Below The Worksurface Power Distribution System

Abstract

A desk system with power and/or communication capability includes a series of interconnected desk sections. Each desk section includes a pair of leg that support a worksurface, and one or more stanchions extend upwardly from the worksurface. A primary power distribution system is located below the worksurface. The primary power distribution system includes receptacles mounted to a beam that extends between the pair of legs. Openings are formed in the legs for enabling the primary power distribution system to pass from one desk section to another. Each stanchion defines an open interior and is mounted above an opening formed in the worksurface. Each stanchion includes a mounting plate, and one or more power and/or communication supply blocks are adapted for securement to the mounting plate. Flexible cords or cables extend from each mounting block through the opening in the worksurface, and are plugged into the receptacles or the primary power distribution system located below the worksurface.

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       16 . A desk system, comprising: 
 a series of adjacent desk sections, wherein each desk section includes a worksurface, and at least a pair of spaced apart leg members engaged with the worksurface to support the worksurface above a supporting surface, wherein each leg member defines an open interior; and    a power distribution system for supplying power to the desk sections, wherein the power distribution system includes at least one opening in each leg member, and a power supply arrangement which extends through the openings in the leg members for supplying power between adjacent desk sections.    
   
   
       17 . The desk system of  claim 16 , further comprising one or more power stanchions extending upwardly from the worksurface of at least one of the desk sections, and wherein the power distribution system includes a primary power supply located below the worksurfaces of the desk sections and a stanchion power supply interconnected with the primary power supply, wherein the stanchion power supply includes a stanchion power receptacle located above the worksurface.  
   
   
       18 . The desk system of  claim 17 , wherein the stanchion defines an interior and includes an internal mounting member located in the interior, wherein the stanchion power receptacle is mounted to the internal mounting member.  
   
   
       19 . The desk system of  claim 18 , wherein the stanchion further includes a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover member in the open position provides access to the stanchion power receptacle and wherein the cover member in the open position prevents access to the power receptacle.  
   
   
       20 . The desk system of  claim 18 , wherein the worksurface includes an opening providing access between an open interior of each leg member and the interior of the stanchion, wherein the stanchion power supply includes an outlet and a flexible connector extending from the outlet through the worksurface opening into engagement with a power receptacle associated with the power distribution system for supplying power to a location above the worksurface.  
   
   
       21 . The desk system of  claim 16 , wherein each leg member is defined by a pair of generally perpendicular outer walls, wherein each outer wall includes at least one opening.  
   
   
       22 . The desk system of  claim 21 , wherein, when a pair of desk sections are placed adjacent each other, the opening in one of the outer walls of at least one of the leg members of each desk section is exposed, and further comprising a leg opening cover for engagement with the leg member outer wall to cover the exposed opening.  
   
   
       23 . The desk system of  claim 20 , wherein each leg member further includes a removable cover engageable with the outer walls for selectively providing access to the open interior of the leg member.  
   
   
       24 . A desk system, comprising: 
 a pair of leg members;    a worksurface engaged with and supported by the leg members;    stanchion means extending upwardly from the worksurface;    power distribution means located below the worksurface and including stanchion power supply means extending above the worksurface, wherein the stanchion power supply means includes power outlet means engaged with the stanchion means; and    wherein the desk system includes at least first and second adjacent desk sections, wherein each desk section includes a pair of leg members and a worksurface, and wherein the leg members and the power distribution means are configured and arranged to supply power between the first and second adjacent desk sections.    
   
   
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       26 . The desk system of  claim 24 , wherein the power distribution means comprises openings in the leg members of adjacent desk sections and a conduit arrangement that extends through the openings.  
   
   
       27 . The desk system of  claim 26 , wherein each leg member includes a pair of generally perpendicular outer walls, each of which includes a power distribution opening, wherein certain of the power distribution openings are exposed when the first and second desk sections are placed adjacent each other, and further comprising cover means for enclosing the exposed power distribution openings.  
   
   
       28 . The desk system of  claim 24 , wherein the stanchion means defines an open interior, wherein the stanchion power supply means includes a power outlet located in the open interior of the stanchion means, and wherein the stanchion means further includes a cover member movable between an open position for providing access to the power outlet and a closed position for preventing access to the power outlet.  
   
   
       29 . The desk system of  claim 28 , wherein the worksurface includes an opening, and wherein the power distribution means includes a power receptacle located below the worksurface and a flexible cord that extends through the worksurface opening and interconnects the power outlet of the stanchion power supply means with the power receptacle.