Patent ID: 6244908
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H01R,Y10S

Abstract:
A data connector for establishing electrical communication with a multiconductor cable wherein said data connector receives at least first and second distinct types of mating connector plugs therein, said data connector comprising:an external housing having a peripheral wall coextensive with a front extent and a rear extent, wherein said front extent defines an aperture thereat through which a mating connector enters a receiving cavity defined within said external housing, said receiving cavity securably accepting a correspondingly sized and shaped mating connector therein;an interior housing insertable within said receiving cavity, said interior housing having a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral sidewall extending therebetween having a predetermined wall thickness, wherein said interior housing securably fits within said receiving cavity and accommodates insertion of a mating connector plug in a correspondingly configured recess defined therewithin;a printed circuit board positioned within said external housing that includes a support surface from which a plurality of signal contacts longitudinally depend, wherein said signal contacts are electrically coupled to said printed circuit board;a switch slidably mounted along said support surface having a front switch surface and a rear switch surface wherein said front switch surface is positioned at a rear wall of said receiving cavity and wherein said switch enables selective electrical connection of said signal contacts to conductors of a multiconductor cable; anda carriage positioned beneath said front switch surface that includes an inclined upper surface and a lower surface having a plurality of contacts positioned thereon;such that upon application of force upon said front switch surface in a direction toward said support surface of said printed circuit board, said carriage is correspondingly translated along said support surface.