Adaptable communications connectors

• US 6,089,922 A
• Filed: 02/10/1998
• Issued: 07/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Xircom Incorporated (Intel Corporation)
• Inventors: Glad, Paul H., Nagle, David, McDaniels, Steve R., Hinton, Jon R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Application Number:
  US09/021,341
• Time in Patent Office: 889 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/676, 439/946
• US Class Current: 439/676
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/447 Shutter or cover plate
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/005 Intermediate parts for distributing signals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/351 for local area network [LAN], e.g. Ethernet switches
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0273 having extensions for peripherals, e.g. LAN, antennas details of antennas H01Q1/2275
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/945 Adapter for pcb or cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/946 Memory card cartridge

Abstract

An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form (FIGS. 1,2), structures are provided for receiving an RJ series plug and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body (102) includes one or more recesses (106) which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane (114) isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided (FIGS. 7, 14) is a replaceable direct access arrangement (151, 258) which is replaceably held within the communications device (150, 250). Both the structures providing the receptacles and the direct access arrangement are easily removable in case of damage or if other functions are desired. The replaceable direct access arrangement allows operation in countries having different telecommunications standards and allows operation with many different communications devices. Wireless communication is also provided.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding an RJ series plug having a biased clip, first and second electrical contacts located on a first face having a width and a length, the RJ series plug being associated with a communications device, the apparatus further for making electrical connection with at least first and second electrical contacts provided on the plug, the apparatus comprising:

a body;

a recess in the body, the recess having dimensions such that the plug is closely received therein;

a member pivotally attached to the body such that the member pivots from a first position substantially over the recess to a second position at an angle over the recess;

means for restricting the movement of the member such that the member can be moved to the second position with the first face of the plug placed in the recess facing away from the member and the member engages the biased clip such that it holds the first face of the plug in the recess and such that the movement of the member at the second position is limited to substantially no more than forty-five degrees from the first position;

a first electrical conductor provided in the recess, the first electrical conductor being positioned such that it makes electrical continuity with the first electrical contact in the plug when the plug is received by the recess and when the member releasably engages the biased clip;

a second electrical conductor provided in the recess, the second electrical conductor being positioned such that it makes electrical continuity with the second electrical contact in the plug when the plug is received by the recess and when the member releasably engages the biased clip; and

means for conveying any electrical signal present on the first and second electrical contacts to the communications device.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the body comprises a plastic member.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the recess is a rectangular shape.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for conveying comprises electrical conductors.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for conveying comprises wires and an electrical connecter.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the recess in the body comprises a notch formed in the body.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the dimensions of the recess are such that an RJ-11 plug is closely received therein.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for restricting the movement of the member comprises a spring.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the member comprises a ledge which engages the biased clip.

10. An apparatus for holding an RJ series plug having a biased clip, first and second electrical contacts located on a first face having a width and a length, the RJ series plug being associated with a communications device, the apparatus further for making electrical connection with at least first and second electrical contacts provided on the plug, the apparatus comprising:

a body;

a recess in the body, the recess having a first opening, an adjacent second opening, a first wall and a second wall such that the plug is closely received therein;

a member pivotally attached to the body such that the member pivots from a first position substantially over the recess to a second position substantially no more than forty-five degrees from the first position;

means for restricting the pivoting movement of the member away from the recess such that the member can be moved to the second position and the first face of the plug placed in the recess facing away from the member and the member engages the biased clip and is biased to hold the first face of the plug in the recess;

a first electrical conductor provided in the recess, the first electrical conductor being positioned such that it makes electrical continuity with the first electrical contact in the plug when the plug is received by the recess and when the member engages the biased clip;

a second electrical conductor provided in the recess, the second electrical conductor being positioned such that it makes electrical continuity with the first electrical contact in the plug when the plug is received by the recess and when the member engages the biased clip; and

means for conveying any electrical signal present on the first and second electrical contacts to the communications device.