembled condition.
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of one side of
a receptacle-only terminal.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the receptacle-only terminal, wherein
a simplex receptacle, a duplex receptacle, and a flag connector
are shown in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the receptacle-only
terminal shown in FIG. 15 wherein the simplex receptacle, the duplex
receptacle, and the flag connector are shown in an assembled condition.
FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the opposite
side of the receptacle-only terminal.
FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the receptacle-only
terminal, wherein a power-in module and a flag connector are shown
in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the receptacle-only
terminal, shown in FIG. 18 wherein the power-in module and the
flag connector are shown in an assembled condition.
FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a pair of adjacent powerways
shown interconnected in an in-line relationship.
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the powerway wherein
a flag connector associated with the receptacle-only terminal is
shown in a parked storage position.
FIG. 22 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the powerway, wherein
a flag connector associated with the power terminal is shown in
a parked storage condition.
FIG. 23 is a top plan schematic illustration of a series of powerways
interconnected in different orientations.
FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of two powerways interconnected
in a two-way, L-shaped junction.
FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of two powerways interconnected
in an in-line junction.
FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of four powerways interconnected
in a four-way, X-shaped junction.
FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of three powerways interconnected
in a three-way, T-shaped junction.
FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective view of a powerway at a panel
end of run with the power terminal flag connector shown in a storage
position.
FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, perspective view of another powerway
embodying the present invention, taken from one side thereof, and
wherein various receptacles and electrical accessories are shown
in a disassembled condition.
FIG. 30 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the powerway illustrated
in FIG. 29 taken from the opposite side thereof and with the receptacles
and electrical accessories shown in a disassembled condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented
in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings,
and described in the following specification are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating
to the embodiments disclosed herein, are not to be considered as
limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 1 (FIG. 1) generally designates a modular
powerway embodying the present invention. Powerway 1 is adapted
for use in conjunction with various types of office furniture, particularly
office furniture units of the type which have a utility raceway
associated therewith. Examples of such office furniture units include
freestanding partition panels, wherein the utility raceway may be
located at either the top or the bottom of the panel, as well as
intermediate the panel. Systems furniture is also included, insofar
as it is often used in conjunction with partition panel systems,
and/or includes or accommodates worksurface wiring arrangements.
Modular furniture, as well as any related utility ducts or tracks,
such as that disclosed in Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 307691 filed Feb. 7 1989 entitled ELECTRICAL FLOOR
TRACK are also contemplated applications of powerway 1. Hence, the
term "office furniture," as used herein, includes all
such office furniture arrangements, as well as their equivalents.
It is to be understood that powerway 1 may also be used in conjunction
with other similar settings and applications.
In the illustrated example of the present invention, powerway 1
is shown in conjunction with a partition panel 2 (FIGS. 3-7). Powerway
1 includes a housing 3 shaped to be received in the utility raceway
4 of an associated partition panel 2. The illustrated powerway 1
includes a plurality of electrical conductors 5 which are mounted
in housing 3 and are electrically connected to at least one power
tap or receptacle 6 (FIG. 1) from which power may be accessed to
electrify office equipment, and other similar devices. A power terminal
7 is mounted in one end of the housing 3 and includes at least
one set of quick-disconnect power connectors 8. A flexible flag
connector 9 has one end mounted in the opposite end of housing 3
and includes a flag terminal 10 with at least one set of quick-disconnect
power connectors 11 that separably mate with the quick-disconnect
power connectors 8 on the power terminal 7 of an adjacent powerway
1 to electrically interconnect the powerways 1.
The illustrated partition panels 2 (FIGS. 3-7) have a conventional
construction as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4203639; 4308418;
4376561 and 4429934 which are hereby incorporated by reference.
In this example, each partition panel 2 has the utility raceway
4 extending along the bottom edge of the panel 2. A pair of base
trim covers 15 are provided, and detachably mount on the bottom
of panel 2 to enclose the raceway 4. The illustrated base trim covers
15 include an opening 15a through which an associated one of the
power taps 6 protrudes. Partition panel 2 includes opposite faces
16 with end or side trim caps 17 extending along opposite sides
thereof. A base plate 18 extends along raceway 4 and has its opposite
ends connected with and supported by weldments 19 and 20. A pair
of adjustable feet 21 (FIG. 20) are mounted in weldments 19 and
20 (FIGS. 3-7), and serve to support partition panel 2 on a floor
surface.
Powerway housing 3 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is shaped to be received within
the utility raceway 4 of any of the partition panels 2 with opposite
ends thereof disposed adjacent to opposite ends of raceway 4. In
the illustrated example, powerway housing 3 is a rigid enclosure,
having a generally linear plan configuration. Powerway housing 3
has a generally U-shaped vertical cross-sectional configuration,
comprising opposite vertical flanges 25 and 26 and a central bottom
web 27. Powerway housing 3 is preferably shaped to a length such
that its opposite ends 28 and 29 are disposed slightly inwardly
from the feet 21 of an associated partition panel 2 as shown in
FIGS. 20-22. Four pairs of hat-shaped brackets 30-33 are attached
to the side flanges 25 and 26 of housing 3 and include a central
threaded aperture to facilitate mounting various power taps 6 and
other electrical appliances thereon in a manner described in greater
detail hereinafter. The flanges 25 and 26 of powerway housing 3
also include cutout areas 35 and 36 to receive electrical terminals
therein, as described below. An inverted U-shaped top cap (not shown)
covers the upper edges of flanges 25 and 26 and encloses housing
3.
The powerway 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-27 is an eight-wire system,
wherein conductors 5 comprise eight separate electrical wires 40
(FIG. 8) which are mounted in housing 3. In the illustrated example,
the eight-wire system has four circuits, wherein one of the circuits
is isolated or dedicated, having its own hot, neutral and ground,
and wherein the other three circuits have a shared neutral and a
shared ground.
Each powerway 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes two terminals disposed
adjacent opposite ends 28 and 29 of housing 3 between which electrical
conductors 40 extend. Power terminal 7 is mounted in housing cutout
35 at end 28 of powerway housing 3 and a receptacle-only terminal
44 is mounted in cutout 36 at the opposite end 29 of powerway housing
3. Electrical conductors 40 extend between power terminal 7 and
receptacle-only terminal 44 and serve to electrically interconnect
the same.
As described in greater detail hereinafter, the electrical interconnection
of adjacent panels by attachment of flag connector 9 to the power
terminal 7 of an adjacent powerway provides a directional type of
interconnection, wherein the left-to-right orientation of any particular
powerway 1 is relevant to the proper connection with an adjacent
powerway. To facilitate proper orientation, the opposite ends of
each powerway 1 are color coded, so as to provide visual indicia
by which the opposite ends of the powerway can be easily identified.
In the illustrated example, powerway end 45 associated with power
terminal 7 is coded with the color green, whereas the opposite end
46 associated with flag 70 is coded yellow. For ease of description
herein, reference will sometimes be made to the "green"
end 45 of powerway 1 and the "yellow" end 46 of powerway
1 although it is to be understood that other colors and/or indicia
can also be used for this purpose.
Power terminal 7 (FIGS. 8-13) comprises a housing 50 mounted within
the U-shaped powerway housing 3 at the green end 45 of powerway
1. Terminal housing 50 preferably has opposite halves which are
also color coded in light and dark tones, so as to better visually
distinguish one side of power terminal 7 from the other. For example,
housing half 51 may be color coded light green, whereas housing
half 52 may be color coded dark green, as best illustrated in FIG.
9. Power terminal 7 has its outermost end 53 disposed adjacent the
associated green end 28 of powerway housing 3 and its inner end
54 disposed within the interior of powerway housing 3. Conductors
40 extend through mating apertures (not shown) in the inner end
54 of terminal housing 50. The illustrated power terminal 7 includes
a plurality of snap-lock tabs 55 disposed on opposite sides thereof,
which are received in mating windows 56 in the flanges 25 and 26
of powerway housing 3 so as to securely interconnect the same.
Power terminal 7 also includes an offset medial portion 57 for purposes
to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
In this example, the electrical connector 8 (FIG. 1) on power terminal
7 (FIGS. 8-13) comprises five sets of quick-disconnect electrical
connectors 60-64 each of which is electrically connected with at
least one of the electrical conductors 40 mounted in housing 3.
The construction of each of the quick-disconnect electrical connectors
60-64 is conventional, and includes a plurality of hollow male prongs
65 with a central aperture 66 in which blade-type contacts (not
shown) are mounted to define electrical ports 67.
In the illustrated example, electrical connector 60 (FIGS. 8-10)
protrudes laterally outwardly from the light toned side 51 of power
terminal 7 and is positioned adjacent to the green end 28 of powerway
housing 3. Electrical connector 60 has a total of eight ports 67
arranged in two vertical columns 60a and 60b. Port column 60a has
five ports 67 whereas port column 60b has three ports 67 and is
positioned interior of port column 60a. The individual ports 67
in port column 60a are interconnected to create a keyed configuration,
while the individual ports 67 in port column 60a are separate. Lockout
keys 60c are positioned at the upper and lower ends of conductors
60 for purposes described below. Electrical connector 60 is configured
to mechanically mate with flag connector 9 and to electrically
interconnect the same.
Electrical connector 61 (FIGS. 8-10) also protrudes laterally outwardly
from the light toned side 51 of power terminal 7 and is spaced
longitudinally a preselected distance apart from electrical connector
60. Electrical connector 61 is substantially identical in configuration
to electrical connector 60 and includes a total of eight ports
67 arranged in two columns 61a and 61b, with lockout keys 60c. The
individual ports 67 in port column 61a are interconnected to create
a keyed configuration, while the individual ports 67 in port column
61b are separate. Electrical connector 61 is also shaped to physically
mate with a flag connector 9. The longitudinal space between electrical
connectors 60 and 61 is preselected so as to facilitate interconnection
of adjacent powerways 1 in either a linear relationship or an angular
orientation, as shown in FIGS. 23-28 and described in greater detail
hereinafter.
Electrical connector 62 (FIGS. 8-10) also protrudes laterally from
the light toned side 51 of power terminal 7 but has a configuration
different from electrical connectors 60 and 61. Electrical connector
62 is located between hat brackets 30 immediately adjacent the
innermost one of the hat bracket pair. Electrical connector 62 has
a total of five ports 67 arranged in a single column 62a, and does
not include any lockout keys.
Electrical connector 63 (FIGS. 11-13) protrudes laterally outwardly
from the dark toned side 52 of power terminal 7 and is disposed
longitudinally slightly outwardly of the outermost one of hat brackets
32. Electrical connector 63 has a total of eight ports 67 arranged
in two vertical columns 63a and 63b. Column 63a includes a total
of five ports 67 whereas column 63b includes a total of three ports
67 and is located longitudinally interior of port column 63a. The
individual ports 67 in port column 63a are interconnected to create
a keyed configuration, while the individual ports 67 in port column
63b are separate. The keyed shape of port column 63a is different
from that of the port columns 60a and 61a of electrical connectors
60 and 61 respectively, so that any given electrical accessory will
not connect or mate with all three electrical connectors 60 61
and 63. Lockout keys 63c protrude from electrical connector 63 at
the top and bottom of the connector.
Electrical connector 64 (FIGS. 11-13) also protrudes from the dark
toned side of power terminal 7 and is positioned between hat brackets
32 adjacent the longitudinally outermost one of the hat bracket
pair. Electrical connector 64 includes a total of eight ports 67
arranged in two vertical columns 64a and 64b. Port column 64a has
five ports 67 whereas port column 64b has three ports 67 disposed
longitudinally interior of port column 64a. The ports 67 on port
column 64b are positioned in the offset portion 57 of power terminal
7 such that their outer faces are recessed behind the outer faces
of the ports 67 in port column 64a for purposes to be described
in greater detail hereinafter. The individual ports 67 in port column
64a are interconnected to create a keyed configuration, while the
individual ports 67 in port column 64b are separate. The keyed shape
of port column 64a is similar to that of the port columns 60a and
61a of electrical connectors 60 and 61 so that selected electrical
accessories will connect and mate with all three electrical connectors
60 61 and 64.
A flag connector 70 (FIGS. 1 and 2) has one end 71 fixedly mounted
in the outer end 53 of power terminal 7. The outer or free end 72
of flag connector 70 includes a flag terminal 73 with a set of quick-disconnect
power connectors 74 therein. Flag connector 70 is in the nature
of a flexible band or festoon, and houses eight conductors (not
shown) which extend through mating apertures (not shown) in the
outer end 53 of power terminal 7 and electrically connect power
connectors 74 with the conductors 40 in powerway housing 3. Preferably,
festoon 78 has a molded construction, with a Z-shaped portion 81
adjacent inner end 71 to alleviate interference with the adjacent
leg of partition panel 2.
In the illustrated example, flag terminal 73 (FIGS. 1 and 2) has
a generally L-shaped plan configuration, with quick-disconnect power
connectors 74 facing in the same direction as the light toned half
51 of power terminal 7. Flag connector 70 is preferably color coded
similar to power terminal 7 and in the illustrated example, includes
a green band 79 wrapped around a selected portion of festoon 78.
The construction of quick-disconnect electrical connector 74 is
conventional, and includes a plurality of female sockets or ports
80 shaped to receive a selected male port 67 therein, with blade-type
contacts (not shown) mounted therein. The electrical connector 74
of flag terminal 73 has a total of eight ports 80 arranged in two
vertical columns 74a and 74b. Port column 74a has five ports, whereas
port column 74b includes three ports, and is disposed exterior of
port column 74a. The green flag terminal 73 is keyed to mate only
with either electrical connector 60 or electrical connector 61 or
power terminal 7.
The double flag construction of powerway 1 provides a modular wiring
system, wherein each powerway 1 has an identical configuration.
As previously noted, powerway 1 is, however, directional, such that
the color coding is provided to facilitate installation and assembly
in the manner described below.
The receptacle-only terminal 44 (FIGS. 14-19) is located at the
yellow end 46 of powerway 1 and comprises a terminal housing 84
received within cutout 36 of powerway housing 3. Like power terminal
7 receptacle-only terminal 4 may be constructed with two housing
halves, but in the illustrated example, both halves are color coded
identically. The outer end 87 of receptacle-only terminal 44 is
disposed adjacent the end 29 of powerway housing 3 and the inner
end 88 of receptacle-only terminal 44 is disposed within the medial
portion of powerway housing 3. The inner end 88 of receptacle-only
terminal 44 includes apertures (not shown) through which electrical
conductors 40 extend. Receptacle-only terminal 44 includes a plurality
of snap-lock tabs 89 on opposite sides thereof, which are received
in mating windows 90 in housing flanges 25 and 26 to securely interconnect
the same.
Receptacle-only terminal 44 (FIGS. 14-19) includes two sets of
quick-disconnect electrical connectors 94 and 95 positioned on
opposite sides of powerway 1. Both of the quick-disconnect electrical
connectors 94 and 95 have a conventional type of construction similar
to electrical connectors 60-64 having a plurality of male prongs
65 with a central aperture 66 in which blade-type contacts (not
shown) are mounted to define electrical ports 67.
Electrical connector 94 protrudes laterally outwardly from receptacle-only
terminal 44 and is positioned between hat brackets 31 adjacent
the outermost one of the hat bracket pair. Electrical connector
94 is configured similar to electrical connector 64. Electrical
connector 94 includes a total of eight ports 67 arranged in two
vertical columns 94a and 94b. Port column 94a has five ports 67
whereas port column 94b has three ports 67 positioned longitudinally
interior of ports 94a. Like electrical connector 64 the ports 67
on the port column 94b of connector 94 are located on an inset portion
96 of receptacle-only terminal 44 such that the outward faces thereof
are recessed interior of the outer faces of the ports 67 on port
column 94a. The individual ports 67 in port column 94a are interconnected
to create a keyed configuration, while the individual ports 67 in
port column 94b are separate. The keyed shape of port column 94a
is similar to that of port columns 60a, 61a, 62a and 64a of electrical
connectors 60 61 62 and 64 respectively, so that selected electrical
accessories will connect and mate with the same. Two lockout keys
94c extend laterally outwardly of receptacle-only terminal 44 at
upper and lower portions thereof.
Electrical connector 95 (FIGS. 14-19) protrudes laterally outwardly
from receptacle-only terminal 44 on the side opposite electrical
connector 94 and is positioned between hat brackets 32 adjacent
the longitudinally innermost one of the hat bracket pair. Electrical
connector 95 is shaped similar to connector 62 and includes a total
of five ports 67 arranged in a single vertical column 95a. The
individual ports 67 in port column 95a are interconnected to create
a keyed configuration similar to port column 62a of electrical connector
62 as well as port columns 60a, 61a, 62a and 64a of electrical
connectors 60 61 62 and 64 respectively. A lockout key 95c protrudes
outwardly from receptacle-only terminal 44 adjacent the upper end
of port column 95a.
Flag connector 9 is substantially identical to previously described
flag connector 70 and extends longitudinally outwardly from the
yellow end 46 of powerway 1. The innermost end 98 (FIGS. 14-16)
of flag connector 9 is fixedly connected with the outer end 87 of
receptacle-only terminal 44. The outer or free end 99 of flag connector
9 includes the flag terminal 10 in which the quick-disconnect power
connectors 11 are positioned. Flag terminal 10 has a substantially
L-shaped plan configuration, and is oriented such that quick-disconnect
power connectors 11 face in a direction opposite to the direction
in which the quick-disconnect power connectors 74 on flag connector
70 face. The body of flag connector 9 is in the shape of a band
or flexible festoon 101 and houses a plurality of electrical conductors
(not shown), which extend through mating apertures (not shown) in
the end 87 of receptacle-only terminal 44 and electrically interconnect
the quick-disconnect power connectors 11 on flag terminal 10 with
electrical conductors 40. Preferably festoon 101 has a molded construction,
with a Z-shaped portion 103 adjacent inner end 98 to alleviate interference
with the adjacent leg of partition panel 2. Flag connector 9 is
preferably color coded, and in the illustrated example, includes
a yellow band 102 disposed about festoon 101.
Receptacle-only terminal 44 (FIGS. 14-19) preferably includes at
least one parking member 110 adapted to separably receive and retain
thereon one of the flag terminals 73 or 10 so as to retain the
associated flag connector 9 or 70 in a storage position. In the
illustrated example, receptacle-only terminal 44 includes three
parking members, in the form of studs or post pairs 111-113. Each
post pair 111-113 includes two square-shaped ports 67 substantially
identical to the upper and lowermost ports of any one of the connector
columns 60a-64a and 94a-95a. Post pairs 111 and 112 are disposed
on the same side of receptacle-only terminal 44 positioned longitudinally
outwardly of the hat brackets 32. Post pairs 111 and 112 are spaced
longitudinally apart a preselected distance, which enables the same
to attach to flag terminals 73 and 10 for storage when adjacent
powerway 1 are arranged in either an in-line or an angular orientation,
as described in greater detail below. Post pair 113 is located opposite
post pair 111 and is auxiliary with respect to the present system.
Each post pair 112-113 includes lockout keys 111a-113a respectively
to limit the type of accessory that can be mounted thereon to flag
terminals 73 and 10.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 powerway 1 is adapted for use
in conjunction with a number of different electrical accessories,
which are physically mounted thereon by fasteners at hat brackets
30-33. In the illustrated example, three different types of power
taps or receptacles are illustrated, including a simplex receptacle
120 a duplex receptacle 121 and a triplex receptacle 122.
Simplex receptacle 120 includes a single conventional plug socket
123 on the forward side thereof, and is designed to electrically
access the isolated or dedicated circuit of eight-wire powerway
1. Simplex receptacle 120 includes a set of sockets or ports 124
on the rear side thereof, which are adapted to mate only with the
connector ports 94b of receptacle-only terminal 44 and the connector
ports 64b of power terminal 7.
Duplex receptacle 121 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes two conventional
plug sockets 127 on the forward side thereof, and is designed to
electrically access one of the common circuits. Duplex receptacle
121 includes a set of power sockets or ports 128 on the rear side
thereof, which are adapted to mate only with ports 94a of receptacle-only
terminal 44 ports 95a of receptacle-only terminal 44 ports 64a
of power terminal 7 or ports 62a of power terminal 7.
Triplex receptacle 122 has three sets of conventional plug sockets
131 on the forward side thereof, and is designed to electrically
access one of the common circuits. Triplex receptacle 122 includes
a set of power sockets or ports 132 on the rearward side thereof,
which are shaped to ate only with the ports 94a of receptacle-only
terminal 44 or the ports 64a of power terminal 7. The various keys
60c-64c and 94c-95c prevent receptacles 120-122 from being attached
to powerway 1 in a manner other than that described above.
In addition to receptacles 120-122 powerway 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2)
is also adapted to be used in conjunction with a base power-in module
135 and an accessory flag connector 136 the latter of which may
be used for lighting harnesses, power poles, top power-in, or the
like (not shown).
Base power-in module 135 (FIGS. 1 and 2) has a conduit 138 attached
fixedly to the exterior side thereof for connection with building
power, such as a tombstone or the like. Base power-in module 135
is designed to access all of the circuits and conductors 40 of powerway
1 to supply electrical power thereto. A set of eight sockets 139
are located on the rear side of base power-in module 135 which
mate only with ports 64a and 64b on power terminal 7. The keys 94c
on receptacle-only terminal 44 prevent base power-in module 135
from being electrically connected with receptacle-only terminal
44.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 9-10 12-13 15-16 and 18-19 the
offset areas 57 and 96 of power terminal 7 and receptacle-only terminal
44 respectively permit attachment of either one of the receptacles
120-122 or a power-in module 135 to the eight port electrical connectors
64 and 94 without substantially increasing the width of the associated
partition panel 2.
Accessory flag connector 136 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes an L-shaped
terminal 141 with a set of quick-disconnect power connectors 142
electrically connected with accessory conductors (not shown). Accessory
flag terminal 141 has a substantially L-shaped plan configuration,
and connectors 142 are in the form of a socket keyed to mate only
with connectors 63a and 63b of power terminal 7. The shape of ports
142 precludes attachment of accessory flag terminal 141 with any
of the other connectors on powerway 1.
Each of the receptacles 120-122 and power accessories 135-136 is
securely fastened to powerway 1 at their selected location. In this
example, receptacles 120-122 and power accessories 135-136 are fastened
to one of the pairs of hat brackets 30-33 by a pair of threaded
screws 145.
In operation, a powerway 1 is physically mounted in each of the
partition panels 2 which is to electrified in the manner illustrated
in FIGS. 3-7. A spin nut 148 (FIG. 4) fastens one end of powerway
1 to panel weldment 19 and a conventional nut 149 (FIG. 5) fastens
the opposite end of powerway 1 to panel weldment 20. When powerways
1 are factory installed in panels 2 flag connectors 9 and 70 are
folded over the associated feet 21 of the panel 2 with the associated
terminal snapped into place. More specifically, the green end flag
terminal 73 (FIG. 22) is attached to either electrical connector
60 or 61 of power terminal 7 as shown in FIG. 22 and the yellow
end flag terminal 10 is attached to either parking posts 111 or
112 as illustrated in FIG. 21. Base panel covers 15 (FIG. 7) are
also provided with color coded tape strips 150 and 151 so that after
the covers 15 are attached to the panel 2 the orientation of powerway
1 within panel 2 can be easily visually ascertained.
Adjacent powerways 1 can be electrically interconnected in various
configurations and orientations, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-28.
For instance, when powerways 1 are oriented in an in-line relationship,
as illustrated in FIG. 25 the yellow flag terminal 10 on flag connector
9 is attached to electrical connector 61 on the power terminal 7
of the next adjacent powerway 1. The green flag connector 73 on
flag connector 70 is attached to parking posts 112 on the receptacle-only
terminal 44 of the powerway disposed on the opposite side of the
installed powerway 1. In this manner, all flag connectors 9 and
70 in the wiring system are securely retained within a partition
panel 2.
When adjacent powerways 1 are disposed at a substantially right
angle, as illustrated in FIG. 24 the yellow flag terminal 10 on
flag connector 9 of the first powerway 1 is attached to electrical
connector 60 on the power terminal 7 of the next adjacent powerway,
so as to accommodate for the extra length required by the bend in
flag connector 9. In a similar fashion, the terminal 73 on the green
flag connector 70 associated with the second powerway 1 is attached
to parking posts 111 of the receptacle-only terminal 44 on the first
powerway 1.
Adjacent powerways 1 are interconnected in a similar fashion with
respect to three-way and four-way junctions, in the manners illustrated
in FIGS. 25 and 26. As a general rule for installation and assembly
of powerways 1 powerways 1 can be interconnected yellow end 46
to green end 45 or green end 45 to green end 45 but never yellow
end 46 to yellow end 46.
When a powerway 1 is installed in a panel 2 disposed at the end
of a run or series of panels, the green flag terminal 73 is placed
in a wrapped-around storage position, as illustrated in FIG. 28.
The reference numeral 201 (FIGS. 29 and 30) generally designates
a five-wire embodiment of the present powerway. Since the five-wire
powerway 201 is similar to the previously described eight-wire powerway
1 similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-28 and 29-30 respectively
are represented by the same corresponding reference numeral, except
for the addition of 200 to the numerals of the latter. For example,
the power terminal 7 and flag terminal 100 of eight-wire powerway
1 corresponds to the power terminal 207 and flag terminal 300 of
five-wire powerway 201.
The power terminal 207 (FIGS. 29-30) of five-wire powerway 201
is different from the power terminal 7 of eight-wire powerway 1
in that the three port columns 60b, 61b, 63b and 64b of electrical
connectors 60 61 63 and 64 are blocked off or filled. Similarly,
the receptacle-only terminal 244 of five-wire powerway 201 differs
from the receptacle-only terminal 44 of eight-wire powerway 1 in
that the three port column 94b of electrical connector 94 has been
blocked off or filled. Furthermore, the flag terminals 273 and 300
of five-wire powerway 201 are different from the flag terminals
73 and 10 of eight-wire powerway 1 in that the three port columns
74b and 11b of electrical connectors 74 and 11 have been eliminated,
such that the terminals 274 and 211 have only a single vertical
set of five ports.
The illustrated five-wire powerway 201 has three hot conductors,
a shared neutral conductor, and a shared ground conductor. Since
the five-wire powerway 201 does not have a dedicated or isolated
circuit like the eight-wire powerway 1 the dedicated simplex receptacle
120 which is used with the eight-wire powerway 1 is simply eliminated.
The duplex receptacle 121 and the triplex receptacle 122 are the
same for both the five-wire powerway 201 and the eight-wire powerway
1.
The base power-in module 335 (FIGS. 29-30) of five-wire powerway
201 is different from the power-in module 135 of eight-wire powerway
1 in that the socket 139 of power-in module 335 has only a single
vertical set of five ports. Furthermore, the base power-in module
335 associated with five-wire powerway 201 can be connected at either
side of the green power terminal 207 at either ports 262 or 264a.
The accessory flag connector 336 (FIGS. 29-30) of five-wire powerway
201 is different from the accessory flag connector 136 of eight-wire
powerway 1 in that the socket 342 of accessory flag connector 336
has only a single vertical set of five ports.
The construction and operation cf the five-wire powerway 201 is
otherwise substantially similar to the previously described eight-wire
powerway 1.
The shape and size of powerways 1 and 201 as well as the configuration
of the various electrical connectors 60-64 & 94-95 and 260-264
& 294-295 may be varied to accommodate the particular office
furniture unit into which the particular powerway is to be installed.
In one embodiment of the present invention, powerways 1 and 201
are configured so as to be completely compatible and interchangeable
with existing powerway designs, particularly those "Steelcase"
brand wiring systems used in conjunction with the furniture units
sold by Steelcase Inc. under the "Series 9000" "Valencia,"
"Elective Elements," "Movable Walls" and "Context"
trademarks. For example, an application of the present invention
to the "Series 9000" brand panels would preferably size
powerways 1 and 201 to fit with the utility raceway of existing
"Series 9000" brand panels. The electrical connectors
60 and 61 on power terminal 7 and the electrical connectors 74
and 11 on flag terminals 73 and 100 would preferably fit onto the
power block of a prior style "Series 9000" brand powerway,
at least the concept of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4429934;
4376561 and 4203639. The length of flag connectors 9 and 70
would also be designed to permit such interconnections with existing
style powerways. As a result, powerways 1 and 201 may be used to
replace selected existing powerways without modifying the adjacent
existing powerways, or sacrificing design features. Furthermore,
powerways 1 and 201 can be mixed in with existing powerway during
panel reconfigurations and the like, thereby facilitating panel
installation.
The unique power terminal and flag connector arrangement incorporated
into powerways 1 and 201 of the present invention reduces the number
of separate parts and separable connectors associated with the powerways
to achieve improved electrical integrity, reliability, durability
and safety. Both powerways 1 and 201 are designed to fit within
the utility raceway of existing partition panels, and other present
office furniture units. Furthermore, powerways 1 and 201 are compatible
with, and may be electrically connected to prior types of powerways
(not shown). Both powerways 1 and 201 are extremely versatile and
permit in-line, "L," "T,", "X," and
other similar powerway orientations, and are adapted to be quickly
and easily installed in an associated office furniture unit.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention
without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications
are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless
these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. |