Communications connectors and methods of using the same
First Claim
1. A communications connector comprising:
- a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element;
a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, the communications connector shaped to provide a substantially continuous outer surface with at least one of the first and the second network elements;
a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element;
a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element; and
at least one installation surface configured to permit manipulation of the communications connector with respect to an associated network element.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Communications connectors communicatively and physically join a plurality of network elements. Communications connectors are substantially flangeless so as to provide a substantially continuous surface between the connector and network elements joined thereto. Communications connectors may include or be modified with a grounding surface or a seating member. Communications connectors include a variety of communicative contact surfaces and joining mechanisms, including those compatible with known 7/16 DIN connections. Methods include installing network elements to connection interfaces on connectors without the use of a flange or other exterior part. Methods optionally include applying an adhesive to connection interfaces to provide a breakable, locked connection between network elements and connectors.
10 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A communications connector comprising:
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a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element; a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, the communications connector shaped to provide a substantially continuous outer surface with at least one of the first and the second network elements; a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element; a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element; and at least one installation surface configured to permit manipulation of the communications connector with respect to an associated network element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A communications connector comprising:
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a body having a substantially continuous cylindrical outer body, the body including, a first connection interface configured to physically join to a first network element; a second connection interface configured to physically join to a second network element, a first communications contact corresponding to the first connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the first network element, and a second communications contact corresponding to the second connection interface and configured to communicatively connect to the second network element; a grounding element at an end of the body; a seating element configured to seal a connection between the communications connector and one of the first and the second network elements; and at least one installation surface configured to permit manipulation of the communications connector with respect to an associated network element. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of installing a communications connector having a substantially continuous cylindrical outer body, the method comprising:
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joining a first network element to a first connection interface on the connector, the joining using an interior installation surface on the communications connector, the interior installation surface configured to permit manipulation of the communications connector with respect to an associated network element; and joining a second network element to a second connection interface on the connector. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification