Electrical distribution block

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains generally to modular electrical systems used in modular wall systems, and, more particularly, relates to a distribution block for distributing electrical current to a plurality of components attached to the distribution block.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical distribution block according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the distribution block of FIG. 1, shown in an assembled condition from the side opposite the side shown in FIG. 1; and

#Referring now more specifically to the drawings, and to FIG. 1 in particular, an electrical distribution block 10 of the present invention is shown. Distribution block 10 includes a first connector assembly 12 and a second connector assembly 14, each adapted for connection to each other to form an electrically coupled structure having four sites for connecting to other components of a modular electrical distribution system 16, described in greater detail hereinafter, illustrated in a modular wall panel 18 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 3. First connector assembly 12 and second connector assembly 14 are joined to each other through first and second bridge portions 20 and 22.

#First connector assembly 12 is a substantially T-shaped structure, and includes a group of first branch connectors 30 and a group of second branch connectors 32 disposed and arranged in substantially opposite direction. First and second branch connectors 30 and 32 are configured for connection to and with other components of electrical distribution system 16 to be described hereinafter.

#First connector assembly 12, and specifically first bridge portion 20 thereof, includes first bridge connectors 34 electrically coupled to first and second branch connectors 30 and 32. Bridge connectors 34 are disposed perpendicular to first and second branch connectors 30 and 32. As those skilled in the art will readily understand, first and second branch connectors 30 and 32 and bridge connectors 34 may be formed as a series of stacked, individual terminals A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, each such terminal being essentially T-shaped and having ends each corresponding to one of the branch connectors 30 and 32 and bridge connector 34. Thus, terminal A has first branch connector terminal end 30A, second branch connector terminal end 32A and bridge connector terminal end 34A. The respective first and second branch connector ends 30B-30H and 32B-32H and bridge connectors 34B-H are also shown. In various applications of the present invention, a distribution block 10 may include more or fewer first branch connectors 30, second branch connectors 32 and bridge connectors 34 than as shown.