Modular patch panel
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modular patch panel comprising:
- A) a plurality of modules for retaining a plurality of electrical elements;
B) a plurality of faceplates for retaining said modules, andC) a frame for retaining said faceplates, said frame includingi) first and second rails, each having first and second ends, andii) first and second end caps, said first end cap releasably connected to said first ends of said rails, said second end cap releasably connected to said second ends of said rails, said faceplates being disposed between and held by said first and second rails and said first and second end caps, andD) wherein said rails comprise hollow tubes, and said end caps have portions configured to be received within the ends of said tubes.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular patch panel has a snap-together frame that retains a plurality of faceplates. The faceplates are adapted to receive modules which hold electrical elements, such as, for example, various plugs and electrical connectors.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A modular patch panel comprising:
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A) a plurality of modules for retaining a plurality of electrical elements; B) a plurality of faceplates for retaining said modules, and C) a frame for retaining said faceplates, said frame including i) first and second rails, each having first and second ends, and ii) first and second end caps, said first end cap releasably connected to said first ends of said rails, said second end cap releasably connected to said second ends of said rails, said faceplates being disposed between and held by said first and second rails and said first and second end caps, and D) wherein said rails comprise hollow tubes, and said end caps have portions configured to be received within the ends of said tubes.
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2. A modular patch panel comprising:
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A) a plurality of modules for retaining a plurality of electrical elements; B) a plurality of faceplates for retaining said modules, and C) a frame for retaining said faceplates, said frame including i) first and second rails, each having first and second ends, and ii) first and second end caps, said first end cap releasably connected to said first ends of said rails, said second end cap releasably connected to said second ends of said rails, said faceplates being disposed between and held by said first and second rails and said first and second end caps, and D) wherein each end cap has a mountable end plate, and first and second spaced, generally parallel slide bars extending from said end plate, and each rail includes a central channel at said first and second ends for receiving one of said slide bars. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A modular patch panel comprising:
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A) a plurality of faceplates, each faceplate holding at least one electrical element and including upper and lower edges defining faceplate tongues; B) first and second, longitudinally-extending, elongated rails disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation to one another, each rail including i) first and second end portions, each end portion having a mounting channel and a detent retainer, and ii) a faceplate-receiving groove extending longitudinally therealong for receiving the faceplate tongues of a plurality of said faceplates, and C) first and second end caps, each associated with a different one of said end portions of said first and second rails and comprising i) an end plate, ii) first and second, spaced, parallel mounting bars connected to and extending from said end plate, said mounting bars being receivable within said mounting channels of said associated end portions; and iii) first and second detents for engaging said detent retainers of said associated end portions, thereby retaining said mounting bars within said mounting channels; and D) wherein said first and second rails are oriented such that said faceplate-receiving grooves oppose one-another, and are spaced by a distance selected so that said faceplates are retained between said rails in side-by-side relation with said faceplate tongues of said faceplates disposed within said faceplate-receiving grooves of said rails. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification