US 5,575,668 · Granted 1996-11-19
The Desk Outlet That Brought Power Cords Out of the Shadows
Imagine a power strip that lives right on your desk or work surface instead of hiding behind it. This invention lets you plug in both electrical devices and internet cables at arm's reach, with a neat pivoting outlet box that flips open and closed as needed—no more crawling under your desk to find an outlet.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a self-contained power and data delivery unit that mounts directly on a work surface and can pivot between retracted and extended positions. What's protected here is the specific design of having separate compartments for electrical receptacles and data ports housed in a single enclosure, fed by a power cord plugged into a distant wall or floor outlet. The patent also covers the internal power distribution assembly that safely routes electricity to outlets on the unit, plus the option to chain multiple units together via interconnecting cables.
Why it matters
This patent solved a real workplace frustration in the mid-1990s: the explosion of desktop technology (computers, printers, modems) meant workers needed more outlets than walls could provide. By creating a temporary, movable power-and-data hub that sat on the desk itself rather than requiring permanent installation, it offered flexibility for open offices and temporary work areas. The pivoting design meant cables didn't clutter the workspace, and the self-contained safety systems meant it didn't require an electrician to install.
Real-world use
When you're at a desk in a modern open office or co-working space and you plug your laptop, desk lamp, and monitor into a single outlet box mounted right on the surface in front of you, you're using the exact problem this patent solved.
Original USPTO abstract
A temporary power/data tap for delivering both electrical power and data service line to a work surface from a distant standard wall or floor mounted electrical receptacle and data port. The power/data tap is designed to be selectively moved between retract and extended positions to provide electrical power and data service line to the work surface. The power/data tap is a self-contained unit designed for easy installation on the work surface which meets or exceeds United Laboratory standards. At least one electrical receptacle and one data port is mounted on a pivoting outlet enclosure housed inside an enclosure assembly. The electrical receptacle and data port are disposed in two separate compartments formed in the outlet enclosure. A power cord capable of being plugged into a standard wall or floor receptacle delivers electrical power to one side of the enclosure assembly. A power distribution assembly located inside the enclosure assembly then safely distributors the electrical power inside the enclosure assembly. Optional electrical connectors and interconnecting cable is provided for electrical power from one power/data tap to another.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,575,668
- Filing date
- 1995-10-06
- Grant date
- 1996-11-19
- Assignee
- Timmerman; Paul
- Inventor(s)
- TIMMERMAN; PAUL
- CPC class
- A47B21/06
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