Baseboard infrastructure system

A baseboard infrastructure system is described having baseboard members and premise hubs. The baseboard member is formed to conceal and protect cables or wires installed within a channel region formed between the baseboard and a wall the baseboard is mounted against. The baseboard member has an integrated connector assembly ICA for connection of external wires and cables with the wires and cables contained within the channel region of the baseboard member. An ICA having an ICA plate with jacks or connectors mounted thereon is formed to allow vertical connection of wires or cables. An ICA cap formed to match the shape of the top of the baseboard mounts in the ICA when the ICA is not used for connection of cables or wires. Multiple baseboard members are mounted within a room or rooms to a building, thereby concealing the wiring of the room and providing ICAs for connection of wires and cables. Wires and cables within the channel region of the baseboard members connect with telephone, cable, power and information lines coming into the apartment or building at a premise hub. The premise hub is configured to split incoming lines depending on the needs of the occupants of the apartment or space of the building.

BACKGROUND
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to the field of infrastructure systems in
 general. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of
 electrical and communications infrastructure routing within a permanent or
 temporary home, building, or facility.
 2. Description of the Related Art
 A major factor in the occupation of any commercial or residential space is
 the routing of AC power and communications lines. Without power for
 computers, lamps, facsimile machines, copiers, printers and other devices,
 most modem workspaces simply cannot be occupied. With the growth in
 information technology, the same has become true for access to
 communication lines. In all types of work environments, from offices to
 manufacturing facilities, information and the ability to share information
 has become central to the operations of many employees. Workers in offices
 and production facilities need access to information relating to
 customers, inventory, design plans, and scheduling to name just a few.
 While access to information has significantly aided workers in performing
 their jobs, competition has made providing such access an essential for
 firms wishing to be competitive in the marketplace of the 21st century.
 Firms wishing to occupy new office space or manufacturing facilities are
 faced with substantial costs in routing power and communication lines with
 currently available infrastructure systems.
 With the advent of information entertainment such as cable TV, DSS dishes,
 internet hookups and on-line services, there is an increasing need to run
 multiple power, video, voice, data and other communication lines within
 the home. This trend is increasing as workers, with the advent of computer
 networks, face the option of tele-commuting or working late on a home
 computer by accessing data from computers at work or elsewhere. Home
 connectivity to communication and information networks is an important
 feature in a residential space directly effecting the quality of life of
 the resident.
 The standard wall jack used in most homes and offices has substantial
 limitations which increase the cost of rerouting an office space. As
 office partitions change, relocating outlets is an expensive, labor
 intensive proposition. Each outlet needs to be rerouted though the wall to
 its new location. Additionally, even when installed, the wires and cables
 plugged into the jack protrude perpendicularly from the wall. This makes
 them prone to damage from shifting furniture or from traffic within the
 space. Furniture placed in the office must be positioned several inches
 away from the wall to give adequate space for the protruding wires and
 cables. Pushing furniture too close to the wall can bend or damage the
 connectors on the jack. In the event that placement of computer equipment
 within a space is changed from the original conception, or new equipment
 is added, the cost and interruption associated with installing new outlets
 often results in the hazard of running extension cables along walls and
 across floors.
 Another attempt at retrofitting an existing space with power and
 communication lines is shown in FIG. 1. Instead of installing outlets
 within the walls, as described above, existing space is retrofitted with
 power and communication cables with a surface mount jack (2). The jack (2)
 protrudes perpendicularly to the wall and actually protrudes further from
 the wall than the standard wall jack. Unlike the standard wall jack, the
 surface mounted wall jack runs the power and communication cables inside a
 conduit (4) attached to the wall. In addition to the disadvantages
 described above for wires and cables protruding perpendicular to the wall,
 the surface mounting of the conduit (4) departs from the clean lines often
 associated with modern architectural style.
 Another current attempt to provide power and communication lines to
 workstations are floor mounted jack systems. While floor mounted jack
 systems do not have connectors protruding from the wall, they have other
 significant disadvantages. One disadvantage is the difficulty in
 relocating floor jacks in standard flooring. As with the standard wall
 mounted jack, floor jacks must be routed through to fixed jacks that
 cannot easily be relocated. In the standard flooring of existing office
 buildings or homes, a hole in the floor must be drilled or cut to allow
 routing of the cables and installation of the jack. This makes relocating
 jacks prohibitively expensive. While artificial flooring exists, which can
 be mounted above existing flooring for jack installation and cable
 routing, this is very expensive and not well suited to home use.
 Accordingly, it is desired that the present invention overcome the
 limitations of current infrastructure systems and equipment.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention provides a baseboard infrastructure system that is
 easily adapted to existing structures. Power cables and communication
 lines are contained within the baseboard members, thereby eliminating the
 need for routing within walls or under flooring. Jacks for power and
 communication lines are provided on the upper surface of the baseboard in
 an integrated connector assembly (hereinafter ICA). This allows cables
 connected to the jack to protrude parallel to the wall, thereby averting
 interfering with furniture placement and protecting the cables from
 damage.
 In one embodiment of the present invention, a ICA cap is provided which
 snaps into the baseboard at the location of the upwardly facing jack. When
 a jack is not being used for connection to power or communication lines,
 the ICA cap provides a smooth aesthetic appearance to the baseboard.
 Additionally, the ICA cap protects jacks and connectors within the
 upwardly facing jack from dust or debris.
 In another embodiment of the present invention, the ICA cap is actually a
 sliding cover which exposes the jacks for connection of cables and slides
 closed to protect the jacks when not in use. The sliding cover is
 incorporated into the top of the baseboard and slides in a horizontal
 direction to expose or protect the jacks located within a recessed panel
 within the baseboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention provides a baseboard infrastructure system. In the
 following description, numerous details are set forth in order to enable a
 thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
 understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these specific
 details are not required in order to practice the invention. Further,
 well-known elements, devices, process steps and the like are not set forth
 in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
 In the following figures like objects are given the same numbers in an
 effort to aid the reader in understanding the features of the present
 invention.
 FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member (10) with an ICA
 cap (12) removed to allow access to an integrated connector assembly (14)
 (hereinafter ICA). A front surface (16) of the baseboard member (10) has a
 flat surface. An upper surface (18) of the baseboard member (10) is formed
 with a curved or molded surface in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
 FIG. 3 shows the baseboard member (10) with the ICA cap (12) installed. An
 upper surface (20) of the ICA cap (12) is formed to match the upper
 surface (18) of the baseboard member (10). When the ICA (12) cap is
 installed, the baseboard member (10) has the appearance of a standard
 baseboard used in homes and offices.
 FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the baseboard member (10) showing the
 ICA (14) and a channel region (22) of the baseboard member (10). The ICA
 cap (not shown) has been removed from the ICA (14). A connector region
 (24) is formed below the ICA (14) to prevent interference between jacks
 mounted within the ICA (14) and cables within the channel region (22). As
 will be described in greater detail later, the baseboard member (10) is
 formed such that when a rear surface (26) of the baseboard member (10) is
 placed against a wall (not shown), a channel for carrying cables is formed
 from the channel region (22) and the wall. In this manner the power and
 communication cables are concealed from view and protected by the
 baseboard member (10).
 FIG. 5 is a view of the ICA (14) of the baseboard member (10). The ICA (14)
 includes two RJ45 connectors (32) and (34) and one coaxial cable connector
 (36). RJ45 connectors (32) and (34) allow connection of video, data or
 telephone lines. The connectors (32), (34) and (36) are affixed to an ICA
 plate (38) by two ICA plate retaining screws (40) and (42). The ICA plate
 (38) is mounted within the ICA (14) is such manner that cables plugged
 into to the connectors (32), (34) and (36) protrude perpendicular to the
 ICA plate (38). Two cap retaining pins (44) and (46) protrude from the ICA
 plate (38) of the ICA (14). The cap retaining pins (44) and (46) are used
 to secure a ICA cap (12) in place when connectors (32), (34) and (36) are
 not being used. Telephone and data cables (48) and (50) are connected to
 each of the RJ45 connectors (32) and (34), respectively. An AV coaxial
 cable (52) is connected to a coaxial connector (36) which is installed in
 the ICA (14). The telephone cables (48) and (50) and the coaxial cable
 (52) are run down the channel region (not shown) in the baseboard member
 (10) when installed.
 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ICA plate (38). The ICA plate (38) is
 formed from any stiff material such as a plastic or metal. FIG. 7 is a
 side, cross sectional view of the ICA plate (38) shown in FIG. 6 taken
 about the center of the long axis of the ICA plate (38). Holes (54)-(66)
 in the ICA plate (38) are formed during molding, in the case of the ICA
 (38) plate formed from plastic, or by cutting or drilling. Holes (54) and
 (56) are for the ICA plate retention screws (40) and (42) as shown in FIG.
 5. Hole (58) is circular and is formed to allow mounting of the coaxial
 connector (36). Holes (60) and (62) are square and formed to allow
 mounting of a telephone line connectors (32) and (34) as shown in FIG. 5.
 Holes (64) and (66) are formed to allow mounting of retention pins (44)
 and (46) as shown in FIG. 5. The retention pins (44) and (46) can be press
 fit within the holes (64) and (66). Another possible means of securing the
 retention pins (44) and (46) within the holes (64) and (66) of the ICA
 plate (38) is by a mounting screw (not shown) which screws into the
 retention pin from the side of the ICA plate (38) opposite the side on
 which the retention pin is mounted. Alternatively, when the ICA plate (38)
 is formed from a molding process, the retention pins (44) and (46) can be
 integrally molded as part of the ICA plate (38).
 The ICA cap (12) shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5 has two ICA cap retention
 channels (68) positioned to allow the ICA cap (12) to be securely held in
 place. The ICA cap retention channels (68) and cap cover retention pins
 (44) and (46) are formed to provide sufficient friction to securely hold
 the cap cover (12) on the baseboard member (10) when installed. The cap
 cover (12) is removed from the baseboard member (10) by prying with a
 screwdriver or like instrument.
 FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a baseboard member stock (70) as shown
 in FIG. 3 without the ICA plate or jacks installed. FIG. 9 is an end view
 of the baseboard member stock (70) shown in FIG. 8. The baseboard member
 stock (70) is 4 ft. long, 6 inches high and 2.25 inches deep. The
 baseboard member stock (70) is formed from a stiff material, such as wood
 or plastic. The baseboard member stock (70) can either be molded or
 machined in the configuration shown. The ICA (14) is formed to accept the
 ICA plate (38), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The ICA plate (38) screws to,
 and is supported by, the ICA plate supports (72) and (74). The ICA cap
 (12), as shown in FIG. 5, is formed to fit the ICA (14). The channel
 region (22) is formed along the long axis of the baseboard member stock
 member stock (70) to allow cables and/or wires (not shown) to be run
 between on which the baseboard (70) and a wall (not shown) the baseboard
 is mounted against. The channel region (22) extends 1.5 inches deep into
 the baseboard member stock (70) from the back side (26) of the baseboard
 member stock (70). The back surfaces (80) and (82) contact a wall (not
 shown) when the baseboard is installed. The channel region (22) extends
 2.5 inches above a lower lip (76). The lower lip (76) of the baseboard
 member stock (70) extends from the front (16) to the rear surface (26) of
 the baseboard member stock (70), contacting a wall when installed. The
 channel region (22) extends a uniform height above the bottom surface (84)
 of the baseboard along the length of the baseboard member stock (70). This
 allows multiple baseboard sections to be connected to span a room, thereby
 allowing wires and cables to run from channel region to channel region of
 adjoining baseboards. These dimensions of the channel region (22) allow
 several cables, wires, cords or lines to run within the channel region
 when the baseboard member stock (70) is installed against a wall.
 FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a baseboard member (10) installed
 against a wall (90) within a room of a building or structure. The bottom
 surface (84) of the baseboard member (10) rests on the floor (88). The
 back surfaces (80) and (82) of the baseboard member (10) fits against the
 wall (90) such that the channel region (22) is separated and enclosed from
 the room by the baseboard member (10) and the wall (90). Within the
 channel region (22), telephone lines (92) and (94) and coaxial cable are
 run to the ICA (not shown).
 The baseboard member (10) can be secured to the wall (10) by nailing or
 screwing through a nailing runner (96) of the baseboard member (10). The
 nailing runner (96) is the portion of the baseboard extending from the
 front (16) to the rear (26) of the baseboard and above the channel region
 (22). In the embodiment of the baseboard member (10) shown in FIG. 10
 having a height of 6 inches, the nailing runner (96) extends from the top
 (18) of the baseboard member (10) down 3 inches to a nail indicator groove
 (98) in FIG. 10. The nailing runner (96) extends along the length of the
 baseboard member (10) but does not extend in the region of the baseboard
 below the ICA cap (12) and the ICA (14), as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The ICA
 (14) and the connector region (24), as shown in FIG. 10, extend beneath
 the ICA cap (12) as shown in FIGS. 2-3. As such, nailing in the ICA (14)
 and the connector region (24) is likely to damage wires or cables within
 these regions of the baseboard member (10). Nails or screws can be put
 through the upper 3 inches of the baseboard member (10) except in the
 region immediately beneath the ICA cap (12). In this manner the baseboard
 member (10) can be installed within a room of a building by nailing or
 screwing without danger of damaging the wires or cables.
 Alternatively, the baseboard member (10) can be installed by an epoxy, glue
 or adhesive between the baseboard member (10) and the wall (90). In such
 an installation, epoxy is placed on the rear surfaces (80) and (82) of the
 baseboard which contact the wall (90), as shown in FIG. 8. Care should be
 taken to avoid epoxy from entering the channel region (22), or the ICA
 (14) and connector region (not shown), and thereby interfering with wires
 and cables.
 FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken through the ICA (14) of the
 baseboard member (10) installed against the wall (90) within a room of a
 building or other structure. A piece of furniture (102) such as a desk,
 bookcase or dresser is located within the room adjacent the baseboard
 member (10) and parallel to the wall (90). Installed within the ICA (14)
 is a connector (104) with a AV coaxial cable (106) mounted to the
 connector (104). The AV coaxial cable (106) is located within the
 connector region (24) beneath the ICA (14) and extends down the channel
 region (22). A coaxial cable (112) having a connector (108) is connected
 to the AV connector (104). The cable (112) and connector (108) mount
 perpendicularly to the ICA plate (38) and parallel to the wall (90). This
 allows the piece of furniture (102) to be pushed up against the baseboard
 member (10) without interfering with or damaging the cable (112), or
 connectors (108) or (104), or the ICA plate (38). The AV coaxial cable
 (106) is used in FIG. 11 and the accompanying description as an example to
 illustrate the features of the invention. Other embodiments could utilize
 telephone lines, data transmission lines, fiber optic cables, AC power
 cables, or other cables or wires connected in any combination to
 connectors mounted within the jack region.
 FIG. 12 shows a baseboard member (120) as shown in FIGS. 2-3 having one end
 (122) of the baseboard mitered at a 45.degree. angle. An ICA cap (124) is
 installed in the baseboard (120) and conceals the ICA (not shown). FIG. 13
 is a top cross sectional view showing two baseboards (120) and (130)
 having complimentary miters and joined in the corner (132) of a room. The
 cross section is taken about the lengthwise axis (128) of the baseboard
 member (120) shown in FIG. 12. Baseboard member (120) is mounted against a
 wall (134) and baseboard member (130) is mounted against a wall (136). A
 cable (138) runs within the channel region (140) of baseboard member (130)
 to the channel region (142) of baseboard member (120). In this manner a
 cable or cables is able to be run along the wall of a room by connecting
 several baseboards such that their channel regions (142) link up to form
 one continuous channel region.
 FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view which shows another embodiment of the
 present invention where two baseboards (150) and (152) have complimentary
 miters on one end are joined at a corner of a room to form a continuous
 channel region from their respective channel regions (154) and (156).
 Baseboard member (150) has a channel region (154) and baseboard member
 (152) has a channel region (156). Baseboard member (150) is mounted
 against a wall (158) and baseboard member (152) is mounted against a wall
 (160). A cable (162) runs within the channel region (154) of baseboard
 member (150) to the channel region (156) of baseboard member (152).
 The embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14 had only one cable within the channel
 region for purposes of clarity. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14 allow
 multiple cables and wires to be run within the channel regions.
 While the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14 used baseboards with a miter cut
 of 45.degree. to form a continuous channel region around right angle
 corners of a room, other embodiments could use different angle miter cuts
 to form a continuous channel region around non-right angle corners.
 While the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14 utilized two sections of the
 baseboard to form a continuous channel region around a corner in a room,
 other embodiments could have a single baseboard segment formed as one
 piece to form a continuous channel region around a corner.
 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the baseboard member (170) with the ICA
 cap (176) installed, wherein the top (174) of the baseboard member (170)
 has a molded shape. The ICA cap (176) is matched to baseboard member (170)
 such that the ICA cap appears as part of an integrated top when installed.
 The molded top (174) can be formed by molding the baseboard member (174)
 or by routing the baseboard member (170) having a differently shaped top.
 As can be seen from the baseboard member (170) shown in FIG. 15, the
 present invention has the versatility to allow wiring for power,
 communications, information and entertainment to be routed within an
 existing structure in an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive manner.
 The baseboard member (170) may be shaped or contoured to match or enhance
 the architectural and design style used within the structure. This is
 particularly useful in residences where the owner or renter of the space
 may have particular styles of baseboard within the structure. The
 baseboard system described herein allows customization of the baseboard to
 the particular needs and preferences of the person or people who will
 occupy the space in which the baseboard is installed. Additionally, a
 toe-piece (178) can be attached to the front surface (180) of the
 baseboard member (170).
 FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the present invention where the
 baseboard member (182) and the ICA cap (184) have flat upper surfaces
 (186) and (188), respectively. By providing a flat upper surface to the
 ICA cap (184) and the baseboard member (182), this particular embodiment
 allows installers to customize the baseboard infrastructure system to a
 particular architectural style. Molding of a particular style or shape can
 be nailed, screwed or glued to the flat upper surfaces (186) and (188).
 While the above embodiments utilized an ICA cap held onto the baseboard
 member by retention pins, as shown in FIG. 5, other embodiments could use
 other retention means to securely hold the ICA cap when installed in the
 baseboard member.
 FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member (190) having a
 sliding ICA cover (192) formed as part of the baseboard member. When no
 wires or cables are connected to the ICA (not shown), the ICA cover (192)
 is slid to the closed position to protect the connectors of the ICA from
 dirt and debris. The ICA cover (192) is shown in the closed position in
 FIG. 17. When a wire or cable is to be connected to an ICA (194), the ICA
 cover (192) is slid to the open position shown in FIG. 18.
 FIG. 19 is a rear view of the ICA (194) of the baseboard member (190) shown
 in FIG. 18. The ICA cover (192) slides within cover guides (196) and
 (198). Cover stops (200) prevent the ICA cover (192) from sliding beyond
 the open and closed positions. For illustration purposes, the ICA plate
 (38) is shown without any connectors installed.
 FIG. 20 is a close up view of an ICA (210) of a baseboard member (212) as
 shown in FIGS. 2-4. An ICA plate (214) is adapted to mount fiber-optic
 connectors (216) and (224), telephone connector (218), AC power connector
 (220) and AV coaxial connector (222). The ICA (210) can be adapted to
 carry as many connectors as is appropriate to the application of the
 baseboard infrastructure system. As this embodiment of the present
 invention illustrates, the present invention is adaptable to any form of
 wire, cable, connector or jack that could be utilized within residential
 or industrial structures. Additionally, the present invention is able to
 carry an antenna within the channel region of the baseboard member for
 wireless transmission of data or other signals to devices located within
 the room wherein the baseboard member is installed. In such an application
 of the present invention, the antenna could be used to receive data, or to
 transmit data, or for both reception and transmission of data to the
 devices within the room. One example of this application is the use of the
 baseboards to carry antennas used for a local area network (LAN).
 While the above embodiments utilized baseboard members with one ICA, other
 embodiments could have multiple ICAs on one baseboard member.
 FIG. 21 is a close up view of a premise hub (230) which acts as a central
 location for all lines entering a space within a structure, such as an
 apartment or office. Preferably, the premise hub (230) will be located in
 a utility closet or other unobtrusive location within the space. Telephone
 and data lines (232) entering the space are connected to the telephone
 line divider (234) and split into individual telephone lines (236), which
 are run through the channel regions of baseboard members (not shown) to
 connectors located at an ICA (not shown). AC power from the AC power line
 (242) is brought into the AC power splitter (240) and divided into AC
 power lines (244). AV cable line (250) entering the apartment connects to
 an AV divider and amplifier (252). The signal from the AV cable line (250)
 is amplified and divided into 8 signals by the AV amplifier and divider
 (252). The 8 signals exiting the AV amplifier and divider (252) are then
 fed into the 8 AV coaxial lines (254). Fiber-optic line (260) entering the
 space is connected to an fiber-optic coupler and splitter (262). The
 signal from the fiber-optic line (260) is coupled and split among the
 fiber-optic lines (264). All the power lines (244), AV coaxial lines (254)
 and fiber-optic lines (264) are run through the channel regions of the
 baseboard members (not shown) of the baseboard infrastructure system to
 connectors mounted in the ICA of a baseboard member.
 FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the premise hub (230) having a cover
 (270) to conceal the wires and cables within. Baseboard members (272) and
 (274) are connected to the premise hub (230). These baseboard members
 connect to other baseboard members (not shown) and run throughout the
 apartment to provide connectors via the ICAs to each desired location
 within the apartment. In this manner an existing space is easily wired for
 power, telephone, computer and other information services without the need
 to run cables through walls or under floors. Rewiring an installation is
 easily accomplished by removing the baseboard members, running the
 appropriate cables within the channel regions to the baseboard members,
 and then reinstalling the baseboard members.
 While the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 22 utilizes one
 premise hub, other embodiments could have multiple premise hubs within the
 structure.
 While the embodiments of the baseboard member shown above have a horizontal
 dimension greater than the height or depth of the baseboard member, other
 embodiments could have a horizontal dimension shorter than either the
 height or depth of the baseboard member. Such embodiments are particularly
 well adapted to fitting an existing space which may require baseboard to
 be installed along distances of wall only slightly longer than an integer
 number of standard baseboard members. In such embodiments the baseboard
 may be formed without a ICA or a connector region, but would still have a
 channel region to conceal and protect cables or wires run within the
 baseboard member.
 While the embodiments of the present invention described herein were
 mounted at the base of a wall, the present invention could also be mounted
 against a wall at a height above the floor. The member could be mounted
 above the floor against the wall to provide a channel region for running
 wires and cables to connectors mounted in the ICA of the members. In one
 possible embodiment, the members a placed at a height to form a chair
 railing and to carry wires and cables to connectors.
 Although the invention has been described in conjunction with particular
 embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications and
 alterations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from
 the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the
 art will recognize that the present invention is not limited fiber-optic
 communications and optical instruments.