Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6553730
-
Patent Number
6,553,730
-
Date Filed
Friday, March 8, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, April 29, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 052 2207
- 052 2205
- 052 361
- 052 239
- 052 242
- 052 481
- 052 2201
- 160 351
- 359 118
- 439 654
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A utility hub for post and beam furniture systems includes a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle. The utility hub also includes a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture, and a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a utility hub, and in particular to a utility hub for use in post and beam furniture systems and the like.
Portable partition systems for office space and other similar settings are known in the art. Individual partition panels are interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices, workstations, and/or work settings. The particular panels are extremely durable and can be readily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330; and 4,144,920, which are owned by Steelcase Development Corporation, the assignee of the present invention.
Post and beam furniture systems have also been developed to divide open office plans three-dimensionally into individual workstations and/or work settings. Examples of such furniture systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,003,275; 5,950,371; and 5,899,025, which are also owned by Steelcase Development Corporation, the assignee of the present invention.
Utility hubs are used in a wide variety of applications, such as within table and chair assemblies. These utility hubs typically include electrical receptacles and/or data receptacles located therein, thereby allowing convenient access to the same. Heretofore, these utility hubs have failed to provide adequate insulation between the electrical receptacles and data receptacles, thereby allowing interference in the signals transmitted therethrough. Further, these utility hubs have been incompatible for use within post and beam furniture systems and the like.
As a result, there is a need for a utility hub offering adequate insulation and division between the power receptacles and data receptacles associated therewith, as well as a need for a utility hub compatible for use within and connection to a post and beam furniture system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a utility hub for use in a post and beam furniture system that includes a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least one first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle. The utility hub also includes a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture. The utility hub further includes a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a utility hub assembly for use in a post and beam furniture system that includes a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least one first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle. The utility hub assembly also includes a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture, and a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein. The utility hub assembly further includes a utility tube defining a central passage and operably connected with a select one of the housing and the housing insert such that the central passage of the utility tube is in communication with the interior space of the housing.
The present inventive utility hub and associated utility hub assembly provides a utility hub convenient for use and attachment within post and beam furniture systems and the like, can be easily and quickly assembled, is efficient in use, and is particularly well adapted for the assembly to and use within a post and beam furniture system.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a post and beam furniture system including a utility hub embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of a vertically extending post of the post and beam furniture system, wherein the post has an X-shaped cross-sectional configuration;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of a vertically extending post of the post and beam furniture system, wherein the post has a Y-shaped cross-sectional configuration;
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of the utility hub assembled with a utility tube and a vertically extending post;
FIG. 5
is an exploded perspective view of the utility hub;
FIG. 6
is a top plan view of a base of the utility hub;
FIG. 7
is a bottom plan view of the base of the utility hub;
FIG. 8
is a side perspective view of the base of the utility tube;
FIG. 9
is an enlarged perspective view of a first portion of a housing insert;
FIG. 10
is an exploded perspective view of the utility tube, a utility tube retainer, and a plurality of fasteners for connecting the utility tube to the utility post;
FIG. 11
is a bottom plan view of a cover of the utility hub;
FIG. 12
is an exploded perspective view of a second portion of the housing insert;
FIG. 13
is a perspective view of the utility tube including an end cap; and
FIG. 14
is a bottom perspective view of the end cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIGS. 1 and 4
. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral
10
(
FIG. 1
) generally designates a post and beam furniture system embodying the present invention. The prefabricated furniture system
10
is of the type that is designed for use in open building plans and the like, and includes a freestanding portable partition system
12
that includes a plurality of horizontally-extending overhead beams
14
interconnected to define an overhead framework, a plurality of vertically-extending posts or support columns
16
, and a plurality of horizontally-extending mid-height beams
18
. Posts
16
each includes a lower end
20
abuttingly supported on a building floor surface
22
, and an upper end
24
connected with the overhead framework as formed by overhead beams
14
.
The posts
16
(
FIGS. 2 and 3
) associated with the illustrated post and beam furniture system
10
are provided in T, X, L and Y configurations, wherein each projecting leg or flange
26
of each post
16
includes a T-shaped channel
28
. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2
, a post
16
having an X-shaped configuration incorporates four projecting legs or flanges
26
which are disposed in a mutually-perpendicular relationship to define a cruciform shape. Each end face
30
of each of the flanges
26
incorporates a T-shaped channel
28
along the entire length thereof. A post
16
having a Y-shaped configuration, as illustrated in
FIG. 3
, incorporates three projecting legs or flanges
26
which are disposed in a triangularly-shaped relationship. Similar to the X-shaped posts
16
of
FIG. 2
, each face
30
of each of the flanges
26
of Y-shaped post
16
incorporates a T-shaped channel
28
along the entire length thereof. As best illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, each of the T-shaped channels
28
of posts
16
includes a narrowed neck portion
32
providing access to an enlarged interior portion
34
partially defined by an interior rear wall
36
, an interior side wall
38
and an interior channel wall
40
. Each interior channel wall
40
includes a longitudinally-extending, distally located groove
42
. Each channel
28
has a T-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration which is adapted to detachable receive and capture mating fasteners therein, as discussed below.
The reference numeral
44
(
FIG. 4
) generally designates a utility hub assembly embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the utility hub assembly
44
includes a housing
46
defining an interior space
48
, having a U-shaped radially disposed notch
50
adapted to laterally receive the vertically extending post
16
therein, and including a plurality of electrical power receptacle receiving apertures
52
that allow access to a plurality of electrical power receptacles
54
located within interior space
48
, and a plurality of communication/data receptacle receiving apertures
56
allowing access to a plurality of communication/data receptacles
58
located within interior space
48
. The utility hub assembly
44
also includes a divider member
60
(
FIG. 5
) located within interior space
48
of housing
46
and dividing interior space
48
into a first section
64
that includes apertures
52
, and a second section
65
that includes apertures
56
. The utility hub assembly
44
also includes a housing insert
66
located within notch
50
of housing
46
, operably connected to housing
46
, and cooperating with housing
46
to define a central aperture
68
that receives post
16
therein. Utility hub assembly
44
further includes a utility tube
70
defining a central passage
72
and operably connected with housing
46
such that passage
72
of utility tube
70
is in communication with interior space
48
of housing
46
as described below.
The housing
46
includes a bowl-shaped base
74
and a bowl-shaped cover
76
that cooperate to provide housing
46
with a saucer-like shape. Base
74
(
FIGS. 6-8
) includes an arcuately-shaped bottom surface
78
, a radially edge
80
, and the U-shaped notch
50
extending inwardly from radial edge
80
. Apertures
52
are spaced about the periphery of edge
80
and are each defined by a rectangularly-shaped sleeve
82
extending radially outwardly from aperture
68
and downwardly from surface
78
. Each sleeve
82
includes a pair of inwardly-extending retainer walls
79
that secure receptacles
54
therein. Base
74
also includes a plurality of upwardly-extending structural integrity walls
84
that structurally reinforce base
74
, a plurality of upwardly-extending studs
86
each including apertures
88
extending therein that receive mounting hardware therein for connecting cover
76
to base
74
, and a plurality of upwardly-extending studs
87
each including aperture
89
extending therein that receive mounting hardware therein for connecting divider member
74
to housing
46
, as described below. Base
74
also includes two pairs of studs
91
extending inwardly from an inner wall
90
of notch
50
, each including an aperture
92
extending therein that receive mechanical fasteners therein for connecting housing insert
66
to housing
46
, as described below. Inner wall
90
of notch
50
includes a plurality of abutment walls
94
defining a semi-circular, octagon-shape. Walls
90
include a plurality of apertures
96
(
FIG. 5
) extending therethrough and adapted to receive mechanical fasteners therein for connecting housing
46
with post
16
as described below.
As best illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 9
, the cover
76
of housing
46
includes a arcuately-shaped top surface
98
, a radially edge
100
, and the U-shaped notch
50
extending inwardly from edge
100
. Apertures
56
are circumferentially spaced about cover
76
and extend therethrough. Cover
76
includes a plurality of downwardly extending studs
102
each including an aperture
104
extending therein and concentrically located with apertures
88
of base
74
when base
74
and cover
76
are connected. Cover
76
also includes two pairs of downwardly extending studs
106
having mechanical receiving apertures
108
extending therein that receive mechanical fasteners therein for connecting housing insert
66
to housing
46
as described below. A centrally-located U-shaped downwardly extending collar
110
receives walls
94
of base
74
therein as described below. Collar
110
includes an inwardly extending lip
111
. Cover
76
further includes a plurality of downwardly extending studs
112
having apertures
114
extending therein. Each communication/data receptacle
58
is operably connected to cover
76
by a pair of retainer plates
116
each including a pair of distally located apertures
118
extending therethrough and which are co-located with apertures
114
of studs
112
of cover
76
upon assembly. A plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws
120
extend through apertures
118
of each retainer plate
116
and are threadably received within apertures
114
of studs
112
, thereby retaining a tab
122
centrally located within each retainer plate
116
within a pair of apertures
124
juxtaposed along the length of each receptacle
54
and securing receptacles
54
between retainer plates
116
and cover
76
.
The housing insert
66
includes a lower portion
124
(
FIGS. 5 and 9
) and upper portion
126
. Lower portion
124
of housing insert
66
is defined by an arcuately shaped bottom wall
128
and a pair of perpendicularly-extending side walls
130
each having a partial window
132
extending therethrough. Lower portion
124
of housing insert
66
also includes two pairs of tabs
134
extending outwardly and perpendicular to side walls
130
and each including an aperture
136
extending therethrough. Lower portion
124
is configured such that apertures
136
of tabs
134
are concentrically located with apertures
92
of studs
91
of base
74
after assembly of utility hub assembly
44
as discussed below. Lower portion
124
of housing insert
66
further includes a U-shaped collar
138
extending downwardly from bottom wall
128
and defining an aperture
140
. Upper portion
126
of housing insert
66
includes an arcuate top wall
142
and a pair of side walls
144
extending perpendicular to top wall
142
and each including a partial window
146
therein that cooperates with partial window
132
of lower portion
124
to define a full window. Upper portion
126
also includes two pairs of tabs
148
extending outwardly and perpendicularly from side walls
144
and each including an aperture
150
extending therethrough that receive mechanical fasteners therein for connecting upper portion
126
to housing
46
. Top wall
128
includes an aperture
56
that provides access to a communication/data receptacle
58
mounted to an underside of top wall
142
similar to as described above with respect to cover
76
.
The divider member
60
(
FIG. 5
) is substantially planar and includes a semi-circular outer edge
152
and an inner edge
154
having a shape that is substantially similar to the plan configuration of structural support walls
84
. A plurality of apertures
156
extend through divider
60
and are adapted to receive mechanical fasteners such as screws
158
therein for connecting divider
60
to housing
46
. utility tube
70
(
FIG. 10
) includes an elongated U-shaped first portion
160
and an elongated U-shaped second portion
162
that is snappably engaged with first portion
160
. First portion
160
includes a planar base portion
164
and two pairs of outwardly-extending fingers each including an inner finger
166
and an outer finger
168
. Inner finger
166
includes a longitudinally-extending tooth or barb
170
, while finger
168
includes a longitudinally-extending engagement tooth or barb
172
that cooperates with tooth
170
to retain second portion
162
of utility tube
70
as inner finger
166
and outer finger
168
are each flexibly resilient. Base portion
164
includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive mechanical fasteners such as Christmas-tree fasteners
178
therein. Alternatively, fasteners
178
may be replaced by screws that are threadably received within aperture
194
of second bracket
190
. Second portion
162
of tube
170
includes a pair of tabs
180
each including an enlarged head
182
and extending longitudinally along terminating edges of the U-shaped second portion
162
. Second portion
162
is provided with a ribbed interior surface
184
, and is preferably constructed of an extruded translucent plastic, although other suitable materials may be utilized.
The utility hub assembly
44
further includes a bracket assembly
186
that includes a first bracket
188
and a second bracket
190
. Brackets
188
and
190
each include a C-shaped end
192
mountable within channel
28
of post
16
, and a centrally located aperture
194
extending therethrough. First bracket
188
includes a downwardly opening hook portion
194
extending inwardly from an upper edge
198
thereof.
The utility hub assembly
44
further includes a retainer
200
(
FIG. 4
) that includes a U-shaped wall
202
having a collar portion
204
that receives an end of utility tube
70
. Retainer
200
also includes a pair of flanges
206
extending outwardly from wall
202
and each including an aperture
208
. The retainer
200
is operably connected to post
16
via a pair of T-nuts
210
as described below.
The utility hub
46
and retainer
200
are each operably connected to post
16
via a plurality of T-nuts
210
(FIGS.
11
and
12
). Each T-nut
210
includes a pair of substantially parallel end walls
212
and a pair of substantially parallel side walls
214
that cooperate to define a substantially parallelogram-shaped body
216
that is adapted to be received within inner portion
34
of channel
28
of post
16
. Each T-nut
210
also includes a first surface
218
having a recessed center portion
220
defined by a pair of inwardly-extending walls
222
extending substantially parallel to end walls
212
, and a second surface
224
juxtaposed from first surface
218
and having a raised center portion
226
defined by a pair of outwardly-extending walls
228
that extend substantially parallel to end walls
212
. Each T-nut
210
further includes a threaded aperture
230
extending between first surface
218
and second surface
224
.
In assembly, receptacles
54
are placed within sleeves
82
of base
74
and attached to associated electrical wiring (not shown). Base
74
is placed about post
16
by sliding base
74
laterally and post
16
though notch
50
thereof. Base
74
is operably connected to post
16
via a plurality of T-nuts
210
located within interior portion
34
of the associated channels
28
and connected to base
74
by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts
232
that extend through apertures
96
of wall
94
and are threadably received within aperture
230
of each T-nut
210
. Each bolt
232
is tightened until end wall
212
of each T-nut
210
abuts interior side walls
38
of the associated channel
28
, thereby forcing second surface
224
of each T-nut
210
to frictionally engage interior channel wall
40
of the associated channel
28
and raised center portion
226
of each T-nut to enter
32
of the associated channel
28
. Divider member
60
operably connected with base
74
by screws
158
that extend through apertures
156
of divider member
60
and are threadably received within apertures
89
of studs
87
. A plurality of mechanical fasteners similar to screws
158
, as described above, fasten first portion
124
of housing insert
66
to base
74
by extending the screws through apertures
136
of tabs
135
of first portion
124
and threading the screws into apertures
92
of studs
88
. Receptacles
58
are operably connected to cover
76
and second portion
126
of housing insert
66
as describe above and attached to associated data communication lines (not shown). Cover
76
is placed about post
16
by sliding cover
76
laterally and post
16
though notch
50
thereof. Second portion
126
of housing insert
66
is then operably connected to cover
76
by screws
234
that extend through apertures
150
of tabs
148
and are threadably received within apertures
108
of studs
106
. Cover
76
is then connected to base
74
by bolts or screws
236
that extend upwardly through apertures
88
of studs
86
and are threadably received within apertures
104
of studs
102
. Utility tube
70
is operably connected with utility hub assembly
44
by placing and end of utility tube
70
within collar
138
of first portion
124
of housing insert
66
. Utility tube
70
is connected with post
16
via bracket assembly
186
mounting brackets
188
and
190
into channels
28
of post
16
and connecting hook
196
of second bracket
190
to first bracket
188
. Fasteners
178
are then utilized to connect utility tube
70
to each bracket assembly
186
. A second end of utility tube
70
is placed within collar
204
of retainer
200
. Retainer
200
is operably connected to post
16
by a pair of T-nuts
210
located within interior portion
34
of associated channels
28
and that connected to retainer
200
by
238
that extend through apertures
208
and are threadably received within apertures
230
of each T-nut
210
. It should be noted that while in the present example utility tube
70
extends downwardly from housing
46
, utility hub assembly
44
may be reconfigured such that utility tube
70
extends upwardly from housing
46
by connecting first portion
125
of housing insert
66
with cover
76
and second portion
126
of housing insert
66
with base
74
.
The utility hub assembly
44
alternatively includes a cap
240
located within aperture
68
. Cap
240
is utilized within assembly
44
when assembly
44
is connected to a partial height post
16
as best illustrated in FIG.
1
. Cap
240
includes an arcuately-shaped upper surface
242
and a radial wall
244
extending downwardly therefrom. Wall
24
includes an outwardly extending lip
244
. In assembly, cap
240
is located within aperture
68
such that lip
111
of cover
76
engages lip
244
of cap
240
, thereby holding cap
240
within aperture
68
.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
- 1. A utility hub for use in a post and beam furniture system, comprising:a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least one first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle; a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture; and a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein.
- 2. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the housing insert partially defines the interior space of the housing.
- 3. The utility hub of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a base and a cover operably connected to the base, and wherein the base and the cover cooperate to define the interior space.
- 4. The utility hub of claim 3, wherein housing and the housing insert cooperate to form a disk-shape.
- 5. The utility hub of claim 4, wherein the at least one first aperture includes a plurality of first apertures spaced circumferentially about the base of the housing.
- 6. The utility hub of claim 5, wherein the at least one second aperture includes a plurality of second apertures space circumferentially about the cover of the housing.
- 7. The utility hub of claim 6, wherein each of the first apertures are defined a plurality of corresponding sleeves that extend downwardly from an outer surface of the housing.
- 8. The utility hub of claim 7, wherein the central aperture includes a plurality of planar walls that cooperate to form a substantially octagon shape.
- 9. The utility hub of claim 8, wherein the housing insert includes an aperture adapted to receive wiring therethrough.
- 10. The utility hub of claim 9, wherein the housing inserting includes an upper portion and a lower portion that operably connects to the upper portion.
- 11. The utility hub of claim 10, wherein the lower portion of the housing insert includes the aperture adapted to receive wiring therethrough.
- 12. The utility hub of claim 9, wherein the housing insert includes an outwardly extending collar extending about the aperture and adapted to receive a utility tube therein.
- 13. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base and a cover operably connected to the base, and wherein the base and the cover cooperate to define the interior space.
- 14. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein housing and the housing insert cooperate to form a disk-shape.
- 15. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the at least one first aperture includes a plurality of first apertures spaced circumferentially about the housing.
- 16. The utility hub of claim 15, wherein each of the first apertures are defined a plurality of corresponding sleeves that extend downwardly from an outer surface of the housing.
- 17. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the at least one second aperture includes a plurality of second apertures space circumferentially about the housing.
- 18. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the central aperture includes a plurality of vertically oriented planar walls that cooperate to form a substantially octagon shape.
- 19. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the housing insert includes an aperture adapted to receive wiring therethrough.
- 20. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the housing inserting includes an upper portion and a lower portion that operably connects to the upper portion.
- 21. The utility hub of claim 1, wherein the housing insert includes the aperture adapted to receive wiring therethrough.
- 22. The utility hub of claim 21, wherein the housing insert includes an outwardly extending collar extending about the aperture and adapted to receive a utility tube therein.
- 23. A utility hub assembly for use in a post and beam furniture system, comprising:a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least one first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle; a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture; a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein; and a utility tube defining a central passage and operably connected with a select one of the housing and the housing insert such that the central passage of the utility tube is in communication with the interior space of the housing.
- 24. The utility hub of claim 22, wherein the housing insert partially defines the interior space of the housing.
- 25. The utility hub of claim 24, wherein the housing insert includes an aperture in communication with the passage of the utility tube.
- 26. The utility hub of claim 25, wherein the housing insert includes a first collar that receives a first end of the utility tube therein.
- 27. The utility hub of claim 26, wherein the first collar extends upwardly from the housing insert.
- 28. The utility hub of claim 27, further including:a retainer operably connected to a second end of the utility tube.
- 29. The utility hub of claim 28, wherein the retainer includes a second collar the receives a second end of the utility tube.
- 30. The utility hub of claim 29, further including:a plurality of connectors adapted to connected the utility tube to the post.
- 31. The utility hub of claim 30, wherein the central aperture includes a plurality of planar walls that cooperate to form a substantially octagon shape.
- 32. The utility hub of claim 23, wherein the housing insert includes an aperture in communication with the passage of the utility tube.
- 33. The utility hub of claim 23, wherein the housing insert includes a first collar that receives a first end of the utility tube therein.
- 34. The utility hub of claim 33, wherein the first collar extends upwardly from the housing insert.
- 35. The utility hub of claim 23, further including:a retainer operably connected to a second end of the utility tube.
- 36. The utility hub of claim 35, wherein the retainer includes a second collar the receives a second end of the utility tube.
- 37. The utility hub of claim 23, further including:a plurality of connectors adapted to connected the utility tube to the post.
- 38. The utility hub of claim 23, wherein the central aperture includes a plurality of planar walls that cooperate to form a substantially octagon shape.
US Referenced Citations (20)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0021412 |
Apr 2000 |
WO |