US3717334A - Mounting for wire splice modules - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame assembly for supporting wire splice modules in position permitting cross-connect capability includes opposed parallel spaced vertical panels defining an inner wire run and having a plurality of oppositely extending upwardly slanted module support arms defining outer wire runs.

Description

United States Patent 1 Miller et al.

[54] MOUNTING FOR WIRE SPLICE MODULES [75] Inventors: Donald F. Miller; Leo E. Anthone,

both of St. Paul; Richard D. Kahabka, Burnsville, all of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn.

[22] Filed: Nov. 23, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 91,863

[52] U.S. Cl. ..269/37, 269/10, 269/40 [51] Int. Cl. ..B25b 1/24 [58] Field of Search ..269/9, 10, 37, 40, 52, 283, 269/296, 321 W; 242/139; 29/203 P, 203

MW, 200 J, 200 P [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,101,939 8/1963 Richter ..269/40 1 Feb. 20, 1973 3,337,158 8/1967 Ball ..242/139 3,411,681 11/1968 Bergman 461,216 10/1891 Faustmann ..269/283 X 1,587,682 6/1926 Siegfried ..269/283 X 2,580,772 1/1952 Hawkins.... ..269/52 X 1,556,882 10/1925 Weaver ..269/16 X 1,135,125 4/1925 Masler.... 242/139 X 2,310,774 2/1943 Garbe ..269/40 2,944,761 7/1960 Best.... ..242/139 Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Eugene F. Desmond Attorney-Kinney, Alexander, Sell, Steldt & Delahunt [57] ABSTRACT A frame assembly for supporting wire splice modules in position permitting cross-connect capability includes opposed parallel spaced vertical panels defining an inner wire run and having a plurality of oppositely extending upwardly slanted module support arms defining outer wire runs.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures MOUNTING FOR WIRE SPLICE MODULES This invention relates to the splicing of communications cables and in particular to apparatus for supporting modular connectors in position for convenient access in making cross-connections.

Modular connectors for communications cables have been described, in US. application Ser. No. 823,598, as comprising interengaging elongate base and body members each transversely grooved to provide a series of parallel open-ended wire-receiving grooves. The body member additionally carries a series of transverse ridges fitting into the grooves of the base, and a series of contact elements for making electrical connections between wires placed within the two sets of grooves. A laterally ridged cover member may additionally be included.

In using the modular connectors for splicing together two cable-ends, wire-pairs of one cable-end are placed in order in the grooves of a base member. A body member is then fitted against the base and pressed into place. Wire pairs of the other cable-end are then placed in appropriate order in the grooves of the body member, and a cover member is fitted against the body and pressed into place, thus completing the splice.

In making cross connections between cables, the wire-pairs of the two cables are first separately connected between base and body of separate modular connectors. Jumper or cross connect wires are then individually inserted into appropriate grooves of the two body members to make the desired interconnections.

The present invention provides frame assembly means for organizing and supporting the several modules required in communications cable cross-connecting. The modules may be individually added after being connected into the cable. Each module is positioned for easy access both for cross-connecting and for inspection and testing purposes. Adequate space is provided to serve as wire-runs for incoming and outgoing cables and for cross-connect leads.

The invention will for convenience be further described in terms of the appended illustrative drawing, wherein FIG. 1 is a top plan view,

FIG. 2 is a partial front elevation,

FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation, and

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective, of one form of module-support frame,

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a modified form of frame, and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top and end views respectively of a module support attachment member used with the frame of FIGS. 1-4.

As most easily visualized from FIG. 4, the frame 10 may comprise a base 11 on which is supported two opposed parallel spaced vertical metal panels 12, 13. Each panel carries at both edges a number of uniformly spaced module support arms l4, 15, 16, 17 each extending outwardly and in line with the corresponding arm of the opposite panel. A central brace 18 is attached across the upper ends of the panels 12, 13 and may in turn carry two upwardly open channels 19, 20. Open areas 21 in the base 11 provide further access to the central wire-run defined by the two panels; two outer wire-runs are defined by the two panels and their extended module support arms respectively.

An insulative plastic module support attachment, shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, is placed over each of the support arms 14-17. The attachment 22 has a hollow body 23 fitting over the support arm and having an outwardly facing upwardly and inwardly slanted surface 24. At the outer end a terminally inwardly bent arm 25 extends from the body 23, and a generally L- shaped boss 26 extends perpendicularly from the slant face 24. A short leg 27 extends downwardly from near the inner end of the body and is inwardly grooved to provide a groove 28 for a purpose to be described. It will be understood that both left-hand and right-hand support attachments, having the same components but oppositely positioned, are provided.

The support attachments 22 fit onto the support arms 14-17 as more clearly shown in FIG. 3 wherein arms 22 are shown mounted on supports 16, 17 and in turn carry modules 29, 30. The modules are firmly but removably retained in position against the slant faces 24 by the bosses 26 which fit snugly into L-shaped openings in the ends of the module members. The arms 25 of the two attachments 22 extend toward each other and partially close the open outer area of the outer wire-run. The grooved legs 27 fit over the exposed sharp edges 31, 32 of the metal panel 13 beneath the arms 16, 17.

A suitable protective cover or enclosure such as the slip-on cover 33 surrounds the entire structure and fastens to the base 1 1.

In use, ingoing' and outgoing cables are brought into the inner run of the frame through the openings 21. The wire-pairs of respective bundles are connected between base and body members of connector modules while the same are suitably supported exteriorly of the frame 10, for example in a splice head on an assembly bracket, not shown, and which may be temporarily attached to the base 11 or to some other support. As each module assembly is completed, the module is placed on the uppermost vacant pair of arms, the interconnected wires of the cable remaining within the inner wire-run between the panels 12, 13. It will be seen that the wires and cables are readily accessible from either open face of the run and beneath the previously installed modules.

As previously indicated, the modules fit over the retaining bosses 26 of the attachments 22 and against the slant faces 24, thereby being made readily accessible at both the upper surface and the outer edge, for making further connections or for test procedures or other purposes.

In making cross-connections, for example between modules at opposite faces of the frame, the cross-connect wires are introduced from the side of the frame between the module and the next upper module, between the bent ends of the opposing arms 25, and into the outer wirerun; thence upwardly, across the strap 18 and if necessary across the tops of the two panels 12, 13, and downwardly alongside the same or opposite outer wire-run to the appropriate position for insertion between the arms 25 and to the other module.

In many instances a cross-connection will be desired between modules supported on adjoining frames. The (optional) open channels 19, 20 serve to support those jumper wires extending between adjoining frames.

The modification shown in FIG. 5 is designed for wall rather than pedestal mounting. The base 51, panels 52, 53, arms 54, 55, and bent arms 56, 57 are formed from a single sheet of metal. The outer faces of the arms 54, 55 are upwardly slanted to receive the modules and are provided with module-retaining bosses, not shown. A cover 58 having a hinged door arrangement completes the assembly. Multiples of the unit are mounted in vertical rather than horizontal alignment. Cables are introduced from both ends of the assembly, and jumper wires are stretched vertically between modules of adjacent frames.

The frames are conveniently stamped from metal plate. Plastic attachment members 22 then serve to provide insulation and to protect the wires from the sharp metal edges; or the entire frame may be coated with protective insulation, or may be constructed'of reinforced plastic or other suitable structural material.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A frame for supporting wire splice modules in position for cross connection therebetween and comprising parallel spaced vertical panels each having along both vertical edges a plurality of uniformly spaced module support arms extending outwardly and in line with corresponding arms of the other panel, said arms each having an upwardly and inwardly slanting module support surface, said panels defining an inner vertical wire-run and said arms and panels defining two outer vertical wire-runs.

2. Frame of claim 1 wherein said arms each terminate in an outer extension serving further to define said outer wire runs.

3. Frame of claim 2 wherein each of said arms includes near the outer end of its slanting surface a module-retaining boss.

4. Frame of claim 3 wherein said boss has a generally L-shaped cross-section.

5. Frame of claim 2 wherein said slanting surface and said extension are provided by a plastic attachment.

. 6. Frame of claim 2 wherein said slanting surface and said extension are integral with said panel.

7. Frame of claim 1 wherein is included across the upper ends of said panels a central brace extending across said inner and outer wire-runs.

8. Frame of claim 7 wherein is included on said brace a pair of upwardly open channel members one above each of said outer wire-runs.

Claims (8)

1. A frame for supporting wire splice modules in position for cross connection therebetween and comprising parallel spaced vertical panels each having along both vertical edges a plurality of uniformly spaced module support arms extending outwardly and in line with corresponding arms of the other panel, said arms each having an upwardly and inwardly slanting module support surface, said panels defining an inner vertical wire-run and said arms and panels defining two outer vertical wire-runs.

1. A frame for supporting wire splice modules in position for cross connection therebetween and comprising parallel spaced vertical panels each having along both vertical edges a plurality of uniformly spaced module support arms extending outwardly and in line with corresponding arms of the other panel, said arms each having an upwardly and inwardly slanting module support surface, said panels defining an inner vertical wire-run and said arms and panels defining two outer vertical wire-runs.

2. Frame of claim 1 wherein said arms each terminate in an outer extension serving further to define said outer wire runs.

3. Frame of claim 2 wherein each of said arms includes near the outer end of its slanting surface a module-retaining boss.

4. Frame of claim 3 wherein said boss has a generally L-shaped cross-section.

5. Frame of claim 2 wherein said slanting surface and said extension are provided by a plastic attachment.

6. Frame of claim 2 wherein said slanting surface and said extension are integral with said panel.

7. Frame of claim 1 wherein is included across the upper ends of said panels a central brace extending across said inner and outer wire-runs.

Images