U.S. patent application number 17/553120 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-18 for power rail system.
This patent application is currently assigned to POPPIN, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is POPPIN, INC.. Invention is credited to Matteo BONACINA, Justin D. DOLLINGER, Adrian GOMEZ, Jeffrey F. MILLER, Robert D. PEAVEY.
Application Number | 20220263281 17/553120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220263281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MILLER; Jeffrey F. ; et
al. |
August 18, 2022 |
POWER RAIL SYSTEM
Abstract
A power rail system including a rail assembly, which includes a
sidewall, a first interior compartment at least partially enclosed
by the sidewall, the first interior compartment extending
longitudinally along the first rail assembly, an opening in
communication with the first interior compartment, the opening
positioned along the sidewall, and a second interior compartment at
least partially enclosed by the sidewall, the second interior
compartment extending longitudinally along the first rail assembly
and configured to receive the connector member therein. The power
rail system can further include an electrical outlet assembly
positionable within the first interior compartment. Further,
various accessories, such as privacy screens, can be supported by
the rail assembly. Still further, multiple rail assemblies can be
connected together to customize the size and/or configuration of
the power rail system.
Inventors: |
MILLER; Jeffrey F.; (New
York, NY) ; BONACINA; Matteo; (Astoria, NY) ;
GOMEZ; Adrian; (Edgewater, NJ) ; DOLLINGER; Justin
D.; (New York, NY) ; PEAVEY; Robert D.;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
POPPIN, INC. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
POPPIN, INC.
New York
NY
|
Appl. No.: |
17/553120 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17286648 |
Apr 19, 2021 |
11211755 |
|
|
PCT/US2019/058035 |
Oct 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
17553120 |
|
|
|
|
62751136 |
Oct 26, 2018 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
H01R 25/16 20060101
H01R025/16; E04B 2/74 20060101 E04B002/74 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A power rail system comprising: a rail assembly, comprising: a
rail comprising a sidewall, wherein a first opening is defined in
the sidewall; and a cover configured to be removably coupled to the
rail, wherein an interior compartment is defined in the rail
assembly based on the cover being coupled to the rail, and wherein
a second opening is defined in the cover; and an electrical outlet
assembly configured to be disposed at least partially within the
interior compartment, wherein the electrical outlet assembly
comprises: a first electrical outlet on a first side of the
electrical outlet assembly; and a second electrical outlet on a
second side of the electrical outlet assembly, wherein the second
side is opposite the first side; wherein the electrical outlet
assembly is configured to be received within the interior
compartment such that the first electrical outlet is aligned with
the first opening and the second electrical outlet is aligned with
the second opening.
13. The power rail system of claim 12, further comprising an
upstanding support configured to be removably coupled to the rail
assembly.
14. The power rail system of claim 13, wherein the upstanding
support comprises a first upstanding support, and wherein the power
rail system further comprises a second upstanding support
configured to be removably connected to the rail assembly.
15. The power rail system of claim 13, wherein the upstanding
support is coupleable to the rail assembly at a plurality of
locations along a length of the rail assembly.
16. The power rail system of claim 12, wherein the rail further
comprises: a first wall extending from the sidewall; and a second
wall extending from the sidewall, wherein the first wall, the
second wall, and the sidewall define a C-shaped, open-faced
profile.
17. The power rail system of claim 12, wherein the rail comprises
an extruded C-shaped member.
18. The power rail system of claim 12, further comprising a
threaded slot defined in the rail, wherein the electrical outlet
assembly is coupleable to the rail at a plurality of locations
along a length of the threaded slot.
19. A power rail system comprising: a rail assembly, comprising: a
rail, comprising: a sidewall, wherein a first opening is defined in
the sidewall; and a first wall extending transversely from the
sidewall, wherein a threaded slot is defined along a length of the
first wall; and a cover configured to be removably coupled to the
rail, wherein an interior compartment is defined in the rail
assembly based on the cover being coupled to the rail, and wherein
a second opening is defined in the cover; and an electrical outlet
assembly configured to be disposed at least partially within the
interior compartment, wherein the electrical outlet assembly
comprises: a bracket mountable to the first wall at a plurality of
adjustable locations along a length of the threaded slot; a first
electrical outlet on a first side of the electrical outlet
assembly; and a second electrical outlet on a second side of the
electrical outlet assembly, wherein the second side is opposite the
first side.
20. The power rail system of claim 19, further comprising a leg
configured to be removably coupled to the rail assembly.
21. The power rail system of claim 20, wherein the leg comprises a
first leg, and wherein the power rail system further comprises a
second leg configured to be removably connected to the rail
assembly.
22. The power rail system of claim 20, wherein the leg is
coupleable to the rail assembly at a plurality of locations along a
length of the rail assembly.
23. The power rail system of claim 19, wherein the rail forms a
C-shaped, open-faced profile.
24. The power rail system of claim 19, wherein the electrical
outlet assembly is configured to be received within the interior
compartment such that the first electrical outlet is aligned with
the first opening and the second electrical outlet is aligned with
the second opening.
25. A power rail system comprising: a rail assembly, comprising: a
C-shaped member, comprising: a sidewall, wherein a first sidewall
opening is defined in the sidewall; a first wall extending from the
sidewall; and a second wall extending from the sidewall; a cover
configured to be removably coupled to first wall and the second
wall, wherein an interior compartment is defined in the rail
assembly when the cover is coupled to the first wall and the second
wall, and wherein a first cover opening is defined in the cover;
and an electrical outlet assembly configured to be disposed at
least partially within the interior compartment, wherein the
electrical outlet assembly comprises: a first electrical outlet on
a first side of the electrical outlet assembly; and a second
electrical outlet on a second side of the electrical outlet
assembly, wherein the second side is opposite the first side;
wherein the electrical outlet assembly is configured to be received
within the interior compartment such that the first electrical
outlet is aligned with the first sidewall opening and the second
electrical outlet is aligned with the first cover opening.
26. The power rail system of claim 25, wherein: a second sidewall
opening is defined in the sidewall; and a second cover opening is
defined in the cover.
27. The power rail system of claim 26, wherein the electrical
outlet assembly is configured to be received within the interior
compartment in: a first position, wherein the first electrical
outlet is aligned with the first sidewall opening and the second
electrical outlet is aligned with the first cover opening; and a
second position, wherein the first electrical outlet is aligned
with the second sidewall opening and the second electrical outlet
is aligned with the second cover opening.
28. The power rail system of claim 26, wherein the electrical
outlet assembly comprises a first electrical outlet assembly,
wherein the power rail system further comprises a second electrical
outlet assembly comprising a third electrical outlet and a fourth
electrical outlet, and wherein the second electrical outlet
assembly is configured to be received within the interior
compartment such that the third electrical outlet is aligned with
the second sidewall opening and the fourth electrical outlet is
aligned with the second cover opening.
29. The power rail system of claim 26, further comprising an
upright support configured to be removably coupled to the rail
assembly.
30. The power rail system of claim 29, wherein the upright support
comprises a first upright support, and wherein the power rail
system further comprises a second upright support configured to be
removably connected to the rail assembly.
31. The power rail system of claim 29, wherein the C-shaped member
comprises an extruded C-shaped member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. National Stage Entry under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2019/058035, filed Oct. 25, 2019 entitled POWER RAIL SYSTEM,
which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 (e) to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/751,136, entitled POWERED
RAIL SYSTEM, filed Oct. 26, 2018, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure is related to a power rail system for
use with desks and other office equipment. The power rail system is
configured to provide access to electrical outlets within a working
environment in a flexible, organized, and freely positionable
manner, allowing users to freely configure their working
environment floorplan as desired, without being restricted based
upon the locations of the buildings' electrical outlets, through
placement of the power rail systems.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one general aspect, a power rail system comprising a rail
assembly and an electrical outlet assembly. The rail assembly is
configured to be connected to a second rail assembly by a connector
member. The first assembly comprises a sidewall; a first interior
compartment at least partially enclosed by the sidewall, the first
interior compartment extending longitudinally along the first rail
assembly; an opening in communication with the first interior
compartment, the opening positioned along the sidewall; and a
second interior compartment at least partially enclosed by the
sidewall, the second interior compartment extending longitudinally
along the first rail assembly and configured to receive the
connector member therein. The electrical outlet assembly is
configured to be disposed at least partially within the first
interior compartment, the electrical outlet assembly comprising an
electrical outlet configured to be received through the opening
such that a face of the electrical outlet is uncovered by the first
rail assembly.
FIGURES
[0004] The features of various aspects are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The various aspects, however,
both as to organization and methods of operation, together with
further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by
reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings as follows.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power rail system, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a power rail system, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a
power rail assembly, in accordance with at least one aspect of the
present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of attached
power rail assemblies, in accordance with at least one aspect of
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a
power rail assembly, including a connector member, in accordance
with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of power
rail assemblies being attached together via connector members, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of attached
power rail assemblies, including a cover positioned thereover, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a power rail
assembly cover, in accordance with at least one aspect of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a privacy screen
attached to a pair of power rail assemblies, in accordance with at
least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a privacy screen
connector for attaching a privacy screen to a power rail assembly,
in accordance with at least one aspect of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates an overheard perspective view of a
privacy screen connector, in accordance with at least one aspect of
the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a privacy screen
connector attached to a power rail assembly via a mounting bracket,
in accordance with at least one aspect of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates an overhead perspective view of an end
portion of a power rail assembly, including mounting holes, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a leg attached to
a power rail assembly via a mounting bracket, in accordance with at
least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of power rail
assemblies comprising electrical outlet assemblies, in accordance
with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an end portion of
a power rail assembly shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with at least
one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a reverse side of
a power rail assembly shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with at least
one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a power rail
assembly comprising an opening cover, in accordance with at least
one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of an end portion of
a power rail assembly comprising an end cap, in accordance with at
least one aspect of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] Certain aspects will now be described to provide an overall
understanding of the principles of the structure, function,
manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein.
One or more examples of these aspects are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that the devices and methods specifically described
herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are
non-limiting example aspects and that the scope of the various
aspects is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated
or described in connection with one aspect may be combined with the
features of other aspects. Such modifications and variations are
intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions
employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the
illustrative aspects for the convenience of the reader and are not
to limit the scope thereof.
[0025] The present disclosure generally discloses a power rail
system that can include a rail assembly (which can also be referred
to as a "boom"), which can include one or more legs to support the
rail assembly in a free-standing manner, and an electrical outlet
assembly at least partially enclosed by the rail assembly. The
power rail system is designed to allow the electrical outlet
assembly to be freely positioned within a workspace in an organized
and efficient manner, thereby allowing individuals to customize
their workspace floorplan as they desire by allowing power to be
brought to anywhere within the workspace. Further, the rail
assemblies can be removably connected to corresponding rail
assemblies to customize the size and/or configuration of the power
rail system. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view and
an exploded view of a power rail system, respectively, in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In
the depicted example, the power rail system includes two rail
assemblies that can be removably connected together; however, this
is simply for illustrative purposes, and the power rail system can
include any number of rail assemblies.
[0026] The example power rail system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
comprises a first power rail assembly or section 101a and a second
power rail assembly or section 101b removably joined together, as
is described below. The power system further includes a power
outlet assembly 800 that is at least partially enclosed by the
respective rail section 101a, 101b. Each rail assembly 101a, 101b
can further include one or more legs 600 that are attachable
thereto. The number of legs 600 in use by the power rail system can
be selected by the user and can depend in part upon the number of
rail assemblies 101a, 101b that are connected together. For
example, when a single rail assembly 101a, 101b is being utilized,
it can be recommended to attach two legs 600 thereto. Conversely,
when two rail assemblies 101a, 101b are connected together, as
shown in FIG. 1, it can be recommended to attach only a single leg
to each of the rail assemblies 101a, 101b because that provides
enough stability for the power rail system.
[0027] Each power rail assembly 101a, 101b of the power rail system
can further include a connector to which various accessories, such
as a privacy screen 500 can be attached. For example, the power
rail assemblies 101a, 101b can include a privacy screen connector
502 that is configured to be attached to the power rail assemblies
101a, 101b and is further configured to receive and secure a
privacy screen 500 therein. The privacy screen connector 502 can
include a U-shaped member that is configured to receive the privacy
screen 500 therein, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example.
[0028] The rail assemblies 101a, 101b can include a variety of
additional components, such as a cover 400 (FIGS. 7 and 8), a snap
cover 406 for portions of the rail assemblies 101a, 101b unoccupied
by a power outlet assembly 800, or an end cap 700, all of which are
described further below.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a power rail assembly 101 may
comprise a member 200 that has, in the illustrated example, a
generally C-shaped, open-faced profile. The member 200 can include
an upright wall 102 and a pair of lateral or internal walls 103
extending perpendicularly therefrom. According to various aspects
of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional profile of the
member 200 may be formed by extruding a material through a die that
corresponds to the C-shaped cross-sectional profile shown in FIG.
3. According to one aspect, the member 200 can be fabricated from a
metal (e.g., aluminum), a polymer, a composite material, or another
extrudable material. The power rail assembly 101 can further
include one or more slots 208 positioned on the member 200. The
slot 208 can be sized and configured for attachment of various
additional components thereto, which is described in further detail
below. The depicted aspect includes two slots 208 positioned at
opposing ends of the member 200; however, this is simply an
example, and other numbers and positions of the slot(s) 208 are
possible. In the depicted aspect, the slots 208 are positioned
adjacently to the opposing surfaces of the lateral walls 103. The
power rail assembly 101 can further include one or more channels
202 that are configured to receive a connector member 300 (FIG. 5)
therethrough for connecting the power rail assembly 101 to another
power rail assembly (as shown in FIG. 1), which is described in
further detail below. The channels 202 can define interior
compartments that are sized and shaped to receive a connector
member 300 therein. The depicted aspect includes four channels 202
arranged in opposing pairs, where each pair is positioned
adjacently to a corresponding slot 208; however, this is simply an
example, and other numbers and positions of the channel(s) 202 are
possible.
[0030] In various aspects, the power rail assembly 101 can include
various features for allowing components of the power rail system
to be secured thereto. For example, the power rail assembly 101 can
include a threaded slot 204 in communication with the interior
portion(s) of the member 200 and/or a slot 208, which can be seen
further in FIG. 19. The depicted aspect includes two threaded slots
204 positioned oppositely with respect to each other. In
particular, each of the threaded slots 204 is positioned
longitudinally along each of the adjoining surfaces between the
slots 208 and the lateral walls 103 of the member 200. The threaded
slots 204 can include threading that is configured to engage with
corresponding threading of a fastener. The threaded slots 204 can
be utilized to secure components of the power rail system within
the interior 1103 of the member 200 and/or to the slot 208 via a
fastener, which is described in further detail below. The interior
1103 can define an interior compartment that is at least partially
enclosed by the walls 102, 103 of the member 200. The interior 1103
can be configured to receive various components therein, such as
electrical outlet assemblies 800 (FIGS. 15-18). The power rail
assembly 101 can further include a channel slot 206 in
communication with a channel 202. The depicted aspect includes two
channel slots 206 positioned longitudinally along the outer
surfaces of the channels 202 that are oriented adjacently to the
open portion of the C-shaped member 200. Further, the channel slots
206 are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the threaded
slot(s) 204. The channel slots 206 can be utilized to permit a tool
therethrough for securing fasteners, which is described in further
detail below.
[0031] In various aspects, the power rail assembly 101 may be
symmetrical in a top-to-bottom direction (e.g., about a plane
extending horizontally through axis 1-1 perpendicular to the
upright wall 102). For example, the member 200, channels 202, slots
208, threaded slots 204, and channel slots 206 can be symmetrical
about the plane extending through axis 1-1. As another example, the
upper and lower internal walls 103 of the member 200 can further be
symmetrical about the plane extending through axis 1-1. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the internal walls 103 may comprise a curved
profile 104. According to one aspect, such a curved profile 104 may
assist in maintaining longitudinally extending elements (e.g.,
wires or cables) in place within the power rail assembly 101. For
example, the curved profile 104 may urge the wires or cables
located within the interior 1103 of the member 200 towards the
internal corners between the upright wall 102 and the internal
walls 103. Accordingly, the curved profile 104 may urge wires or
cables away from components mounted to the threaded slots 204
extending longitudinally along the internal walls 103. In other
aspects, various features of the power rail assembly 101 may be
symmetrical in a side-to-side or lateral direction (e.g., about a
plane extending vertically through axis 2-2 parallel to the upright
wall 102). Such features may include the channels 202, lobes of the
longitudinal slots 208, threads of the threaded slots 204, the
curved profile 104 of the internal walls 103, and so on.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a first power rail assembly 101a
is attachable to a second power rail assembly 101b and, in this
example, is attachable to up to two other power rail assemblies
(e.g., at each of its ends). The power rail assemblies 101a, 101b
can be provided in different lengths, thereby allowing users to
customize the size and/or configuration of the power rail system by
selecting and attaching together power rail assemblies 101a, 101b
of desired lengths. Referring now to FIG. 5, according to one
aspect of the present disclosure, attachment between multiple power
rail assemblies 101a, 101b may be enabled via one or more channels
202 (e.g., positioned proximal to the front-faced opening of the
C-shaped, open-faced member 200) and a number (e.g., one or more)
of connector members 300. The connector members 300 and the
channels 202 can have complementary shapes such that the connector
members 300 can be received and retain therein. Although the
connector members 300 and the channels 202 are depicted as having a
rectangular profile, other shapes, including circular, triangular,
and hexagonal profiles, are contemplated by the present disclosure.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, each
connector member 300 may be configured to slidably fit within each
respective channel 202. Further, according to such aspects, each
connector member 300 can be configured to be secured to each of the
power rail assemblies 101a, 101b when positioned within the
respective channels 202 of each of the power rail assemblies 101a,
101b. In one aspect, the connector member 300 can include two or
more threaded apertures 304.
[0033] Accordingly, the connector member 300 can be positioned
within the channel 202 of the first power rail assembly 101a such
that a fastener secured to one of the threaded apertures 304
secures the connector member 300 in place within that channel 202.
Correspondingly, the connector member 300 can likewise be
positioned within the channel 202 of the second power rail assembly
101b such that a fastener secured to the other threaded aperture
304 secures the connector member 300 in place within the channel
202. Because the connector member 300 is secured to each of the
power rail assemblies 101a, 101b, the power rail assemblies 101a,
101b are thereby secured to each other. This process can then be
repeated for multiple connector members 300, as desired by the
user, to reinforce the connection between the power rail assemblies
101a, 101b. The internally threaded apertures 304 may extend
through a thickness 303 of each connector member 300. In one
implementation, the fasteners can be screwed into the threaded
apertures 304 prior to insertion of each connector member 300 into
its respective channel 202. In this implementation, each fastener
may be screwed into the threaded apertures 304 to a depth that
permits each connector member 300 to slide longitudinally within
each respective channel 202 without interfering with an internal
surface of each channel 202. Referring now to FIG. 6, once the
connector member 300 is appropriately positioned (e.g., a first
portion of each connector member 300 is positioned within a channel
202 of the first power rail assembly 101a and a second portion of
the connector member 300 in positioned within a corresponding
channel 202 of the second power rail assembly 101b), each fastener
engaged with a respective threaded aperture 304 may be tightened to
interferingly secure each connector member 300 to each of the power
rail assemblies 101a, 101b. Referring back to FIG. 3, as the
fastener is tightened, the end of the fastener bears against an
internal surface 105 of the channel 202, which in turn causes the
connector member to be frictionally engaged or wedged against the
opposite internal surface 106 of the channel 202 to secure the
connector member 300 within the channel 202 and, thus, to that
particular power rail assembly 101a, 101b.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 6, the channel slots 206 may be
dimensioned or configured such that a tool 306 (e.g., an Allen
wrench) can be inserted therethrough to tighten the fasteners
engaged with the threaded apertures 304 of the connector members
300. Once at least one connector member 300 is secured to both of
the adjacent power rail assemblies 101a, 101b, the power rail
assemblies 101a, 101b are effectively secured to one another via
the connector member 300.
[0035] In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, two channels 202
(i.e., the channels 202 positioned proximal to the front-faced
opening of the member 200) and two connector members 300 have been
utilized to secure the adjoining power rail assemblies 101a, 101b
together. According to alternative aspects of the present
disclosure, one or more of the two remaining illustrated channels
202 (i.e., the channels 202 positioned distal to the front-faced
opening of the member 200) and up to two further connector members
300 may be utilized to further secure the adjoining power rail
assemblies 101a, 101b together. According to one aspect, each of
the distally positioned channels 202 may comprise a longitudinal
channel slot 206 (not shown), as with each of the proximally
positioned channel slots 206 to exhibit similar functionality using
the additional connector members 300. According to another aspect,
each of the distally positioned channels 202 may not comprise a
longitudinal channel slot 206 and the two additional connector
members 300 may simply float within the distally positioned
channels 202. In such aspects, the additional connector members 300
in the distally positioned channels 202 can further secure the
power rail assemblies 101a, 101b together and prevent separation at
the seam 110 where the adjoining edges of the power rail assemblies
101a, 101b meet. Absent the additional connector members 300,
separation could occur at the seam 110 during physical movement or
manipulation of attached power rail assemblies 101a, 101b, for
example.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7, the power rail assembly 101a, 101b
can further comprise a cover 400. According to various aspects of
the present disclosure, the cover 400 may be formed by extruding a
material through a die that corresponds to its cross-sectional
profile. According to one aspect, the cover 400 can be fabricated
from a metal (e.g., aluminum), a polymer, a composite material, or
another extrudable material. The cover 400 can comprise snap
features 402 configured to engage with the walls 301 of the member
200 defining the opening 501 (which also define, in part, the
channel slot 206) and interferingly and/or fittingly attach the
cover 400 to the member 200, as is also shown in FIG. 19. According
to one aspect of the present disclosure, each snap feature 402
comprises a hook-like feature configured to hook over a
corresponding wall 301 of the member 200. Referring now to FIG. 8,
in one aspect, the snap features 402 can extend along the length of
the cover 400 to more securely attach the cover 400 to a power rail
assembly 101 (i.e., by providing a long interacting surface area).
According to alternative aspects, a plurality of fasteners (not
shown) may be utilized in lieu of or in addition to the snap
features 402 to attach (or further attach) the cover 400 to the
member 200. The cover 400 is configured to cover or enclose the
contents of the power rail assembly 101, which can include power
outlets, power lines/components, data lines/components, voice
lines/components, and so on.
[0037] Each cover 400 may be symmetrical top to bottom (e.g., about
a plane extending horizontally through axis 1-1 perpendicular to
the upright wall 102), similarly as described above with respect to
the power rail assembly 101 in FIG. 3. For example, each snap
feature 402 may comprise a hook-like feature symmetrical about the
plane extending through axis 1-1. Furthermore, according to various
aspects, cutouts or openings 404 may be defined in the face of the
cover 400. According to such aspects, the openings 404 may be
located and sized to accommodate various power or electrical
components (e.g., power outlets, data jacks, or voice jacks)
installed within or mounted to the power rail assembly 101, which
are described in greater with respect to FIGS. 15-18.
[0038] In various aspects, the power rail system can further
include a variety of accessories that are attachable to the
longitudinal slots 208 described above. For example, FIG. 9
illustrates a privacy screen 500 that can be attached the
longitudinal slot 208 of one or more power rail assemblies 101a,
101b. In some implementations, the longitudinal slots 208 of power
rail assemblies 101a, 101b can be configured to be continuous when
the power rail assemblies 101a, 101b are connected together, such
that the privacy screen 500 can be positioned across the seam 110
between the adjoining power rail assemblies 101a, 101b. According
to one aspect, the privacy screen 500 can be indirectly attached to
the longitudinal slots 208, i.e., by an intervening component. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the privacy screen 500 can be
removably connectable to a privacy screen connector 502, which may
in turn be removably connectable to the channel slots 208 of one or
more power rail assemblies 101a, 101b. Referring now to FIG. 10,
the privacy screen connector 502 can include a protrusion 503
configured to fit into the longitudinal slot(s) 208. According to
one aspect of the present disclosure, the protrusion 503 of the
privacy screen connector 502 can be configured to slidably fit into
the longitudinal slot 208. According to another aspect, the
protrusion 503 of the privacy screen connector 502 can be
configured to snuggly or interferingly fit into the longitudinal
slot 208. According to various aspects of the present disclosure,
the privacy screen connector 502 may be formed by extruding a
material through a die that corresponds to its cross-sectional
profile. According to one aspect, the privacy screen connector 502
can be fabricated from a metal (e.g., aluminum), a polymer, a
composite material, or another extrudable material.
[0039] The privacy screen connector 502 can further include
sidewalls 504, 505 that are formed or configured to compressively
hold the privacy screen 500 in place in an upright position.
According to one aspect, a distance between the sidewalls 504, 505
proximal to the protrusion 503 (e.g., a first distance) may be
larger than a distance between the sidewalls 504, 505 distal from
the protrusion 503 (e.g., a second distance). In such an aspect,
the privacy screen 500 may exhibit a thickness substantially equal
to the first distance such that the sidewalls 504, 505
progressively compress and/or clamp the privacy screen 500 between
the first distance and the second distance as the privacy screen
500 is inserted into or held by the privacy screen connector
502.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 11, attachment points 506 (e.g.,
fastener apertures) may be defined in the protrusion 503 for
fixedly attaching the privacy screen connector 502 to one or more
respective power rail assemblies 101. The attachment points 506 may
be positioned anywhere along the length of the privacy screen
connector 502. The attachment points 506 may be clustered together
(as shown in FIG. 11) or not clustered together. As shown in FIG.
12, the privacy screen connector 502 can be secured to the power
rail assembly 101 by positioning fasteners 508 through the
attachment points 506 of the privacy screen connector 502 into
corresponding threaded apertures of a mounting bracket 510 such
that the fasteners 508 may be tightened or loosened external to the
longitudinal slot 208. The mounting bracket 510 can be configured
or sized to slide within the longitudinal slot 208 to allow the
privacy screen connector 502 to be positioned anywhere along the
power rail assembly 101 (or power assemblies 101 when multiple are
connected together). According to various aspects, the threaded
apertures of the mounting bracket 510 can be located to mirror the
positions (e.g. grouped/non-grouped) of the attachment points 506.
In an alternative aspect, the apertures defined in the mounting
bracket 510 may be non-threaded and the fasteners 508 may instead
be configured to engage with threaded nuts, as opposed to the
mounting bracket 510 itself. In yet another aspect, the mounting
bracket 510 may be omitted and the fasteners 508 may extend through
the attachment points 506 of the privacy screen connector 502 and
engage with threaded nuts (not shown) positioned within the
longitudinal slot 208. According to such an aspect, the threaded
nuts may be sized to fit within the longitudinal slot 208 such that
they do not rotate (i.e., interfere with the sidewalls 1001, 1002
of the longitudinal slot 208) such that the fasteners 508 may be
tightened or loosened external to the longitudinal slot 208.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 13, the power rail assembly 101 can
further include one or more mounting holes 209 defined though the
longitudinal slot 208 and/or the exterior of the power rail
assembly 101. The mounting holes 209 can be utilized in cooperation
with mounting brackets 510 for attaching accessories, such as a
privacy screen 500, to the power rail assembly 101. The mounting
holes 209 could also provide access to threaded nuts (which could
be loosely attached to the privacy screen connector 502 via
fasteners 508, for example) that have been inserted into the
longitudinal slot 208 before tightening the fasteners 508 to secure
the privacy screen connector 502 to a power rail assembly 101. Such
mounting holes 209 may be positioned anywhere along the length of
the power rail assembly 101.
[0042] In one aspect, the mounting hole 209 can extend through an
exterior wall 1101 (which corresponds to an outer wall of the power
rail assembly 101 that at least partially encloses the channel(s)
202 and/or longitudinal slot 208 thereunder, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 13) and a lateral wall 103 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 13) of the
power rail assembly 101 into the interior 1103 thereof. This
enables access to the interior 1103 for wire routing, for example.
In an alternative aspect, the mounting holes 209 can only extend
through the exterior wall 1101 and not through the lateral wall 103
into the interior 1103 of the power rail assembly 101. This aspect
may be beneficial in implementations where it is desirable to keep
the interior 1103 enclosed (e.g., to keep items from falling into
interior 1103). In yet another aspect, a subset of the mounting
holes 209 may extend through both the exterior wall 1101 and the
lateral wall 103 and a separate subset of the mounting holes 209
extend through only the exterior wall 1101. In yet another aspect,
the mounting holes 209 can be omitted and the mounting bracket 510
and/or the threaded nuts may be configured to slide into an end
1104 of the longitudinal slot 208 to position the privacy screen
connector 502 along the length of the longitudinal slot 208 of the
power rail assembly 101. Once positioned, the fasteners 508 may be
tightened to secure the privacy screen connector 502 in place, and
the privacy screen 500 may thereafter be inserted into the privacy
screen connector 502, as shown in FIG. 9, for example.
[0043] Similarly to how a privacy screen 500 can be connected to
the power rail assembly 101 as shown in FIG. 13, a similar
mechanism can be utilized to attach other accessories, such as
legs, to the power rail assembly 101. For example, FIG. 14
illustrates a leg 600 (see also FIGS. 1 and 2) attached to a
longitudinal slot 208. The longitudinal slot 208 to which the leg
600 is attached can be oriented oppositely with respect to the
longitudinal slot 208 to which the privacy screen 500 is attached
in the example shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, the leg 600
can be secured to the power rail assembly 101 by positioning
fasteners 508 through the apertures of the leg flange 602 into
corresponding threaded apertures of a mounting bracket 510 such
that the fasteners 508 may be tightened or loosened external to the
longitudinal slot 208. The mounting bracket 510 can be configured
or sized to slide within the longitudinal slot 208 to allow the leg
600 to be positioned anywhere along the power rail assembly 101 (or
power assemblies 101 when multiple are connected together).
According to various aspects, the threaded apertures of the
mounting bracket 510 can be located to mirror the positions of the
apertures of the leg flange 602. According to various aspects, the
apertures defined in the leg flange 602 can be located such that
the same mounting bracket 510 can be used in more than one
application (e.g., to attach either a privacy screen connector 502
for a privacy screen 500 or a leg 600). According to another
aspect, the apertures defined in mounting bracket 510 may
non-threaded and the fasteners 508 may extend through the apertures
of the leg flange 602, through non-threaded holes of the mounting
bracket 510 and into threaded nuts (not shown). In an alternative
aspect, the mounting bracket 510 may be omitted and the fasteners
508 may extend through apertures of the leg flange 602 and into
threaded nuts. According to such an aspect, the threaded nuts may
be sized to fit within the longitudinal slot 208 such that they do
not rotate (i.e., interfere with the sidewalls 1001, 1002 of the
longitudinal slot 208) such that the fasteners 508 may be tightened
or loosened external to the longitudinal slot 208.
[0044] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the mounting holes 209
may be defined through the longitudinal slot 208 to permit mounting
brackets 510 and/or threaded nuts (which could be loosely attached
to the leg flange 602 of a leg 600 via fasteners 508 through the
apertures in the leg flange 602, for example) to slide into the
longitudinal slot 208, prior to tightening the fasteners 508 to
secure the leg 600 to a power rail assembly 101. Such mounting
holes 209 may be positioned anywhere along the length of the power
rail assembly 101.
[0045] According to one aspect, the mounting holes 209 can extend
through the exterior wall 1101 and the lateral wall 103 of the
power rail assembly 101 into an interior 1103 thereof. This enables
access to the interior 1103 for wire routing or provides entry or
exit for components located within the interior 1103 (e.g., power
lines/components, data lines/components, and/or voice
lines/components), for example. According to another aspect, the
mounting holes 209 can only extend through the exterior wall 1101
and not through the lateral wall 103 into the interior 1103 of the
power rail assembly 101. This aspect may be beneficial in
implementations where it is desirable to keep the interior 1103
enclosed (e.g., to keep items from falling into interior 1103). In
yet another aspect, a subset of the mounting holes 209 may extend
through both the exterior wall 1101 and the lateral wall 103 and a
separate subset of the mounting holes 209 extend through only the
exterior wall 1101. In yet another alternative aspect, the mounting
holes 209 can be omitted and the mounting bracket 510 and/or the
threaded nuts may be configured to slide into an end 1104 of the
longitudinal slot 208 to position the leg 600 along the length of
the longitudinal slot 208 of the power rail assembly 101. Once
positioned, the fasteners 508 may be tightened to secure the leg
600 and/or leg flange 602 in place, as shown in FIG. 14, for
example.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 15, the power rail assembly 101 can
further include one or more electrical outlet assemblies 800
disposed or attachable within the interior 1103 thereof. As shown
in FIG. 17, the electrical outlet assemblies 800 can be mounted to
the member 200 such that the face of the power outlet 801 extends
through the openings 404 defined in the cover 400.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 16, in one aspect, the electrical
outlet assembly 800 can be attached to the member 200 and held
fixedly in place within the interior 1103 thereof via a bracket 802
and fasteners 804 (e.g., bolts). In one aspect, the fasteners 804
can be configured to thread directly into the threaded slot 204 of
the power rail assembly 101. In one aspect, the threaded slot 204
can extend along the length of the member 200, thereby allowing the
electrical outlet assemblies 800 to be affixed at any desired
positon within the interior 1103 of the member 200. Such a
longitudinally threaded slot 204 enables selective and/or flexible
mounting of internal components (e.g., power outlet assemblies,
data jack assemblies, or voice jack assemblies). Furthermore, the
power rail assembly 101 can, in some aspects, include opposing
threaded slots 204 extending longitudinally along the top and
bottom portions of the member 200. Accordingly, the electrical
outlet assemblies 800 and/or other accessories can be mounted along
the top and/or bottom longitudinal threaded slots 204, as desired
by the users.
[0048] The electrical outlet assemblies 800 can include power
outlets 801 that are oriented, sized, and shaped to correspond to
the openings 404 (FIG. 8) in the cover 400 (FIG. 8) such that the
faces of the power outlets 801 extending through the openings 404
when the cover 400 is secured to the member 200. The electrical
outlet assemblies 800 can include further power outlets 801 that
are oriented, sized, and shaped to corresponding to cutouts or
openings 112 defined in the upright wall 102 of a member 200, as
shown in FIG. 17. Such openings 112 may be in addition to or as an
alternative to the openings 404 defined in the cover 400.
Accordingly, each electrical outlet assembly 800 can, in some
aspects, be configured to provide an accessible power outlet 801 on
both sides of a power rail assembly 101.
[0049] The power rail system can further include opening covers 406
that are configured to engage with the cover openings 404 and/or
the member openings 112. The opening covers 406 can be utilized to
conceal any openings 112, 404 that are unused (e.g., not occupied
by a power outlet 801). In one aspect, each opening cover 406 can
include snap features 408 positioned to engage with the perimeter
of the openings 112, 404 to removably attach the opening cover 406
to the upright wall 102 of the member 200 or the cover 400, as
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0050] The power rail system can further include end caps 700 that
are configured to engage with the open ends of a power rail
assembly 101 (with or without a cover 400 attached thereto).
According to various aspects, the end cap 700 can be constructed
from silicone or similar flexible materials. As shown in FIG. 19,
according to various aspects, the end cap 700 can be symmetrical
about axis 3-3 and axis 4-4. The end cap 700 can further include
protrusions 702 positioned, sized, oriented, and/or otherwise
configured to engage with (e.g., interferingly fit into) the
channels 202 of the power rail assembly 101 to removably attach the
end cap 700 thereto. In one aspect, the longitudinal slot 208 may
further comprise a lobed profile 210. Such a lobed profile 210 is
configured to enable the attachment of various compatible
third-party accessories to each longitudinal slot 208.
[0051] In sum, the power rail system can be assembled in a highly
flexible and customizable manner. For example, the longitudinal
slot 208, the threaded slot 204, and other such attachment
components of the power rail assembly 101 enable flexible placement
of legs 600, privacy screens 500, electrical outlet assemblies 800,
and other components/accessories. Further, two or more power rail
assemblies 101 may be joined together to customize the length or
configuration of the power rail system. Still further, any number
of legs 600 may be attached to the power rail assembly 101 at
various positions along the length of the power rail assembly 101.
Still further, the number and placement of the electrical outlet
assemblies 800 within the power rail assembly 101 are fully
customizable according to the number and configuration of power
outlets 801 required for the particular application of the power
rail system.
[0052] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are
set out in the following numbered examples:
[0053] Example 1. A power rail system comprising: a first rail
assembly configured to be connected to a second rail assembly by a
connector member, the first rail assembly comprising: a sidewall; a
first interior compartment at least partially enclosed by the
sidewall, the first interior compartment extending longitudinally
along the first rail assembly; an opening in communication with the
first interior compartment, the opening positioned along the
sidewall; and a second interior compartment at least partially
enclosed by the sidewall, the second interior compartment extending
longitudinally along the first rail assembly and configured to
receive the connector member therein; an electrical outlet assembly
configured to be disposed at least partially within the first
interior compartment, the electrical outlet assembly comprising an
electrical outlet configured to be received through the opening
such that a face of the electrical outlet is uncovered by the first
rail assembly.
[0054] Example 2. The power rail system of Example 1, further
comprising the second rail assembly and the connector member, the
second rail assembly comprising: a second sidewall; a third
interior compartment at least partially enclosed by the sidewall,
the third interior compartment extending longitudinally along the
second rail assembly; a second opening in communication with the
third interior compartment, the second opening positioned along the
second sidewall; and a fourth interior compartment at least
partially enclosed by the second sidewall, the second interior
compartment extending longitudinally along the second rail
assembly; wherein the connector member is positioned with both the
second interior compartment and the fourth interior compartment to
removably secure the first rail assembly and the second rail
assembly together.
[0055] Example 3. The power rail system of Example 2, wherein the
connector member is secured within each of the second interior
compartment and the fourth interior compartment via fasteners.
[0056] Example 4. The power rail system of Example 2 or 3, wherein
the first rail assembly comprises a first length and the second
rail assembly comprises a second length.
[0057] Example 5. The power rail system of any one of Examples 1-4,
further comprising a leg configured to be removably connected to
the first rail assembly.
[0058] Example 6. The power rail system of Example 5, further
comprising: a slot extending longitudinally along the first rail
assembly; wherein the leg is attachable to the slot via a mounting
bracket.
[0059] Example 7. The power rail system of any one of Examples 1-6,
further comprising a privacy screen configured to be removably
connected to the first rail assembly.
[0060] Example 8. The power rail system of Example 7, further
comprising: a slot extending longitudinally along the first rail
assembly; a privacy screen connector configured to removably
receive the privacy screen; wherein the privacy screen connector is
attachable to the slot via a mounting bracket.
[0061] Example 9. The power rail system of any one of Examples 1-8,
further comprising: a threaded slot extending longitudinally along
the first rail assembly; wherein the electrical outlet assembly is
connectable at either a first location or a second location of the
threaded slot to secure the electrical outlet assembly within the
first interior compartment.
[0062] Example 10. The power rail system of any one of Examples
1-9, wherein: the electrical outlet comprises a first electrical
outlet; the electrical outlet assembly further comprises a second
electrical outlet; and the second electrical outlet is oriented
oppositely with respect to the first electrical outlet.
[0063] Example 11. The power rail system of Example 10, wherein the
opening comprises a first opening and the face comprises a first
face, the power rail system further comprising: a cover configured
to be removably connected to the first rail assembly, the cover
comprising a second opening configured to receive the second
electrical outlet therethrough such that a second face of the
second electrical outlet is uncovered by the cover.
[0064] While various details have been set forth in the foregoing
description, it will be appreciated that the various aspects of the
techniques may be practiced without these specific details. One
skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described
components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion
accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual
clarity and that various configuration modifications are
contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars
set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be
representative of their more general classes. In general, use of
any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its
class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g.,
operations), devices, and objects should not be taken as
limiting.
[0065] Further, while several forms have been illustrated and
described, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or
limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous
modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations,
and equivalents to those forms may be implemented and will occur to
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Moreover, the structure of each element
associated with the described forms can be alternatively described
as a means for providing the function performed by the element.
Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other
materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the
foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover
all such modifications, combinations, and variations as falling
within the scope of the disclosed forms. The appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes,
substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.
[0066] While particular aspects of the present disclosure have been
shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter
described herein and its broader aspects, and, therefore, the
appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such
changes and modifications as are within the true scope of the
subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those
skilled in the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended
claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term
"including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited
to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least,"
the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not
limited to"). It will be further understood by those within the art
that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim,
and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present.
For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended
claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one"
and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use
of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a"
or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced
claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation,
even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or
more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an"
(e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
[0067] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art
will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted
to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of
"two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at
least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include, but not be limited to, systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together). In those instances where a
convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used,
in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system
having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but not be
limited to, systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together). It will be further understood by those within the art
that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or
more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or
drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of
including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms
unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B"
will be typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0068] It is worthy to note that any reference to "one aspect," "an
aspect," "one form," or "a form" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in one aspect," "in an aspect," "in one form," or "in a
form" in various places throughout the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.
[0069] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0070] It should further be appreciated that, for convenience and
clarity, spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "lateral,"
"proximal," "distal," and so on may be used herein with respect to
the drawings. However, these terms are not intended to limit the
use of the structures described herein to any particular
orientation, and thus, these terms are not intended to be limiting
and/or absolute.
[0071] In summary, numerous benefits have been described that
result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing
description of the one or more forms has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications
or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one
or more forms were chosen and described in order to illustrate
principles and practical application to thereby enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various forms and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith
define the overall scope.
* * * * *