Power distribution system with electrical hubs moveable relative to tracks

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10886681-B2
Application number	US-201916434823-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 7, 2019
Priority date	Jun 11, 2018
Publication date	Jan 5, 2021
Grant date	Jan 5, 2021

Abstract

A power distribution system includes a track having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The track defines a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of power cables is positioned within the channel. A electrical hub is movably coupled to the second end of the track. The electrical hub is electrically connected to the plurality of power cables and includes a power receptacle. The electrical hub is movable relative to the second end of the track to change a position of the power receptacle relative to the track.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A power distribution system comprising:
a track having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, the track defining a channel extending along the longitudinal axis;
a plurality of power cables positioned within the channel; and
an electrical hub movably coupled to the second end of the track, the electrical hub electrically connected to the plurality of power cables, the electrical hub including a power receptacle,
wherein the electrical hub is movable relative to the second end of the track to change a position of the power receptacle relative to the track.

2. The power distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising a plug electrically connected to the plurality of power cables and connectable to the electrical hub, and a flexible sleeve surrounding a portion of the plurality of power cables between the track and the plug.

3. The power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein one of the electrical hub or the track includes a pin, wherein the other of the electrical hub or the track includes a hole that receives the pin, and wherein the hole is rotatable about the pin to move the electrical hub relative to the second end of the track.

4. The power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the track is a first track having a first channel, wherein the plurality of power cables is a first plurality of power cables, and further comprising:
a second track having a third end, a fourth end opposite the third end, and a second longitudinal axis extending through the third and fourth ends, the second track defining a channel extending along the second longitudinal axis; and
a second plurality of power cables positioned within the channel of the second track,
wherein the third end of the second track is movably coupled to the electrical hub, and wherein the electrical hub is electrically connected to the second plurality of power cables.

5. The power distribution system of claim 4 , wherein the first longitudinal axis of the first track and the second longitudinal axis of the second track define an angle therebetween, and wherein the angle is adjustable by moving the first track, the second track, or both relative to the electrical hub.

6. The power distribution system of claim 4 , further comprising:
a third track having a fifth end, a sixth end opposite the fifth end, and a third longitudinal axis extending through the fifth and sixth ends, the third track defining a channel extending along the third longitudinal axis; and
a third plurality of power cables positioned within the channel of the third track,
wherein the fifth end of the third track is movably coupled to the electrical hub, and wherein the electrical hub is electrically connected to the third plurality of power cables.

7. The power distribution system of claim 6 , wherein the first longitudinal axis of the first track and the second longitudinal axis of the second track define a first angle therebetween, wherein the second longitudinal axis of the second track and the third longitudinal axis of the third track define a second angle therebetween, wherein the first longitudinal axis of the first track and the third longitudinal axis of the third track define a third angle therebetween, and wherein each of the first, second, and third angles is adjustable by moving the first, second, and third tracks relative to the electrical hub.

8. The power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical hub includes a plurality of power receptacles.

9. The power distribution system of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of power receptacles is arranged on the electrical hub in a different orientation.

10. The power distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the track defines an auxiliary channel extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the auxiliary channel is configured to receive a data cable.

11. The power distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising a power entry node movably coupled to the first end of the track, the power entry node electrically connected to the plurality of power cables and movable relative to the first end of the track to adjust a direction at which the track extends relative to the power entry node.

12. The power distribution system of claim 11 , wherein the power entry node is configured to be connected to one of the group consisting of a power supply of a building and a furniture system so the plurality of power cables receives power from either the building or the furniture system, respectively.

Assignees

• Miller Herman Inc

Inventors

• Alexander Brian David
• Keyzer Peter James
• Roetman Jeffrey Dennis
• Riner Raymond Hugh
• Chapman Gordon Frank

Classifications

• H02G3/08

  Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes · CPC title

• H01R25/142 Primary

  Their counterparts · CPC title

• H02G9/025

  Coverings therefor, e.g. tile · CPC title

• H02G3/34

  using separate protective tubing · CPC title

• H01R31/065

  with built-in electric apparatus · CPC title