Modular higher density communications coupling system

• US 5,290,175 A
• Filed: 12/30/1991
• Issued: 03/01/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company Incorporated
• Inventors: Denning, William K., Garthwaite, John H., Redfield, John M., Robinson, Scott T.
• Primary Examiner(s): DESMOND, EUGENE
• Application Number:
  US07/815,648
• Time in Patent Office: 792 Days
• Field of Search: 174/66, 439/535, 439/536, 439/538, 439/540, 439/544, 439/562, 439/571, 439/676, 439/108
• US Class Current: 439/540.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/26 Pin or blade contacts for sliding co-operation on one side only for modular jack type connectors H01R24/62
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/514 composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/648 Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices , e.g. anti-static shielding coaxially arranged shields H01R24/38
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/525 Outlets
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices

Abstract

A modular higher density communications coupling system including a universal platform for supporting multiple connectors from a single outlet hole is disclosed. The platform includes a main body member having a registration ridge extending forward of the main body member for extending into a standard sized outlet hole. A pair of apertures adjacent to each other extend through the main body member and are generally surrounded by the registration ridge. A pair of connector housings are attachable to the rear of the platform in alignment with the apertures for housing connectors. A pair of retaining members on two sides of the apertures hold the connector housings in position. A pair of support members extend rearwardly from the main body of the platform on the other two sides of the apertures. A termination plate is mounted in the support members, the termination plate having a plurality of electrical couplings for connecting the wire from a wall to the connector. A grounding screw mount provides easy access from the front, side or rear. The relationship between the retaining members, apertures, and support members facilitates a higher density of electrical couplings than previously possible in the prior art. Telecommunications apparatus of the type identified within the specification, in combination with the aforesaid, is contemplated as coming within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A telecommunications coupling device for mounting a pair of connectors through a single hole of an outlet plate comprising:

telecommunication apparatus capable of voice or data transmission;

a main body member;

a registration ridge extending forward from said main body member, at least a portion of said ridge being adapted to extend into said single hole of said outlet plate;

an aperture enclosure extending through said maint body member and generally surrounded by said registration ridge;

a pair of connectors extending through said aperture means and through said hole in said outlet plate for providing a connection to said telecommunication equipment;

a retaining member means for said apertured enclosure, said retaining member extending rearwardly from said main body member on at least one side of said apertured enclosure for retaining a pair of connectors in alignment with said apertured enclosure; and

a support member means for supporting a termination plate above said retaining member means and spanning said apertured portion, said support member means extending rearwardly from said main body member, adjacent said apertured enclosure.

2. A telecommunications coupling device for mounting a pair of connectors through a single hole of an outlet cover plate comprising:

a main body member;

a registration ridge extending forward from said main body member, at least a portion of said ridge being adapted to extend into said single hole of said outlet cover plate;

said main body member having an apertured portion extending therethrough and said registration ridge partially extending around the periphery of said apertured portion;

said apertured portion having two apertures located side by side therein, with each aperture being capable of closely fitting an end of a connector thereon;

a retaining member means extending rearwardly from said main body member on at least one side of each of said two apertures for retaining a pair of connectors in alignment with said apertured portion; and

a support member means for supporting a termination plate above said retaining members and spanning said apertured portion, said support member means extending rearwardly from said main body member, adjacent said apertured portion.

3. A telecommunications coupling device for mounting a pair of connectors through a single hole of an outlet plate comprising:

a main body member;

a pair of apertured portions respectively located in the top and bottom halves of said main body member, each of said apertured portions having two apertures located side by side thereon, with each aperture being capable of closely fitting an end of a connector therein;

respective retaining member means for each one of said pair of apertured portions, each said respective retaining member extending rearwardly from said main body member on at least one side of each of said two apertures for retaining a pair of connectors in alignment with a respective one of said pair of apertured portions; and

respective support member means for supporting a termination plate above each of said respective retaining member means and respectively spanning one of said pair of apertured portions, said respective support member means extending rearwardly from said main body member, respectively adjacent one of said pair of apertured portions.

4. The telecommunications device of claim 3, further comprising at least one respective registration ridge partially extending around the periphery of each of said pair of apertured portions said registration ridge extending forwardly from said main body member, at least a portion of said registration ridge being adapted to extend into said single hole of said outlet cover plate.