WO1989006431A1

WO1989006431A1 - Telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device and system

Info

Publication number: WO1989006431A1
Application number: PCT/AU1989/000011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Charles Hardwick
Original assignee: Ian Charles Hardwick
Priority date: 1988-01-07
Filing date: 1989-01-09
Publication date: 1989-07-13

Abstract

A telecommunications and/or current carrying system and device (10). The device (10) is for use in the telecommunications and/or current carrying system. The device (10) comprises a substantially rigid rod-like member (12) having connections at the ends thereof. The connections are in the form of apertures (20) or slots (84) at one end of a rod-like member (12) and pins (18; 86; 88; 92) at the other end. The connections are distinct such that only rod-like members (12) having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together. The distinct connections are indicative of the current or load handling capacities of the rod-like members (12). Coding means (34) may also be provided to indicate current or load handling capacities of the rod-like member (12).

Description

TITLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND/OR ELECTRIC CURRENT CARRYING DEVICE AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device and a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system and a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device for use in such a system.

The components in the system of the present invention are provided with distinct connection means and distinct coding means which are indicative of the current or load handling capacities of the components. The distinct connection means ensure that only components having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together. The main components in the system are substantially rigid rod-like members containing telecommunications or current carrying means embedded in a core of the rod-like members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system characterised in that it comprises a plurality of substantially rigid rod-like members containing telecommunications and/or current carrying means arranged to be interconnected to form a network wherein said rod-like members are provided with distinct connection means such that only rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together, said connection means being indicative of the current or load handling capacities of said rod-like members in said system. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device comprising a substantially rigid rod-like member having a first end and a second end wherein said first end is arranged to be connected to the second end of another said substantially rigid rod-like member containing telecommunications and/or current carrying means, distinct connection means provided on said rod-like member such that only rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together, said connection means being indicative of the current orload handling capacities of said rod-like member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a telecommunications or electric current carrying device in accordance with the present .invention for use in the system of the present invention;

Figure 2(a) is an end view of the obscured end of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 2(b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first end of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows two devices, of the type shown in Figure 1, arranged to be connected together; Figure 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a telecommunications or electrical current carrying device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a power outlet device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows the power outlet device of Figure 5 with the second piece detached from the first piece;

Figure 7 shows a bayonet type socket for the front of the second piece;

Figure 8 shows a front view of a slide on rectangular wall or ceiling power outlet; Figure 9 is an embodiment of an in-line fuse for use in the telecommunications or electric current carrying system of the present invention;

Figure 10(a) shows a backing plate connected to conventional existing wiring to be connected to a device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10(b) shows the remainder of the arrangement for connecting conventional existing wiring to a device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the telecommunications or electric current carrying device of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows an alternative arrangement for the distinct matching connections of the telecommunications or electric current carrying device of the present invention; Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show further alternative pin arrangements for the telecommunications or electric current carrying device of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the telecommunications or current carrying device of the present invention ;

Figures 15(a) and 15(b) shows a second embodiment of a connection arrangement for connecting together components in the system of the present invention; and Figure 16 shows a third embodiment of a connection arrangement for connecting together components in the system of the present invention.

In Figure 1 there is shown a telecommunications or electric current carrying device 10 comprising a substantially rigid rod-like member 12 having a first end 14 and a second end

16.

The first end 14 is provided with pins 18. The second end

16 is provided with matching apertures 20, as best seen in

Figure 2. One of the pins 18 may be longer than the other two to serve as the earth pin when the device 10 is used to carry electricity.

A screw-thread 22 is provided adjacent the first end 14 of the rod-like member 12 and a screw-thread 24 is provided adjacent the second end 16 of the rod-like member 12.

The portion of the rod-like member 12 between the screw-threads 22 and 24 is of reduced diameter. This is best seen in Figure 2(b).

A collar 26 is provided adjacent the screw-thread 22 at the first end 14 of the rod-like member 12. The collar 26 is provided with an internal screw-thread (shown in Figure 2(b) such that the collar 26 may be screwed over the screw-thread

22. The collar 26 is provided with an aperture 28 and an end flange 30. The rod-like member 12 is provided with an aperture 32 adjacent the screw-thread 24 at the second end 16. Wires (hidden from view), or any other suitable conductor, extend from the pins 18 at the first end 14 to the apertures 20 at the second end 16. These wires extend between the pins 18 and apertures 20 in a one-to-one correspondence. The wires may be embedded in a core material of the rod-like member 12. The device 10 may be made in any suitable length, e.g. in the range of from 30cm to 30m.

The device 10 may be provided with appropriate coding indications 34, e.g. colour coding, to indicate that it is made for a specific use, e.g. in relation to current handling capacity, phase rating (i.e. 2 or 3 phase) or any other physical parameter that may be used in a telecommunications or electric current carrying device. In use, a plurality of devices 10 are used to form a telecommunications or electric current carrying network. This may be done, for example, in a building to replace the conventional system of using flexible cabling. However, the present invention is not limited in the application to buildings and may be used in any appropriate situation. The device 10 of the present invention may be connected to another device 10 having matching connections, as will now be described with reference to Figure 3.

In Figure 3, there is shown a portion of a device 10a comprising a substantially rigid rod-like member 12a and a portion of a device 10b comprising a substantially rigid rod-like member 12b. The first end 14a of the rod-like member 12a is shown and the second end 16b of the rod-like member 12b is shown.

'The devices 10a and 10b have matching connections which enable the pins 18a of the rod-like member 12a to engage in the apertures 20b of the rod-like member 12b. This then operatively connects the devices 10a and 10b. The collar 26a of the rod-like member 12a may then be screwed over the screw-thread 22a and the screw-thread 24b until the aperture 28a of the rod-like member 12a is aligned with the aperture 32b of the rod-like member 12b and the end flange 30 abuts the end 27 of the screw-thread 22a. A pin 36 may then be inserted through the aligned apertures 28a and 32b to lock the collar 26a in place over the screw-thread 22a of the rod-like member 12a and the screw-thread 24b of the rod-like member 12b.

Any number of devices 10 may be connected in the above manner provided that they have matching connections. In addition to straight rod-like members 12, the device 10 may be formed in other configurations and arrangements. An example of this is the L-shaped rod-like member 38 shown in Figure 4. Other examples, though not exhaustive, include T-shaped devices 10 (as will be hereinafter described) and cruciform devices 10. These have not, however, been shown in the drawings. Other configurations would be readily apparent to the skilled addressee.

The various forms of the devices 10 are able to be interconnected, by way of matching connections as hereinabove described, to form a network. The network may be located above the ceilings and in the wall cavities of a building. Other locations would be applicable also, depending upon the situation in which the present invention is used.

The coding indications 34 of the devices 10 identify those devices 10 that are compatible for connection.

Further, all the devices 10 of a group of devices that are compatible for connection may be provided with their own distinct type of matching connections. Thus, one group of compatible devices 10 may be provided with round pins 18 to locate in round apertures 20 whilst another group may be provided with square pins 18 and square apertures 20. In this way, it becomes impossible to connect devices 10 that are not compatible. Further examples of distinct matching connections will be hereinafter described. This arrangement makes for easy assembly and isalso a safety feature. Each group may have a full range of different forms of devices 10.

A telecommunications or electric current carrying system, in accordance with the present invention, may use compatible components throughout the system.

Thus, an electric current carrying system may employ power outlet devices in which the wires, or other suitable conductor, are embedded in a core material, and which are arranged to be located in the ceiling or wall of a building, or other location depending upon the particular application in which the electric current carrying system is installed. A power outlet device 36 is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The power outlet device 36 comprises a rod-like member 39 having a first end 14 and a second end 40. The first end 14 is of the same form as the first end 14 of the devices 10 shown in Figure 1, 2(b), 3 and 4, and is not here again described. The second end 40 comprises a two piece socket 42 made up of a first piece 44 formed integral with the rod-like member 38 and a second detachable piece 46.

The first piece 44 is provided with an internal screw-thread 48. The internal base 50 of the first piece 44 is provided with terminals 52 which are in contact with wires in the rod-like member 38. These wires extend from the contacts 52 to the pins 18 in the first end 14. As previously indicated, any other suitable conductor may be used. The second piece 46 is provided with an external screw-thread 54. The rear 56 of the second piece 46 is provided with contact rings 58. The second piece 46 may be screwed into the first piece 44, via the screw-threads 54 and 48, to establish contact between the contact rings 58 and a respective terminal 52. The front 60 of the second piece 46 may be provided with any appropriate socket type connection. This may be a three pin socket 62 as shown in Figure 5 or a bayonet socket 64 as shown in Figure 7.

A conventional switch (not shown) may be provided on the power outlet device 36 to switch power on and off. The bayonet socket 64 of Figure 7 may be of the conventional type which receives light globes at ceiling level in a building.

The second piece 46 is provided with its own internal electrical connections between the apertures of the socket 62 and the contact rings 58. Power outlets for wall or ceiling location may also be provided in the form of slide on rectangular face plates 66 as shown in Figure 8.

A telecommunications or electric current carrying system in accordance with the present invention may additionally employ fuses.

Such fuses may be main fuses connected to a main fuse board. The main fuse board may be provided with suitable sockets, e.g. such as those shown in Figures 5 and 7, such that main fuses having suitable pins 18 may be inserted thereinto.

Alternatively, the fuses may be in-line fuses. An embodiment of an in-line fuse 68 is shown in Figure 9. The fuse 68 is provided with pins 18 and apertures (hidden from view), along with screw-threads 22 and 24.

The in-line fuse 68 may, for example, be connected between two devices 10a and 10b with matching connections. The fuses of the present invention may be provided with appropriate coding instructions (not shown). Additionally, a portion of the fuse may be transparent to enable viewing of the fuse element.

A telecommunications or electric current carrying system in accordance with the present invention may also be provided with suitable means to connect conventional existing wiring to the system.

This is shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b). This may be done by connecting, e.g. by soldering, the conventional existing wiring 70 to a backing plate 72. The backing plate 72 may be provided with pins 18 for connection into the matching apertures of a device 10. However, as will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee, the pins may be provided on the device 10 and the matching apertures in the backing plate 72. A covering tube 74 is placed over the conventional existing wiring 70 and connected the backing plate 72. A collar 26 is provided on the covering tub 74 with an internal screw-thread 25. The backing plate is connected to a suitable device 10 and then the collar 26 is screwed over the screw-thread 24 of the device 10 until the aperture 28 of the collar 26 is aligned with the aperture 32 in the rod-like member 12 and the flange 30 abuts the edge of the backing plate 72. A pin 36 may then be inserted into the aligned apertures 28 and 32.

A warning plate 76 may be provided on the rod-like member 12 to ensure that the installer connects the appropriate compatible device 10 to the conventional existing wiring 70. The power outlet devices 36, face plates 66, fuses 68 and any other components of the. telecommunications or electric current carrying system of the present invention may be provided with coding indications and different types of connections for easy assembly as previously described with reference to the devices 10. Figure 11 shows a T-shaped device 10 comprising a rod-like member 78 and a rod-like member 80 extending from the rod-like member 78. The rod-like member 80 has pin 18 at its end. However, as an alternative apertures 20 may be provided. A collar 26 (not shown) would be used to secure the connections as hereinbefore described.

In similar manner other forms of configurations for the devices 10 may be made, as will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee. Figure 12 shows an alternative arrangement for the distinct matching connections of the device 10 of the present invention.

In Figure 12 the device 10 comprises a rod-like member 82 having pins 18 at its first end 14 and slots 84 at its second end 16. The slots extend backwardly of the second end 16 through the screw-thread 24. This enables the pins

18 to be slotted into the slots 84 from the screw-thread 84. This arrangement may be preferred when an operator is working in confined spaces and there is not sufficient room to manoeuvre the pin and aperture type connections of the device 10 into connecting relation. A collar 26 (not shown) would be used to secure the connections as hereinbefore described.

Figures 13a to 13c show three further alternative pin arrangements which may be used with the device 10 of the present invention.

In Figure 13a, the pins 86 are co-axially arranged and extend from the second end 16 of the device 10. In Figure 13b, the second end 16 of the device 10 is provided with a multi-pin 88. A ground ring 90 may be provided around the second end 16.

The multi-pin 88 is suitable for power requirements or for multi purpose use. In Figure 13c, the second end 16 of the device 10 is provided with a split pin 92.

The pin arrangements shown in Figures 13a to 13c may be used where the current demands larger contact area to avoid heating at the connections. A collar 26 (not shown) would, once again, be used to secure the connections as hereinbefore described. In Figure 14 there is shown an adaptor device 10 which can be used to split the telecommunications and current carrying conductors at an off-take point when both the telecommunications and current carrying conductors are carrying in the same line of devices 10.

Accordingly, the device 10 shown in Figure 14 has a branch rod-like member 94 extending from the maid rod-like member 96. Conveniently, the branch rod-like member 94 carries the telecommunications conductors.

In Figure 15(a), there is shown a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device 10 incorporating an alternative connection arrangement. Figure 15(a) shows a collar 26' provided with a circular internal groove 98, around a first substantially rigid rod-like member 12a' (having no screw thread thereon). The other end of a second rod-like member 126' (also with screw-thread) is provided with an O-ring 100 with a circular ridge 102 on either side thereof. The two rod-like members 12a' and 12b" are connected together by inserting the pins 18 of the rod-like member 12a' into the apertures 20 (obscured) of the rod-like member 12b'. The collar 26' is then slid over the O-ring 100 until the O-ring 100 engages in the groove 98 of the collar 26'. (The collar 26' is shown separately in Figure 15b). The connection arrangement shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b) is an alternative arrangement and may be substituted for the connection arrangement hereinbefore described. In Figure 16 there is shown a telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device 10 incorporating a further alternative connection arrangement.

Figure 16 shows a collar 26" provided with a locking clamp 104 thereon. The locking clamp 104 comprises a pair of loops 106 and 108, pivotally connected together. The collar 26" is provided around a substantially rigid rod-like member 12a" (having no screw-thread thereon). The other end of a second rod-like member 12b" (also without screw-thread) is provided with a pair of hooks 110 thereon. The two rod-like members 12a" and 12b" are connected together by inserting the pins 18 of the rod-like member 12a" into the aperture 20 (obscured) of the rod-like member 12b". The loop 108 is then pivoted forward toward the loop 106 until the loop 16 engages with one of the hooks 110. The loop 108 is then pivoted back away from the loop 106 such that it rests against the collar 26". This locks the loop 106 onto the hook 110.

A pair of locking clamps 104 may be provided on opposite sides of the collar 26" if desired. The telecommunications or electric current carrying devices of the present invention may incorporate any desired number of wires or other suitable conductors appropriate to the particular use to which the devices are to be put.

Claims

1. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system characterised in that it comprises a plurality of substantially rigid rod-like members containing telecommunications and/or current carrying means arranged to be interconnected to form a network, wherein said rod-like members are provided with distinct connection means such that only rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together, said connection means being indicative of the current or load handling capacities of said rod-like members in said system.

2. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 1, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with distinct coding means to indicate rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities.

3. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said connection means comprises recess means and pin means, said recess means and said pin means being spaced from each other on a said rod-like member and said pin means of a first rod-like member being receivable in said recess means of a compatible second rod-like member.

4. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 3, characterised in that said recess means comprises apertures.

5. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 3, characterised in that said recess means comprises slots.

6. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with a screw thread adjacent said recess means and said pin means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like members said locking collar means having an internal screw-thread such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members can be screwed over the said screw threads of the said first and second compatible members to thereby lockingly connect said first and second compatible rod-like members.

7. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 6, characterised in that said locking collar means is provided with an end flange which is arranged to abut the end of one of said screw-threads adjacent said recess means or said pin means to prevent further rotation of said locking collar means around said screw-threads.

8. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that said locking collar means and at least one of said screw-threads adjacent said recess means and said pin means are provided with apertures therein such that when said locking collar means has been screwed around said screw-threads said apertures are aligned and locking pin means is insertable into said apertures to secure said locking collar means.

9. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that it further comprises a first rod-like member with a second rod-like member extending therefrom to form an adaptor to split telecommunications and current carrying means such that said first rod-like member contains both said telecommunications and said current carrying means whilst said second rod-like member contains only one of said telecommunications or said current carrying means.

10. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said telecommunications and/or current carrying means are embedded in a core in said rod-like members.

11. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device comprising a substantially rigid rod-like member containing telecommunications and/or current carrying means, distinct connection means provided on said rod-like member such that only rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities are connectable together, said connection means being indicative of the current or load handling capacities of said rod-like member.

12. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 11, characterised in that said rod-like member is provided with distinct coding means to indicate rod-like members having compatible current or load handling capacities.

13. A telecommunication and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterised in that said connection means comprises recess means and pin means. said recess means and said pin means being spaced from each other on a said rod-like member and said pin means of a first rod-like member being receivable in said recess means of a compatible second rod-like member.

14. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 13, characterised in that said recess means comprises apertures.

15. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 13, characterised in that said recess means comprises slots.

16. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to any one of Claims 11 to 15, characterised in that said rod-like member is provided with a screw thread adjacent said recess means and said pin means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like member said locking collar means having an internal screw-thread such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members can be screwed over the said screw threads of the said first and second compatible members to thereby lockingly connect said first and second compatible rod-like members.

17. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 16, characterised in that said locking collar means is provided with an end flange which is arranged to abut the end of one of said screw-threads adjacent said recess means or said pin means to prevent further rotation of said locking collar means around said screw-threads.

18. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to Claim 16 or 17, characterised in that said locking collar means and at least one of said screw-threads adjacent said recess means and said pin means are provided with apertures therein such that when said locking collar means has been screwed around said screw-threads said apertures are aligned and locking pin means is insertable into said apertures to secure said locking collar means.

19. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to any one of the Claims 11 to 18 characterised in that it comprises a first rod-like member with a second rod-like member extending therefrom to form an adaptor to split telecommunications and current carrying means such that said first rod-like member contains both said telecommunications and said current carrying means whilst said second rod-like member contains only one of said telecommunications or said current carrying means.

20. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to any one of Claims 11 to 19, characterised in that said telecommunications and/or current carrying means are embedded in a core in said rod-like member.

21. A telcommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to any one of Claims 1-5, 9-10, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with hook means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like members said locking collar means provided with clamp means such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members is slidable over said connection means and said clamp means of the locking collar means of a first rod-like member engaged with said hook means of a second rod-like member.

22. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying system according to any one of Claims 1-5, 9-10, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with ring means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like members said locking collar means provided with groove means such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members is slidable over said connection means and said ring means of a first rod-like member is engaged in the groove means of the locking collar means of a second rod-like member.

23. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to any one of Claims 11-15, 19-20, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with hook means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like members said locking collar means provided with clamp means such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members is slidable over said connection means and said clamp means of the locking collar means of a first rod-like member engaged with said hook means of a second rod-like member.

24. A telecommunications and/or electric current carrying device according to any one of Claims 11-15, 19-20, characterised in that said rod-like members are provided with ring means and at least one locking collar means is provided around said rod-like members said locking collar means provided with groove means such that when first and second compatible rod-like members are connected together via said connection means, a said locking collar means on one of the rod-like members is slidable over said connection means and said ring means of a first rod-like member is engaged in the groove means of the locking collar means of a second rod-like member.