Abstract: A computer network wall outlet device adapted to be mounted in an apertured wall plate includes a face plate member and a body member which are releasably interconnected to one another. The face plate member, releasably mounted to an aperture in the wall plate, includes a socket aperture aligned with a socket of the body member, the socket having an array of electrical contacts. The body member also retains a printed circuit board having a plurality of electric connections for conductors of a network cable. The device permits maintenance of the printed circuit board without requiring disconnection of the outlet device from the network due to the releasable interconnection of the face plate member. Preferably, the socket and the electrical connections are on the same side of the printed circuit board. Moreover, the device further includes IDC connectors and a ground strap carried by the circuit board for connection to a shield of the cable. The device members may be formed from a metal plated plastic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 29, 2000
Assignee:
Sapphire Networks, Limited
Inventors:
Malcolm John Burlinson, David Maurice Burlinson, Ian Clarke