Modular connector panel
AssigneeHubbell Incorporated
InventorsDale D. Martin, Steven O. Fournier, Rudolph A. Montgelas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular connector panel has a planar front panel with opposite surfaces. A plurality of panel openings extend through the panel in an aligned array. Support members extend from a surface of the panel and have near ends connected to the panel and remote ends spaced from the panel. Abutments extend laterally from the remote ends of the support members and parallel to the panel, and have abutment surfaces facing the panel. The abutments are arranged in pairs, with each pair being aligned with a panel opening. A connector can be coupled by engaging a pair of abutments and extending into a panel opening.
Claims20
A modular connector panel, comprising:
- a planar first panel having opposite first and second surfaces;
- a plurality of first panel openings extending through said first panel in an aligned array;
- support members fixed to and extending from said second surface of said first panel, said support members having near ends connected to said first panel and remote ends spaced from said first panel and including middle members extending from said first panel between each of said first panel openings and end members extending from said first panel adjacent ends of said aligned array;
- and
- oppositely directed middle abutments extending laterally from said remote ends of each of said middle members, end abutments extending laterally from said remote ends of said end members in opposite directions toward one another, said abutments being parallel to said first panel and having abutment surfaces facing said first panel, said abutments being aligned with the respective first panel opening;
- whereby a connector is coupled by engaging one pair of said abutments and extends into the respective first panel opening aligned with said one pair of abutments.
A modular connector panel, comprising:
- a planar and unitary first panel having opposite outer and inner surfaces, first panel openings extending therethrough in an aligned array along a longitudinal axis, and coplanar longitudinal end portions extending beyond said aligned array along said longitudinal axis;
- a planar second panel having opposite inner and outer surfaces and second panel openings extending therethrough in an aligned array, said second panel being spaced from and parallel to said first panel to define a gap therebetween with said inner surfaces thereof facing one another, each of said first panel openings being aligned with one of said second panel openings, said second panel forming abutments surrounding and defining said second panel openings;
- and
- support members fixedly and permanently connected to and extending between said longitudinal end portions of said first panel and said second panel at opposite ends of said support members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.