Abstract:
A device that replaces the traditional 66 block device has improved pair-to-pair wire isolation to facilitate the transmission of both POTS and xDSL signals. The device includes a non-conductive lower member and a non-conductive upper member that retain a plurality of pairs of electrically conductive stampings therebetween. Each of the pairs of stampings is positioned to be in electric contact with each other such that a signal can be transmitted from one stamping to the other stamping. The stampings are utilized to electrically connect external telecommunication wires to internal telecommunications wires. Each toggle of a plurality of toggles is independently and pivotally connected to the upper member and includes a through bore for accepting an end of a wire that is accessible to an installer when the toggle is in an open, un-terminated position. Each of the toggles are movable from the open, un-terminated position to a closed, terminated position.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The discussion below is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a device for terminating multi-pair telecommunications cables. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for terminating multi-pair telecommunications cables that provides improved pair-to-pair wire isolation along with being capable of being installed without any customized or specialized tools. 
         [0003]    The telecommunications industry has been using 66 block devices for terminating multi-pair telecommunications cables, including 25 pair and 50 pair cables, for many years. The 66 block devices are typically utilized to connect and isolate the external telecommunications wiring from the internal telecommunications wiring of a building. The 66 block devices for a building are typically located at or in a wiring closet such that all of the termination locations for the external telecommunications wiring and the internal communication wiring are in one location. 
         [0004]    The 66 block devices are also utilized within isolated, stand alone enclosures at some facilities, such as at a plant or production facility. The isolated, stand alone enclosures are utilized for the same purposes as the wiring closet of a building, namely, to provide a single location for terminating the external telecommunications wiring and for connecting the telecommunications wiring for the facility. 
         [0005]    The 66 block devices typically require a specialized punch down tool to install the pairs of telecommunications wires to the device. The punch down tool is typically customized to work with termination blocks produced by a particular manufacturer. As such, if an installer wants to utilize multiple suppliers of the 66 block devices, the installer must carry each of the 66 block device manufacturer&#39;s punch down tool, which can be costly, cumbersome and inefficient. 
         [0006]    Traditionally, the multi-pair cables were only for voice signals, otherwise known as plain old telephone service (POTS). However, with technological advances, like xDSL, it is now possible to deliver both high speed data (xDSL) and POTS over the same twisted pairs. While the standard 66 block devices functioned exceptionally well with POTS signals, the standard 66 block devices do not function well with the high speed data signals due to poor pair-to-pair wire isolation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background. 
         [0008]    An aspect of the disclosure relates to a device that replaces the traditional 66 block device which has improved pair-to-pair wire isolation to facilitate the transmission of both POTS and xDSL signals. The device includes a non-conductive lower member and a non-conductive upper member that retain a plurality of pairs of electrically conductive stampings therebetween. Each of the pairs of stampings is positioned to be in conductive contact with each other such that a signal can be transmitted from one stamping to the other stamping. The stampings are utilized to electrically connect external telecommunication wires to internal telecommunications wires. Each toggle of a plurality of toggles is independently and pivotally connected to the upper member and includes a through bore for accepting an end of a wire that is accessible to an installer when the toggle is in an open, un-terminated position. Each of the toggles are movable from the open, un-terminated position to a closed, terminated position such that the wire makes an electric contact with one of the pairs of stampings through pivotal movement of the toggle. As the toggle is manipulated with manual force from the open, un-terminated position to the closed, terminated position, the wire is positioned within a channel within the toggle and also forms a substantial U shape to better retain the wire to the toggle. The upper member includes a plurality of apertures through which an end of a test probe is inserted. The end of the test probe is positionable through the aperture and between the pair of stampings such that a signal through the pair of stampings can be monitored or the circuit can be interrupted for testing of either side of the circuit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a stamping for forming an electric connection. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a section and schematic view of the telecommunications wiring termination block showing a left side in a closed, terminated position and a right side in an open, un-terminated position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is another sectional view of the telecommunications wiring termination block showing a left side in a closed, terminated position and a right side in an open, un-terminated position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a first perspective view of a toggle for the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a second perspective view of the toggle for the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view from a bottom view of an upper member of the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a sectional and schematic view of the telecommunications wiring termination block showing a left toggle retained in the closed, terminated position and the right toggle retained in the open, un-terminated position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a third perspective view of the toggle for the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of one toggle in an open, un-terminated position and another toggle in a closed, terminated position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a fourth perspective view of the toggle for the telecommunications wiring termination block. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of the bottom member filled with a corrosion preventative compound. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a persepctive view of the telecommunications block with a test probe positioned above the telecommunications block. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the test probe. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the test probe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    A telecommunications wiring termination block is generally illustrated in  FIG. 1  at  10 . The termination block  10  provides improved pair-to-pair wire isolation which improves the transfer of high speed data signals (xDSL) along with voice signals (POTS). Further, the design of the termination block  10  does not require any special tools to install the wiring into the termination block  10 . Rather, the termination block  10  and the associated telecommunications wiring can be installed with tools that are typically utilized by all installers such as wire cutters, wire strippers and screwdrivers. As such, the wiring block  10  can be considered to be a “tool-less” termination block because no customized or specialized tools are required to install the telecommunications wiring to the termination block  10 , such as a customized punch down tool. A “tool-less” termination block is desirable because tool costs for the installers are minimized because no special tools are required to install the termination block  10 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the termination block  10  includes a bottom non-conductive member  12  and an upper non-conductive member  14  that retain a plurality of stampings  16  therebetween. The bottom non-conductive member  12  and the upper non-conductive member  14  are typically plastic, molded pieces that are secured together with a snap fit to retain the members  12  and  14  together and the stampings  16  therebetween. However, other securing mechanisms besides a snap fit are also contemplated. 
         [0027]    The pairs of stampings  16  include left and right rows of stampings  18  and  20 , respectively, where opposing stampings  16  in the left and right rows  18  and  20  are positioned into conductive contact such that a circuit is completed when the exterior telecommunications wiring and the internal telecommunications wiring are each terminated to one of the opposing stampings  16  in the rows  18  and  20 , respectively. Each stamping  16  in the left and right rows  18  and  20  are designed to make conductive contact with a corresponding end of a wire though manipulation of a corresponding left or right toggle  22  and  24 , respectively, that are pivotally attached to the upper non-conductive member  14 . 
         [0028]    There are typically fifty left stampings  18  on the left side of the block  10  and fifty right stampings  20  on the right side of the block  10 . The fifty stampings  18  and  20  on each side of the block  10  are group into pairs. 
         [0029]    The stampings  16  are typically formed from a conductive metal. However, a stamping formed of two or more materials is also contemplated as long a circuit can be completed between the stampings. 
         [0030]    For each pair of the left and right stampings  18  and  20  there is a corresponding toggle  22  and  24 , respectively, that accepts a pair of wires. The toggles  22  and  24  have the same construction and are constructed from a non-conductive material, such as a plastic, where the toggles  22  and  24  are molded into the selected form. Therefore a typical termination block  10  includes twenty five left toggles  22  and twenty five right toggles  24 . However, different numbers of stampings  16  and toggles  22 ,  24  besides fifty stampings and twenty five toggles are also contemplated. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each metal stamping  16  in the rows of stampings  18  and  20  has the same construction. Each stamping  16  has a slot  30  at a proximal end  32  for engaging and making conductive contact with an end of a wire  35 . The slot  30  is within a substantially flat and horizontal portion  34  of the stamping  16 . The stamping  16  includes to a curved contact portion  36  that transitions the flat horizontal portion  34  to an arcuate, downwardly configured distal end  38 . 
         [0032]    The contact portion  36  typically includes an embossed feature, typically a cylindrical feature, to aid in providing flexibility and increase the conductive contact between two contact portions  36  of two stampings  16 . However, the embossed feature is an optional feature. 
         [0033]    Each stamping  16  includes a mounting hole  40  for locating the stamping  16  onto a separate tapered pin  42  extending from a bottom surface  44  of the upper member  14 . The bottom surface  44  of the upper member  14  includes a plurality of recessed areas  46  where each recessed area  46  closely matches or cooperates with a portion of the horizontal portion  34  of the stampings  16  such that each stamping  16  fits or nests into one of the recessed areas  46 . However, the stampings  16  will not completely nest into the recessed areas  46  until the lower member  12  and the upper member  14  are assembled together, typically through a snap fit. Once assembled, the stampings  16  are forced into contact with the bottom surface  44  in the recessed area of the upper member  14 , resulting in pressure being placed upon the opposing stampings  16  in the left and right rows  18  and  20  at a contact plane  48  across each stamping  16 . Once the upper member  14  and the lower member  12  are fit together, the downwardly extending portion  38  of the pair of stampings  16  extend into a cavity  13  in the lower member  12  to aid in retaining the pairs of stampings  16  in the selected position and to assist in applying pressure to the stampings  16  at the contact plane  48 . When the stampings  16 , upper plastic member  14 , and lower plastic member  12  are fully assembled, the flat portion  34  of the stampings  16  is approximately parallel and offset a distance from a top surface  11  of the lower member  12 . 
         [0034]    With the block  10  assembled, the contact portion  38  of the left stamping  18  and the contact portion  38  of the right stamping  20  make contact at the contact plane  48  in the center of the block  10 , such that a test probe can be inserted between the contact portions  38  of the left and right stampings  18  and  20 , respectively, through an aperture  50  in the upper member  14 . When the test probe is positioned between the stampings  16  at the contact plane  48 , the electrical connection between the left and right stampings  18  and  20 , respectively, can be disconnected or monitored. The design of the block  10  including that of the stamping  16  and the slot  30  along with the toggle does not require a punch down tool to make a connection between the end of the wire  35  and the stamping  16 , and can be considered to be a tool-less insulation displacement clip (IDC). 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , the toggles  22  and  24  are of the same construction, and are pivotally secured to the upper member  14  through the cooperation of a left or right rounded protrusion  51  and  52  on the upper member  14  with a rounded, recessed area  54  on the toggles  22  and  24 . The toggles  22  and  24  are pivotally secured to the upper portion  14  such that the recessed areas  54  are rotatable about the protrusions  50  and  52  to allow the toggles to be rotated with manual force from the open, un-terminated position to the closed, terminated position. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , each toggle  22  and  24  includes an indented portion  56  on a rounded top front section  57 . The lower member  12  has a protrusion  13  that slightly interferes with the rounded top front section  56  of the toggle  22  or  24  as the toggle  22  or  24  is rotated up to the open un-terminated position. With the toggle in the open, un-terminated position a protrusion  62  on a top side  64  slightly interferes with a bottom surface of a ledge  66  extending from a vertical member of the upper member  14  such that the toggles  22  and  24  are secured in the open un-terminated position, as shown with toggle  24 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , with the toggle  24  in the open, un-terminated position, two holes  70  and  72  are facing towards the left or the right side of the block  10  for easy access and installation of ends of a pair of telecommunication wires into the toggle  24  by the installer. The holes  70  and  72  extend through bottom legs  74  and  76  and into the main body of the toggle  24  to better retain the ends of the wires therein. The bottom legs  74  and  76  are separated by a vertical channel  78  and a horizontal channel  80 . The toggles  22  and  24  include slots  71  and  73  that intersect the holes  70  and  72  where the slots  71  and  73  are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding hole  70  and  72 , all respectively. 
         [0038]    Referring back to  FIGS. 5 and 9 , after the toggle  22  or  24  is freed from the ledge  66  that forms the detent and rotated into from the open, un-terminated position toward the closed terminated position, the pair of wires  35  are folded into the slots  71  and  73  and under the toggles. When the toggles are rotated to the closed, terminated position, as illustrated with toggle  22 , the horizontal channel  80  in the toggles  22  or  24  fit over the stampings  18  and  20 , respectively, thereby terminating the wire  35  into the slot  30  of the flat portion  34  or IDC and making a connection. 
         [0039]    The toggles  22  and  24  are secured to the upper member  14  in the closed, terminated position with a flexible latch arm  90  on the lever arm portion  92  on the toggle that includes a ledge  91  that engages a second ledge  94  in the upper member  14  to secure the toggle  22  or  24  in the closed, terminated position through a snap fit between the flexible latch arm  90  and the second ledge  94 . To release the toggle  22  or  24  from the closed, terminated position, the flexible latch arm  90  on the toggle  22  or  24  is manually forced downward until the ledge  91  on the flexible latch arm  90  is displaced from the second ledge  94  on the upper member  14 . Once the flexible latch arm  90  is displaced from the second ledge  94 , the toggle  22  or  24  is rotatable from the closed, terminated position to the open, un-terminated position. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the bottom member  12  includes end walls, one of which is illustrated at  100 , to form a volume  102  that may be filled with a silicone gel  104 . The silicone gel  104  covers the stampings to provide corrosion protection. However, other corrosion protectors may be utilized, and a corrosion protector is not necessary to utilize the termination block  10 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , metal stampings  118  and  119  of a test probe  110  can be inserted into the opening  50  in the upper member  14  and between the stampings  16  in the left and right rows  18  and  20  to cause the connection to be broken such that the signals through the pairs of stampings  16  can be monitored or diagnostic testing on either the internal wiring pair or external wiring pair can be conducted. The probe  110  includes a left half  114 , that is non-conductive and typically plastic, and a right half  116  that is non-conductive and typically plastic, where the halves  114  and  116  are snap fit together. 
         [0042]    A non-conductive slide switch  120  is retained between the halves  114  and  116  and is slidably positionable from a monitoring position where the circuit is not interrupted to an interrupting position where the circuit is broken. The switch  120  includes an aperture  121  that accepts left and right retaining portions  130  and  132 . The retaining portions  130  and  132  snap fit together and travel within in left and right slots  134  and  136  in the left and right halves  114  and  116 , all respectively. The switch  120  also includes an elongated slot  123  that accepts a peg that guides the switch  120  from the monitoring portion to the interrupting position and back. 
         [0043]    The left stamping  118  includes contacts  126  and  128  that can be electrically connected to a monitoring device. The right stamping  119  includes contacts  122  and  124  that can also be electrically connected to the monitoring device. 
         [0044]    The switch  120  is manipulated with manual force to the monitoring position corresponding to positioning the left and right retaining portions  130  and  132  proximate an upper end of the slots  134  and  136 . With the switch  120  in the monitoring position a distal end  125  of the switch  120  is retracted from the stampings  118  and  119 , such that the stampings  118  and  119  are in conductive contact and the signal through the stampings  118  and  119  can be monitored. With the switch  120  in the monitoring position an indicator  131  on the switch is visible through a second slot  135  and  137  in the halves  114  and  116 , respectively, that indicates that the switch is in the monitoring position. 
         [0045]    When manual force is exerted on the retaining portions  130  and  132  the switch  120  is forced downward until the retaining portions  130  and  132  are proximate the lower end of the slots  134  and  136 . With the retaining portions  130  and  132  proximate the lower ends of the slots  134  and  136 , the distal end of the switch  120  separates the stampings  118  and  119 . Because the switch  120  is of a non-conductive material, the circuit between the stampings  118  and  119  is interrupted. When in the interrupted position, a second indicator  140  is visible through the second slots  135  and  137  that indicates that the circuit has been interrupted. 
         [0046]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.