Modular receptacle coupler

#1. Field of the invention.

#The present invention relates to a modular electrical power distribution system, and, more particularly, to a coupler for modular electrical receptacles.

#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 a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a modular wall panel system including a modular receptacle coupler of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular receptacle coupler shown in FIG. 1;

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

#Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention contained in a modular panel system 10. Modular panel system 10 includes modular panel 12, wiring channel assembly 14, wiring harness assembly 16, modular receptacle 18 and module receptacle coupler 20. Modular panel system 10 is a typical system used in an office environment allowing the constructing of modules within an open area of an office floor space.

#Wiring channel assembly 14 includes interface connector 22, receptacle mounting brackets 24 and cover 26. Interface connector 22 is installed as a part of wiring channel assembly 14 to provide an interface for electrical power between wiring harness assembly 16 and modular receptacle 18. Receptacle mounting brackets 24 are spaced along wiring channel assembly 14 to physically mount modular receptacles 18 thereto. Receptacle mounting brackets 24 and modular receptacles 18 and 18′ are arranged to provide complimentary locking mechanisms to attach modular receptacles 18 and 18′ to wiring channel assembly 14. Cover 26 is removably placed over wiring channel assembly 14 to provide a finished look to the modular panel system 10. Cover 26 contains holes that allow access to modular receptacles 18 and 18′.