Modular outlet
First Claim
1. A modular outlet for connection to wiring in a building carrying a data network signal, said outlet comprising a base module and an interface module having a mating connector:
- said base module comprising;
a casing;
a first mount for attaching said casing to a wall of the building;
a first connector carried by said casing for connecting to said wiring; and
a second connector carried by said casing for connecting to said mating connector of said interface module; and
said interface module being couplable to a data unit so that when said interface module is attached to said base module, the data network signal is coupled to the data unit, wherein;
said base module further comprises a second mount distinct from said second connector for attachment of said interface module thereto; and
said second mount is adapted for mechanical support only of said interface module so that, when said interface module is supported by said second mount, said second connector of said base module and said mating connector of said interface module are in mutual electrical contact.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet (100) includes a base module (100a) and interface module (100b). The base module connects to the wiring and is attached to the surface of a building. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet provides the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A modular outlet for connection to wiring in a building carrying a data network signal, said outlet comprising a base module and an interface module having a mating connector:
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said base module comprising;
a casing;
a first mount for attaching said casing to a wall of the building;
a first connector carried by said casing for connecting to said wiring; and
a second connector carried by said casing for connecting to said mating connector of said interface module; andsaid interface module being couplable to a data unit so that when said interface module is attached to said base module, the data network signal is coupled to the data unit, wherein; said base module further comprises a second mount distinct from said second connector for attachment of said interface module thereto; and said second mount is adapted for mechanical support only of said interface module so that, when said interface module is supported by said second mount, said second connector of said base module and said mating connector of said interface module are in mutual electrical contact. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A base module for connection to wiring in a building carrying a data network signal and having a connector adapted for coupling to a mating connector of an interface module for coupling the data network signal thereto, said base module comprising:
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a casing for fixing said base module to a wall of the building, first connector carried by said casing for connecting to the wiring, and a second connector carried by said casing and electrically connected to said first connector for connecting to the interface module; and a mount disposed within said casing and being distinct from said connectors carried by said base module for allowing mechanical attachment only of the interface module thereto, said mount being configured so that when the interface module is disposed within said mount, said second connector of said base module and the mating connector of the interface module are in mutual electrical contact. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification