MXPA98002966A - Girato central feeding system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to provide embodiments of central power systems that include manually rotatable and operable carriers. The rotating carrier includes sections of components where the electrical and communication components can be incorporated. The components include electrical receptacles and communication / data ports. The receptacles and data ports can be connected to incoming power and communication cables. When a carrier is rotated to an open position, the power cords and communication lines can be connected to an appropriate receptacle or port of the data ports and receptacles. Loose sections of cords and lines can be placed within an open area below a work surface, inside which the central power system is placed. A cover portion of a carrier comprises slots, allowing the cords and lines to remain energized with the receptacles and data ports, when the cover is in a closed position. The carrier includes covers comprising front and rear portions, rotating between each other through articulations. The central feed system includes a pair of cylindrical stops extending outwardly on opposite sides of the carrier. The stops abut rotatably on a corresponding receiving flange of the receiving flanges located on the sides of the fixed housing. With these configurations, it provides a rotation axis for a carrier, which is below a plane extending substantially through an upper portion of the fixed housing at the location of the cover.

Description

ROTATING CENTRAL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Previous Requests This application claims priority of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 043,029 filed on April 15, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to electric power systems, and more particularly to central power systems having electrical receptacles, voice / data communication ports and / or similar devices mountable in furniture assemblies and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE The use of computers, sophisticated telecommunications equipment and other electronic devices are continually increasing rapidly in commerce, industry and other office environments. As a result, the importance of efficiently supplying energy to all these environments is also increasing. Historically, a common problem with the use of electrical power and communication equipment is the placement of output communication ports for electrical power, such as conventional RS-232 voice / data interface connectors. The placement of these devices is important with respect to both convenience and cost efficiency. Electrical receptacles and communication ports to supply power and communication signals to various types of devices (lights, computers, etc.) must be located in accessible positions for all types of use. However, the cost of electrical materials increases rapidly as the number of power supply receptacles and associated equipment increases. In addition, or perhaps more importantly, the conventional design of single-unit or double-unit receptacles (for electrical power in communications) within the surfaces of the walls or floor, which are often a substantial distance from the devices that are to be operated or communicated with, causes ugly and sometimes dangerous arrangements, and may result in entanglements of the electrical cords and communication wires connected to the devices. To overcome the problems associated with the efficiency and convenience of electrical and communications receptacle design, it is not uncommon to use multiple receptacle ducts that have a number of receptacles or ports with a common power cord or communications cable. connected to an outlet of the service or commercial communication company. Again, however, gutters result in ugly and tangled networks of electrical cords and communication lines. In addition, these channels are often located on the floor surfaces and are not particularly convenient. It is also known to employ electrical receptacles and communication ports (commonly known as "data ports"), mounted rigidly and directly to various types of furniture, such as bookshelves and desks. These receptacles can be mounted in a location substantially above the floor surface, and allow the user to interconnect the electrical and communication devices closer to their location of use, thus avoiding the need for cords and cables of shifting devices to a substantial distance. However, receptacles and rigidly secured data ports must be mounted in a manner such that the user can easily insert the plugs of the device and the connectors of the corresponding communication port. Accordingly, these data ports and receptacles are typically in a regularly "open" location and the device cords can once again prove to be ugly and consume spaces. If, alternately, the receptacles are hidden from view, they can be difficult to access. A system employs covered receptacles mounted within a work station are disclosed in Prospt, U.S. Patent No. 4,372,629 issued on February 8, 1983. The arrangement of Propst et al. Includes an upper part of the desk that has the rear cover hinged to a vertical rear panel. The receptacles are mounted to the lower portion of the deck bristles extend horizontally from the deck to an edge of the top of the desk when the cover is closed. When the cover is opened, the user can connect on the cord of a desired electrical device and close the cover, with the cord then extending through the bristles. A relatively substantial advance over the prior art, related to the assembly of electrical receptacles in a retractable manner on work surfaces and the like, is shown in the commonly owned Byrne, United States Patent. 4,551, 577 issued November 5, 1985. In the Byrne patent, a retractable power center includes a rectangular housing formed in the work surface with a fastener arrangement to secure the housing to the work surface. A lower extrusion is connected to a lower portion of the housing, and a movable feed carrier against the receptacles. A latching assembly releasably holds the wearer in a closed, retracted position. In response to manual activation. In latching assembly released in the tensioned springs between the carrier and the extrusion exert forces to extend the carrier upwards in an extended open position. In the open position, the user can energize the desired electrical devices from the receptacles, and then lower the carrier to the position releasably secured, retracted. Although the above Byrne patent represents a substantial advance with respect to retractable feed centers mounted on work surfaces, it may also be advantageous to employ a retractable feed center having a relatively simpler construction. That is, the use of similar spring or arrangement can sometimes result in additional repair and maintenance costs. In addition, the use of a relatively long extrusion and spring assemblies can also result in higher initial costs. In this regard, a further advance on the prior art was achieved with the commonly owned Byrne, United States Patent 4,747,788 issued May 31, 1988. In this patent, a retractable feed center was disclosed which is operable manually . This feed center includes a fixed upper housing received within a groove formed within a work surface, and a clamping arrangement to secure the housing to the work surface. A manually movable and vertically slidable feed carrier is used to mount the electrical receptacles. In response to the manually exerted forces, the carrier can extend vertically upwards to an open position. Small protrusions extend laterally from the sides of the port to provide a means for holding the carrier in its extended position, with the protuberances resting within the upper portion of the housing. Edges are formed integrally on the lateral sides of the carrier near the lower portions thereof, to prevent any further movement of the carrier upwards with respect to the housing. An example of a device having electrical receptacles, data ports and other types of communication outputs are disclosed by Brownlie et al., U.S. Patent 4,984,982 issued January 15, 1991. The Brownlie patent illustrates a tiled module of access that is mounted in an opening provided in an access floor. The module is movable between the open and closed positions, a recess is provided to receive electrical components such as power plugs or signal plugs. Electrical insulation is provided between certain components. In an alternative mode, a high-voltage cable and a low-voltage cable are interconnected at the rear of the module. The high voltage cable is secured through an inflexible wire bracket, with the low voltage cable secured through a data bracket. Cable ties are used to secure the cables to the back of the module. A device comprising both power and data service lines, and specifically directed for use on a work surface, is disclosed by Timmerman, U.S. Patent 5,575,668, issued November 19, 1996. In the Timmerman patent, A temporary power / data outlet is provided to supply both the electrical power and the data service to a work surface from an electrical receptacle and a remote standard data port mounted on the wall or floor. The power / data socket is movable between the retracted and extended positions. The Timmerman patent illustrates a temporary power / data outlet comprising an enclosure assembly, an energy distribution assembly, at least one outlet enclosure, and a power cord. The enclosure assembly comprises a box structure having a top opening with two side surfaces and two removable end surfaces. The side surfaces include nuts welded by points on their internal surfaces to mount the lock assembly to a work surface. The internal surface of the lateral surfaces of the box structure include rivets that get into the non-conductive space and serve as positive stops for the outlet box housed there. The end surfaces may also have openings for receiving an input voltage release isolator or an electrical connector. Arranged within the box assembly is an energy distribution assembly for receiving and redistributing electrical power through the box assembly to the outlet box. The power distribution assembly is an I-shaped structure comprising a first junction box and a second junction box. Each of the junction boxes includes a central recessed area with two centrally located conduit holes fabricated thereon, which are used to join one end of a rigid metal conduit and a flexible metal conduit. The holes are also made on the inner surface near the upper edge of each junction box to link the bullet pins located on the lateral sides of each outlet box for the purpose of limiting the upper rotation of the outlet box of the assembly. box. During assembly, the power distribution assembly is disposed within the box assembly on a lower surface such that a rigid conduit is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the box assembly, with the junction boxes disposed on their opposite sides. This concept is shown in Figure 5 of the Timmerman patent. Electric power is supplied to the box assembly from a standard receptacle by means of a power cord. The power cord extends through an inlet insulator fixed to the side surface of the box structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Timmerman, two outlet boxes are placed through the upper opening and arranged in a side-by-side manner within the box assembly. A hinge is provided between the two outlet boxes or between an outlet box and the box assembly, thus allowing the outlet boxes to pivot freely within the box assembly. Each outlet box is made of sheet metal and comprises a cover and a box member divided by a partition into first and second compartments. The cover is connected along its trailing edge by an articulation along the entire length of the upper surface of the box member. A protection bar is used to interconnect the articulation element on the cover with the articulation elements located on the adjacent outlet box or on the box assembly. The box member is divided into a first compartment used to house the high voltage electrical connectionschE , and a second compartment used to house the low voltage electrical connections, such as the connections of the data service lines. Each end of the box member is fitted with a bullet latch, which links the zone holes fabricated on the sides of the adjacent junction box to limit the upward rotation of the outlet box. Manufactured on the front surface of the box member are cut to receive the electrical power receptacle and the data port. Manufactured on the lower surface of the box member directly below the first compartment is an opening, which allows a flexible conduit to be fixed to the box structure. Atta to a rear opening of the box member is a removable cover. The cover completely encloses the first compartment and partially covers the rear opening of the second compartment, thus providing a means for the data service line to enter the second compartment. To mount the temporary intake to a work surface, a suitable opening is made on the work surface slightly larger than the box structure. Mounting brackets are used to fix the box structure to the work surface. In general the Timmerman patent shows the concept of a pivotable feed center between the open and closed positions, the feeding center having both an electrical receptacle and a data port mounted in separate and isolated compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, a power center is provided for the purpose of supplying electric power services and / or communication services. The feed center includes a fixed feed that forms an internal space area located below a plane extending substantially through an upper portion of the housing. Carrier means are provided, which are coupled to the fixed housing, to be movable with respect to the housing between a closed, retracted position, and an open, extended position. A power source means is provided for supplying electric power and / or voice / data service, from power supply lines and / or common interconnectable voice / data lines. An energizing element is also provided. The energizing element is mounted to the carrier element and connected to the power source element to supply the energy and / or data voice service, from the power supply element to the selectively interconnectable electrical and / or communication devices. Coupling elements are also provided, which are connected to the fixed housing and the carrier element. The coupling elements form an axis of rotation around which the carrier element rotates relative to the fixed housing. The coupling element is placed on the carrier element and the housing such that the axis of rotation is below the plane extending substantially through an upper part of the housing.

The feeding center also includes cover elements which are pivotably coupled to the carrier element. The cover element provides a cover for the feeding center when the carrier element is in a closed, retracted position. The carrier element can move between the retracted closed position, and in the open, extended position, through rotation about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation remains fixed during the movement of the carrier means from the closed, retracted position, to the open, extended position. The feed center may include pivot means coupled to the cover means and the carrier means to provide pivotable movement capabilities of the cover means relative to the carrier means. The pivoting means may comprise a pivotable motion axis which moves back towards the fixed housing, when the carrying means moves from the closed position, retracted to the open, extended position. The power center is adapted to be mounted on a desk or other component of the furniture that has a work surface. The feeding center is mounted at a selectable working height and the fixed housing is adapted to be mounted within a groove formed in the working surface. The aforementioned plane extends substantially through or adjacent to the work surface. When the carrier means is in the extended open position, the energizing means is angled upwardly in a manner to be accessible to a user for the purpose of interconnecting the electric cords and / or the communication lines of the electrical devices and / or of communication selectively interconnectable to the energizing media. When the carrier means is in a closed, retracted position, the cover means is suitably structured and the carrier means is appropriately positioned within the open area such that the excess of electrical cords and / or communication lines interconnected to the medium energizer can be stored within the open area. The carrier means and cover means can be manually lifted up from the fixed housing and returned in position with the fixed housing, in such a way that the energizing means are directed to a position that opposes an original position, without requiring any assembly / disassembly of the components of the power center. The cover means may include a front cover portion and a rear cover portion. The pivoting means may be provided, which are connected to the front cover portion, to the rear cover portion and to the carrier means, to pivotably couple the front cover portion to the rear cover portion d. The front portion of the cover can be pivotably relative to the rear portion of the cover, and the front portion of the cover can move in unison with the carrier means. The back cover portion can slide backward relative to the fixed housing, when the carrier means is moved from the closed position, retracted to the open, extended position. The front cover portion may include slot means which allow a user to manually manipulate the front cover portion when the carrier means is in the closed, retracted position. The cover means may also include a rear cover portion pivotally coupled in its rear section to the fixed housing. A front cover portion can be provided, which is separated from the rear cover portion and fixedly connected to the carrier means, such that the front cover portion moves in unison with the movement of the carrier medium. The back cover can pivot about its pivot port relative to the fixed housing, to roll up the front cover as the front cover and the carrier means rotate about the axis of rotation. The coupling means may include a pair of arcuate flanges mounted on opposite ends of the fixed housing. A pair of stops can be provided, which extend outwardly from the opposite lateral sides of the carrier means, each of the stops being adapted to rotate freely within an arcuate area formed of each of the flanges. The fixed housing may include vertically disposed front, rear and lateral portions, an upper horizontal flange and a pair of beveled edges formed between the horizontal flange at the vertically disposed front and rear portions of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a partial view, in perspective, with the side portions of the work surface partially detached; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a rotary feed center illustrated in Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of some of the components of the rotary feed center illustrated in Figure 1, and mainly showing the rotary interconnection and the general axis of rotation of the feed center carrier relative to the fixed housing; Figure 4 is a plan view of the rotary feed center, when the feed center is in a closed position, with electrical interconnections and data lines to the feed center bearer; Figure 5 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, and showing the path of movement traversed by the carrier of the feeding center, when the carrier moves from an open position to a closed position; Figure 6 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, of a second embodiment of the rotary feeding center, when the second mode of the feeding center is in the closed position, and the second embodiment having a variation with respect to the front and rear cover configurations, and the second embodiment having a reversible configuration; Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of the second embodiment of the rotary feed center shown in Figure 6, with the feed center in a partially open position; Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of the second embodiment of the feeding center shown in Figure 6, and showing a variation where the feeding center is in a fully open position, which can be kept fixed; Figure 9 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, showing a third embodiment of a rotary feeding center according to the invention, the third embodiment comprising a reversible configuration of the second embodiment shown in Figure 6; Figure 10 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, showing a fourth embodiment of a rotary feed center according to the invention with the feed center in a closed position; Figure 11 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, showing the rotary feed center illustrated in Figure 10 in an open position; Figure 12 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure 2, and showing a fifth embodiment of a rotary feeding center according to the invention, with the feeding center in a closed position; Figure 13 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 2, and showing the rotary feed center of Figure 12 in a partially open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a first embodiment of a central rotary feed system 100 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The central rotary feed system 100 provides easily accessible entry to a level surface work, electrical power, data ports and other types of electrical input and / or output and / or communication desired. The central rotating feed system 100 is adapted to be maintained in a collapsed closed position, while still retaining the interconnection capacity of the electrical and communication lines. In addition, the central power system 100 is adapted to facilitate the interconnection of the electrical and communication lines when a rotating carrier of the central power system 100 is moved through a path to an open position., rotated. Advantageously, the positioning of the axis of rotation and the rotational movement of the cover components serve to further facilitate the interconnection of the electrical and communication lines, by providing a "greater" access area. Other advantages are also provided by a rotary feeding center according to the invention. For example, as illustrated in the additional drawings, the feeding center according to the invention can be provided in a reversible mode, without any complex disarming. In addition, and as mentioned above, the relationship of the various components of the rotary feed center serve to facilitate the interconnection of the electrical and communication lines through providing a "greater" access area when the feeding center is in a open position This open position also allows additional accommodation for the wires or cables comprising the electrical and communication lines to be "picked up" within the storage space area. In addition, with the configuration of a rotary feeding center according to the invention. The wires or cables are a bit "tight" together when the rotary feed center moves to a closed position. With this configuration the "volume" of the wires or cables can be located below the plane of a work surface and substantially hidden from view. According to all of the foregoing, a rotary feed center according to the invention facilitates providing a relatively large open area for wire or cable access and a storage area for storing excess wire or cable. More specifically, with reference to the drawings, the central feeding system 100 is illustrated in Figure 1 as being adapted to be mounted within a slot or opening such as a slot 104, formed within a component of the furniture such as a surface of work 102 as partially shown in Figures 1 and 2. Work surface 102 may, for example, be the working surface of a desk or a similar component of the furniture. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the slot 104 may be rectangular or in a similar manner for the purpose of properly fitting the central power system 100. The central power system 100, as shown particularly in Figures 1 and 3 , includes a fixed housing 106, which may comprise a rectangular sleeve 108 and a horizontal flange 110. The rectangular sleeve 108 will be of sufficient depth or length to adequately cover and protect the electrical and communication components as described in FIG. present in later paragraphs. The rectangular sleeve 108 is arranged vertically and includes a vertical front component 112 and 2 opposed vertical side components 114 and 116. The rectangular sleeve 108 also includes a vertical rear component 118, with the front and side components 112, 114, 116 and 118 integrally or otherwise connected to each other with appropriate means. These components 112 and 114, 116 and 118 form a rectangular box or a sleeve-like structure to protect the electrical communication components and other components associated with the central power system 100. Also integral with or otherwise properly connected. The rectangular sleeve 108 is a horizontal flange 110. As shown mainly in Figure 3, the horizontal flange 110 is also rectangular in shape and should be of an appropriate size to provide the support on the work surface 102 for the central system. feed 100 into the slot 104. The rectangular sleeve 108 can be sized appropriately and the central feed system 100 can be configured such that the flange 110 merely rests on the upper portion of the work surface 102. Alternately, if desired, screws or other connecting means can be used to rigidly secure the horizontal flange 110 and / or the sleeve 108 to the work surface 102. The general concepts associated with the positioning and securing components such as the fixed housing 106 within the slots of the work surface and other openings for the purpose of providing the power center configurations are known, and an example of a configuration is shown in the commonly owned Byrne, United States Patent 4,74,788 issued on May 31, 1998 and which is incorporated herein by reference. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the fixed housing 106 also includes a pair of receiving flanges 120, each having a V-shaped configuration. Each receiving flange 120 is integral with or otherwise appropriately secured to an inner surface of a corresponding component of the vertical side components 114 and 116. Each receiving flange 120 includes a pair of walls 122 interconnected through a spoke 124. The radius 124 and the walls 122 are appropriately sized to provide adequate rotation of a portion of the carrier of the central feeding system 100 as described in the following paragraphs herein. In this regard, it is important to place the receiving flange 120 at an appropriate vertical distance below the horizontal flange 110 to provide proper separation and operation of the central feed system 100. Although the receiving flanges 120 are illustrated as U-shaped channels. It should also be emphasized that various configurations can be used for the receiving tabs 120, without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel novel concepts of a rotating feed center according to the invention. With reference primarily to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the central power system 100 also includes a manually operated and rotatable feed center carrier 130. The rotating carrier 130 includes a component section 132 within which a number and selective type of electrical and communication components may be incorporated. These components can be assembled and incorporated generally in a manner as desired by the buyer of the central power system. For example, and as shown primarily in Figures 1 and 3, the component section 132 may include receptacle devices comprising a voice / data communication section. 134 having a series of data ports 136 for the purpose of providing communications interface such as conventional RS-232 communication connectors. The data ports 136 can be connected through a conventional communications cable 138 to a conventional input / output communication port located below the work surface 102 at the floor level or at any other conventional location. The input / output communication connector does not show the drawings. However, the concept of using data ports, input / output communication components and data service lines is shown, for example, by Timmerman, U.S. Patent 5,575,668 issued October 6, 1995. Component 132 it may also include a conventional electrical receptacle section 140, comprising a series of conventional electrical receptacles 142 for supplying power to office equipment and similar alternating current voltage devices. As described in more detail in the following paragraphs herein, the electrical receptacles 142 may be interconnected to the conventional input power cables 144. The input power cables 144 may each be energized through the interconnection at their ends. Distant to conventional incoming AC power outputs located on the floor surface or other area. The AC power outputs are not shown in the drawings. In addition to the electrical power receptacle section 140, the component section 132 may also include conventional electrical devices such as an on / off switch 146, which may, if desired, be interconnected with other components of the section 132 to provide a single location to energize or de-energize both the high and low voltage power provided through section 132. Still further, if appropriate and if desired, a conventional circuit breaker 148 or a similar device can be provided and properly interconnected by protection purposes. Although not shown in the drawings, it is apparent that other types of electrical, communication and protection components may be incorporated within the component section 132. For example, although not shown in the drawings, a surge protector may be used. of power within the component section 132 for the purpose of providing protection for sensitive electronic communications equipment, which can be energized and interconnected through the component section 132. As stated above, the interconnections of the communications service cable 138 and power cables 134 to the appropriate receptacles of section 132 are of conventional design and do not comprise any portion of the novel concepts of the invention. These types of interconnections are well known in electricity techniques. However, for the purpose of providing additional information, Figure 2 illustrates additional specific with respect to the interconnection of the incoming power cable 144 to a corresponding receptacle of the electrical receptacles 142. More specifically, with reference to Figure 2, a fastener of the cable 150 is located near one side of a rear portion of the component section 132 of the carrier 130, although not shown in Figure 2, a second cable holder may be located on the opposite side of the component section 132. The cable clip 150 can be used to maintain the position and properly secure the incoming power cable 144 that enters the area of the carrier 130. A screw 152 or similar device can be used with the cable holder 150 for the purpose of securing and securing properly the power cable 144 to provide the release of tension and to avoid any damage coming from the tension that can be exerted on the cable 144. As shown further in Figure 2, the incoming power cable 144 may comprise three conventional shielded wires 154, with each of the wires providing energized, neutral and earth connections suitable for the conventional electrical receptacles 142. Conventional interconnections of the wires 154 to the receptacles 142 are relatively well known and not specifically illustrated in the drawings. In addition, for purposes of appropriately securing and providing protection for the release of tension with respect to the communication cables, the communication cable 138 is shown in Figure 1, it can also be connected through a second appropriate cable holder, similar to illustrated cable fastener 150 (the second cable fastener not being shown in the drawings), with the second cable fastener located on the opposite side of the component section 132. Again, the specific interconnections of the power cables and incoming communication service, with the receptacle and part of the data port of the component section 134 are not of fundamental importance. Of importance to the invention is the concept that these interconnections should not prevent the rotary movement of the central supply carrier 130 as described herein in later paragraphs. The central feed carrier 130 also includes a cover 160 comprising a substantially rectangular front portion 162, and a substantially rectangular rear portion 164. The front portion 162 and the rear portion 164 are rotatable relative to each other and interconnected through each other. a piano-like articulation 166, which extends longitudinally (Figure 4) between the cover portions 162 and 164. The piano-like articulation 166 provides a means for rotation of the cover portion 162 relative to the portion 164. In addition , of the piano-like articulation 166, and the cover portions 162, 164, the cover 160 also includes a pair of slots 168 as shown primarily in Figure 4. The slot 168 will allow the extension of the power and communication cables energized through the use of the central power system 100 when the cover 130 is in a closed position as described e in the present in later paragraphs. Also, it should be noted at this time that the excess of power and communication cables energized through the use of the feed system 100 can be stored below the cover 160 and substantially concealed from the view during use. Referring mainly to Figures 2 and 3, the carrier 130 of the feed center also includes a pair of protruding stops 170, which may be cylindrically shaped and extend laterally outward on opposite sides of the component section 132. When the carrier 130 of the feeding center is inserted within the fixed housing 106, each of the cylindrical stops 170 will rest rotatably on a corresponding flange of the receiving flanges 120. The location of each of the stops 170 relative to the location of the cover 160, and the location of the receiving flanges 120 relative to the overall height of the fixed housing 106, should be such that the flanges 120 and the stops 170 substantially support the carrier 130 of the feed center with the portions of cover 162, 164 at the general height of the horizontal flange 100 when the cover 160 is in a closed position. The operation of the central system of the central power system 100 will now be described with respect to the drawings. As mentioned above, the fixed housing 106 can fit appropriately within the groove 104 of the work surface 102, with the horizontal flange 110 resting on an upper portion of the work surface 102. If desired, it can be rigidly secured the housing 106 within the slot 104 by an appropriate connection means (not shown). The carrier 130 of the feeding center can then be appropriately positioned within the open area 172 formed by the rear side and front portions of the rectangular sleeve 108. With this configuration, the stops 170 will adjust in a matched and rotatable manner to a corresponding flange of the receiving flanges 120, integral with or otherwise connected to the internal surfaces of each of the vertical side components 114, 116. With this configuration, the central system supply 100 can be characterized as being in a closed position, with a feed center carrier 130, being characterized as being in a closed position. In this position each of the portions 162, 164 of the cover 160 is in a substantially horizontal orientation. In the particular configuration and in accordance with the particular embodiment described herein, the rear cover portion 164 may have its end portion substantially resting on the horizontal flange 110 as shown in Figure 2, however, for purposes of access and for convenience, the rectangular sleeve 108 of the fixed housing 106 can be formed to provide front and rear edge 174 formed within the open area 172 as shown primarily in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 4, the rectangular front portion 162 of the cover 160 can be appropriately sized such that when the cover portion 162 is in the closed position, the end of the cover portion 162 abuts a leading edge of the edges 174. In addition, the cover 160 can be sized in such a way that the rear portion 174 remains resting on the rear edge of the edges 174. this config uration is shown in Figure 4. Further, with the cover 160 in its closed position, the center of gravity of the carrier 130 may be such as to keep the carrier 130 in the closed position, absent of external forces. In this regard, having the cover portions 162, 164 resting on the edges 174 substantially "will lock" the carrier 130 in the closed position. When it is then desired to interconnect (or disconnect) the power and communication cables of the component section 132, the carrier of the power center 130 can be rotated (from the closed position shown in Figure 4) by a user placing with his fingertips within the slots 168. The user can then exert relatively minimal forces upwardly on the rectangular front portion 162 of the cover 160. In this manner, the front cover portion 162 will rotate about the link 166 relative to the rear cover portion 164. Simultaneously, the carrier 130 will rotate about a longitudinal axis through the centers of the coaxial stops 170. As the carrier 130 is rotated, the rear cover portion 164 will move up and back. outside the trailing edge 174, in this way "unlocking" the cover 160. The result of this rotation is shown mainly in the Figure 2. When the cover 160 is properly rotated to provide the feed center carrier in an open position with the component section 132 accessible to the user, the user can then connect (or disconnect) the appropriate connectors and cables to the data ports 136, to electrical receptacles 142 and / or to other power and communication energizing devices. As an example, Figure 2 illustrates a conventional power cord 176, with a terminal contact blade section 178 and a cord portion 180 interconnected to one of the electrical receptacles 142. If desired, and also as shown in FIG. Figure 2, when the power cord 176 interconnects with one of the electrical receptacles 142, the loose sections of the cord portion 180 can be placed within the open area 172 of the rectangular sleeve 108. This excess cord can therefore be placed underneath ( and substantially "hidden" from the view) of the work surface 102 in such a way that it will not interfere with the work being done on the work surface 102 around the central power system 100. With the rotation of the carrier 130 to a position open as shown in Figure 2, it is also feasible to properly dimension and position the component section 132 in such a way as the center of The gravity of the carrier 130 is located such that the carrier 130 is held in the open position without correspondingly exerting external forces on the carrier 130. The exact design of this concept depends on the parameters such as size and weight of the carrier components. Following the interconnection of the power cord 176 to a suitable receptacle of the electrical receptacles 142, and the storage of the excess of the cord portion 180 within the open area 172, the cover can then be returned from the open position shown in Figure 2 to the closed position shown in Figure 4. Depending on the location of the center of gravity of the carrier 130, the closure can occur only by removing the external forces of the cover 160 or, alternatively pressing down on the front cover portion. 162. The carrier 130 will rotate about the longitudinal axis of the coaxial stops 170, while the front cover portion 162 pivots about the link 166 relative to the rear cover portion 164. The front and rear cover portions 162, 164 they will then return to their positions resting on the edges 174. For the purpose of illustration, Figure 4 shows only a cord 180 extending through one of the slots 168. However, "also for purposes of illustration, Figure 4 further illustrates a line of communication 182, which can be interconnected to one of the data ports 136 that extend through the other of the slot 168. With reference to both of FIGS. 2 and 5, it should be noted that when the cover 160 is rotated in such a manner that the front cover portion 162 rotates relative to the rear cover portion 164 through the action of the piano-type articulation 166, and the component section 132 is thus rotated to an open position, the cover 160 (and in particular, the rear portion 164) will move backward, with the piano-like articulation 166 having normally an arcuate movement, whereby the axis of the articulation 166 will move slightly up and backward as the cover 160 moves from a closed position to an open position. This general concept is shown in an exaggerated orientation in Figure 5. More specifically, in Figure 5, the position of the axis of the piano-type joint 166 when the cover 160 is in the closed position is shown as the location of the A-axis. Correspondingly, the travel path of the piano-type articulation 166 as it moves from the location of the B-axis (the open position) to the location of the A-axis (the closed position) is illustrated as the path O the advantages according to the invention are shown by the particular type of travel path of this axis of the piano-like articulation 166. More specifically, it can be taught that a feeding center according to the invention can use a hinge of type piano 166 located in a fixed position at location A shown in Figure 5. That is, cover portion 162 will simply rotate about the joint of piano type 166, without any movement of the articulation 166 (different from the rotational movement about its central axis of rotation. The link 166 would therefore remain fixed relative to the other parts of the central system 100). However, if this would be the case, the opening that would be provided for access for a user to the component section 132 would comprise the opening shown as having a depth X in Figure 5. Instead, with the movement of the axis of the piano-like articulation 166 backward during the opening of the cover 160, an additional depth (shown as depth Y in Figure 5) would be provided. Accordingly, with a cover 160 and a component section 132, configured in this manner according to the invention, a larger accessible opening is provided without requiring any increased need for the size of the slot 104 within the work surface 102. This type of arrangement is obtained in part, by having the axis of rotation in 3"real" of the carrier of the feed center 130 and the component section 132 through a longitudinal axis extending through the coaxial centers of the stops 170, below the horizontal plane of the cover 160 (when the cover 160 is in the closed position). That is, although the front cover portion 162 rotates relative to the rear cover portion 164 of the cover 160 through the piano-like articulation 166, this is the axis of rotation that extends through the centers of the stops 170 around which the component section 132 will rotate. That is, this axis of rotation is provided below the normal horizontal plane of the cover 160, when the cover 160 is in the closed position. The increase in the opening distance is particularly advantageous with respect to the access of the component section 132 to connect and disconnect the power cables, the communication cables and the like. Further, if desired, the inventor believes that the component section 132 can be configured such that the cover 160 and the component section 132 will remain "normally" by itself in the open position, when the front cover portion 162 is rotated sufficiently to have the piano-like articulation 166 extended backward from the center of gravity of the component section 132. In this way, if desired, the component section 132 can be maintained in an open position, without the user continuing to exert any force on the cover 160. With this type of configuration, the cover 160 can then be closed by having the user exert downwardly. pressure on the front cover portion 162. To ensure that the cover will then remain closed, rotation to the closed position of the cover 160 would necessarily be required in a manner such that the center of gravity of the component section 132 would be toward forward of the axis of the piano-like articulation 166, when the cover 160 is in the closed position. Alternatively, however, the edges 174 may be used to secure the cover 160 in the closed position. In addition another advantage of certain of the novel components of a central power system according to the invention relates to the simplicity of construction with respect to the modification of the orientation of the system 100. For example, it is desired to have the receptacles and ports of communication and feeding of the component section 132 giving in an opposite direction the entire carrier of the feeding center 130 would be raised upwards and rotated 180 degrees, subsequently being put back into the fixed housing 106. That is, the whole of the Carrier 130 is "reversible" without requiring complex assembly or disassembly.

In summary, the above central power system provides a convenient means for providing electrical power communication ports and other types of electrical / communication devices accessible to a user, without substantial complexity in the design or construction. The central power system 100 according to the invention comprises relatively few connection parts, such as screw and the like.

Also, without a requirement to increase the size of the slot 104, the central feeding system 100 according to the invention provides a relatively wide access area when in the open position. In addition, the system 100 according to the invention comprises means for storing or "hiding" excess cable even when the system 100 is in a closed position. Still further, the system 100 according to the invention provides convenient and relatively simple means for reorienting the orientation of the communication and electrical power component section 132, again without requiring relatively complex arming / disassembly or the like. More specifically, with respect to the storage of excess wires or cables, the relatively large excess opening, as mentioned above, facilitates the storage of excess cable when the central feed system 100 is in the open position. Further, when the wires or cables are stored below the cover 160, and the central power system 100 is moved to a closed position, the wires or wires are substantially "clamped together", with the "volume" of the wires or cables below the work surface 102. In general, a rotary feed system according to the invention facilitates providing an open area for access of the wires or cables and an area for the storage of excess wires or cables. In addition to the central feeding system 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, other embodiments of a rotary feeding center according to the invention may be employed, for example, a second embodiment of a central feeding system according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 as system 200. For purposes of understanding, the additional embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, and also shown in Figures 8 through 13 use reference numbers corresponding to the reference numbers used for the central power system 100 illustrated in the Figures 1 to 5 for operating similarly or substantially identical elements. More specifically, the central feed system 200 includes two receiving flanges 120 located on the vertical side component 116 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, and with a corresponding pair of receiving flanges 120 (not shown) that are located on the vertical side component opposite (not shown). The vertical side component that is not shown would correspond to the vertical side component 114 illustrated in Figure 1 of the feed center 100. A set of receiving flanges 120 is used to receive the stops 170 when the carrier 130 is going to be facing in a direction toward further defined as the direction shown in Figures 6 and 7. It should be emphasized that all of the views shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 10 to 13 substantially correspond to the view of Figure 2 of the central power system 100. corresponding, when it is desired to have the carrier 130 giving in an opposite direction the entire carrier 130 can be lifted upwards, rotated 180 degrees, and received in the other set of the receiving flanges 120. Again, this reversible capability is provided without requiring any complex arming / disarming. With the modality of the central feeding system 100 the mode of the central power system 200 includes conventional electrical receptacles 142 for supplying power to the AC voltage devices. The receptacles 142 are interconnected to conventional incoming power cables 144 which can be energized through conventional incoming AC power outlets (not shown), when the carrier 130 is rotated to an open position as shown in Figure 7, the power cord 176 can be connected to an appropriate receptacle of the electrical receptacles 142, and the "loose" section of the cord portion 180 can be placed inside. of the open area 172 below the horizontal work surface 102. Although not specifically shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover portion of the carrier 130 will have slots corresponding to the slots 168 of the central power system 100 illustrated in the Figure 4. These slots will allow the cords 176 to remain energized with the receptacles 142 when the cover portion is in a separate position. Continuing with respect to Figures 6 and 7, the feed center carrier 130 may include a cover 210 comprising a total portion 212 and a rear portion 124. The front portion 212 and the rear portion 214 are somewhat similar in structure and function to the front portion 162 and the rear portion 164 respectively of the central supply system 100. The front portion 212 and the rear portion 214 are rotatable relative to one another and interconnected through a piano-like articulation 216, the which extends longitudinally between the cover portions 212 and 214. The piano-like articulation 216 provides a means for rotation of the front cover portion 212, relative to the rear cover portion 214, and is somewhat similar in structure and function to the piano-like articulation 166 of the central power system 100. The section of the carrier component 215 of the center of the The insertion 130 comprising the electrical receptacles 142 can be secured by an appropriate connector means (not shown) that can otherwise be integral with the portion of the rectangular cover 212. The component section 215 is placed below and to the rear of the housing. the portion of the portion 212, as with the central feed system 100. When the front cover portion 212 is rotated, relative to the cover portion 214 of the cover 210 the electrical receptacles 142 of the component section 215 will move in correspondence and simultaneously with the front cover portion 212. As with the central feed system 100, the feed center carrier 130 of the central feed system 200 includes a pair of protruding stops 170 extending laterally outward at the sides opposite of the carrier 130. The cylindrical stops 170 can be rotatably supported on a corresponding flange of the receiving flanges 120. With the above configuration, the illustration of the central feeding system 200 of FIG. 6 can be characterized as showing the central feeding carrier 130 being in a closed position, in this position each of the portions 212 and 214 of the cover 210 are in a substantially horizontal orientation. As with the central feed system 100 in this configuration as shown in Figure 6, the front cover portion 212 and the rear cover portion 214 can rest on the bevelled edges 174 of the side portions 112, 118. Furthermore, with the cover 21 in a closed position as shown in Figure 6, the center of gravity of the carrier 130 can be such to keep the carrier 130 in a closed position absent of external things. In this regard, having the cover portions 214 resting on the edges 174, will substantially lock the carrier 130 in the closed position. When it is then desired to interconnect (or disconnect the wires and cables from the electrical receptacles 142, the feed center carrier 130 can be rotated from the closed position shown in Figure 6), by a user placing their fingertips within the slots (not shown) located within the front cover portion 212. Although not shown in these drawings, the slots would be similar to the slots 168 illustrated in Figure 4 with respect to the central power system 100. The user can then exercise relatively small forces upward on the front cover portion 212 of the base 210. In this manner, the front cover portion 212 will rotate about the link 216 relative to the rear cover portion 214. Simultaneously the carrier 130 will rotate about the longitudinal axis through the centers of the coaxial stops 170 held in the receiving tabs 120. As the carrier 130 is rotated, the rear cover portion 214 will move up out of the trailing edge 174, thereby unlatching the cover 210. The result of this rotation with the carrier 130 shown in a partially open position is shown in Figure 7 However, if desired, the user can rotate the carrier 130 to a fully open position as shown in Figure 8. When the cover 210 is rotated to this fully open position, a substantial access area shown in Figure 8 as having a depth D, it is available to facilitate connection (or disconnection) of the power cord 176 to the receptacles 142 and to store or recover the excess cord 180 from the open space area 172. Again, this part is provided in part extremely wide open space area due to the placement of the receiving flange 120 used for the particular configuration shown in Figures 6 to 8. With is With the wide opening and the relative space access, the cords 176 can easily be connected to the receptacles 142 and the excess "loose" cord 180 can be placed within the open area 172. Following the interconnection, or disconnection, the cover 210 can then be returned from the open position shown in Figure 8 to the closed position shown in Figure 6, although the user exerting the external forces on the front cover portion 212 to rotate the front cover portion 212 in a direction in the direction of clockwise (as shown in Figure 6 to 8) around the articulation axis 212. Again the central power system 200 according to the invention facilitates the connection / disconnection of the cords, wires and cables and the storage of the excess cable through providing relatively open access and spatially large areas. In addition to the central power systems 100 and 200 illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, further embodiments of a rotary feeding center according to the invention can be used. For example, another embodiment of a central power system according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 as the system 300 for purposes of understanding, the additional embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11 use reference numbers corresponding to the reference numbers used for the central power system 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 by similar operation or substantially identical elements. More specifically, the central feed system 300 includes a single receiving flange 120 located on the vertical side component 116 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 with a corresponding receiving flange 120 (not shown) that is located on an opposite vertical side component (not shown). shown). The receiving tabs 120 are used to receive the stops 170. It should be noted that with respect to the particular mode of a central power system according to the invention as shown in Figures 10 and 11, this particular embodiment is not reversible and uses only a single pair of receiving tabs 120. The central power system 300 as with the modes of the central power systems 100 and 200, includes conventional electrical receptacles 142 to supply power to electrical devices. The receptacles 142 are interconnected to conventional incoming power cords 144 which can be energized through conventional incoming power receptacles (not shown) when the carrier 130 is rotated to an open position as shown in Figure 11, the power cord. 176 may be connected to an appropriate receptacle of the electrical receptacles 142 and the "loose" section of the cord portion 180 may be placed within an open area 172 below the horizontal work surface 102. Although not specifically shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cover portion of the carrier 130 may include slots corresponding to the slots 168 of the central power system 100 illustrated in Figure 4. These slots will allow the cords 176 to remain energized with the receptacles 142 when the cover portion is in a closed position. Continuing with the description with respect to Figures 10 and 11, the power center carrier 130 includes a cover portion that is somewhat unique, relative to the cover portions of the carriers associated with the central power systems 100 and 200. More specifically, the feed center carrier of the system 300 includes a cover 310 having a front, inner portion 312, and a rear portion 314. Unlike the covers of the central feed systems 100 and 200 the cover portion. rear 314 of central power system 300 is rotatably interconnected to rectangular sleeve 108, and in particular, the component 118 through a piano-like articulation 316. The piano-like articulation 316 extends longitudinally along the rearward side component 118 on its upper surface thereof, and is provided for rotation of the cover portion 314 relative to the sleeve. 108. The front cover portion 312 includes one or more slots (not shown) into which one or more flanges 318 may be inserted when the cover 310 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 10. The flanges 318 located at the distal end of the rear cover portion 314. When it is desired to open the cover 310, the feed center carrier 130 can be rotated (from the closed position) shown in Figure 10 by a user placing his fingertips within the slots (not shown) located within the front cover portion 312. The user can then exert relatively minimal forces upwards on the front cover portion 312 of the cover 310. In this manner, the front cover portion 312 will rotate about its longitudinal axis through the center of the coaxial stops 170 supported on the receiving flanges 120. As the carrier 130 is rotated. , the cover portion 314 will move in a manner relative to the cover portion of the front portion 312 such that the rear cover portion 314 will move to uncouple the flanges 318 from the slots or other openings within the front cover portion 312 As shown in Figure 11 the cover 310 will then rotate such that the rear cover portion 314 is rotating around the link 316 with respect to the sleeve 108. As further shown in Figure 11, the front cover portion 312 joined as part of the carrier 130, it may rotate counterclockwise in correspondence with the rear cover portion 314, until a portion Front edge n 320 of the front cover portion 312 links a lower portion of the flange or flanges 318 of the rear cover portion 314. Also, this configuration is achieved in part as a result of the use of the hinge connection 316 between the back cover portion 314 and sleeve 108. Also as with central feed system 100, front cover portion 312 may rest on an edge 322 (Figure 11) of side portion 112.

Further, with the cover 310 in a closed position as shown in Figure 10, the center of gravity of the carrier 130 may be such as to keep the carrier 130 in the closed position, absent of external forces. In this respect, the carrier 130 is substantially "locked" in the closed position, absent from the external forces exerted by the user.

A still further embodiment of a central power system according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 as the central power system 400. For purposes of understanding, the additional embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 uses reference numbers corresponding to the reference numbers used for the central power system 100 illustrated in Figure 1 to 5, by similar operation or substantially identical elements. More specifically the central power system 400 includes a single set of receiving flanges 120, with one of the receiving flanges 120 located in the vertical side component 116 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. A corresponding receiving flange 120 (not shown) is located in an opposite vertical lateral component not shown. In the illustrated embodiment of the central power system 100 this vertical side component is the component 114. This pair of receiving flanges 120 is used to receive the stops 170, which are located on the carrier 130. As with the central power system 300 illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 the central power system 400 is not designed for purposes of being reversible. Accordingly, only a single pair of receiving tabs 120 are used. As with the above embodiments of the central power systems described herein, the system 400 includes conventional electrical receptacles 142 for supplying the power to the AC voltage devices. . The receptacles 142 are interconnected to conventional incoming power cables 144, which may be energized through conventional incoming AC power receptacles (not shown). When the carrier 130 is rotated to an open position as shown in Figure 13, the power cord 176 may be connected to an appropriate receptacle of the electrical receptacles and the "loose" section of the cord portion 180 may be placed within a open area 172 below the horizontal work surface 102. Although Figures 12 and 13 are not specifically shown, the cover portion of the carrier 130 will have grooves corresponding to the slots 178 of the central feed system 100 illustrated in Figure 4. These grooves will allow the portions of the cord 176 to remain energized with the ribs. receptacles 142, when the cover portion is in a closed position. Unlike the central feeding systems described above, the rear cover portion 414 of the cover 410 is not simply a flat component, while the rear portion 414 comprises a series of slides 416 which are coupled to each other by conventional means such that each of the slides 416 are immobile flexible relative to the adjacent slides 416. These slides 416 can be constructed of any suitable materials and interconnected with the adjacent slides by any number of conventional means. For example, relatively small joints may be used between the slides 416. Also, interconnecting components such as those found on watch extensibles having flexible bands and the like may be employed.

Accordingly, any number of individual slides can be used without departing from the novel concepts of the invention. Still further, the slides 416 can be constructed and interconnected in a manner similar to the configuration that is well known and which is employed for the "top roll" desks., which were commonly used at the beginning of this century. Also distinct from the above-described embodiments of the central feed systems according to the invention, the rear sides include an additional upright bracket 418 which is located inwardly of the rear side component 118 and substantially parallel thereto. The rear side component 118 and the bracket 418 form a slot 420 therebetween, as shown primarily in Figure 12. As further shown in Figure 12 and 13, the bracket 418 may include an upper portion 422 which is bent up to in. As with the central feed system 200, the receiving flanges 120 can be located back from the center of the depth. That is, the receiving tabs used with the central feeding system 400 are closer to the vertical rear wall 118 than to the vertical front wall 112. The component section 415 of the feed center carrier 130 comprising the electrical receptacles 142 can be secured by an appropriate connector means (not shown) or may be otherwise integral with the front rectangular cover portion 412. The component section 415 is placed below and to the rear of the front cover portion 412, as with the central feeding system 100. When the front cover portion 412 is rotated relative to the rear cover portion 414 of the cover 410, the electrical receptacles 412 will move in correspondence and simultaneously with the front cover portion 412. As with the central power system 100, the power center carrier 130 includes a pair of posts which 170, extending laterally outwards on opposite sides of the receiving flanges 120. With the above configuration, an illustration of the central feeding system 400 of Figure 12 can be characterized as showing the carrier of the feeding center 130 which is in a position closed. In this position, the front cover portion 412 and the rear cover portion 414 are in a substantially horizontal orientation. However, a distal end portion 424 is partially engaged within the slot 420 as shown in Figure 12. As with the central power system 100, in this configuration as shown in Figure 12, the front cover portion 412 may rest on an edge 426 of the front side portion 112. Further, with the cover 410 in a closed position as shown in Figure 12, the center of gravity of the carrier 130 may be such, to keep the carrier 130 in a position closed, absent of external forces. In this respect, having the cover portion 412 resting on the edge 426, the carrier 130 is substantially "locked" in the closed position. In part, this is provided by placing the receiving tabs 120, relative to the carrier 130. When it is desired to interconnect (or disconnect) the wires or cables of the electrical receptacles 142, the feed center carrier 130 can be rotated (from the closed position shown in Figure 12) by a user, by placing the tips of the fingers within the slots (not shown) within the front cover portion 412.

Although not shown in these drawings, the slots would be similar to the slots 168 illustrated in Figure 4 with respect to the central feed system 100. The user can then exert relatively minimal forces upward on the front cover portion 412 of the cover 410. In this manner, the front cover portion 412 will rotate about the joint 416 relative to the rear cover portion 414. Simultaneously, the carrier 130 will rotate about the longitudinal axis through the centers of the coaxial stops 170. , held in the receiving tabs 120. As the carrier 130 rotates, the rear cover portion 414 will actually further engage itself within the slot 420 formed between the rear side portion 118 and the bracket 418. That is, since rotates the carrier 130 counterclockwise, the sliders 416 of the rear cover portion 414 m more over towards the slot 420 and down there as illustrated in Figure 13. In this way, the rear cover portion 414 essentially "hides by itself" and does not form any additional space area on the work surface 102 when the carrier is in an open position.

The rotation of the carrier 130 can continue to a partially open position as shown in Figure 13. However, if desired, the user can rotate the carrier 130 to a fully open position. In the fully open position, the component section 415 of the feed center carrier 130 will actually abut the upper lip portion 422 of the bracket 418. In this way, further movement of the carrier 130 will be prohibited. Although the cover 410 can be rotated to a fully open position, even with the cover rotated to the partially open position as illustrated in Figure 13, a substantial access area (shown in Figure 13 as having a depth D) is available. to facilitate the connection (or disconnection) of the power cord 176 to the receptacles 142, and to store or recover the excess of the cord 180 from the open space area 172. This extremely large area of open space is provided in part, due to the positioning of the receiving tabs 120 used for the particular configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13. Following interconnection or disconnection, the cover 410 can then be returned from the open position shown in Figure 13 to the closed position shown in Figure 12 , through which the user exerts external forces on the front cover portion 412 to rotate the portion of cu front cover 412 in a clockwise direction (as shown in Figures 12, 13), about the axis of the joint 416. Correspondingly, the entire carrier 130 will also be rotating simultaneously about the longitudinal axis extending through the posts 170. With the particular configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13 for a central feeding system 400 according to the invention, the use of a flexible back cover portion provides the ability to "hide" essentially a substantial portion of the portion of rear cover when the carrier 130 is in an open position. It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent art that other embodiments of the central power systems according to the invention can be designed. That is, the principles of a central feeding system according to the invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. For example, mechanisms other than the receiving stops and tabs used in the embodiments to provide rotational movement may be employed. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the illustrative embodiments of the invention described above may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A power center for supplying electric power services and / or communication services, the power center comprising: a fixed housing forming an internal space area located below a plane extending substantially through an upper portion of the housing; a carrier means coupled to the fixed housing to be movable with respect to said housing, between a closed, retracted position, and an open, extended position; a power supply means for supplying electric power and / or voice / data service from the power supply lines and / or common interconnectable voice / data lines; energizing means mounted on said carrier means and connected to said power source means for supplying power and / or voice / data service from said power source means to the electrical and / or selectively interconnectable communications devices; coupling means connected to the fixed housing and the carrier means, and forming an axis of rotation around which the carrier means rotates relative to the fixed housing; and said coupling means are placed on the carrier means and the housing such that the axis of rotation is below the plane extending substantially through an upper portion of the housing.

A power center according to claim 1, further characterized in that the power center further comprises a cover means pivotably coupled to the carrier means, to provide a cover for said power center when the carrier means is in the position closed, retracted.

3. A feeding center according to claim 1, further characterized in that said carrier means moves between said closed, retracted position, and said open, extended position, through rotation about said axis of rotation.

4. A feeding center according to claim 3, further characterized in that said axis of rotation remains fixed during the movement of the carrier means from the closed, retracted position, to the open, extended position.

5. A feeding center according to claim 2, further characterized in that the feeding center further comprises pivoting means coupled to the cover means and to the carrier means to provide the pivotable movement of the cover means relative to the carrier means, said pivoting means comprising a pivotable movement axis that moves rearwardly relative to the fixed housing when the carrier means moves from the closed, retracted position to the open, extended position.

6. A feeding center according to claim 2, further characterized in that the feeding center is adapted to be mounted on a desk or other component of the furniture having a work surface, at a selectable working height, and said The fixed housing is adapted to be mounted within a groove formed in said work surface.

7. A feeding center according to claim 6, further characterized in that said plane extends substantially through or adjacent to said work surface.

A power center according to claim 6, further characterized in that when the carrier means is in the open, extended position, the energizing means are angled upwards in a manner to be accessible to a user, for the purpose of interconnecting the electrical cords and / or communication lines of said electrical and / or communication devices selectively interconnectable to said energizing means.

9. A feeding center according to claim 2, further characterized in that when the carrier means is in the closed, retracted position, said cover means is appropriately structured and said carrier means is appropriately positioned within said internal space area, such that the excess of said electric cords and / or said communication lines interconnected to said energizing means within said open area.

A feeding center according to claim 9, further characterized in that said carrier means and said cover means can be manually lifted up from the fixed housing and inverted in position relative to said fixed housing, in such a way that the means energizers are directed to an opposite position of the original position, without requiring any assembly / disassembly of the components of the power center.

11. A feeding center according to claim 9, further characterized in that the cover means comprises: a front cover portion; a back cover portion; and pivot means connected to the front cover portion, the rear cover portion and the carrier means, to pivotably couple the front cover portion to the rear cover portion.

A feeding center according to claim 11, further characterized in that the front cover portion is pivotable with respect to the rear cover portion, and the front cover portion moves in unison with the carrier means.

A feeding center according to claim 12, further characterized in that the rear cover portion slides back relative to the fixed housing, when the carrier means moves from the closed, retracted position to the open, extended position .

A feeding center according to claim 9, further characterized in that the cover means comprises a front cover portion having slot means allowing a user to manually manipulate the front cover portion, when the carrier means it is in the closed, retracted position.

15. A feeding center according to claim 3, further characterized in that the feeding center further comprises cover means for covering the carrier means when the closed, retracted position, the covering means comprising: a rear cover portion. pivotally coupled by its rear section to the fixed housing; and a front cover portion separated from the rear cover portion and fixedly connected to the carrier means, such that the front cover portion moves concurrently with the movement of the carrier means.

16. A feeding center according to claim 15, further characterized in that the carrier means moves between the closed, retracted position and the open, extended position around the axis of rotation, said rear cover pivots about its axis of pivot relative to the fixed housing, for rolling upwards on the front cover as the front cover and the carrier means rotate about the axis of rotation.

17. A feeding center according to claim 1, further characterized in that the coupling means comprise: a pair of arcuate flanges mounted on opposite ends of the fixed housing; and a pair of stops extending outwardly from the opposite lateral sides of the carrier means, each of the stops adapted to rotate freely within a formed arched area of the flanges.

18. A feeding center according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fixed housing comprises vertically disposed front, rear and lateral portions, a horizontal top flange and a pair of bevelled edges formed between the horizontal flange and the front and rear portions. rear arranged vertically of said fixed housing.

19. A feeding center according to claim 1, further characterized in that the feeding center further comprises cover means for covering the carrier means when the carrier means is in the closed, retracted position, the cover means comprising: front cover portion fixedly connected to the carrier means, such that the front cover portion moves at the same time with the movement of the carrier means; and a back cover portion rotatably coupled to the front cover portion, and comprising a flexible configuration such that the rear cover portion can exhibit flexible movement when the carrier means is moved to the open, extended position.

20. A feeding center according to claim 19, further characterized in that the housing comprises a bracket and a rear side portion, forming a vertical slot between them.; and the rear cover portion flexibly enters the vertical slot during movement of the carrier means from the closed, retracted position, to the open, extended position.