Rapidly Deployable Floor Power System

Abstract

A rapidly deployable floor power system includes a base unit for supplying low voltage DC power to one or more foldable power tracks. Each foldable power track has a set of rigid track sections with exposed track power contacts on a top surface. The rigid track sections are electrically and mechanically interconnected by flexible track connectors that enable the power track to be folded when the power track is to be moved or stored, and unfolded for rapid deployment in an area to be supplied with power. The rigid track sections lie approximately flush with the floor to minimize tripping potential. Magnetic connectors engage the track to obtain power from the track, and are used to electrically interconnect adjacent tracks. A power distribution unit supplies power via low voltage ports such as USB ports and/or via one or more power whips equipped with barrel jack tips.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method of rapidly deploying a floor power system within a room, the method comprising the steps of:
 unfolding a foldable power track onto a floor of the room, the foldable power track including a plurality of straight rigid track sections with exposed DC power contacts on a top surface and a plurality of flexible track connectors electrically and mechanically interconnecting the straight rigid track sections;   electrically connecting a base unit to mains power, the base unit containing an AC to DC converter to convert AC power received from the mains power to a low voltage DC power, and output the low voltage DC power on a DC power output; and   electrically connecting the base unit to the foldable power track using a power cord electrically and mechanically fixed to the foldable power track at one end and having a magnetic electrical connector on the other end to interconnect with the DC power output of the base unit.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the steps of:
 unfolding at least a second foldable power track onto the floor; and   using a power cord electrically and mechanically fixed to the second foldable power track at one end and having a magnetic electrical connector on the other end, to electrically interconnect the second foldable power track with the exposed DC power contacts on the top surface of the first foldable power track.   
     
     
         32 . A power distribution unit, comprising:
 a plurality of female low voltage DC output ports;   a DC-DC transformer configured to convert DC power received at a DC power input to a first voltage level for presentation at some or all of the plurality of female low voltage DC output ports;   a plurality of whips connected to the DC output ports; and   an external body formed as a top clamshell, a bottom clamshell, and a shield configured to retain the plurality of whips from being removed from the power distribution unit.   
     
     
         33 . The power distribution unit of  claim 32 , wherein each whip has a male plug that engages one of the DC output ports on a first end, and the shield holds the male plug in the respective port so that the plug cannot be removed from the port. 
     
     
         34 . The power distribution unit of  claim 33 , wherein each whip has a male DC connector on a second end to connect to a female port of an electronic device. 
     
     
         35 . The power distribution unit of  claim 33 , wherein the shield has apertures sized to engage and retain electrical plug inserts to retain the male plugs in the respective ports. 
     
     
         36 . The power distribution unit of  claim 33 , wherein the DC-DC transformer is further configured to convert DC power received at a DC power input to a second voltage level. 
     
     
         37 . The power distribution unit of  claim 36 , wherein the power distribution unit is configured to present the first voltage level at a first subset of the plurality of female low voltage DC output ports and is configured to present the second voltage level at a second subset of the plurality of female low voltage DC output ports.