Outlet add-on module

• US 20050180561A1
• Filed: 05/05/2004
• Published: 08/18/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc (MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management))
• Original Assignee: SercoNet Limited (Yehuda Binder, MBA)
• Inventors: Hazani, Ami, Koby, Rafael Gil, Butbul, Shlomo, Binder, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 8,243,918 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/438
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/719 specially adapted for high frequency, e.g. with filters
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5408 using protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/542 the information being in digital form

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.

Claims

1. A module for configuring a local area network in a building, the network including a service outlet and a service wiring, the wiring simultaneously carrying service and data signals, the module comprising:

a wiring connector for electrically connecting said module to the service outlet;

a filter coupled to said wiring connector and having a data signal port operative to pass only the data signal;

a modem coupled to said data signal port for data signal communication with the service wiring;

a data interface connector coupled to said modem for connecting to a data unit; and

a mechanical attachment for mechanically attaching to the service outlet.

2. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a service connector coupled to said wiring connector and operative for connecting a service unit to the service signal.

3. The module according to claim 1, wherein the service is one out of telephony, AC power and CATV.

4. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach to the outlet front surface.

5. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach to side surfaces of the outlet.

6. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment includes a tab operative to be inserted between the outlet and the wall.

7. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment includes one or more screws operative to be screwed to the outlet.

8. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment includes a band operative to be strapped to the outlet.

9. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach the module to the outlet permanently.

10. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment is operative to attach the module to the outlet releasably.

11. The module according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment uses one out of magnet, suction, adhesives, pressure and “

hook and loop”

fasteners.

12. A kit comprising an adapter and the module according to claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a mechanical attachment for attaching to the outlet, and the module attachment is operative to attach to the adapter.

13. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a connector for connecting to a local power supply for powering said modem.

14. The module according to claim 1, wherein the wiring carry a power signal, and the module further comprising a coupling unit for coupling to the power signal for powering said modem.

15. The module according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling unit for coupling to a data unit for supplying power for powering said modem.

16. An adapter having a first attachment for attaching to a first faceplate of a wall outlet and a second attachment for attaching to a second faceplate so as to provide a modified external appearance to the outlet.

17. The adapter according to claim 16, wherein the second faceplate is part of an add-on module providing additional functionality to the outlet.