USRE40682E1 - Telecommunications jack assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an insert for a jack. The insert includes a connector mount having a main body including a first side positioned opposite from a second side. The connector mount also includes a snap-fit connection structure positioned at the main body for securing the connector mount to the jack, a divider positioned at the first side of the main body, and an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the main body. A plurality of contact springs are separated by the divider, and a plurality of insulation displacement terminals are housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing. The insert further includes a circuit board that provides electrical connections between the insulation displacement terminals and the contact springs. The circuit board is mounted at the second side of the main body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/327,053, filed Jun. 7, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,836, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/231,736, filed Jan. 15, 1999, which application(s) are incorporated herein by reference now U.S. Pat. No.6,334,792.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors. More specifically, the present invention relates to electrical connectors such as jacks used in the telecommunications industry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various electrical/fiberoptic connectors are known for use in the telecommunications industry to transmit voice, data and video signals. A common connector configuration includes a faceplate or outlet that is frequently mounted on a structure such as a wall. The faceplate defines a plurality of openings in which connectors can be mounted. A typical connector includes a modular jack defining a port sized for receiving a conventional8 position modular plug. Other conventional types of connectors include SC connectors, ST connectors, BNC connectors, F connectors and RCA connectors.

With respect to electrical/fiberoptic connectors for the telecommunications industry, it is important that such connectors be easily installed, easily accessed after being installed and easily repaired. In this regard, it is desirable for the connectors to be front mounted within their corresponding faceplates. By front mounting the connectors, the connectors can be accessed without requiring their corresponding faceplates to be removed from the wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a jack including a jack housing having a front portion positioned opposite from a back portion. The front portion defines an inner chamber and also defines front and rear openings for accessing the inner chamber. The front opening comprises a port sized for receiving a plug. The rear portion of the jack housing defines an open channel that extends in a rearward direction from the front portion. The jack housing also includes a first comb that is secured to the jack housing within the inner chamber.

The jack also includes an insert assembly adapted to be secured to the jack housing. The insert assembly includes a connector mount having a first side positioned opposite from a second side. The connector mount includes two resilient locking tabs for securing the connector mount to the jack housing, a second comb positioned at the first side of the connector mount, and an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the connector mount. The insert assembly also includes a plurality of contact springs, and a plurality of insulation displacement terminals. The contact springs are separated by the second comb. Each of the contact springs includes a base end portion and a free end portion. The plurality of insulation displacement terminals are housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing. The insert assembly further includes a circuit board that provides electrical connections between the insulation displacement terminals and the contact springs. The circuit board is mounted at the second side of the connector mount.

The insert assembly is secured to the jack housing by orienting the insert assembly such that the circuit board is received within the open channel, and then sliding the insert assembly in a forward direction such that: one end of the insert assembly moves into the inner chamber of the jack housing through the rear opening of the jack housing; the locking tabs interlock with the jack housing; and the free end portions of the contact springs are received in the first comb.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an insert for a jack. The insert includes a connector mount having a main body including a first side positioned opposite from a second side. The connector mount includes a snap-fit structure positioned at the main body for securing the connector mount to the jack. The connector mount also includes a divider positioned at the first side of the main body, and an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the main body. A plurality of contact springs are separated by the divider, and a plurality of insulation displacement terminals are housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing. A circuit board provides electrical connections between the insulation displacement terminals and the contact springs. The circuit board is mounted at the second side of the main body.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a jack for use with a faceplate having a front side positioned opposite from a back side. The faceplate defines an array of jack openings. The jack includes a jack housing adapted to be mounted within a first one of the jack openings defined by the faceplate. The jack housing is sized and shaped to be inserted into the first jack opening from the front side of the faceplate. The jack housing includes a first retaining structure positioned opposite from a second retaining structure. The first and second retaining structures are positioned to engage the front side of the faceplate when the jack housing is mounted in the first jack opening. At least one of the first and second retaining structures includes spaced-apart retaining shoulders separated by a gap. Each of the retaining shoulders has a width w_sthat is larger than a width w_gof the gap located between the retaining shoulders. The jack also includes a resilient cantilever member having a base end positioned opposite from a free end. The base end is integrally connected with the jack housing and the free end is positioned generally within the gap between the spaced-apart retaining shoulders. The cantilever member includes a retaining tab positioned near the free end of the cantilever member. The retaining tab is positioned to engage the back side of the faceplate when the jack housing is mounted in the first jack opening such that the faceplate is captured between the retaining shoulder and the retaining tab. The cantilever member has a width w_cdefined at the base end of the cantilever member. The total width w_sof the jack housing is at least two times as large as the width w_c.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a jack including a resilient cantilever member for retaining the jack within an opening of a faceplate. The resilient cantilever member includes a main body and wings that project transversely outward from opposite sides of the main body. The jack also includes deflection limiting surfaces positioned to engage the wings when the cantilever member has been deflected a first amount. Contact between the wings and the deflection limiting surfaces prevents the cantilever member from being overdeflected.

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a jack including a jack housing defining a port sized for receiving a plug. The jack also includes a plurality of contact springs positioned within the housing. The contact springs include base end portions and free end portions. The jack further includes two separate and opposing comb structures for isolating the free end portions of the springs from one another. The opposing comb structures are relatively aligned so as to generally form closed ended slots in which the free end portions of the contact springs are received.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front, perspective view of a jack assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear, perspective view of the jack assembly ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the jack assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one of the straight jacks used by the jack assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, side view of the straight jack ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear, perspective view of a jack housing used by the straight jack ofFIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector mount used by the straight jack ofFIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the straight jack ofFIGS. 3 and 4 with the jack insert fully assembled and aligned with the jack housing;

FIG. 7B is a rear view of the straight jack ofFIGS. 3 and 4 with the assembled jack insert inserted within the jack housing;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view that vertically bisects two of the jacks ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken alongsection line9—9 ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of one of the angled jacks ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, side view of the angled jack ofFIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate various views of a straight ST-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate various views of a straight RCA-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate various views of a straight F-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 15A-15E illustrate various views of a straight duplex SC-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate various views of a straight SC-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 17A-17E illustrate an angled duplex SC-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate a straight BNC-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate a blank or cover adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate an angled ST-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate ofFIGS. 1A and 1B; and

FIGS. 21A-21 E illustrate an angled SC-type connector mounted on a support structure adapted to snap-fit within the faceplate of FIGS.1A and1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of ajack assembly20 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thejack assembly20 includes afaceplate22 adapted to be fastened to a structure such as wall. For example, thefaceplate22 includesopenings23 for allowing thefaceplate23 to be bolted, screwed or otherwise connected to the wall.FIG. 1A shows a front side of thefaceplate22 adapted to face away from the wall, andFIG. 1B shows a back side of thefaceplate22 adapted to face toward the wall. Referring toFIG. 1A, thefaceplate22 defines tworectangular openings24 positioned one above the other. Each of theopenings24 has a height h_oand a width w_o.

Referring still toFIGS. 1A and 1B, two modular jacks are shown mounted in each of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. For example, twostraight jacks26 are shown mounted in thelower opening24, and twoangled jacks26′ are shown mounted in theupper opening24. Thejacks26,26′ include front faces28,28′ that defineports30,30′ each sized for receiving a plug32 (shown in FIG.2). A plurality of contact springs are positioned within each of theports30,30′. Theplugs32 includeresilient latches33. When theplugs32 are inserted in theports30,30′, thelatches33 interlock withfront tabs35,35′ of thejacks26,26′ to retain theplugs32 within theports30,30′. To remove theplugs32, thelatches33 are depressed thereby allowing theplugs32 to be pulled from theports30,30′.

As shown in the illustrated preferred embodiment, thejacks26,26′ and theplugs32 are eight contact type (i.e., four twisted pair) connectors. While the various aspects of the present invention are particularly useful for modular connectors, it will be appreciated that other types of connectors could also be used.

Referring toFIGS. 3,4 and7A, one of thestraight jacks26 is shown. Generally, thestraight jack26 includes two basic components: afront jack housing36; and arear insert assembly38. Thejack housing36 is adapted to be snap-fit into one of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. Theinsert assembly38 is adapted to be snap-fit within thejack housing36. To mount thejack26 in thefaceplate22, theinsert assembly38 is first connected to thejack housing36, and then thejack26 is inserted from the front side of thefaceplate22 into one of theopenings24.

Thejack housing36 includes afront portion40 positioned opposite from aback portion42. Thefront portion40 of thejack housing36 includes structure for securing thejack26 in thefaceplate22. For example, thefront portion40 includes afirst retaining structure44 positioned opposite from asecond retaining structure46. Each of the retainingstructures44,46 includes spaced-apart retaining lips/shoulders48 separated by agap50. Each of the retainingshoulders48 preferably has a width w_s, and each of the gaps preferably has a width w_g. It is preferred for each of the widths w_gto be equal to or less than each of the widths w_s. The widths w_sand w_gcooperate to define a total width w_sof thejack housing36. Thejack housing36 also preferably includes a height h_jdefined between the first andsecond retaining structures44 and46. It is preferred for the height h_jto be larger than the height h_oof theopenings24 defined by thefaceplate22.

Referring toFIG. 3, thefirst retaining structure44 includes a firstresilient cantilever member52 positioned between the retainingshoulders48 of thefirst retaining structure44. Similarly, thesecond retaining structure46 includes aresilient cantilever member54 positioned between the retainingshoulders48 of thesecond retaining structure46. Each of thecantilever members52,54 includes a base end integrally formed with thejack housing36, and a free end positioned adjacent to thefront face28 of thejack26. Preferably, the free ends of thecantilever members52,54 are flush or slightly recessed with respect to thefront face28. Each of thecantilever members52 and54 also preferably has a width w_cmeasured at the base ends of thecantilever members52,54. Preferably, the total width W_tof thejack26 is at least two times as large as the width w_c. Such a size relationship assists in insuring that thecantilever members52,54 can be easily flexed.

As shown inFIG. 3, theresilient cantilever member54 includes arear tab56 adapted for engaging the back side of thefaceplate22. Similarly, referring toFIG. 5, theresilient cantilever member52 also includes arear tab58 for engaging the back side of thefaceplate22. Thecantilever member52 further includes afront tab60 for engaging the front side of thefaceplate22. Additionally, it is noted that thecantilever member52 at least partially defines a portion of theport30 of thejack26. As a result, no portion of thejack housing36 is provided for preventing thecantilever member52 from being overflexed. To overcome this problem, thecantilever member52 includes a pair of wings62 (shown inFIG. 5) that project transversely outward from a main body of thecantilever member52. Thewings62 are positioned above recesseddeflection limiting surfaces64 formed on thejack housing36. When thecantilever member52 has been flexed downward a predetermined amount, thewings62 engage thedeflection limiting surfaces64 to prevent thecantilever member52 from being overflexed.

FIG. 8 shows thejack26 snap-fitted within thelower opening24 of thefaceplate22. As shown inFIG. 8, the upper and lower sets of retainingshoulders48 engage the front side of thefaceplate22 to prevent thejack housing36 from being pushed completely through theopening24. Similarly, thefront tab60 of thecantilever member52 also engages the front side of thefaceplate22. Therear tabs56,58 of thecantilever members52,54 engage the back side of thefaceplate22 to prevent thejack26 from dislodging from theopening24. To mount thejack26 within theopening24, the rear portion of the jack is inserted into theopening24. As thejack26 is pushed into theopening24, ramped surfaces of therear tabs56,58 cause thecantilever members52,54 to flex inward until therear tabs56,58 pass through theopening24. Once therear tabs56,58 have passed through theopening24, thecantilever members52,54 snap outward thereby bringing therear tabs56,58 into engagement or opposition with the back side of thefaceplate22. Theentire jack26 can be removed from thefaceplate22 by flexing thecantilever members52,54 inward, and concurrently pulling thejack26 from theopening24.

Referring again toFIG. 5, thefront portion40 of thejack housing36 defines ainner chamber66 for housing the contact springs34. Theinner chamber66 can be accessed through the front of thejack housing36 via theport30, and also defines arear opening68 for allowing at least a portion of theinsert assembly38 to be inserted into theinner chamber66. Still referring toFIG. 5, acomb70 is secured to thejack housing36 within theinner chamber66. Thecomb70 includes a plurality of dividers defining a plurality of slots. The slots are sized for receiving portions of the contact springs34 such that the contact springs34 are separated from one another.Guide rails72 are positioned on opposite sides of thecomb70. The guide rails72 project into theinner chamber66 from sidewalls of thejack housing36. The guide rails72 each have a tapered vertical thickness such that the guide rails72 are thicker adjacent the front side of theinner chamber66 as compared to the rear side of theinner chamber66.Latch openings74 are defined by the sidewalls of thejack housing36 at locations above the guide rails72.

Referring still toFIG. 5, theback portion42 of thejack housing36 defines an open channel ortrough76 that extends in a rearward direction from thefront portion40. Thetrough76 is preferably sized to receive and support theinsert assembly38 when the insert assembly is connected to thejack housing36.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, theinsert assembly38 includes a printedcircuit board78, aconnector mount80, the contact springs34, a plurality ofinsulation displacement terminals82, and atermination cap84. The contact springs34 and theinsulation displacement terminals82 respectively includeboard contact portions86,88 that extend through theconnector mount80 and engagerespective contact locations90,92 (e.g., plated through-holes) located on the printedcircuit board78. The printedcircuit board78 includes a plurality of tracings79 (only a representative one is shown) that electrically connect thecontact locations90 to thecontact locations92. In this manner, the printedcircuit board78 provides electrical connections between the contact springs34 and theinsulation displacement terminals82.

Theconnector mount80 preferably comprises a one-piece, plastic member having amain body96 including afirst side98 positioned opposite from asecond side100. The printedcircuit board78 is mounted at thesecond side100 of themain body96. Thefirst side98 of themain body96 is configured for holding or retaining the contact springs34 and theinsulation displacement terminals82. For example, thefirst side98 of themain body96 includes twocombs102,104 (shown inFIG. 6) for receiving and separating the contact springs34. Each of thecombs102,104 includes a plurality ofdividers103 defining slots sized for receiving the contact springs34.

Thefirst side98 of themain body96 also includes an insulationdisplacement terminal housing106. The insulationdisplacement terminal housing106 defines a plurality ofslots108 in which theinsulation displacement terminals82 are mounted. Theslots108 are sized to receive wires (not shown) desired to be terminated at theinsert assembly38. Thetermination cap84 is configured for pressing the wires (not shown) into theslots108 such that the wires are connected to theinsulation displacement terminals82. For example, thetermination cap84 includes a plurality of slottedwalls110 that fit within theslots108 when thetermination cap84 is pressed down against the insulationdisplacement terminal housing106.

Theconnector mount80 also includes tworesilient locking tabs112 integrally connected to themain body96 for securing theinsert assembly38 to thejack housing36. Theresilient locking tabs112 includeflexible lever members114 positioned on opposite sides of thecombs102,104. The lockingtabs112 are configured to snap within thelatch openings74 defined by thejack housing36 to provide a snap-fit connection between theinsert assembly38 and thejack housing36. While thelever members114 are shown connected to themain body96 of theconnector mount80, it will be appreciated that alternative snap-fit connecting structures could also be used. For example, theconnector mount80 could include holes, projections, or latches adapted to interlock with resilient tabs connected to thejack housing36.

To provide precise alignment between theinsert assembly38 and thejack housing36, themain body96 of theconnector mount80 defines twoslots116 sized and positioned for receiving the guide rails72 of thejack housing36. Theslots116 are formed within sidewalls of themain body96 and are positioned on opposite sides of thecombs102,104. Inner ends of theslots116 are ramped to further enhance alignment between thejack housing36 and theinsert assembly38.

Referring toFIG. 4, the contact springs34 each preferably includes abase portion118 and afree end portion120. When the contact springs34 are mounted on theconnector mount80, thebase portions118 fit within the slots defined by thecomb102, and thefree end portions120 are aligned above the slots defined by thecomb104. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 4,adjacent springs34 have non-parallel relationships with respect to one another to minimize crosstalk. A more detailed description relating to the spring configuration is provided by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/231,736, filed Jan. 15, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

To connect theinsert assembly38 to thejack housing36, the assembled insert assembly38 (shown inFIG. 7A) is placed within thetrough76 of thejack housing36. For example, as shown inFIG. 7B, the insert assembly is positioned such that thecircuit board78 is received in thetrough76, and themain body96 of theconnector mount80 is supported byside walls77 of the trough76 (e.g., shoulders79 of themain body96 seat upon the tops of the side walls77). As so positioned, the printedcircuit board78 is vertically offset from the bed of thetrough76.

Next, theinsert assembly38 is moved along thetrough76 in a forward direction such that a front end of the insert assembly38 (e.g. the end at which the contact springs34 are mounted) moves into theinner chamber66 of thejack housing36 through therear opening68 of thejack housing36. As the front end of theinsert assembly38 enters theinner chamber66, the guide rails72 of thejack housing36 are received within theguide slots116 defined by theconnector mount80. Also, thefree end portions120 of the contact springs34 are received within the slots defined by thecomb70 located within theinner chamber66. When theinsert assembly38 has been fully inserted within theinner chamber66, the lockingtabs112 of theconnector mount80 snap within thelatch openings74 of thejack housing36. To remove theinsert assembly38 from thejack housing36, the lockingtabs112 can be depressed thereby allowing theinsert assembly38 to be pulled from thejack housing36.

It is significant that the guide rails72 and theguide slots116 provide for precise positioning of theconnector mount80 within thejack housing36. For example, the guide slots166 and the guide rails72 are configured to orient theconnector mount80 at a precise vertical and horizontal position relative to thecomb70. At such a position, thesprings34 are received within thecomb70, and the printedcircuit board78 is preferably offset from or held above the bed of thetrough76. Because theboard78 is offset from thetrough76, printed circuit boards having different thicknesses can be used without affecting the alignment of theconnector mount80 within thejack housing36. As a result, the alignment of theconnector mount80 within thejack housing36 is not dependent upon the thickness of thecircuit board78. Therefore, the rail and slot configuration eliminates variations in spring deflection and the resulting contact forces caused by tolerance variations in the thickness of the printed circuit boards.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken alongsection line9—9 of FIG.8. As shown inFIG. 9, when theinsert assembly38 is fully inserted within thejack housing36, thecomb70 secured with in thejack housing36 and thecomb104 connected to theconnector mount80 oppose one another and are aligned generally along a common vertical plane. As a result, thecombs70 and104 cooperate to form closed endedslots122 in which thefree end portions120 of the contact springs34 are received. Vertical spacing s between thecombs70 and104 is preferably sufficiently small to prevent thefree end portions120 of thesprings34 from becoming displaced from theslots122. In this manner, thefree end portions120 of thesprings34 are captured between the twoseparate combs70 and104.

The spring alignment feature provided by thecombs70 and104 is important because the contact springs34 typically have a center to center spacing of about 0.050 inches. When a plug is inserted into theport30, the plug engages thesprings34 causing the springs to deflect downwardly out of thecomb70. Absent the two cooperatingcombs70 and104, the springs can become misaligned and pushed into contact with one other during deflection. This is not surprising due to the relatively close spacing of thesprings34. However, by capturing thesprings34 between the twocombs70 and104 as described above, such misalignment is prevented because thesprings34 always remain within their respective closed endedslots122 during deflection.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one of theangled jacks26′. Theangled jack26′ uses thesame insert assembly38 used by thestraight jack26. Consequently, no further description of theinsert assembly38 will be provided. Theangled jack26′ includes ajack housing36′ that is similar to thejack housing36 described with respect to thestraight jack26. However, thejack housing36′ has been modified to allow thejack26′ to mount at an angle relative to thefaceplate22. For example, thejack housing36′ includes first andsecond retaining structures44′ and46′ for providing a snap-fit connection between thejack26′ and thefaceplate22. The first andsecond retaining structures44′,46′ are preferably aligned along aline124 that is oriented at an acute angle θ relative to thefront face28′ of thejack26′. Consequently, when thejack26′ is secured to thefaceplate22, the retainingstructures44′,46′ cause thefront face28′ of thejack26′ to be angled relative to the front face of thefaceplate22.

Thefirst retaining structure44 includes two fixed retaining shoulders126 (only one shown) positioned at opposite sides of thejack housing36′. Similarly, thesecond retaining structure46′ includes two spaced-apart retainingshoulders128 positioned on opposite sides of thejack housing36′. Agap130 separates the retaining shoulders128. Aresilient cantilever member132 is positioned within thegap130. Thecantilever member132 includes arear stop134 adapted to engage the back side of thefaceplate22.

Referring toFIG. 8, when thejack26′ is mounted within theupper opening24 of thefaceplate22, the retainingshoulders126,128 engage the front side of thefaceplate22, while therear stop134 of thecantilever member132 engages the back side of thefaceplate22. To mount thejack26′ within theopening24, the rear portion of the jack is inserted into theopening24 and thejack26′ is pushed into theopening24. As thejack26′ is pushed into theopening24, a ramped surface of therear stop134 causes thecantilever member132 to flex upward until therear stop134 passes through theopening24. Once therear stop124 passes through theopening24, thecantilever member132 snaps downward thereby bringing therear stop134 into engagement with the back side of thefaceplate22. Theentire jack26′ can be removed from thefaceplate22 by flexing thecantilever member132 upward, and concurrently pulling thejack26′ from theopening24.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a connector system that allows many different types of connectors to be used with a single, universal faceplate. For example,FIGS. 12A-12E,13A-13E,14A-14E,15A-15E,16A-16E,17A-17E,18A-18E,19A-19E,20A-20E, and21A-21E illustrate a variety of different telecommunications connectors that can be mounted in theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. For example,FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate a straightST type connector220 mounted on a support structure oradapter222 configured to be snap-fit within one of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. Theadapter22222 includes top andbottom shoulders224 and226 adapted to engage the front side of the faceplate, and aresilient cantilever member228 having arear stop230 adapted to engage the back side of the faceplate. Theadapter22222 has a total width generally equal to one-half the width of theopening24 of thefaceplate22. Themember228 preferably has a base end having a width less than or equal to one-half thetotal width222 of the adapter. Thecantilever228 is preferably positioned within agap232 having a width that is less than or equal to corresponding widths of theshoulders224.

FIGS. 13A-13E show a straight RCA-type connector320 secured to anadapter322 configured to snap-fit within thefaceplate22.FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate a straight F-type connector420 mounted on anadapter422 configured to snap-fit within thefaceplate22.FIGS. 16-16E show a straight SC-type connector620 mounted on anadapter622 configured to snap-fit within thefaceplate22.FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate a straight BNC-type connector820 mounted on anadapter822 configured to snap-fit within thefaceplate22. Each of theadapters332,422,622 and822 has a similar size and configuration as theadapter222 ofFIGS. 12A-12E.

FIGS. 15A-15E illustrates a straight duplex SC-type connector520 mounted on anadapter522 configured to snap within one of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. Theadapter522 is sized to entirely fill one of theholes24 defined by thefaceplate22. Theadapter522 includes a lower retaining structure526 (e.g., a slot) and anupper retaining structure524. Theupper retaining structure524 includes twofront shoulders528 and aresilient cantilever530 positioned between theshoulders528. Thecantilever530 includes arear stop532.

FIGS. 17A-17E illustrate an angled duplex SC-type connector720 mounted on anadapter722. The adapter is sized to fill an entire one of theholes24 of thefaceplate22. Theadapter722 includes first and second oppositely positioned retainingstructures724,726 adapted to provide a snap-fit connection with thefaceplate22. The retainingstructures724,726 are aligned along a line that is oriented at an acute angle with respect to afront face728 of theconnector720.

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrates a blank922 configured for covering one half of one of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. The blank922 has aplanar cover surface924. The blank922 also includes first and second oppositely positioned retainingstructures924 and926 for providing a snap-fit connection with thefaceplate22.

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate an angled ST-type connector1020 mounted on anadapter1022. Theadapter1022 is sized to fill one-half of one of theopenings24 of thefaceplate22. Theadapter1022 includes first andsecond retaining structures1024 and1026 configured to provide a snap-fit connection with the faceplate. The retainingstructures1024,1026 are aligned along a line or at an acute angle with respect to the front face of theconnector1020.

FIGS. 21A-21E illustrate an angled SC-type connector1120 mounted on anadapter1122. Theadapter1122 has substantially the same size and configuration as theadapter1022 ofFIGS. 20A-20E.

With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of the parts without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and depicted aspects of the invention may be considered exemplary, only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the following claims.

Claims (46)

1. An insert for a jack for use with a plug having plug contacts, the insert comprising:

a) a connector mount having a main body including a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the connector mount including:

i) a snap-fit connection structure positioned at the main body for securing the connector mount to the jack;

ii) a contact spring holder;

iii) an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the main body;

b) a plurality of contact springs held by the contact spring holder, the contact springs including contact portions positioned at the first side of the main body for engaging the plug contacts of the plug, the contact springs each include a tip positioned at the second side of the main body;

c) a plurality of insulation displacement terminals housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing, the insulation displacement terminals each including a tip positioned at the second side of the main body; and

d) a circuit board providing electrical connections between the tips of the insulation displacement terminals and the tips of the contact springs, the circuit board being mounted at the second side of the main body.

2. The insert ofclaim 1, wherein the snap-fit connection structure includes two flexible lever members each having a locking tab, and the contact springs are positioned generally in a region between the flexible lever members.

3. A jack for use with a mounting fixture having a jack opening, the jack comprising:

A) an insert assembly having a plurality of flexible contact springs and a plurality of connection locations linked to the contact springs;

B) a jack housing body configured to be mounted within the jack opening of the mounting fixture, the jack housing body including a first retaining structure positioned opposite from a second retaining structure, the first and second retaining structures being positioned to engage a front side of the mounting fixture when the jack housing body is mounted in the jack opening;

C) wherein the jack housing body includes a resilient cantilever member having a base end positioned opposite from a free end, the base end being integrally connected with the jack housing body, the cantilever member including a retaining tab positioned near the free end of the cantilever member, the retaining tab being positioned to engage a back side of the mounting fixture when the jack housing body is mounted in the jack opening;

D) wherein the jack housing body includes a front portion positioned opposite from a back portion, the front portion defining an inner chamber and also defining front and rear openings for accessing the inner chamber, the front opening comprising a port sized for receiving a plug, and the back portion of the jack housing body defining an open channel that extends in a rearward direction from the front portion, the jack housing body adapted to receive the insert assembly in the open channel, the jack housing body including a base and two opposite facing side walls, the base and the side walls defining at least a portion of the open channel;

E) wherein the insert assembly includes locking tabs, the jack housing body including a hole in each of the side walls to receive one of the locking tabs;

F) wherein the insert assembly includes outwardly facing slots, the jack housing body including guide rails for receipt in the slots of the insert assembly, wherein the rails are offset from the base so that alignment of the insert assembly within the jack housing body is not dependent on a surface of the insert assembly engaging the base.

4. The jack ofclaim 3, further including a second resilient cantilever member including a retaining tab positioned to engage the back side of the mounting fixture, the second cantilever member positioned on an opposite side of a front of the jack housing body.

5. The jack ofclaim 3, wherein the resilient cantilever member includes a front retaining tab to engage the front side of the mounting fixture.

6. The jack ofclaim 4, wherein the second cantilever member includes an open front end not engageable with the front side of the mounting fixture.

7. A jack comprising:

a jack housing defining a port for receiving a plug;

an insert adapted to be inserted into the jack housing, the insert including:

a circuit board having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the circuit board also including a front end positioned opposite from a rear end;

a plurality of insulation displacement terminals positioned at the first side of the circuit board for terminating wires to the jack insert;

an insulation displacement terminal housing for supporting the insulation displacement terminals at the first side of the circuit board, the insulation displacement housing being positioned adjacent to the rear end of the circuit board;

a plurality of contact springs terminated to the first side of the circuit board, the contact springs including contact sections positioned at the first side of the circuit board and located adjacent the front end of the circuit board, wherein when the insert is positioned within the jack housing, the contact sections are adapted for contacting the plug inserted within the port of the jack housing; and

a divider positioned at the first side of the circuit board for separating the contact springs, the divider including channels that receive the contact springs, the channels having open sides that face away from the first side of the circuit board.

8. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the insert further includes elongate tabs for providing a snap-fit connection between the insert and the jack housing, the elongate tabs being elongated in a direction that extends generally between the front and rear ends of the circuit board.

9. The jack ofclaim 8, wherein the elongate tabs have cantilevered configurations and each include a base end and a free end, and wherein the free ends include ramp surfaces.

10. The jack ofclaim 8, wherein at least portions of the contact springs are located generally between the tabs.

11. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the insert further includes two tabs for providing a snap-fit connection between the insert and the jack housing, at least portions of the contact springs being located generally between the tabs.

12. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the insert further includes elongate tabs having a cantilevered configuration, the tabs being elongated in a direction that extends generally between the front and rear ends of the circuit board, the tabs being located at the first side of the circuit board, and the tabs being located on opposite sides of the divider.

13. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the insulation displacement terminal housing and the divider are part of a one-piece main body.

14. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the jack includes elongate tabs for providing a snap-fit connection between the insert and the jack housing, the elongate tabs having a cantilevered configuration.

15. The jack ofclaim 7, wherein the jack housing includes a front and a back, wherein the jack housing defines the port at the front of the jack housing, and wherein the back of the jack housing defines a rear opening for allowing the insert to be inserted into the jack housing.

16. A jack comprising:

a jack housing defining a port for receiving a plug;

an insert adapted to be inserted into the jack housing, the insert including:

a circuit board having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the circuit board also including a front end positioned opposite from a rear end;

a plurality of insulation displacement terminals positioned at the first side of the circuit board for terminating wires to the jack insert;

an insulation displacement terminal housing for supporting the insulation displacement terminals at the first side of the circuit board;

a plurality of contact springs including contact sections positioned at the first side of the circuit board, wherein when the insert is positioned within the jack housing, the contact sections are adapted for contacting the plug inserted within the port of the jack housing;

a contact spring holder positioned at the first side of the circuit board; and

at least one of the insert and the jack housing including elongate tabs for providing a connection between the jack housing and the insert, the elongate tabs having a cantilevered configuration.

17. The jack ofclaim 16, wherein the elongate tabs include base ends and free ends, and wherein the free ends include ramp surfaces.

18. The jack ofclaim 17, wherein the elongate tabs are part of the insert and are elongated in a direction that extends generally between the front and rear ends of the circuit board.

19. The jack ofclaim 18, wherein at least portions of the contact springs are located generally between the elongated tabs.

20. The jack ofclaim 19, wherein the elongate tabs are located on opposite sides of the contact spring holder, and wherein the contact springs are terminated to the first side of the circuit board.

21. The jack ofclaim 16, wherein the insulation displacement terminal housing and the contact spring holder are part of a one-piece main body.

22. The jack ofclaim 16, wherein the jack housing includes a front and a back, wherein the jack housing defines the port at the front of the jack housing, and wherein the back of the jack housing defines a rear opening for allowing the insert to be inserted into the jack housing.

23. A jack comprising:

a jack housing defining a port for receiving a plug;

an insert adapted to be inserted into the jack housing, the insert including:

a circuit board having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the circuit board also including a front end positioned opposite from a rear end;

a plurality of insulation displacement terminals positioned at the first side of the circuit board for terminating wires to the jack insert;

an insulation displacement terminal housing for supporting the insulation displacement terminals at the first side of the circuit board, the insulation displacement housing being positioned adjacent to the rear end of the circuit board;

a plurality of contact springs including contact sections positioned at the first side of the circuit board and located adjacent the front end of the circuit board, wherein when the insert is positioned within the jack housing, the contact sections are adapted for contacting the plug inserted within the port of the jack housing;

a contact spring holder positioned at the first side of the circuit board; and

two tabs each having a ramped surface, the tabs being positioned on opposite sides of the contact springs.

24. The jack ofclaim 23, wherein the tabs are located on opposite sides of the contact spring holder, and wherein the contact springs are terminated to the first side of the circuit board.

25. The jack ofclaim 23, wherein the insulation displacement terminal housing and the contact spring holder are part of a one-piece main body.

26. The jack ofclaim 23, wherein the jack housing includes a front and a back, wherein the jack housing defines the port at the front of the jack housing, and wherein the back of the jack housing defines a rear opening for allowing the insert to be inserted into the jack housing.

27. A jack comprising:

a jack housing defining a port for receiving a plug;

an insert adapted to be inserted into the jack housing, the insert including:

a circuit board having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the circuit board also including a front end positioned opposite from a rear end;

a plurality of insulation displacement terminals positioned at the first side of the circuit board for terminating wires to the jack insert;

an insulation displacement terminal housing for supporting the insulation displacement terminals at the first side of the circuit board, the insulation displacement housing being positioned adjacent to the rear end of the circuit board;

a plurality of contact springs terminated to the first side of the circuit board, the contact springs including contact sections positioned at the first side of the circuit board and located adjacent the front end of the circuit board, wherein when the insert is positioned within the jack housing, the contact sections are adapted for contacting the plug inserted within the port of the jack housing; and

first and second combs positioned at the first side of the circuit board for separating the contact springs, the second comb being positioned closer to the front end of the circuit board than the first comb.

28. The jack ofclaim 27, wherein the jack further includes elongate tabs for providing a snap-fit connection between the insert and the jack housing.

29. The jack ofclaim 28, wherein the elongate tabs are part of the insert and are positioned on opposite sides of the first comb.

30. The jack ofclaim 27, wherein the insulation displacement terminal housing and the contact spring holder are part of a one-piece main body.

31. The jack ofclaim 27, wherein the first comb defines channels having open sides that face away from the first side of the circuit board.

32. The jack ofclaim 27, wherein the jack housing includes a front and a back, wherein the jack housing defines the port at the front of the jack housing, and wherein the back of the jack housing defines a rear opening for allowing the insert to be inserted into the jack housing.

33. A jack comprising:

a jack housing including a front positioned opposite from a rear, the front of the jack housing defining a port for receiving a plug, the rear of the jack housing defining a rear opening;

an insert adapted to be inserted into the jack housing through the rear opening of the jack housing, the insert including:

a circuit board having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the circuit board also including a front end positioned opposite from a rear end;

a plurality of insulation displacement terminals positioned at the first side of the circuit board for terminating wires to the jack insert;

an insulation displacement terminal housing for supporting the insulation displacement terminals at the first side of the circuit board;

a plurality of contact springs terminated to the first side of the circuit board, the contact springs including contact sections positioned at the first side of the circuit board, wherein when the insert is positioned within the jack housing, the contact sections are adapted for contacting the plug inserted within the port of the jack housing; and

a slide interface for providing alignment between the insert and the jack housing, the slide interface including a pair of elongate guide members that slide within corresponding elongate slots.

34. The jack ofclaim 33, wherein the elongate guide members include rails provided within the jack housing, and wherein the elongate slots are provided along sides of the insert.

35. An insert for mounting within a jack, the insert comprising:

a)a connector mount having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the connector mount including:

i)a divider including a plurality of channels having open sides that face away from the first side of the connector mount;

ii)an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the connector mount;

b)a plurality of contact springs separated by the divider; and

c)a circuit board having a first side and a second side, the contact springs being terminated to the first side of the circuit board, and the circuit board being mounted at the second side of the connector mount with the first side of the circuit board facing toward the second side of the connector mount.

36. The insert ofclaim 35, wherein the connector mount is a single, unitary piece.

37. An insert for a jack, the insert comprising:

a)a connector mount including a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the connector mount including:

i)two elongate tabs positioned at the first side of the connector mount, each tab having an end including a ramp surface;

ii)a front divider positioned at the first side of the connector mount;

iii)a rear connector assembly positioned at the first side of the connector mount, the rear connector assembly including two rows of means for terminating conductive wires extending from the first side on opposite sides of the first side;

b)a plurality of contact springs separated by the divider, the contact springs each including a main bend between a base end portion and a free end portion, the base end portion including a distal tip; and

c)a circuit board providing electrical connections between the rear connector assembly and the contact springs, the circuit board being mounted at the second side of the connector mount, with the distal tips of the contact springs mounted to the circuit board.

38. The insert ofclaim 37, wherein the divider defines a plurality of open slots that receive and separate the contact springs, the open slots having open sides that face away from the first side of the connector mount.

39. The insert ofclaim 37, wherein the connector mount is a single, unitary piece.

40. The insert ofclaim 37, wherein at least portions of the springs and the divider are positioned between the elongate tabs.

41. An insert for a jack, the insert comprising

a)a connector mount having a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the connector mount including:

i)a divider positioned at the first side of the connector mount;

ii)an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the connector mount;

iii)elongate tabs positioned at the first side of the connector mount;

b)a plurality of contact springs separated by the divider; and

c)a circuit board to which the contact springs are terminated, the circuit board being mounted at the second side of the connector mount.

42. The insert ofclaim 41, wherein the divider includes channels having open sides that face away from the first side of the connector mount.

43. The insert ofclaim 41, wherein at least portions of the contact springs are positioned between the elongate tabs.

44. The insert ofclaim 41, wherein the divider is positioned between the elongate tabs.

45. The insert ofclaim 41, wherein the connector mount comprises a single, unitary piece.

46. The insert ofclaim 41, wherein the elongate tabs each include a free end having a ramp surface.

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