Modular powerway for office furniture and the like

Claim 2

In a freestanding office furniture system of the type having a plurality of individual furniture units interconnected side-by-side in a predetermined orientation, and wherein each of said furniture units includes a utility raceway therethrough accessible at opposite sides of said furniture unit, the improvement of a modular powerway comprising: an elongated housing received within the utility raceway of an associated one of said furniture units, and including first and second ends thereof positioned adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on said flag terminal of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.

Claim 3

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said powerway includes a second flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and a second flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said second flag connector; said second flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal for branching.

Claim 4

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said first and second-named flag connectors on said powerway face in opposite directions for connection with opposite sides of said powerway.

Claim 5

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said first and second-named flag connectors on said powerway are coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for electrical interconnection.

Claim 6

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said powerway includes a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals.

Claim 7

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said powerway includes a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member; said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 8

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 6, wherein: said first-named flag terminal on said powerway has a generally L-shaped plan configuration, and faces in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal face to facilitate interconnecting the same.

Claim 9

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said second-named flag terminal on said powerway is adapted to mate with one of said first and second sets of quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of the same powerway to retain said second-named flag connector in a storage position.

Claim 10

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said powerway includes a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and having a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means.

Claim 11

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 9, wherein: said power tap on said powerway includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal to separably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 12

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 10, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and shaped to mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power tap to separably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 13

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 11, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to supply electrical power to said powerway.

Claim 14

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 12, wherein: said quick-disconnect power-in connectors on said powerway are offset inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.

Claim 15

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 13, wherein: said powerway receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.

Claim 16

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 14, wherein: said powerway power terminal is coded with indicia similar to said indicia on said second-named flag connector.

Claim 17

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 15, wherein: said powerway receptacle-only terminal is coded with indicia similar to said indicia on said first-named flag connector.

Claim 18

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 16, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal.

Claim 19

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 17, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect auxiliary connectors, electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, and positioned on the same side of said panel as said power-in connector.

Claim 20

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 18, wherein: said powerway receptacle-only terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal.

Claim 21

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said flag connector and said power terminal of said powerway are coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for electrical interconnection.

Claim 22

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said powerway includes a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storing one of said flag terminals from an adjacent powerway.

Claim 23

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 21, wherein: said powerway includes a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member; said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 24

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said powerway includes a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said conductor means.

Claim 25

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 23, wherein: said powerway power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 26

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors thereon; and said powerway power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 27

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 25, wherein: said powerway power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in connectors, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to supply electrical power to said powerway.

Claim 28

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 26, wherein: said quick-disconnect power-in terminals on said powerway are offset inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.

Claim 29

An office furniture system as set forth in claim 27, wherein: said receptacle-only terminal on said powerway includes a keyed lock-out which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.

Claim 30

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides of the office furniture unit, the improvement of a modular powerway, comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on said flag terminal of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.

Claim 31

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides of the office furniture unit, the improvement of a modular powerway, comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on said flag terminal of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.

Claim 32

A powerway as set forth in claim 29, including: a second flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including a second flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said second flag connector; said second flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal for branching.

Claim 33

A powerway as set forth in claim 30, wherein: said first and second-named flag connectors face in opposite directions for connection with opposite sides of said powerway.

Claim 34

A powerway as set forth in claim 31, wherein: said first and second-named flag connectors are coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for electrical interconnection.

Claim 35

A power way as set forth in claim 32, including: a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals.

Claim 36

A powerway as set forth in claim 33, including: a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member; said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 37

A powerway as set forth in claim 34, wherein: said first-named flag terminal has a generally L-shaped flag configuration, and faces in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal face to facilitate interconnecting the same.

Claim 38

A power way as set forth in claim 35, wherein: said second-named flag terminal is adapted to mate with one of said first and second sets of quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of the same powerway to retain said second-named flag connector in a storage position.

Claim 39

A powerway as set forth in claim 36, including: a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means.

Claim 40

A powerway as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 41

A powerway as set forth in claim 38, wherein: said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and shaped to mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power tap to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 42

A powerway as set forth in claim 39, wherein: said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to supply electrical power to said powerway.

Claim 43

A powerway as set forth in claim 40, wherein: said quick-disconnect power-in connectors are offset inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.

Claim 44

A powerway as set forth in claim 41, wherein: said receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.

Claim 45

A powerway as set forth in claim 42, wherein: said power terminal is coded with indicia similar to said indicia on said second-named flag connector.

Claim 46

A powerway as set forth in claim 43, wherein: said receptacle-only terminal is coded with indicia similar to said indicia on said first-named flag connector.

Claim 47

A powerway as set forth in claim 44, wherein: said power terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal.

Claim 48

A powerway as set forth in claim 45, wherein: said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect auxiliary connectors, electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, and positioned on the same side of said panel as said power-in connector.

Claim 49

A powerway as set forth in claim 46, wherein: said receptacle-only terminal includes a second set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said electrical connecting means, configured similarly to and facing opposite said first-named set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal.

Claim 50

A powerway as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said flag connector and said power terminal are coded with different indicia to facilitate properly orienting adjacent powerways for electrical interconnection.

Claim 51

A powerway as set forth in claim 29, including: a parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and adapted to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals from an adjacent powerway.

Claim 52

A powerway as set forth in claim 49, including: a second parking member positioned adjacent the second end of said housing, and configured similar to said first-named parking member; said first and second-named parking members being disposed on the same side of said powerway, and being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance to facilitate storing adjacent flag terminals thereon when adjacent powerways are disposed in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 53

A powerway as set forth in claim 29, including: a receptacle-only terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors electrically connected with said conductor means.

Claim 54

A powerway as set forth in claim 51, wherein: said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said receptacle-only terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 55

A powerway as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors thereon; and said power tap includes a set of quick-disconnect receptacle connectors which mate with the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to removably electrically interconnect the same.

Claim 56

A powerway as set forth in claim 53, wherein: said power terminal includes a set of quick-disconnect power-in connectors, which in conjunction with said quick-disconnect receptacle connectors define a power-in connector; and including a power-in module including a set of quick-disconnect connectors which mate with the power-in connector on said power terminal to supply electrical power to said powerway.

Claim 57

A powerway as set forth in claim 54, wherein: said quick-disconnect power-in terminals are offset inwardly from the quick-disconnect receptacle connectors on said power terminal to accept either said power tap or said power-in module without increasing the overall thickness of said panel.

Claim 58

A powerway as set forth in claim 55, wherein: said receptacle-only terminal includes a keyed lock-out which prevents connecting said power-in module therewith.

Claim 59

In an office furniture unit of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible at opposite sides thereof, the improvement of a modular powerway comprising: an elongated housing received within the utility raceway of said office furniture unit, and including first and second ends positioned in adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.

Claim 60

In an office furniture unit of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible at opposite sides thereof, the improvement of a modular powerway comprising: an elongated housing received within the utility raceway of said office furniture unit, and including first and second ends positioned in adjacent opposite ends of said utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second sets of power connectors being similarly configured, and spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including a set of quick-disconnect power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second sets of quick-disconnect power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways disposed in either in-line or angular relationships can be electrically interconnected by connecting the quick-disconnect connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the sets of said quick-disconnect connectors on said power terminal of an adjacent powerway.

Claim 61

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides of said powerway, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second power connectors being configured similarly, and disposed on one side of said powerway in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship to define an inboardmost one of said first and second power connectors, and an outboardmost one of said first and second power connectors; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway, electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with the inboardmost of said first and second power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway when said panels are oriented in an in-line relationship, and with the outboardmost of said first and second power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway when said panels are oriented in an angular relationship.

Claim 62

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides of said powerway, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends thereof configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including first and second power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; said first and second power connectors being configured similarly, and disposed on one side of said powerway in a longitudinally spaced apart relationship to define an inboardmost one of said first and second power connectors, and an outboardmost one of said first and second power connectors; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; and a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway, electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the first and second power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with the inboardmost of said first and second power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway when said panels are oriented in an in-line relationship, and with the outboardmost of said first and second power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway when said panels are oriented in an angular relationship.

Claim 63

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway; and a pair of parking members positioned adjacent one of the first and second ends of said housing; said parking members being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway, and being shaped to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals when adjacent said powerways are in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 64

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway; and a pair of parking members positioned adjacent one of the first and second ends of said housing; said parking members being spaced longitudinally apart a predetermined distance on the same side of said powerway, and being shaped to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals when adjacent said powerways are in either in-line or angular relationships.

Claim 65

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including power connectors positioned on one side of said powerway and electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway, electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway; and a parking member positioned adjacent one of the first and second ends of said housing, and shaped to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals.

Claim 66

A modular powerway for office furniture units and the like of the type having a utility raceway therethrough accessible adjacent opposite sides thereof, said powerway comprising: an elongated housing shaped for reception within the utility raceway of the office furniture unit, and including first and second ends configured for positioning adjacent opposite ends of the utility raceway; means mounted in said housing for conducting electrical power between opposite ends of said powerway; a power terminal mounted in said housing adjacent said first end thereof, and including power connectors positioned on one side of said powerway and electrically connected with said electrical conducting means; a power tap electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to tap electrical power from said powerway; a flexible flag connector having one end thereof fixedly mounted in said housing adjacent said second end thereof, and including a flag terminal mounted on the opposite end of said flag connector and movable relative to said housing; said flag terminal including power connectors positioned on the other side of said powerway, electrically connected with said electrical conducting means, and adapted to mate with the power connectors on said power terminal, whereby adjacent said powerways are electrically interconnected by connecting the power connectors on the flag terminal of one powerway with one of the power connectors on the power terminal of an adjacent powerway; and a parking member positioned adjacent one of the first and second ends of said housing, and shaped to detachably mount thereon for storage one of said flag terminals.