MXPA97004005A - Modu cabinet system - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular cabinet system (100) comprises a first cabinet unit (102), a second cabinet unit (104) and a trap (600). The first cabinet unit (102) has a first lower wall (610) and a first side wall (108). The first cabinet unit (102) has a second bottom wall (612) and a second side wall (116). The first cabinet unit (102) defines a first channel (702) bordering the first side wall (108) that includes a first structure (703) along the first lower wall (610). The second cabinet unit (104) defines a second channel which borders the second side wall (116) and includes a second opening along the second lower wall (612). The clamp (600) is U-shaped longitudinally extended and defines a base (800), a first mounting wall (802) and a second mounting wall (804). To optionally mount the first and second cabinet units (102, 104), the first mounting wall (802) is assembled by inserting into the first channel (702) and the second mounting wall (804) is assembled by inserting into the second channel.

Description

MODULAR CABINET SYSTEM Field of the Invention The invention relates to modular cabinet systems and more particularly to modular telephone systems.

Background of the Invention Phone systems are known. However, such systems generally provide telephone units and features that are fixed or non-stretchable. If additional units or features can be added to the system, the additional units can not be properly integrated into the system from the point of view of appearance, stability, flexibility, practicality or safety.

Mounting mechanisms for modular systems are also known. However, a conventional mounting mechanism can deviate from the physical appearance of a modular system, especially if the modular units of the modular system are left unmounted. In addition, a conventional mounting mechanism can not provide sufficient mounting resistance between the modular units, or it can be too complex or too expensive.

There is then a need for a modular cabinet system that provides flexibility and practicality, and that includes a mechanism of tampering that is simple, convenient, durable, and does not deviate from the appearance of the modular cabinet system.

Brief Description of the Figures Fig. 1 is an illustration of a modular cabinet system that can realize the present invention, the illustration shows the cabinet units of the modular cabinet system in disassembled configuration. Fig.2 is an illustration of a modular cabinet system showing the cabinet units in mounted configuration. Fig.3 is an illustration of the modular cabinet system showing the cabinet units in an alternative mounted configuration. Fig.4 is an illustration of the modular cabinet system showing the cabinet units in mounted configuration.

Fig.5 is an illustration of the modular cabinet system, in the configuration of Fig.4, including an additional cabinet unit. Fig.6 is an illustration showing a bottom view of the modular cabinet system with the configuration of the Fig.3 Fig.7 is an illustration showing a bottom view of one of the cabinet units. Fig.8 is an illustration showing a first isometric view of a clamp of the modular cabinet system.

Fig.9 is an illustration showing a side view of the clamp. Fig.10 is an illustration showing a second isometric view of the clamp. Fig.11 is an illustration showing an end view of the clamp. Fig. 12 is an illustration showing a side view of the clamp and an inside view of the cabinet unit, the inner part includes a side wall and a channel. Fig. 13 is an illustration showing a cross section of the cabinet unit and the clamp, where the clamp has a mounting wall inserted and mounted within the channel of the cabinet unit.

Fig.14 is an illustration showing a third isometric view of the clamp, where the clamp further provides means for electrically connecting the electrical circuits within the cabinet units. Fig.15 is an illustration showing a side view of a printed circuit board of a cabinet unit and the clamp of Fig.14. Fig. 16 is an illustration showing a close-up view of an electrical contact of the clamp of Figs. 14 and 15, and a prong of an electrical connector of the printed circuit panel of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an illustration showing a cross section of the cabinet unit and the clamp of Figs. 14 and 15, where the clamp has a first mounting wall inserted and mounted inside the cabinet unit and a second wall assembly located outside the cabinet unit.

Detailed description of the invention According to the invention, a modular cabinet system comprises a first cabinet unit, a second cabinet unit, and a clamp. The first cabinet unit has a first bottom wall and a first side wall. The second cabinet unit has a second bottom wall and a second side wall. The first cabinet unit defines a first channel that borders the first side wall and includes a first opening along the first lower wall. The second cabinet unit defines a second channel which borders the second side wall and has a second opening along the second lower wall. The clamp is U-shaped extending longitudinally and defines a base, a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall. To optionally mount the first and second cabinet units, the first mounting wall is mounted by inserting it into the first channel and the second mounting wall is mounted by inserting it into the second channel. The clamp may further provide electrical connection between a first electronic component placed within the first cabinet unit and a second electronic component placed within the second cabinet unit.

Fig. 1 shows a modular cabinet system 100 that can realize the present invention. The modular system 100 comprises a cabinet unit 102 and a cabinet unit 104. In Fig.l, the cabinet units 102 and 104 are disassembled and shown as separate units. However, the cabinet units 102 and 104 can be mounted as described in detail below. The cabinet unit 102 includes an upper wall 106, a side wall 108 and a side wall 110 (not fully visible). The cabinet unit 104 includes, an upper wall 112, a side wall 114 and a side wall 116 (not visible). The side walls 108 and 110 have a slightly arched inward shape, while the walls 114 and 116 are slightly arched outwardly.

Fig.2 shows the modular cabinet system 100 with the cabinet units 102 and 104 mounted. Here, the cabinet unit 104 is located on the right side of the cabinet unit 102. The side walls 110 and 114 have shapes that complement one another when they are joined. That is, the arcuate shape of the side wall 114 adapts to the arcuate shape inward of the side wall 110 when the cabinet units 102 and 104 are mounted. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, the cabinet unit 104 is optionally mounted and located on the left side of the cabinet unit 102. The side walls 108 and 116 also have shapes that complement each other when joined together. .

The modular cabinet system 100 can provide utility to the user. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the modular cabinet system 100 is a modular communication system. More specifically, the modular cabinet system 100 is a modular telephone system used for telephone communications. In such a system, the cabinet unit 102 is commonly referred to as a base station, or "base" and the cabinet unit 104 is commonly referred to as a secondary unit, a mobile telephone unit or a "side stroller." The modular nature of the modular cabinet system 100 provides flexibility to the user. For example, a user who is right-handed may prefer the configuration of Figs. 1 or 2 and a user who is left-handed may prefer the configuration of Fig. 3. Although the cabinet units 102 and 104 are optionally mountable, the side walls 108, 110, 114 and 116 and the top walls 106 and 112 are not cosmetically affected. That is, as will be described more fully below, the mounting options provided do not depart from the physical appearance of the modular cabinet system 100.

In the embodiment shown, the cabinet unit 102 includes electronic circuits placed therein to fulfill telephone communication functions. Since the cabinet unit 102 needs access to at least one land telephone line for a user to establish and receive telephone calls, the modular cabinet system 100 includes a telephone cable 118 for connection to a landline 120. The cabinet 102 may include signaling keys 122, function keys 124, a speaker 126 and a microphone 128. Signal keys 122 are used to invoke double-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signals, which indicate which is conventionally used to establish phone calls.

The function keys 124 can be used to fulfill a variety of telephone functions. For example, function keys 124 may allow a telephone line to be "off-hook" or "hung", or they may allow a telephone line to be placed in a hands-free or "hands-free" mode. The hands-free mode provides telephone communications for a user without the need to use a separate handset. Using this feature, speaker 126 provides sound from the "telephone line and microphone 128 provides a sound input from the user to the telephone line.

The cabinet unit 104 has a handset 130. The handset 130 includes a microphone and a speaker (not visible) for speaking and listening during a telephone call. The handset 130 may also include signal keys (not visible) to invoke DTMF signals to establish telephone calls. The modular cabinet system 100 includes a telephone cable 132 that electrically connects the electrical circuit of the cabinet unit 102 and the speaker and microphone of the handset 130. Since the telephone cord 132 is necessary, the handset 130 is commonly referred to as the handset with cable.

As shown in Fig. 4, the cabinet unit 104 can be a wireless handset unit having a wireless handset 400. Here, the cabinet unit 102 includes additional electronic circuits placed therein and an antenna 402. The handset Wireless 400 includes an antenna 404, a speaker 406, a display 408, a keyboard 410 (shown partially) and a keyboard cover 412. The handset 400 also includes electronic circuits and batteries placed therein. The additional electronic circuits of the cabinet unit 102 and the wireless handset 400 are used to perform radiofrequency communications between the cabinet unit 102 and the wireless handset 400. Radio frequency signals carrying voice and control data are generated within the cabinet unit 102 and wireless handset 400. Radio frequency signals are transmitted and received through antennas 402 and 404. Telephone cable 132 of Figs. 1-3 is not necessary if a wireless handset 400 is provided and not a cordless handset is used within the modular cabinet system 100.

Since the cabinet unit 102 includes additional electronic circuits for performing radiofrequency communications, additional electrical power is needed. One source of this electrical power can be an alternating current (AC) power source 414. To receive electrical power from the AC power source 414 and transform it into electrical power can be used by the cabinet unit 102, the Modular cabinet 100 is equipped with a plug transformer 415 and an electric cord 416.

The electrical power and the additional electronic circuits of the cabinet unit 102 can be used to charge the batteries of the wireless handset 400. Here, the cabinet unit 104 can be referred to as the load unit. The cordless handset 400 has a bottom wall 413 having electrical contacts (not visible) placed on it and electrically connected to the batteries inside the wireless "" handset 400. The cabinet unit 104 also includes electrical contacts (not visible) on the wall. upper 112 located below the cordless handset 400. When the cordless handset 400 is placed inside the cabinet unit 104, the electrical contacts on the upper wall 112 establish electrical contact with the electrical contacts of the lower wall 413. Since the electrical contacts in the upper wall 112 can be electrically connected with the additional electronic circuits of the cabinet unit 102, the batteries of the wireless handset 400 can be charged with the electric power provided by the cabinet unit 102 through the AC power source 414. The electronic connection mentioned The flow between the cabinet units 102 and 104 is described in more detail below and is provided when the cabinet units 102 and 104 are together. When the cabinet units 102 and 104 are disassembled, as provided optionally, and therefore not electrically connected, the cabinet unit 104 may be provided with an alternative plug transformer and an electric cable similar to the plug transformer 415 and to the power cable 416. The alternative plug-in transformer and power cord can be plugged into the AC power source 414 and the cabinet unit 104 to charge the batteries of the cordless handset 400.

The modular cabinet system 100 may include additional cabinet units that provide additional mounting options. A user can assemble these additional cabinet units in the modular cabinet system 100 according to their preferences. For ex. , Fig. 5 shows the configuration of Fig. 4 having a cabinet unit 500 located on the right side of the cabinet unit 102 and mounted thereto. The cabinet unit 500 carries a handset 502 and includes a telephone cable 504. Other cabinet units can be assembled or "chained as links" in the modular cabinet system 100 as desired. Other cabinet units available for the modular cabinet system 100 include, among others, an answering machine unit and a call ID unit. These units can be sold together or separately from the modular cabinet system 100.

Fig.6 shows a bottom view of the modular cabinet system 100 arranged as in Fig.3. The modular cabinet system 100 includes the cabinet unit 102, the cabinet unit 104 and a clamp 600. The cabinet unit 102 is shown with a lower wall 610 including a lower portion 602 and an upper portion 603. Similarly the cabinet unit 104 is shown with a lower wall 612 including a lower portion 604 and an upper portion 605. The slots 606 and 608 are integrally formed in the bottom walls 610 and 612, respectively. More particularly, the slots 606 and 608 provide a means for hanging the modular cabinet system 100 from a vertical surface, where hanging pins (not shown) are inserted into the slots 606 and 608. If the cabinet units 102 and 104 As they are disassembled as shown in Fig. 1, one of the cabinet units 102 and 104 can be hung on one vertical surface while the other rests on a horizontal surface.

The lower portions 602 and 604 and the upper portions 603 and 605 are substantially planar. The lower portions 602 and 604 rise to higher planes and substantially parallel to the upper portions 603 and 605, respectively. The upper portion 603 runs adjacent to the side walls 108 and 110. Similarly the upper portion 605 runs adjacent to the side walls 114 and 116. When the modular cabinet system 100 is placed on a surface for common operation ( eg see Figs 1-5) where the lower walls 610 and 612 face the surface, the lower portions 602 and 604 touch and rest on the surface while the upper portions 603 and 605 are raised above the surface. surface.

The cabinet units 102 and 104 are mounted by means of the clamp 600. The clamp 600 is inserted through the lower walls 610 and 612. More specifically, the clamp 600 is inserted through the upper portions. 603 and 605. Given the size of the clamp 600 and the difference in elevation between the upper portions 603 and 605 and the lower portions 602 and 604, when the modular cabinet system 100 is placed on a surface for its common operation (again by see Figs. 1-5), the lower portions 602 and 604 touch and rest on the surface while the upper portions 603 and 605 rise above the surface.

Accordingly, although the clamp 600 is mounted along the bottom walls 610 and 612, the clamp 600 does not affect the physical stability of the modular cabinet system 100. Furthermore, since the bottom walls 610 and 612 are placed on a surface horizontal or vertical when the modular cabinet system 100 is used, the placement of the 600 clamp does not depart from the appearance of the modular cabinet system 100. That is, no mounting mechanism or feature is shown along the upper walls 106 and 112 or of the side walls 110 and 114.

Fig.7 shows a bottom view of the cabinet unit 102. The cabinet unit 102 includes channels 700 and 702 molded therein. Bottom wall 610 includes an opening 701 to channel 700. Similarly, the bottom wall 610 includes an opening 703 to the channel 702. The channel 700 borders the side wall 110 and the channel 702 borders the side wall 108. The channels 700 and 702 are substantially rectangular in shape, but have a slight arched inward shape. similar to that of the side walls 108 and 110. The channel 700 includes rods 704 and 706. Similarly the channel 702 includes rods 708 and 710. Similar to the cabinet unit 102, the cabinet unit 104 includes channels in the lower wall 612 (similar to the channels 700 and 702 of the lower wall 610) bordering the side walls 114 and 116.

Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11 show the clamp 600 in more detail. The clamp 600 is longitudinally extended U-shaped defining a base 800, a mounting wall 802 and a mounting wall 804. The mounting walls 802 and 804 extend from the base 800 and define a staple channel 806 located therebetween . The base 800 has a lower surface 801 which defines the bottom of the grapnel channel 806. The mounting walls 802 and 804 are substantially planar, although both have a slightly arched shape that conforms to the arched shape of the channel 702 and are located one parallel to the other. The mounting wall 802 has an upper side 866 and end sides 803 and 807. Similarly, the mounting wall 804 has an upper side 878 and end sides 905 and 809.

The clamp 600 also includes ends 808 and 810 that are inwardly flexible. The clamp 600, and the cabinet units 102 and 104, are preferably made of a plastic material that allows some flexibility. The end 808 includes an arm 812 and an arm 814. The arm 812 extends perpendicularly from the end side 803 and then bends perpendicularly to run parallel to the end side 803. Similarly, the arm 814 extends perpendicularly from the end side 805 and then bends perpendicularly to run parallel to the side of end 805. The arms 812 and 814 are integrally mounted by a button 816. The arms 812 and 814 have structure and position defining a space 834 between the end sides 803 and 805 and the arms 812 and 814. The arms 812 and 814 are flexible and, given space 834, are bent inward in response to a force applied to button 816 in the direction of end sides 803 and 805.

The arm 812 includes a projection 817 extending outwardly from it. Similarly, arm 814 includes a projection 825 extending outwardly therefrom. The projection 817 includes a projection top portion 820, a projection tip 818 and a projection bottom portion 822. Similarly, projection 825 includes a projection top portion 828, a projection tip 826 and a projection bottom portion. 830. The arm 812 includes an end side 824 which is located below the projection 817. Similarly the arm 814 includes an end side 832 which is located below the projection 825. Given the space 834 and the flexibility of arms 812 and 814, arms 812 and 814 are bent inward in response to a force applied to projecting tops 820 and 828 in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

End 810 has an arrangement similar to the extreme 808. The end 810 includes an arm 836 and an arm 838. The arm 836 extends from the end side 807 and then bends perpendicularly to run parallel to the end side 807. Similarly the arm 838 extends perpendicularly to the end side 809 and then it bends perpendicularly to run parallel to the end side 809. The arms 836 and 838 are integrally mounted by a button 840. The arms 836 and 838 have structure and position defining a space 858 between the end sides 807 and 809 and the arms 836 and 838.

The arm 836 includes a projection 841 extending outwardly therefrom. Similarly, arm 838 includes a projection 849 extending outwardly from it. Protrusion 841 includes a protrusion top portion 844, a protrusion tip 842 and a protrusion bottom portion 846. Similarly protrusion 849 includes a protrusion top portion 852, a protrusion tip 850 and a protrusion bottom portion 854 The arm 836 includes an end side 848 which is located below the projection 842 and the arm 838 includes an end side 856 which is located below the projection 849. Given the space 858 and the flexibility of the arms 836 and 838 , the arms 836 and 838 are bent inward in response to a force applied to the button 840 in a direction toward the end sides 807 and 809, or in response to a force applied to the projecting upper portions 844 and 852 in a direction substantially perpendicular to them.

The mounting wall 802 includes notches 860, 862 and 864. Similarly, the mounting wall 804 includes notches 872, 874 and 876. The notches 864 and 876 are located at the centers of the mounting walls 802 and 804 respectively. The notch 860 is located next to the notch 864 and the end 808 and the notch 862 is located next to the notch 864 and the end 810. Similarly, the notch 872 is located next to the notch 876 and the end 808 and notch 874 is located next to notch 876 and end 810. The prongs 868 and 870 are defined along the mounting wall 802 from the notches 860 and 864 and from the notches 862 and 864 respectively. Similarly, the prongs 880 and 882 are defined along the mounting wall 864 from the notches 872 and 876 and from the notches 874 and 876 respectively.

Fig. 12 shows a side view of the clamp 600 and an interior part of the cabinet unit 102 including the side wall 108. The clamp 600 includes the mounting wall 804 for mounting inserting into the channel 702. The mounting wall 804 is sized to fit the channel 702. The lower wall 610 has a channel edge 1218 defining a first end 1224 of the channel 702 and a channel edge 1220 defining a second end 1226 of the channel 702. The channel 702 is also defined by the side wall 108, a side wall 1202 and an upper wall 1204. The side wall 1202 is in a position parallel to the side wall 108 and integrally mounted thereto through the top wall 1204. The top wall 1204 includes openings 1206, 1208 and 1217. The opening 1206 is located at the first end 1224 near the channel edge 1218. Similarly the opening 1208 is located at the second end 1226 near the channel edge 1220.

The rods 708 and 710 are integrally mounted on the walls 108 and 1202 to provide support. The rods 708 and 710 extend through the channel 702 from the upper portion 1228 of the side wall 108 to the lower portion 1230 of the side wall 108. Without the rods 708 and 710, the side walls 108 and 1202 would tend to bend towards in one towards the other (possibly deforming permanently in that position) when excessive force is applied. The opening 1217 is located between the rods 708 and 710. SE provides a knob 1210 on the inside of the bottom wall 610 next to the channel edge 1218. Similarly a knob 1212 is provided inside the bottom wall 610 at channel edge side 1220. Knobs 1210 and 1212 have surfaces 1214 and 1216 respectively, which slope downward toward opening 703.

In the preferred embodiment, the length of the clamp 600 is slightly greater than the length of the opening 703 and therefore the flexibility of the arms 812, 814, 8136 and 838 is needed to insert the mounting wall 804 into the channel 702 The mounting wall 804 can be mounted within the channel 702 by pressing in the buttons 816 and 840, inserting the mounting wall 804 through the opening 703 and releasing the buttons 816 and 840 so as to "lock" the mounting wall 804 within channel 702.

Fig. 13 is a cross section of the cabinet unit 102 and the clamp 600, where the cabinet unit 102 is shown with the mounting wall 804 inserted and mounted within the channel 702. Fig. 13 is an outside view of the cabinet unit 102, as opposed to the inside view shown in Fig.12. When the buttons 816 and 840 are released after inserting the mounting wall 804, the arms 812, 814, 836 and 838 flex outwards. The surfaces 1214 and 1216 are crimped into the lower protrusion portions 854 and 830 respectively and the end flanks 856 and 832 can delimit the channel edges 1218 and 1220 respectively. The rods 708 and 710 are placed within the grooves 872 and 874 respectively. Top side 878 is exposed through opening 1217. When fully inserted, base 800 extends beyond top 603 but not beyond bottom 602.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the mounting wall 804 can be mounted within the channel 702 using an alternative method of insertion. Assembly can be achieved by inserting only a part of the mounting wall 804 (near one end 808 and 810) in the opening 703 and then pressing the base 800 towards the channel 702. The pressure of the base 800 inserts the remaining part of the mounting wall 804 in the channel 702, where one of the ends 808 and 810 flexes inwardly around one of the channel edges 1218 and 1220 respectively, and then flexes outwards to lock the mounting wall 804 in its place. By way of illustration, a user may insert a portion of the mounting wall 804, with the end 808 at the end 1226 of the channel 702. Here, the end side 832 delimits the channel edge 1220 and the underside portion 830 it is crimped onto the surface 1216 while the end 810 is located outside the channel 702. Then the base 800 is forced in a direction towards the channel 702. Here the channel edge 1218 and the top portion of the projection 852 meet and a counterforce from the channel edge 1218 to the upper portion of projection 852 pushes the arms 836 and 838 to fold inward. The force is applied to the base 800 until the protrusion tip 850 meets and exceeds the channel edge 1218. Then the arms 836 and 838 are bent outwardly where the surface 1214 engages with the underside of the protrusion 854 and the side end 856 can delimit channel edge 1218. Mounting wall 804 is thus mounted or locked within channel 702 as shown in Fig.13.

As stated above, the cabinet unit 104 (Fig.6) includes channels similar to the channels 700 and 702. The clamp 600 secures and assembles the cabinet units 102 and 104 when the mounting wall 802 is further inserted into a channel of the cabinet unit 104. Using the methods described above, the clamp 600 can be inserted into both cabinet units 102 and 104 simultaneously when the side walls 108 and 116 are aligned before inserting the 600 clamp. Similarly, when the walls side 110 and 114 are aligned, clamp 600 can assemble cabinet units 102 and 104 together. To mount other cabinet units in the modular cabinet system 100 (eg Fig. 5) additional clamps are provided.

The clamp 600 can be removed from the cabinet units 102 and 104 by simultaneously pressing inward the buttons 816 and 840 and pulling out of the clamp 600 out of the cabinet units 102 and 104. Alternatively, the clamp 600 can be removed by pushing inwardly. just one of the buttons 816 and 840, thus releasing one of the ends 808 and 810, and then pulling the clamp 600 outwardly from the cabinet units 102 and 104. When mounted, the clamp 600 is firmly held within the cabinet units 102 and 104. Any attempt to remove the clamp 600 from the cabinet units 102 and 104 without the use of the buttons 816 and 840 is difficult since the ends 808 and 810 are firmly crimped into the channels of the units of cabinet 102 and 104. Since the mounting walls 802 and 804 are sized to fit deep into the cabinet units 102 and 104 (together with a substantial height of the walls of the cabinet units 102 and 104). laterals 108 and 110) the clamp 600 firmly connects the cabinet units 102 and 104.

In addition to mounting the cabinet units 102 and 104, the clamp 600 can electrically connect the electrical circuits of the cabinet units 102 and 104. This may be desired, for example, when the electrical circuits of the cabinet unit 102 are aliminated by the AC power supply 414 and cabinet unit 104 is a load unit as described above (Figs. 4 and 5).

Fig.14 shows the clamp 600 having electrical contacts 1400. The electrical contacts 1400 are positioned within cavities 1401 located along side side 878. Similarly, as shown in Fig.15, the clamp 600 has electrical contacts 1500 placed within cavities 1501 located along the upper side 866. The electrical conductors 1405 are located within and extend through the mounting wall 804, the base 800 and the mounting wall 802. In the embodiment shown, each of the electrical contacts 1400 is electrically connected with only one of the electrical contacts 1500 through electrical conductors 1405. For example, one of the electrical contacts 1400 is an electrical contact 1403 that is positioned within a cavity 1402 (one of the cavities 1401 along the upper side 878). One of the electrical contacts 1500 is an electrical contact 1528, which is positioned within a cavity 1526 (one of the cavities 1501 along the upper side 866). The electrical contacts 1403 and 1528 are electrically connected through a conductor 1404, one of the electrical conductors 1405.

Fig.15 shows a printed circuit board (PCB) 1510 which can be placed inside the cabinet unit 102. The circuits 1517, including the electronic component 1518, are placed on the PCB 1510 and are provided to perform functions of telephone communications. An electrical connector 1512 having tines 1514 is mounted on the PCB 1510. The electrical contacts 1515 are located at the ends of the tines 1514. The electrical contacts 1515 are electrically connected to the circuits 1517 via electrical conductors 1516.

As suggested by the dashed lines of Fig.15, the electrical connector 1512 is inserted into the notch 876 where the prongs 1514 are inserted in the cavities 1401. When the electrical connector 1512 and the mounting wall 804 are in this position, each of the electrical contacts 1515 establishes electrical contact with one of the respective electrical contacts 1400.

Fig.16 shows a close-up of a portion of the electrical connector 1512 that includes the prong 1524 and a portion of the mounting wall 804 that includes an electrical contact 1403 positioned within the cavity 1402. The electrical contact 1403 comprises a conductive tip 1602 and a driver spring 1604. The driver tip 1602 is physically mounted and electrically connected to the driver spring 1604. The driver spring 1604 is electrically connected to the electrical conductor 1404. The electrical contact 1520 is electrically connected to the electronic component 1518 via the driver electric 1522 (one of the electrical conductors 1516). When the tine 1524 is inserted into the cavity 1402, the electrical contact 1520 of the tine 1524 establishes physical contact with the conductive tip 1602 and urges the spring 1604 to compress. The physical contact and compression of the spring establish an electrical connection between the electrical contacts 1520 and 1602. Accordingly, an electrical connection is established between the electronic component 1518 and the electrical contact 1528.

Fig.17 shows a cross section of the cabinet unit 102 having the PCB 1510 placed inside it and the clamp 600 mounted therein. In Fig. 17, the mounting wall 804 is inserted and mounted within the channel 702, and the mounting wall 802 is positioned outside the cabinet unit 102. The upper side 878 is exposed through the opening 1217. The PCB 1510, the electrical connector 1512, the tines 1514 and the mounting wall 804 have suitable size and position within the cabinet unit 102 so that the tines 1514 are placed within the cavities 1401. The electrical connection is established between the electrical circuits 1517 and the electrical contacts 1400, and therefore between the electrical circuits 1517 and the electrical contacts 1500. When the mounting wall 802 is inserted into a channel of the cabinet unit 104, the electrical contacts 1500 can be connected electrically with the electrical contacts and the conductors placed inside the cabinet unit 104.

The cabinet unit 104 can of course also include a PCB having electrical circuits placed on it. The PCB may include a similar electrical connector that has pins and electrical contacts. The mounting wall 802 can be inserted into a channel of the cabinet unit 104 when the electrical contacts 1500 make electrical contact with the electrical contacts placed inside the cabinet unit 104, similar to those described above. Using the clamp 600, the electrical circuits 1517"of the cabinet unit 102 can be electrically connected to the electrical circuits of the cabinet unit 104. More safety is provided due to the limited exposure to the electric circuits since, for example, the the electrical connector 1512 is completely positioned within the cabinet unit 102. The channel 702 is narrow to prevent a user from scrutinizing inside the cabinet unit 102, thus reducing the risk of the user making contact with the electrical contacts 1515 and the electric circuits 1517 and thus reducing the risk of an electric shock. When only one of the mounting walls 802 and 804 is mounted in a cabinet unit, more security is offered since the electrical contacts 1400 and 1500 are placed within the cavities 1401 and 1501 respectively. although particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications may be made thereto. Accordingly, it is intended to cover with the appended claims all changes and modifications that are within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A modular telephone system (100) characterized by: a first cabinet unit (102), said first cabinet unit (102) defining a first channel (702); a second cabinet unit (104), said second cabinet unit (104) defining a second channel; and a first clamp (600) for mounting the first cabinet unit (102) with the second cabinet unit (104), said first clamp (600) having a first mounting wall (802) for insertion in the first channel ( 702) and a second mounting wall (804) for insertion into the second channel.

2. The modular telephone system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cabinet unit (102) defines a third channel (700) and the second cabinet unit (104) defines a fourth channel, the first wall of assembly (802) for the insertion in the third channel (700) and the second mounting wall (804) for the insertion in the fourth channel.

3. The modular telephone system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cabinet unit (102) defines a third channel (700), the modular telephone system (100) also characterized by: a third cabinet unit (500), said third cabinet unit (500) defines a fourth channel; and a second clamp for mounting the first cabinet unit (102) and the third cabinet unit (500), said second clamp has a third mounting wall for insertion in the third channel (700) and a fourth mounting wall for the insertion in the fourth channel.

4. The modular telephone system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cabinet unit (102) includes at least one electronic component (1518) and a second cabinet unit (104) that includes at least one second electronic component, said first clamp (600) includes electrical contacts (1400) and electrical conductors (1405) that electronically connect the at least first and second electronic components.

5. A modular telephone system (100) characterized by: a base unit (102), said base unit (102) having a first bottom wall (610) and a first side wall (108), said base unit (102) defines a first channel (702) bordering the first side wall (108) and having a first opening (703) along the first lower wall (610); a first handset unit (104) • configured to receive a first handset (130), the first handset unit (104) has a second bottom wall (612) and a second side wall (116), the first handset unit ( 104) defines a second channel that borders the second side wall (116) and has a second opening along the second bottom wall (612); a first clamp (600) for mounting the first base unit (102) and the first handset unit (104), the first clamp (600) defines a first base (800), a first mounting wall (802) and a second mounting wall (804), the first mounting wall (802) to be mounted being inserted into the first channel (702) and the second mounting wall (804) to be mounted by being inserted into the second channel.

6. The modular telephone system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base unit (102) defines a third channel (700) and the first handset unit (104) defines a fourth channel, the first mounting wall (802) to be mounted being inserted into the third channel (700) and the second mounting wall (804) ) to be mounted inserting itself inside the fourth channel.

7. The modular telephone system (100) of claim 8 characterized in that the base unit (102) defines a third channel (700) the modular telephone system (100) also characterized by: a second handset unit (500) defining a third channel; and a second clamp for mounting the base unit (102) with the second handset unit (500), the second clamp defining a second base, a third mounting wall and a fourth mounting wall, said third mounting wall for mounting inserted into the third channel and said fourth mounting wall for mounting inserting into the fourth channel.

8. The modular telephone system (100) of claim 8, characterized in that the base unit (102) includes at least one electronic component (1518) and the second handset unit (104) includes at least a second electronic component, the first clamp (600) includes electrical contacts (1400) and electrical conductors (1405) for electrically connect the first and second electronic components.

9. A first modular telephone system (100) configured to be mounted with a second telephone enclosure unit (104) with a clamp (600), the first telephone enclosure unit (102) having a lower wall (610) and a first side wall (108), the clamp (600) has a base (800), a first mounting wall (802) and - a second mounting wall (804), the first gable unit (102) characterized by: a first channel (702) skirting the first side wall (108) having a first opening (703) along the first lower wall (610), the first channel (702) configured to receive the first mounting wall (802) of the clamp (600).

10. The first telephone cabinet unit (102) according to claim 9, characterized by: a second side wall (110) facing the first side wall (108); and a second channel (700) that borders the second lataral wall (110) and has a second opening (701) along the bottom wall (610), the second channel (700) configured to receive the first mounting wall (802) of the clamp (600).