Retractable power and communication outlet apparatus

A work station having a retractable power and communication outlet apparatus, the work station having a work surface and a bottom side that is opposite the work surface, the work station having an opening therein that extends through the work surface, the retractable power and communication outlet apparatus comprising:

• a grommet sleeve positioned within the opening in the work station;
• a power and communication outlet structure movable within the grommet sleeve, the outlet structure comprising a shell having a perimeter, a top end and a bottom end, the outlet structure further comprising at least one power outlet or communication outlet connected to the shell;
• a cover plate attached to the top end of the shell;
• a bottom plate member attached to the bottom end of the shell and having portions thereof that extend beyond the perimeter of the shell;
• a vertically oriented slide apparatus disposed within the work station and positioned below the opening in the work station, the slide apparatus comprising a stationary rail member and a movable member that slides upon the stationary rail member, the moveable member being attached to the bottom plate member such that the power and communication outlet structure can move upward to an extended position wherein the at least one power outlet or communication outlet is above the work surface and downward to a retracted position wherein the at least one power outlet or communication outlet is below the work surface;
• a mounting plate attached to the bottom side of the work station;
• at least one magnet attached to the portion of the bottom plate member that extends beyond the perimeter of the shell;
• and
• wherein in order to position the power and communication outlet structure in the extended position, a user grasps the cover plate member and lifts the outlet structure upward until the at least one magnet becomes magnetically attached to the mounting plate, and in order to position the power and communication outlet structure in the retracted position, the user applies a downward force on the cover plate member so as to break the magnetic bond between the at least one magnet and the mounting plate, and wherein the cover plate member contacts an upper portion of the grommet sleeve when the power and communication outlet structure is in the retracted state.