US4591949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular patchboard for electrical devices
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-03-25
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Granted: 1986-05-27
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Expires: 2005-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A modular patchboard arrangement for arranging a plurality of electrical devices in a selectably alterable arrangement. In one embodiment, a plurality of modules, each having a predetermined height, are each provided with selectable numbers and types of the electrical devices. Each module is provided on opposite edges thereof with a mounting portion which is adapted to engage an associated rail. Additional levels of modules may be provided, adjacent levels sharing a rail. Each such level may consist of modules of correspondingly different dimensions, for accommodating different types and numbers of electrical devices. In some embodiments, a strip of elastomeric material is interposed between adjacent ones of the modules for closing gaps therebetween.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy J. Lahr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:13
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02B; H02B1/00; H02B1/015; H02B1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices comprising: a plurality of electrical connector rows, each row comprising a plurality of discrete modules, each module having two or more substantially parallel mounting edges, at least one module in each row having at least one electrical connector disposed between said substantially parallel mounting edges thereof; a plurality of elongated rails slidably engaging said modules, at least one rail disposed between and aligned with a first electrical connector row and a second electrical connector row and having a first mounting surface which is aligned with and slidably engages one of the mounting edges of each of the modules in said first row and a second mounting surface which is aligned with and slidably engages one of the mounting edges of each of the modules in said second row; a detachable connecting member holding the rails.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices comprising: a plurality of electrical connector rows, each row comprising a plurality of discrete modules, each module having two or more substantially parallel mounting edges, at least one module in each row having at least one electrical connector disposed between said substantially parallel mounting edges thereof; a plurality of elongated rails slidably engaging said modules, at least one rail disposed between and aligned with a first electrical connector row and a second electrical connector row and having a first mounting surface which is aligned with and slidably engages one of the mounting edges of each of the modules in said first row and a second mounting surface which is aligned with and slidably engages one of the mounting edges of each of the modules in said second row; a detachable connecting member holding the rails.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting edges of the modules are of a random length whereby the modules are alterably interchangeable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 2 wherein each of said modules has a front face portion disposed between said mounting edges, and the front face portions of the modules are aligned in substantially the same plane to form with the rails a smooth surface from which said electrical connectors protrude.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one rail has a groove along the front side thereof for slidably engaging labels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one module has at least one single sided electrical connector disposed between the first and second mounting edges thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one module has at least one double sided electrical connector disposed between the first and second mounting edges thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one module has an electronic component disposed between the first and second mounting edges thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one module is blank.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A modularized selectively alterable patchboard for electrical devices in accordance with claim 1 further including at least one filler strip disposed between two of the elongated rails and adjacent one of the modules.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
FR1466868A
Cited
US3467891A
Cited
US3559813A
Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-05-26 | 1989-11-25 | 1990-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-05-26 | 1993-11-25 | 1994-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-05-26 | 1997-11-25 | 1998-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |