Communications connectors and methods of using the same
First Claim
1. A communications connector comprising:
- a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element;
a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, the communications connector shaped to provide a substantially continuous outer surface with at least one of the first and the second network elements;
a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element; and
a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Communications connectors communicatively and physically join a plurality of network elements. Communications connectors are substantially flangeless so as to provide a substantially continuous surface between the connector and network elements joined thereto. Communications connectors may include or be modified with a grounding surface or a seating member. Communications connectors include a variety of communicative contact surfaces and joining mechanisms, including those compatible with known 7/16 DIN connections. Methods include installing network elements to connection interfaces on connectors without the use of a flange or other exterior part. Methods optionally include applying an adhesive to connection interfaces to provide a breakable, locked connection between network elements and connectors.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A communications connector comprising:
-
a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element; a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, the communications connector shaped to provide a substantially continuous outer surface with at least one of the first and the second network elements; a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element; and a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A communications connector comprising:
-
a body not having a flange, the body including, a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element; a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element, and a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element; a grounding element at an end of the body; and a seating element configured to seal a connection between the communications connector and one of the first and the second network elements. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
-
-
15. A method of installing a flangeless communications connector, the method comprising:
-
joining a first network element to a first connection interface on the connector, the joining using an interior installation surface on the communications connector; and joining a second network element to a second connection interface on the connector. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification