TRANSPARENT SHEETS WITH CONNECTION MEMBERS

Abstract

A transparent sheet having connection members. The transparent laminate includes an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a central region. The transparent laminate defines a cavity. The monolithic sheet will comprise of at least one cavity and access opening cut into and/or through the monolithic sheet. Connection members are positionable within the cavity of the transparent sheet. A cover may be incorporated into the transparent sheet to form the cavity and or the access opening. Additionally, an obscuring layer may be incorporated to obscure at least portions of the cavity. Interfaces may be coupled to the connection members and secured to the transparent sheet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/715,013 filed Aug. 6, 2018, entitled “Transparent Laminate With Connection Members” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to transparent (which includes, but is not limited to, partially, or entirely, transparent as well as translucent configurations) sheets, and more particularly, to such transparent sheets that have connection members, including but not limited to electrical conductors and conduit therefor, data cables, fiber optic cables, vacuum lines (or other hollow conduit), among other connection members that are typically elongated.

2. Background Art

The distribution of electricity and data signals and the like throughout buildings (i.e., walls, ceilings and floors) is well known in the art. More recently, it has been desirable to enhance spaces (office, residential, transportation, external shelters) with transparent (as defined above) walls or other surfaces (such as interior fixtures, tables, work surfaces and the like). Problematically, providing power and communication to such surfaces has been largely underdeveloped.

Generally, conduit with such cables and conductors is positioned proximate to the transparent surface. Among other difficulties, the conduit is often terminated a large distance away from the transparent surface or are positioned remote from where needed. Thus, extension cords or cables are required to reach the remotely positioned conduit termination.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a transparent sheet that is laminate or monolithic sheet. The transparent sheet has connection members. The transparent laminate includes an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a central region. The transparent laminate defines a cavity. The monolithic sheet will comprise of at least one cavity and access opening cut into and/or through the transparent monolithic sheet. Connection members are positionable within the cavity of the transparent sheet. A cover may be incorporated into the transparent sheet to cover the cavity and or the access opening. Additionally, an obscuring layer may be incorporated to obscure at least portions of the cavity. Interfaces may be coupled to the connection members and secured to the transparent laminate.

Depending on the configuration, a number of different configurations of the transparent sheet is disclosed.

Depending on the configuration, a number of different configurations of the cavity is disclosed.

Depending on the configuration, a number of different configurations of the connection members is disclosed.

Furthermore, a number of transparent sheets is disclosed having a plurality of different constructions of cavities and connection members, as well as different interfaces.

For example, in an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a transparent sheet and a cavity. The transparent sheet has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness. The cavity is defined within the transparent sheet. The cavity includes a conduit portion, an end opening and an access opening. The end opening and the access opening are spaced apart from each other and being in communication with the conduit portion.

In some configurations, the transparent sheet comprises a substantially planar sheet wherein the thickness is substantially uniform.

In some such configurations, the transparent sheet comprises one of a partially transparent structure, completely transparent structure, a partially translucent structure or a completely translucent structure.

In some such configurations, the transparent sheet comprises one of a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a work surface, a table, a shelf or a partition.

In some such configurations, the transparent sheet comprises at least one of glass or plastic.

In some configurations, the end opening is positioned at an edge of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, the access opening extends through one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

In some such configurations, the access opening extends through both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, the conduit portion extends through at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, the conduit portion extends through both the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, a cover extends over at least a portion of the conduit portion that extends through at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, the conduit portion has a transverse cross-sectional area that is smaller than a transverse cross sectional area of the access opening.

In some configurations, an obscuring layer covers a portion of the conduit portion, to, in turn, obscure the conduit portion of the cavity when viewed from at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet.

In some configurations, the transparent sheet comprises one of a monolithic sheet and a laminated sheet. In some configurations, the transparent sheet comprises a laminated sheet which has an outer sheet and an inner sheet, with an interlayer extending therebetween.

In some such configurations, the conduit portion is formed in the interlayer between the outer sheet and the inner sheet.

In some configurations, the transparent sheet comprises a laminated sheet which has an outer sheet, an inner sheet, and a central sheet therebetween, with a first interlayer extending between the inner sheet and the central sheet, and a second interlayer extending between the outer sheet and the central sheet.

In some configurations, the conduit portion is formed in the central sheet between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

In some configurations, a connection member is provided that has at least a first end and a second end. The connection member extends through the conduit portion with a first end accessible from the access portion and the second end accessible from the end portion.

In some configurations, an interface is coupled to the first end of the connection member. The interface may comprise any number of different structures, including, but not limited to, outlet, data ports, MMI, touchscreens, speakers, lamps, switches, signal switches, among other structures.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a transparent sheet, a connection member and an interface. The transparent sheet has an outer surface and an inner surface each of which are substantially planar and spaced apart from each other to define a thickness. The transparent sheet also includes an edge. The transparent sheet is either a monolithic sheet, or, a laminate sheet having at least two sheets and the transparent sheet is one of glass and plastic. A cavity is defined within the transparent sheet. The cavity includes a conduit portion, an end opening and an access opening. The end opening and the access opening are spaced apart from each other and in communication with the conduit portion. The access opening extends through at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet. The end opening extending to the edge of the transparent sheet. The connection member has at least a first end and a second end and extends through the conduit portion with a first end accessible from the access portion and the second end accessible from the end portion. The interface is coupled to the first end of the connection member within the cavity. The interface is user accessible at, at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to an assembly comprising a transparent sheet and a cavity in the transparent sheet. The transparent sheet has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness. The sheet additionally defines an edge. The cavity is defined within the transparent sheet and includes an end opening and an access opening, the access opening being positioned at the edge. The end opening and the access opening are adjacent each other and in communication with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent laminate having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 1, taken generally about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 1, taken generally about lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 1, taken generally about lines 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent laminate having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 5, taken generally about lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 5, taken generally about lines 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 5, taken generally about lines 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent laminate having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 9, taken generally about lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 9, taken generally about lines 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 9, taken generally about lines 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent laminate having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 13, taken generally about lines 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 13, taken generally about lines 16-16 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 13, taken generally about lines 15-15 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17a through 17h are each front elevational views of a configuration of the invention showing a number of different configurations of the transparent sheet having connection members, showing interfaces as well;

FIGS. 18a through 18f are each front elevational views of a configuration of the invention showing a number of different configurations of the transparent sheet having connection members, showing interfaces as well;

FIGS. 19a through 19h are each front elevational views of a configuration of the invention showing a number of different configurations of the transparent sheet having connection members, showing interfaces as well;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a configuration of the invention showing, in particular the end opening of the cavity positioned away from an edge of the transparent sheet;

FIGS. 21a through 21d are each front elevational views of a configuration of the invention showing a number of different interfaces attached to the transparent sheet having connection members;

FIGS. 22 through 25 are each cross-sectional views of various attachment structures for different interfaces as the same are coupled to the connection members and to the transparent sheet;

FIG. 26 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent monolithic sheet having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 26, taken generally about lines 27-27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 26, taken generally about lines 28-28 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 26, taken generally about lines 29-29 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent monolithic sheet having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 30, taken generally about lines 31-31 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 30, taken generally about lines 32-32 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 30, taken generally about lines 33-33 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 of the drawings is a front elevational view of a configuration of the transparent monolithic sheet having connection members of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 34, taken generally about lines 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 34, taken generally about lines 36-36 of FIG. 34; and

FIG. 37 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 34, taken generally about lines 37-37 of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this disclosure is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 4, a configuration of assembly 10, which comprises a surface such as a wall, shelf, work surface, partition or other type of surface, is shown as including the transparent laminate 12 with connection members 14. It will be understood as described above, that the assembly 10 may be used in any number of different structures from walls, ceilings and floors, to work surfaces, tables, shelving, partitions and the like, without limitation. Additionally, it will be understood that the term transparent shall include partially and completely transparent structures, and structures that are translucent. The transparent laminate shall comprise a glass or plastic sheet material.

With reference to FIG. 2, the transparent laminate 12 includes outer sheet 20, inner sheet 30 and central region 40 between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The outer sheet 20 comprises a glass or plastic material that includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24, which together define thickness 26. In the configurations shown, the outer surface and the inner surface are generally parallel to each other, thereby defining a generally uniform thickness 26. It is contemplated, however, that the thickness may be varied, and that the outer and inner surfaces may be other than parallel.

Similarly, and with continued reference to FIG. 2, the inner sheet 30 comprises a glass or plastic material that includes an outer surface 32 and an inner surface 34, which together define thickness 36. The inner sheet 30 may comprise a material of the same type as that of the outer sheet. It will be understood, however, that in a particular construction, the inner sheet and the outer sheet may comprise a different material from each other. Similar to the outer sheet, the inner sheet is shown with a generally uniform thickness, while variations are contemplated. Moreover, the inner surface and the outer surface may be other than parallel with variations in thickness.

It will be understood that the terms inner and outer are relative and that they are not to be deemed limiting. In particular, the inner sheet and the outer sheet may be reversed in any of the orientations, and the terms inner and outer sheet may be used interchangeably in the configurations shown herein.

The central region 40 is shown in FIG. 2, as comprising a central sheet 50 and opposing interlayers 44, 46. In the configuration shown, the central sheet 50 includes outer surface 52 and inner surface 54 which together define thickness 56. In the configuration shown, the outer surface and the inner surface are substantially planar and parallel to each other, although variations, such as the variations discussed above with the inner sheet and the outer sheet are likewise contemplated. The material from which the central sheet 50 is formed may comprise any of the materials identified above with respect to the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

The first and second interlayers 44, 46 are positioned between the sheets, as is likewise shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the interlayer 44 is positioned between the inner surface 24 of the outer sheet and the outer surface 52 of the central sheet. Similarly, the interlayer 46 is positioned between the inner surface 34 of the inner sheet and the inner surface 54 of the central sheet. The interlayer comprises a polymer that couples the sheets to adjacent sheets. In some configurations, the interlayer comprises a number of different polymers, including, but not limited to a polymer selected from polyvinylbutyral, poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) silicone, ethylenevinylacetate, thermoplastic polyurethanes, and ionomeric polymers like poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) with additional additives and materials. Some interlayer structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0306848A1 published to Anderson, et al., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The interlayer is not limited to the foregoing, but a number of different interlayer structures are contemplated.

It will be understood that in typical configurations, the laminate is typically free of voids and openings, and the structure forms a mono-pane wherein the interlayers couple the different panels to each other. In the configuration shown, each of the sheets are generally parallel to each other with the interlayers being of substantially uniform configuration therebetween. Variations, however, are contemplated.

In other configurations, as will be discussed below, the central region may comprise a plurality of central sheets, each of which is separated by additional interlayers. In other configurations, the central region may comprise a single interlayer that is positioned between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a cavity, such as cavity 60 is defined in the transparent laminate. The cavity 60, as will be described below can have any one of a number of different configurations and positions within the transparent laminate. The cavity 60 includes conduit portion 62 and openings such as end openings 65 and access openings 66. Generally, the conduit portion 62 extends along or between the different components of the transparent laminate. In the configuration shown, the conduit is formed within the central region, however, it is contemplated that a channel may be formed in the outer sheet and/or the inner sheet, or, a channel formed in the central sheet of the central region.

And, an obscuring layer 70 may be applied to any one of the outer and inner surfaces of any of the outer, inner and central sheet so as to obscure the conduit portion. The obscuring layer may comprise a opaque or translucent member that is applied to or overlaid upon any of the sheets.

Amongst the openings, are end openings, such as end opening 65 and access openings, such as access opening 66. It is through the cavity 60 that the different connection members 14 (which will be described below) can be extended. As will be understood, the access openings 66 provide access to the connection members and often termination of the connection members. The end openings 65 typically provide access to the connection members toward coupling the connection members to a source or upstream connection (i.e., conduit that has power to which the connection members can be coupled, or data connections that are upstream with which the connection members provide communication). For example, the end openings may be positioned proximate a raceway or other conduit or conduit-like structure. As will be explained, any such openings may be positioned proximate an edge of the transparent laminate, or away from an edge of the transparent laminate. A number of different variations are contemplated for use, as are a number of different configurations of the cavity 60, which will be described hereinbelow.

The connection members are shown generally at 14. It will be understood that the connection members 14 typically include an elongated body 80 having a first end 82 and a second end 84 (as well as additional ends beyond the two ends in some configurations, for example, where there are y shaped connectors or connectors that have an array of ends). The connection members may comprise, for example, one or more conductors which may or may not be wrapped in one or more insulators. Such conductors may comprise copper, aluminum or other metals or conductive materials, in a stranded, strip, foil, printed lines or other solid configuration. In other configurations, the connection members may comprise fiber optic elements which may include an outer sheathing. In still other configurations, the connection members may comprise vacuum lines, conduit or other structures which may have a hoop-like cross-sectional configuration. In still other configurations, the connection members may comprise printed conductive members (i.e., printed conductive material directly on one of the sheets or within an interlayer. It will be understood that depending on the configuration, multiple connection members may be positioned in a single structure.

In a second configuration, shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, the central region comprises one (or more than one) interlayer, such as interlayer 44. The interlayer is positioned between the outer sheet and the inner sheet. In such a configuration, the central cavity 60 is formed into the central region, and, by the outer and inner sheet, through channels formed therein. In the configuration shown, the cavity is generally centrally located in the transparent laminate, however the respective channels of the outer sheet and the inner sheet may be of different depths. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, the access opening is formed in the inner sheet, however, it is contemplated that the access opening can be formed in both the inner sheet and the outer sheet. It will further be understood that such channels may be formed into the outer sheet, the inner sheet, and/or the central sheet of a configuration of the type shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 through 12, the central region comprises one (or more than one) interlayer. In such a configuration, the cavity is formed in the inner sheet and the central region. In such a configuration, the channel has a base surface which is the inner surface of the outer sheet with the walls formed by the thickness of the inner sheet and the thickness of the central region. This channel defines the conduit portion, as well as the end and access openings. In such a configuration, a cover 92 may be adhered or otherwise positioned over the channel. The cover 92 may be integrated with an outlet cover (i.e., a cover that is positioned over the access opening and the conduit portion of the cavity).

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the central region comprises one (or more than one) interlayer. In such a configuration, the connection members (of which three separate connection members are shown) are spaced apart and placed within the central region (in this case the interlayer). In such a configuration, the connection members appear as being embedded within the interlayer. It will be understood that each connection member extends into the access opening, and each separately forms an end opening.

Of course, variations may be formed from the different configurations by mixing and matching the different features of the different configurations shown. Additionally, different configurations of each of the foregoing are likewise contemplated, as are additional variations. Some of the variations are shown in FIGS. 17a through 21d, as well as attachment of outlet/data ports/MMI/touchscreens/speakers/lamps/switches/signal switches among other structures, without limitation (collectively, interfaces 16). Some particular types of interfaces 16 are disclosed in FIGS. 22 through 25. Each such group of Figures will be discussed in turn below.

In the FIGS. 17a through 17h, a number of different configurations of the assembly are shown, each having one or more configurations of the cavity 60 and one or more interfaces 16. In each instance the interfaces 16 (and 16′ and 16″ in some Figures) are positioned away from an edge of the transparent laminate 12.

For example, in FIG. 17a, an outlet type of interface 16 is shown as associated with a cavity that extends from a bottom edge of the transparent laminate 12. In FIG. 17b, a data port type of interface 16 is shown as associated with a cavity that extends from a bottom edge of the transparent laminate 12. In FIG. 17c, a multimedia interface (MMI)/Touchscreen interface 16 is shown as associated with a cavity that extends from a side edge of the transparent laminate 12. In FIG. 17d, a pair of interfaces 16, 16′ are shown as each being associated with a separate cavity that extends from a bottom edge of the transparent laminate 12.

In FIG. 17e, a pair of interfaces 16, 16′ are shown as each being associated with a separate cavity, one of which extends from a bottom edge and one of which extends from a side edge of the transparent laminate 12. In FIG. 17f, a pair of interfaces 16, 16′ are shown as being associated with a separate cavity, one of which extends from the top edge and one of which extends from a side edge of the transparent laminate 12. In FIG. 17g, a pair of interfaces 16, 16′ are shown as being associated with separate cavities. The interface 16 has a cavity that extends from the side wall and a cavity that extends from the bottom wall. The interface 16′ has a cavity that extends from the bottom wall. In FIG. 17h, three interfaces 16, and 16′ are shown as being associated with a cavity that extends from the bottom edge and then branches at the interface 16 into branches that are directed to interfaces 16′.

Another group of configurations is shown in FIG. 18a through 18f. In such configurations, the interfaces 16 are positioned in an abutting relationship with the edges of the transparent laminate 12. As such the cavity and the interfaces 16 generally match or correspond, and, the interfaces generally cover the cavity thereunder. In FIGS. 18a and 18b, interfaces 16 extend from the bottom edge. In FIG. 18C, interface 16 extends from the side edge. In FIG. 18d, a plurality of interfaces 16 and 16′ are disclosed as extending from side edges (in this case, two spaced apart interfaces extend from each of the opposing side edges). In FIG. 18e, a plurality of interfaces 16 and 16′ extends from corners of the transparent laminate, and, as such, abut two edges. In FIG. 18f, which is a configuration much like that of FIG. 18e, additional plurality interfaces of 16′ and 16″ extends from the side edges between the top and bottom edges.

Another group of configurations is shown in FIGS. 19a through 19h. In such a configuration, a larger cavity (which can be termed a raceway 40), which may be obscured by an obscuring layer 70 is defined in the transparent laminate. From there, some interfaces 16 are positioned directly over the larger cavity, whereas others extend over offshoot cavities that are in communication with the larger cavity. For example, in FIG. 19a, a larger cavity is defined along a side edge with two offshoot cavities extending inwardly therefrom. Two different interfaces are positioned on the transparent laminate, away from the larger cavity and away from the edges of the transparent laminate. In FIGS. 19c and 19f, an additional interface in the configuration shown in FIG. 17 is provided. In FIGS. 19b through 19h, one or more interfaces directly overlie the large cavity. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 19f through 19g, one or more interfaces are positioned in abutment with (but not overlying) the large cavity.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of interfaces 16 are shown, along with cavities 60. In such a configuration, the end opening 65 of the configurations shown (wherein coupling to outside structures is facilitated) is positioned away from an edge of the transparent laminate.

In the configurations of FIGS. 21a through 21d, different interfaces are shown, other than outlets, data ports and MMI/Touchscreens. In particular, in FIG. 21a, a speaker is shown. In FIG. 21b, a lamp/light is shown. In FIG. 21c, a switch is shown. In FIG. 21d, a signal switch is shown.

With reference to FIG. 22, a configuration of an interface 16 is shown which may be utilized in the configuration shown, for example, in FIGS. 13 through 16. In the configuration shown, a plug receptacle 124 is positioned on the inner sheet, with plate 125 opposing the plug receptacle 124 positioned on the outer sheet. An outer cover 126 is positioned over the plug plate 125, with the structure being attached via fasteners 127. A plurality of electrical clips (including both hot, neutral and grounding clips) 129, 130 and 131 are sandwiched between the plate 125 and the receptacle 124 and electrically couple the outlet to the connection members (which in this case comprise electrical conductors).

With reference to FIG. 23, the cavity comprises an opening through the transparent laminate. A conduit 123 along with an electrical junction box 122 is positioned on one side of the transparent laminate with a plug receptacle 124 positioned on the other side. The plug receptacle 124 is coupled to the structure by way of a fasteners 116 and 117. A front cover 121 can complete the configuration.

With reference to FIG. 24, a configuration of the cover 92 is shown (wherein the cover extends on either side of the transparent laminate). In such a configuration, the cavity comprises a channel that is open as described above with respect to FIGS. 9 through 12. The plug receptacle 124 is attached to the cover 92. In the configuration shown, the channel is open to both the inner and outer sheet side. In some configurations, the cover 92 may only be utilized to cover a channel that is formed in only one of the outer sheet and the inner sheet.

With reference to FIG. 25, a configuration is shown much like that which is shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, with the access opening being open to both the outer sheet side and the inner sheet side. In such a configuration, an outlet receptacle 124 extends over one of the access openings, with a plate 126 extending over the other of the access openings.

It will be understood that the configurations of FIGS. 22 through 25 can be utilized with any type of interface, while they are shown as being utilized with an outlet receptacle. Further variations are contemplated, such as, for example, where the access openings extend only through one of the outer sheet and the inner sheet. Other variations are likewise contemplated. It will be understood, for example, that the different configurations may be attached via other types of fasteners, including, but not limited to snap fit couplings, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, and the like. Additionally, as is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a monolithic configuration of the sheet can be utilized.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 26 through 29, a configuration of assembly 138, which comprises a surface such as a wall, shelf, work surface, partition or other type of surface, is shown as including the transparent monolithic sheet 137 with connection members 14. It will be understood as described above, that the assembly 138 may be used in any number of different structures from walls, ceilings and floors, to work surfaces, tables, shelving, partitions and the like, without limitation. Additionally, it will be understood that the term transparent shall include partially and completely transparent structures, and structures that are translucent. The transparent monolithic sheet shall comprise a glass or plastic sheet material.

With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, the transparent monolithic sheet 137 comprises a glass or plastic material that includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24, which define thickness 26. In the configurations shown, the outer surface and the inner surface are generally parallel to each other, thereby defining a generally uniform thickness 26. It is contemplated, however, that the thickness may be varied, and that the outer and inner surfaces may be other than parallel.

It will be understood that the terms inner and outer are relative and that they are not to be deemed limiting. In particular, the inner surface and the outer surface may be reversed in any of the orientations, and the terms inner and outer surface may be used interchangeably in the configurations shown herein.

With reference to FIGS. 26, 28 and 29, a cavity, such as cavity 60 is defined in the transparent monolithic sheet. The cavity 60, as was described above can have any one of a number of different configurations and positions within the transparent monolithic sheet. The cavity 60 includes conduit portion 62 and openings such as end openings 65 and access openings 66 along with covers 92 affixed to both the outer and inner surfaces. Generally, the conduit portion 62 extends along the machined or cut portion of the transparent monolithic sheet.

In another exemplary monolithic sheet configuration, shown in FIGS. 30 through 33, the cavity 60 is cut or machined into the outer surface short of penetrating through the inner surface, and, by addition of cover 92, through channels formed therein. In the configuration shown, the cavity generally starts from either the outer surface or the inner surface to a sufficient depth to accommodate connection members 14. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 30 through 33, the access opening is formed starting from the outer surface, however, it is contemplated that the access opening can be formed starting from either the inner surface or the outer surface.

And, an obscuring layer 70 may be applied to any one of the outer, inner, or machined surfaces 139 so as to obscure the conduit portion. The obscuring layer may comprise a opaque or translucent member that is applied to or overlaid upon any of the surfaces.

In yet another exemplary monolithic sheet configuration, shown in FIGS. 34 through 37, the connection members (of which three separate connection members are shown) are spaced apart and extend along an inner (or outer) surface of the monolithic sheet. It will be understood that each connection can be covered with an insulator which may be painted, molded or otherwise encasing of the connector. It will further be understood that the inner (or outer) surface may be utilized for its insulative properties, wherein the connector may directly contact the surface. It will further be understood that each connection member extends into the access opening, and reaches the end opening.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising:

a transparent sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness;

a cavity defined within the transparent sheet, the cavity including a conduit portion, an end opening and an access opening, the end opening and the access opening being spaced apart from each other and being in communication with the conduit portion.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the transparent sheet comprises a substantially a substantially planar sheet wherein the thickness is substantially uniform.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the transparent sheet comprises one of a partially transparent structure, completely transparent structure, a partially translucent structure or a completely translucent structure.

4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the transparent sheet comprises one of a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a work surface, a table, a shelf or a partition.

5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the transparent sheet comprises at least one of glass or plastic.

6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the end opening is positioned at an edge of the transparent sheet.

7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the access opening extends through one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the access opening extends through both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

9. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the conduit portion extends through at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the conduit portion extends through both the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

11. The assembly of claim 10 further comprising a cover extending over at least a portion of the conduit portion that extends through at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the transparent sheet.

12. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the conduit portion has a transverse cross-sectional area that is smaller than a transverse cross sectional area of the access opening.

13. The assembly of claim 6 wherein an obscuring layer covers a portion of the conduit portion, to, in turn, obscure the conduit portion of the cavity when viewed from at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet.

14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the transparent sheet comprises one of a monolithic sheet and a laminated sheet.

15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the transparent sheet comprises a laminated sheet, the laminated sheet having an outer sheet and an inner sheet, with an interlayer extending therebetween.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the conduit portion is formed in the interlayer between the outer sheet and the inner sheet.

17. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the transparent sheet comprises a laminated sheet, the laminated sheet having an outer sheet, an inner sheet, and a central sheet therebetween, with a first interlayer extending between the inner sheet and the central sheet, and a second interlayer extending between the outer sheet and the central sheet.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the conduit portion is formed in the central sheet between the inner sheet and the outer sheet.

19. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a connection member having at least a first end and a second end, the connection member extending through the conduit portion with a first end accessible from the access portion and the second end accessible from the end portion.

20. The assembly of claim 19 further comprising an interface that is coupled to the first end of the connection member.

21. An assembly comprising:

a transparent sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface each of which are substantially planar and spaced apart from each other to define a thickness, and the transparent sheet includes an edge, the transparent sheet comprising a monolithic sheet, or, a laminate sheet having at least two sheets and comprising at least one of glass and plastic;

a cavity defined within the transparent sheet, the cavity including a conduit portion, an end opening and an access opening, the end opening and the access opening being spaced apart from each other and being in communication with the conduit portion, the access opening extending through at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet, and the end opening extending to the edge of the transparent sheet;

a connection member having at least a first end and a second end, the connection member extending through the conduit portion with a first end accessible from the access portion and the second end accessible from the end portion; and

an interface that is coupled to the first end of the connection member within the cavity, the interface being user accessible at, at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the transparent sheet.

22. An assembly comprising:

a transparent sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a thickness, and the sheet defining an edge;

a cavity defined within the transparent sheet, the cavity including an end opening and an access opening, the access opening being positioned at the edge, with the end opening and the access opening being adjacent each other and being in communication with each other.