Surface mountable electrical connector system

• US 6,454,611 B1
• Filed: 09/10/2001
• Issued: 09/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: 3Com Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Francis, Dexter W.
• Primary Examiner(s): TA, THO DAC
• Application Number:
  US09/949,782
• Time in Patent Office: 379 Days
• Field of Search: 439/676, 439/344, 439/76.1, 439/946, 439/946.2, 439/329, 439/928.1, 439/638, 361/686
• US Class Current: 439/676
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/57 surface mounting terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6272 comprising a single latching arm
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/74 Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45

Abstract

A connector platform includes a base having a first end and opposing second end. A retention wall upwardly projects from the first end of the base and has a plurality of slots longitudinally extending therein. A plurality of resiliently flexible conducting wires each have a first end projecting from the first end of the base and a securing portion extending from the first end of the base to the second end thereof. Each conducting wire further includes an engaging portion upwardly projecting from the second end of the base to the retention wall. A second end of each conducting wire is freely disposed within a corresponding slot of the retention wall. The platform is selectively enclosed within the housing of an electrical apparatus. The housing defines an opening which provides access to the platform. The opening and platform combine to form a receptacle configured to receive a standard RJ-type plug.

Claims

1. A modem that allows communication to be established with a data or telephone line, the modem comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the data or telephone line;

a sideless connector block having a retention wall disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

2. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

3. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

4. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

5. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the connector block includes a base.

6. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

7. The modem as in claim 1, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

8. A modem that allows communication to be established with a data or telephone line, the modem comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the data or telephone line;

a substantially sideless connector block disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

9. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

10. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

11. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

12. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the connector block includes a base and a retention wall.

13. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

14. The modem as in claim 8, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

15. A computer that is capable of processing a signal received from a data or telephone line, the computer comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon the signal from the data or telephone line;

a sideless connector block having a retention wall disposed proximate the circuit board and which is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

16. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

17. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

18. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

19. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the connector block includes a base.

20. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

21. The computer as in claim 15, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

22. A computer that is capable of processing a signal received from a data or telephone line, the computer comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon the signal from the data or telephone line;

a substantially sideless connector block disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

23. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

24. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

25. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

26. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the connector block includes a base and a retention wall.

27. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

28. The computer as in claim 22, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

29. A personal computer that is capable of being connected to a data or telephone line, the personal computer comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the data or telephone line;

a sideless connector block having a retention wall disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

30. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

31. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

32. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

33. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the connector block includes a base.

34. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

35. The personal computer as in claim 29, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

36. A personal computer that is capable of being connected to a data or telephone line, the personal computer comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the data or telephone line;

a substantially sideless connector block disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

37. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

38. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

39. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

40. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the connector block includes a base and a retention wall.

41. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

42. The personal computer as in claim 36, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

43. A network system that allows an electronic device to be connected to a network, the network system comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the network;

a sideless connector block having a retention wall disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

44. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

45. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

46. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

47. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the connector block includes a base.

48. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

49. The network system as in claim 43, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.

50. A network system that allows an electronic device to be connected to a network, the network system comprising:

a housing;

an opening formed in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a RJ-type connector plug, the opening including one or more surfaces formed by the housing that are adapted to contact the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening, the opening providing for the physical connection of the connector plug to the housing;

a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including electronic components and circuitry that act upon a signal from the network;

a substantially sideless connector block disposed proximate the circuit board and is generally aligned with the opening in the housing; and

one or more conducting wires connected to the sideless connector block which allow electrical communication to be established with the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

51. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the conducting wires and connector block allow electrical communication to be established between the circuit board and the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is received within the opening.

52. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the opening formed by the one or more surfaces of the housing includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to capture and engage a biased retention arm of the RJ-type connector plug when the connector plug is inserted into the opening.

53. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the connector block is held in a generally fixed position relative to the circuit board.

54. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the connector block includes a base and a retention wall.

55. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the connector block is sized and configured to limit the insertion of the RJ-type connector plug into the opening in the housing.

56. The network system as in claim 50, wherein the connector block further includes a first portion that is connected to the circuit board proximate the opening and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is sized and configured to fit within the housing.