FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device to allow access from either side of worktops to the electrical/data/voice sockets with a specially designed hinge mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of device is presently met with various options as described below:

1) Carpentered flip top box
The flip top is made of wooden cover cut from the same material as that of table top. It is fitted with metal hinges on the side walls of the cutout, wherein hinges fail to serve the purpose for long time. Weight of the top flap is more. Accessibility is limited from one side only.

2) Flip top box with one side hinged cover,
In such cases, accessibility of the socket is from one side only.

3) Swivel type flip top box
In this case mounting of switches from different brands/make is not possible. It remains open when in use. Plugs/wires occupy work surface making it cluttered.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide unique hinge mechanism in work top box which allows access from both sides of table when mounted on table top/worktop.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular device that is capable of changing suit number of sockets and/or switches of any brand/make required by altering length and cutout dimensions.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide device which has provision to manage extra length of cables. It allows access to sockets both from top and bottom of the device.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a device to facilitate cover (la) to open from either side of worktop, said device comprising; a covering assembly (1) comprising the cover (la) of predetermined shape; plurality of hinge mechanism (2) connected to said covering assembly (1) comprising; a top part (2a) and bottom part (2b) with at least one flange (2d) for snap fitting at one end and hinged at other end, wherein said top part (2a) is connected to the cover (la) and said bottom part (2b) is connected to end caps (1c) of the covering assembly (1), a middle part (2c) connecting both the top part (2a) and the bottom part (2b) to facilitate the cover (la) to open from either side of the worktop; and a box assembly (3) connected below the covering assembly (1) with cutout and also provides for a method of assembling device onto a worktop, said method comprises acts of; obtaining covering assembly (1) by connecting top part (2a) with cover (la) at one end and hinging with middle part (2c) of hinge mechanism (2) at other end; and connecting the middle part (2b) with bottom part (2b) and the top part (2a) through a hinge at its both ends; fixing the covering assembly (1) onto cutout made on the worktop; and mounting box assembly (3) below the covering assembly (1) with the cutout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows top view of the device in opened position

Figure 2 shows bottom view of device in opened position

Figure 3 shows front view of opened flip top box

Figure 4a shows device in opened position in predetermined direction when viewed from
top at certain inclination

Figure 4b shows device in opened position in predetermined direction when viewed from
top at certain inclination

Figure 5 shows top view of device in closed position

Figure 6 shows top view of device in closed position viewed from top at certain inclination

Figure 7 shows device in closed position when viewed from bottom

Figure 8 shows front elevation view of device in closed position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referral Numerals
1: covering assembly
la: cover
lb: bristle strip
1c: end cap
1d: runners
2: hinge mechanism
2a: top part
2b: bottom part
2c: middle part
2d: flanges
3: box assembly
3a, 3b, 3c and 3d: locking points at four corners on the covering assembly (1)
4: switch mounting plate
5: bottom cover

The present invention is in relation to a device to facilitate cover (la) to open from either side of worktop, said device comprising; a covering assembly (1) comprising the cover (la) of predetermined shape; plurality of hinge mechanism (2) connected to said covering assembly (1) comprising; a top part (2a) and bottom part (2b) with at least one flange (2d) for snap fitting at one end and hinged at other end, wherein said top part (2a) is connected to the cover (la) and said bottom part (2b) is connected to end caps (1c) of the covering assembly (1), a middle part (2c) connecting both the top part (2a) and the bottom part (2b) to facilitate the cover (la) to open from either side of the worktop; and a box assembly (3) connected below the covering assembly (1) with cutout.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the box assembly (3) comprising a bottom plate (4) with an opening to allow equipments placed below worktop to be plugged in from bottom and/or to dump extra length of cables rested over worktops.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the box assembly (3) with cutout for mounting of switches and/or sockets comprises switch mounting plate (4) and bottom cover (5) and are bolted together.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the plurality of sockets are selected from a group comprising data sockets, voice sockets and electrical sockets or any combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the cover assembly (1) comprises the cover (la), the bristle strip (lb), the end caps (1c), and runners (Id).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the bristle strips (lb) are fitted to either side of the cover (la) for passage of cables while keeping the cover (la) in closed position and the runners (Id) are screwed with the end caps (lc) to make a frame for the cover assembly (1).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the both the top (2a) and the bottom (2b) parts are connected with middle part (2c) by means of stainless steel rod at either ends.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the both the covering assembly (1) and box assembly (3) are independent of each other, wherein the covering assembly (1) is fitted onto cutout of worktops and the box assembly (3) is fitted below the worktops corresponding to the cutout.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the both the hinge mechanism (2) forms four locking points (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) at four corners of covering assembly (1).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the locking points (3a, 3d) are engaged with flanges (2d) for snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the locking points (3b, 3c) are engaged with flanges (2d) for snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the hinge mechanisms (2) are mounted diagonally opposite to one another such that flanges are snap fitted at one side at a time.

The present invention is in relation to a method of assembling device onto a worktop, said method comprises acts of; obtaining covering assembly (1) by connecting top part (2a) with cover (la) at one end and hinging with middle part (2c) of hinge mechanism (2) at other end; and connecting the middle part (2b) with bottom part (2b) and the top part (2a) through a hinge at its both ends; fixing the covering assembly (1) onto cutout made on the worktop; and mounting box assembly (3) below the covering assembly (1) with the cutout.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the hinge mechanisms (2) are mounted onto the covering assembly (1) diagonally opposite to each other such that fitting of snap fit happens at one side at a time which facilitates opening of cover (la) from either sides.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the hinge mechanisms (2) forms four locking points (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) at four corners of the covering assembly (1).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the locking points (3a, 3d) are engaged with flanges (2d) for the snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the locking points (3b, 3c) are engaged with flanges (2d) for the snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the hinging of the middle part (2c) with the top part (2a) and the bottom part (2b) is carried out by inserting stainless steel rod into hinge holes.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the mounting of the box assembly (3) below the covering assembly (1) is carried-out with screws.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the method comprise an act fixing bristle strips (lb) at both sides of the cover (la) for passage of cables while keeping the cover (la) in closed position.

The instant invention relates to a device on worktops to allow access to the electrical/data/voice sockets as shown in figures 1 to 8. This device comprises two assemblies, a cover assembly (1) and a box assembly (3). Universal nature of hinge mechanism (2) in cover assembly (1) allows the cover (la) to open from either side of the table top/worktop.

Referring to Figures 3, 4a and 4b; the cover assembly (1) comprises:

1) side runners (Id) - 2 numbers (material used: Aluminum 6063 (T6))
2) end caps (1c) - 2 numbers (material used: Nylon 15% Glass Filled)
3) cover (la) - 1 number(material used: Aluminum 6063(T6))
4) bristle strip (lb) - 2 numbers(material used: CRCA steel + Nylon wires)
5) hinge mechanism (2) - 2 numbers(Material used: Delrin + S.S. rod)
6) intermediate hinge connector (Material used: Delrin)

The bristle strips (lb) are inserted to either side of the cover (la). The side runners (Id) are screwed with the end caps (lc) to make a frame for cover assembly (1) as shown in figures 5 and 6.

Each hinge mechanism (2) comprises four parts:

1) top part (2a),
2) bottom part (2b), [the top (2a) and bottom (2b) parts are identical]
3) middle part (2c), and
4) a stainless steel rod of 3 mm diameter, 19 mm long in 2 numbers.

Top part (2a) is tightly fitted with cover (la) and bottom part (2b) is tightly fitted with end cap (lc). Both top (2a) and bottom (2b) parts are connected with middle part (2c) by means of 3 mm diameter, 19 mm long stainless steel rod at either ends. The stainless steel rods are inserted into the holes of hinge mechanism to form a hinge.

The cover assembly is assembled in such a way that it creates hinge points at both ends and also snaps into each other. The side from where the cover (la) is being opened is snap fitted and the other side acts as hinge and visa-versa and thereby allowing the cover (la) to open from either side of the worktop.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 the box assembly (3) with cutout for mounting of the switches and/or sockets consists of two parts namely switch mounting plate (4) and bottom cover (5). These parts are bolted together. The switch mounting plate (4) is made of material CRCA steel and the bottom cover (5) is made of material CRCA steel.

The switch mounting plate (4) is used to mount the switches of different brand/make and it is mounted from below to the table top/ worktop with screws.

The device on the worktop provides easy access to electrical/data/voice sockets and switches from above the worktop. The device is capable of mounting on either of the edge of the worktop or in the middle of worktop. The feature of unique hinge mechanism in the device allows the cover (la) to open from either side. It is modular in nature so as to accommodate varying number of sockets and switches depending on the need as well as it can accommodate sockets and switches of any brand/make. The bristle strips (lb) on either side of the cover (la) allow an easy passage for cables while keeping the cover (la) in closed position. The cutout on the box assembly (3) allows for mounting of switches and sockets. An opening made in the base plate of box assembly (3) acts as cutout allowing equipments placed below table top/worktop to be plugged in from bottom itself and extra length of cables are dumped through this opening.

With reference to figure 4a, the cover (la) of the device is opened in the predetermined direction 'A'. At this position, the locking points (3a, 3d) are engaged wherein the cover (la) is in open position from one side of the worktop. Referring to figure 4b, the cover (la) of the device is opened in other predetermined direction 'B'. At this position, the locking points (3b, 3c) are engaged wherein the cover (la) is in open position from other side of the worktop. Thus the hinge mechanisms (2) mounted on the covering assembly (1) diagonally opposite to one another such that flanges (2d) are snap fitted at one side at a time enables the device to open from both sides of the worktop/tabletop.

The invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, it is not limited thereto. Changes, variations and modifications to the basic design may be made without departing from the inventive concepts in this invention. In addition, these changes, variations and modifications would be obvious to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the foregoing teachings. All such changes, variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of this invention. The technology of the instant Application explained with the examples should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A device to facilitate cover (la) to open from either side of worktop, said device
comprising;

i. a covering assembly (1) comprising the cover (la) of predetermined shape;
ii. plurality of hinge mechanism (2) connected to said covering assembly (1) comprising;

a. a top part (2a) and bottom part (2b) with at least one flange (2d) for snap fitting at one end and hinged at other end, wherein said top part (2a) is connected to the cover (la) and said bottom part (2b) is connected to end caps (1 c) of the covering assembly (1),

b. a middle part (2c) connecting both the top part (2a) and the bottom part (2b) to facilitate the cover (la) to open from either side of the worktop; and

iii. a box assembly (3) connected below the covering assembly (1) with cutout.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the box assembly (3) comprising a bottom plate (4) with an opening to allow equipments placed below worktop to be plugged in from bottom and/or to dump extra length of cables rested over worktops.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the box assembly (3) with cutout for mounting of switches and/or sockets comprises switch mounting plate (4) and bottom cover (5) and are bolted together.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of sockets are selected from a group comprising data sockets, voice sockets and electrical sockets or any combinations thereof.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover assembly (1) comprises the cover (la), the bristle strip (lb), the end caps (1c), and runners (Id).

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bristle strips (lb) are fitted to either side of the cover (la) for passage of cables while keeping the cover (la) in closed position and the runners (Id) are screwed with the end caps (lc) to make a frame for the cover assembly (1).

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein both the top (2a) and the bottom (2b) parts are connected with middle part (2c) by means of stainless steel rod at either ends.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering assembly (1) and box assembly (3) are independent of each other, wherein the covering assembly (1) is fitted onto cutout of worktops and the box assembly (3) is fitted below the worktops corresponding to the cutout.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hinge mechanism (2) forms four locking points (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) at four corners of covering assembly (1).

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking points (3a, 3d) are engaged with flanges (2d) for snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

11. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking points (3b, 3c) are engaged
with flanges (2d) for snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined
direction.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hinge mechanisms (2) are mounted diagonally opposite to one another such that flanges are snap fitted at one side at a time.

13. A method of assembling device onto a worktop, said method comprises acts of;

a. obtaining covering assembly (1) by connecting top part (2a) with cover (la) at
one end and hinging with middle part (2c) of hinge mechanism (2) at other end;
and connecting the middle part (2b) with bottom part (2b) and the top part (2a)
through a hinge at its both ends;

b. fixing the covering assembly (1) onto cutout made on the worktop; and

c. mounting box assembly (3) below the covering assembly (1) with the cutout.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said hinge mechanisms (2) are mounted onto the covering assembly (1) diagonally opposite to each other such that fitting of
snap fit happens at one side at a time which facilitates opening of cover (la) from either sides.

15. The method as claimed in claims 13 and 14, wherein said hinge mechanisms (2) forms four locking points (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) at four corners of the covering assembly (1)-

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the locking points (3a, 3d) are engaged with flanges (2d) for the snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the locking points (3b, 3c) are engaged
with flanges (2d) for the snap fitting when the cover (la) is opened in predetermined direction.

18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said hinging of the middle part (2c) with the top part (2a) and the bottom part (2b) is carried out by inserting stainless steel rod into hinge holes.

19. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said mounting of the box assembly (3) below the covering assembly (1) is carried-out with screws.

20. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said method comprise an act fixing bristle strips (lb) at both sides of the cover (la) for passage of cables while keeping the cover (la) in closed position.

21. A device to facilitate cover (la) to open from either side of worktop and a method of assembling device onto a worktop is substantially as herein above described with reference to the accompanying drawings.