Modular outlet
View Patent ↗In conjunction with a wiring in a house carrying data network signal, a modular outlet ( 100 ) includes a base module ( 100 a ) and interface module ( 100 b ). The base module connects to the wiring and is attached to the surface of a building. The interface module provides a data unit connection. The interface module is mechanically attached to the base module and electrically connected thereto. The wiring may also carry basic service signal such as telephone, electrical power and cable television (CATV). In such a case, the outlet provides the relevant connectivity either as part of the base module or as part of the interface module. Both proprietary and industry standard interfaces can be used to interconnect the module. Furthermore, a standard computer expansion card (such as PCI, PCMCIA and alike) may be used as interface module.
1. A modular outlet for connection to wiring in a building carrying a data network signal, said outlet comprising a base module and an interface module having a mating connector:
said base module comprising: a casing; a first mount for attaching said casing to a wall of the building; a first connector carried by said casing for connecting to said wiring; and a second connector carried by said casing for connecting to said mating connector of said interface module; and
said interface module being couplable to a data unit so that when said interface module is attached to said base module, the data network signal is coupled to the data unit, wherein:
said base module further comprises a second mount distinct from said second connector for attachment of said interface module thereto; and
said second mount is adapted for mechanical support only of said interface module so that, when said interface module is supported by said second mount, said second connector of said base module and said mating connector of said interface module are in mutual electrical contact.
2. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein said second mount is configured for sliding engagement of said interface module.
3. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring further carries a basic service signal, and wherein said first connector is one of: a telephone connector; a power connector; and a CATV connector.
4. The outlet according to claim 3 , wherein the basic service is selectable from the set: telephone, power and CATV.
5. The outlet according to claim 3 , further including a basic service coupling for connecting to the basic service signal, and wherein said second connector is constructed to carry the basic service signal.
6. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein said data unit is couplable to said interface module by a non-wired medium.
7. The outlet according to claim 6 , wherein the non-wired medium is selected from the set: optical, audio and radio-frequency.
8. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein said interface module conforms to industry standard specifications.
9. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring uses a non-conductive medium.
10. The outlet according to claim 9 , wherein said medium is based on fiber optics.
11. The outlet according to claim 1 , wherein said interface module is a data unit.
12. The outlet according to claim 11 , wherein the data unit is selected from PDA and cellular phone.
13. A base module for use in the modular outlet according to claim 1 , said base module comprising:
a first mount for attachment to a wall of the building and a first connector for connecting to said wiring;
a second mount for allowing attachment of an interface module thereto; and
a second connector for connecting to said interface module,
wherein, when said interface module is attached to the base module, the data network signal is coupled to the data unit.
14. The base module according to claim 13 , wherein said interface module conforms to industry standard specifications.
15. The base module according to claim 13 , wherein the wiring uses a non-conductive medium.
16. The base module according to claim 15 , wherein said non-conductive medium includes an optical fiber and said base module comprises a fiber optics transceiver to conduct data over the optical fiber.
17. The base module according to claim 13 , wherein said interface module is a data unit.
18. The base module according to claim 17 , wherein the data unit is selected from PDA and cellular phone.
19. A base module for connection to wiring in a building carrying a data network signal and having a connector adapted for coupling to a mating connector of an interface module for coupling the data network signal thereto, said base module comprising:
a casing for fixing said base module to a wall of the building, first connector carried by said casing for connecting to the wiring, and a second connector carried by said casing and electrically connected to said first connector for connecting to the interface module; and
a mount disposed within said casing and being distinct from said connectors carried by said base module for allowing mechanical attachment only of the interface module thereto, said mount being configured so that when the interface module is disposed within said mount, said second connector of said base module and the mating connector of the interface module are in mutual electrical contact.
20. The base module according to claim 19 , wherein said mount is configured for sliding engagement of the interface module.
21. The base module according to claim 19 , wherein the wiring further carries a basic service signal, and wherein said first connector is one of: a telephone connector; a power connector; and a CATV connector.
22. The base module according to claim 21 , wherein the basic service signal is selectable from the set: telephone, power and CATV.
23. The base module according to claim 21 , further including a basic service coupling for connecting to the basic service signal.