Abstract: A work surface coupling system has power and data capability with an elongate housing defining an internal passageway and having first and second coupling regions for coupling to one or more work surface. The housing may be a one-piece unit or multi-piece assembly, and can support at least one power or data outlet positioned therealong. The internal passageway unobtrusively supports a plurality of electrical conductors associated with power or data outlets. Optional features include one or more removable side panels, laterally-extending support pads, an accessory mounting surface, and various work surface accessories such as shelving, privacy panels, and lighting.

Abstract: An access-restricted electrical receptacle is configured to permit proper access to energized electrical contacts within the receptacle by a corresponding and properly-aligned plug, and to substantially limit or prevent improper access by foreign objects. The receptacle includes a receptacle body that defines a shutter cavity and a ramped slide surface, a face portion coupled to the receptacle body and defining a plurality of outlet openings to the shutter cavity, and a shutter that is movable in the shutter cavity between an unblocking position and at least one blocking position. The face portion defines a ramped return surface spaced from the ramped slide surface, and the shutter includes contact surfaces that engage the slide surface and the return surface during operation. Optionally, the ramped surfaces may be formed in either or both of a side wall or a base wall of the receptacle body and the face portion.

Abstract: An electrical article with cord-free charging zone provides users in a work area with access to low-voltage charging for portable electronic devices, in which electrical current is conveyed upon placement of an electronic device within the charging zone. The electrical article is configured for use in a work area, and includes a housing, a low voltage charging zone with power unit, and an electrical power input. The charging zone is defined along at least a portion of an upper surface of the housing. The low voltage power unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to a portable electrical or electronic device that is positioned at the low voltage charging zone.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power system provides access to high voltage and/or low voltage electrical power at portable articles that are positionable at different locations within a work area, and substantially without the use of exposed cabling. The power system includes a portable article that is positionable at two or more locations within a work area. The work area is defined by a plurality of surfaces, at least one of which incorporates a wireless electrical power transmitter. The portable article incorporates a wireless electrical power receiver that is configured to receive electrical power from the wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is sufficiently close to the wireless power transmitter. The portable article further includes an electrical power outlet that provides users in the work area with access to the electrical power.

Abstract: An access-restricted electrical receptacle is configured to permit proper access to energized electrical contacts within the receptacle by a corresponding and properly-aligned plug, and to substantially limit or prevent improper access by foreign objects. The receptacle includes a receptacle body that defines a shutter cavity and a ramped slide surface, a face portion coupled to the receptacle body and defining a plurality of outlet openings to the shutter cavity, and a shutter that is movable in the shutter cavity between an unblocking position and at least one blocking position. The face portion defines a ramped return surface spaced from the ramped slide surface, and the shutter includes contact surfaces that engage the slide surface and the return surface during operation. Optionally, the ramped surfaces may be formed in either or both of a side wall or a base wall of the receptacle body and the face portion.

Abstract: A power transfer system (100) is used with a primary table (102) and one or more secondary tables (170). Incoming power is supplied from a source outlet receptacle block (108) to raceway assemblies (120, 134) and an energy center (140) on the primary table (102). The raceway assemblies (120, 134) are connected to a primary winding circuit (136) having a primary winding (160). A secondary table (170) also includes raceway assemblies (120, 134) connected to a secondary winding circuit (176). When the tables (102, 170) are in close proximity, magnetic flux generated from current flowing through the primary winding (160) commonly flows through the secondary winding (186), thereby inductively generating power which can be applied to the raceway assemblies (120, 134) associated with the secondary table (170).

Abstract: A retractable lamp assembly is provided for illuminating at least a portion of a work surface from a wide range of heights and angles by way of extendable shafts and pivot joints. The lamp may be stowed in a retracted or lowered configuration when not in use, in which a substantial portion of the extendable structure is stowed inside of a housing that is located substantially below the work surface, to provide a generally unobtrusive configuration. An upper cover serves as a light reflector when the lamp is in use, and may serve as a cover positioned at or near the work surface when the lamp is stowed. Optionally, the lamp assembly includes include power and data and wire management capabilities for use at the work surface.

Abstract: A work surface coupling system has power and data capability with an elongate housing defining an internal passageway and having first and second coupling regions for coupling to one or more work surface. The housing may be a one-piece unit or multi-piece assembly, and can support at least one power or data outlet positioned therealong. The internal passageway unobtrusively supports a plurality of electrical conductors associated with power or data outlets. Optional features include one or more removable side panels, laterally-extending support pads, an accessory mounting surface, and various work surface accessories such as shelving, privacy panels, and lighting.

Abstract: A floor runner with electrical and/or electronic or data outlets provides a low-profile, unobtrusive power and/or data source along a floor or other support surface. The electrical floor runner may be a one-piece unit of substantially any desired length, and typically includes a power cord with plug or connector at one end for coupling to a wall outlet or the like, and a power/data block at the other end for receiving power and/or data couplers for other devices, such as computers and electronics, lighting, etc. A middle portion is a strong, low-profile region that houses and protects electrical wiring held internally, and that is minimally intrusive for use in walking areas. Optionally, the floor runner may be modular so that its overall length or configuration (e.g., straight or angled) can be changed as desired.

Abstract: A floor runner with electrical and/or electronic or data outlets provides a low-profile, unobtrusive power and/or data source along a floor or other support surface. The electrical floor runner may be a one-piece unit of substantially any desired length, and typically includes a power cord with plug or connector at one end for coupling to a wall outlet or the like, and a power/data block at the other end for receiving power and/or data couplers for other devices, such as computers and electronics, lighting, etc. A middle portion is a strong, low-profile region that houses and protects electrical wiring held internally, and that is minimally intrusive for use in walking areas, Optionally, the floor runner may be modular so that its overall length or configuration (e.g., straight or angled) can be changed as desired.

Abstract: A retractable lamp assembly is provided for illuminating at least a portion of a work surface from a wide range of heights and angles by way of extendable shafts and pivot joints. The lamp may be stowed in a retracted or lowered configuration when not in use, in which a substantial portion of the extendable structure is stowed inside of a housing that is located substantially below the work surface, to provide a generally unobtrusive configuration. An upper cover serves as a light reflector when the lamp is in use, and may serve as a cover positioned at or near the work surface when the lamp is stowed. Optionally, the lamp assembly includes include power and data and wire management capabilities for use at the work surface.

Abstract: A power transfer system (100) is used with a primary table (102) and one or more secondary tables (170). Incoming power is supplied from a source outlet receptacle block (108) to raceway assemblies (120, 134) and an energy center (140) on the primary table (102). The raceway assemblies (120, 134) are connected to a primary winding circuit (136) having a primary winding (160). A secondary table (170) also includes raceway assemblies (120, 134) connected to a secondary winding circuit (176). When the tables (102, 170) are in close proximity, magnetic flux generated from current flowing through the primary winding (160) commonly flows through the secondary winding (186), thereby inductively generating power which can be applied to the raceway assemblies (120, 134) associated with the secondary table (170).

Abstract: A reusable package for transporting articles such as jewelry chains and necklaces and the like includes a base and a complementary, similarly configured cover hingedly connected thereto. The base includes a base plate having a channel-like recess for receiving the jewelry chains, and the cover includes a cover plate having a ring-like projection configured similar and complementary to the base plate so as to encase the jewelry chain therein. The package also includes a pendant securing depression on its cover for receiving a pendant attached to the jewelry chain which releasably engages a pendant securing projection on the base to encase the pendant therein. Engagement means for releasably interconnecting the cover and the base may include a snap projection on the base which may be forcibly engaged to a snap depression on the cover to securely close the package.

Abstract: A storable seat includes a seat base, a support member for supporting the base in a first plane above and generally parallel to a floor, a sliding assembly connected to the support member and the base and permitting the base to slide relative to the support member in the first plane, and a pivoting assembly connected to the support member and the base and permitting the base to pivot from the first plane to a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A seat back is pivotably connected to the base at a hinge point and locked in a fixed position, and a pivotable leg is pivotably connected to the base. The seat can be easily stowed in a storage position against a wall.

Abstract: A package for displaying and presenting jewelry includes a planar base having foldable top flaps secured to its periphery whereby the flaps may be folded over the base to provide a closed package. One or more pairs of through slits are provided in the base and a ribbon is threaded through the slits so that part of the ribbon provides a means for securing the jewelry to the base and the remainder of the ribbon may be wrapped around the closed package to secure it. Some of the top flaps may be provided with an inter-engaging lip and slot to secure the flaps in the closed position and the outer surfaces of the base and top flaps may be decorated.

Abstract: A wall panel includes a peripheral metal frame which may be free-standing or part of an open office partition system, and a removable acoustical insert. The acoustical insert is formed of pressed glass fiber and includes an integral border of substantially greater density than the main body portion of the insert to add rigidity to the insert and provide a stiffened portion for mounting clips which are used to removably secure the acoustical insert to the peripheral metal frame so that the border is in register with the frame.