Abstract:
A wall plate for premise wiring. The wall plate is preterminated with a quick-connect coupling to enable fast connection and disconnection with a complementary quick-connect coupling on a wire configured to carry an electrical signal, such as digital or analog audio, visual or related signal. The wall plate may include numerous signal interfaces for audio, visual or combination audio/visual application. By including all of the components into a modular package, installation and removal of the wall plate for premise wiring upgrades is enhanced.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/708,036, filed Aug. 12, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to wall plates used to convey electric signals through premise wiring systems, and more particularly to a variety of wall plate assemblies with preterminated connections to a premise wiring system. 
   Wall plates are commonly used to terminate premise wiring. In one general form, the wiring acts as a signal carrier for electrical signals, while in a specific form is capable of conveying audio, video and related data signals between a signal source (such as a computer, audio, video or combination device) and the wall plate. Audio, video and data devices (such as displays, monitors, digital video disk (DVD) players, compact disk (CD) players, video tape recorders or the like) can be plugged into the outlet of the wall plate to complete the signal path. Typically, the terminus of the wiring is such that electrically conductive wires (or a group of wires) are connected to corresponding jacks or related connectors on the wall plate through conventional fastening means, such as by soldered joints, spring-biased clips or screwed posts. The use of such labor-intensive approaches during installation and upgrade is deleterious to an efficient, low cost and reliable finished product. This problem is especially prevalent in wiring systems that require periodic upgrading as new technology becomes available. It is therefore desirable that a more efficient approach to connecting premise wiring to a wall plate be developed. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These desires are met by the present invention, where a wall plate assembly and a method of connecting premise wiring systems is disclosed. According to a first aspect of the invention, a wall plate includes a mounting bracket defining a face on or through which one or more signal interfaces extend outward from. The inclusion of a face on the mounting bracket may be from an integral formation of a surface within the mounting bracket, or from the attachment of a separate generally planar surface to the bracket. Either variant is within the scope of the claimed invention. A circuit board is situated behind the mounting bracket. The signal interface is electrically connected to the circuit board, and acts as an outlet or jack for an electric signal that may be delivered to the wall plate through a wiring system. In addition, the wall plate includes a cable lead that has a proximal end and a distal end. In the present context, the term “cable lead” defines a cable, wire or related electric signal-carrying member that represents either the wall plate termination to the runner cable or the flying lead termination to a runner cable. The proximal end of the cable lead is in electrical communication with the signal interface through the circuit board, while the distal end includes a quick-connect coupling to electrically connect to the premise wiring or signal source. The quick-connect coupling enables fast connection and disconnection with a complementary quick-connect coupling on a signal-carrying wire or cable. The construction of the wall plate is such that most of the components are generally similar, while the signal interfaces can be one or more of various devices discussed in more detail below. Such construction of the components into a modular package promotes wall plate autonomy. Moreover, such modularity makes it easier to accommodate premise wiring upgrades and related system changes. 
   To be included within the meaning of the term “adjacent”, precise side-by-side spacing between the components is not necessary. More particularly, the term is utilized herein to distinguish the quick connect assembly of the cable lead of the present invention from contemplated wiring systems where a length of cable coupled to a wall plate runs from the wall plate to a connector in a location displaced far enough from the wall plate to make it inaccessible to the installer, absent relocation of the installer&#39;s base of operation to another room within the structure or another part of a room within the structure. Thus, the distal end of the quick connect assembly would not be “adjacent” the mounting bracket if it were located within a wall section of another room within the structure. Similarly, a configuration where the quick connect assembly was, for example, displaced from the wall plate by ten feet or more would also not be considered adjacent, even if the quick connect assembly and wall plate were in the same room or within the same wall. Preferably, the length of the cable lead can range from less than a few inches to several feet, although particular embodiments of the present invention contemplate cable lead lengths of less than one inch (2.5 cm) to about six inches (15 cm) or, depending upon the preferences of the installer, up to eighteen inches (45 cm). 
   Optionally, the connection of the cable lead to the wall plate is permanent. In the present context, the term “permanent” applies to arrangements where the connection between two or more joined components is such that any attempt at separating them would result in damage to either or all of them, or that the mechanical or electrical properties for which their connection was effected are severely curtailed. In another option, the cable lead may be configured with either a male or female distal end. In still another option, a housing can be coupled to the wall plate. The housing may form a simple box, made from an inexpensive, lightweight material (such as plastic), or may be made from a metal-based material so that the housing acts as an electromagnetic shield that can substantially enclose the circuit board. As stated above, there may be numerous signal interfaces that extend from the face of the mounting bracket. Examples of the signal interfaces that can be used together or in combination include high-density “D” style subminiature signal interface (HD-15, also called D-subminiature), BNC, 3.5 millimeter, RCA and 4-pin mini-din (S-video). A strain relief member may be placed between the proximal end of the cable lead and the circuit board to improve resistance to damage to the electrical connection between the cable lead and the circuit board. In one form, the cable lead extends rearward from the back of the wall plate. In yet another option, the circuit board may be arranged such that it substantially aligns with the face of the bracket. In the present context, the term “substantially” refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while in theory would be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may, in practice embody something less than exact. As such, the term denotes the degree by which a quantitative value, measurement or other related representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a premise wiring system is disclosed. The system includes an assembly of wall plate components (such as those discussed in the previous aspect), and further includes at least one wire, cable or similar electrically-conductive signal carrier. As with the cable lead that was discussed above, the wire includes a quick-connect coupling that forms a complementary mate to the quick-connect coupling of the cable lead. Optionally, an enclosure (such as a back shell) may be used. In another option, the portions of the premise wiring system that relate to the wall plate can be placed in a gang box or related enclosure. The one or more signal interfaces may be formed from a combination of the interfaces previously discussed. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a method of connecting premise wiring to a wall plate is disclosed. The method includes arranging the premise wiring to include a quick-connect coupling that can be connected to a complementary quick-connect coupling situated on a wall plate assembly. The wall plate assembly includes (in addition to the complementary coupling, such as in the form of a cable lead) a mounting bracket with a circuit board connected to it, one or more signal interfaces that are signally coupled to the wiring system through the couplings and circuit board. Optionally, the complementary quick-connect coupling of the cable lead is permanently attached to the circuit board. A tension-reducing device may be placed between the cable lead and the circuit board to promote strain relief between the assembly and the wire of the wiring system. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a wall plate assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate respectively front, back and side views of the wall plate portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of a printed circuit board that is part of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a front and side view of an alternative embodiment wall plate; and 
       FIG. 11  shows a house using premise wiring and one embodiment of the wall plates of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the assembly of a wall plate  1  includes a mounting bracket  10 , printed circuit board  20  mounted to the mounting bracket  10 , one or more signal interfaces (also called outlets or jacks)  30  that extend from a front face  15  of the mounting bracket  10 , and a quick-connect cable lead  40 . Cable lead  40  includes a proximal end  41  and a distal end  42 . Proximal end  41  is in electrical communication with signal interface  30  through circuit board  20 , while distal end  42  electrically connects to a premise wiring system (in the form of a runner cable)  5 . The quick-connect nature of the distal end  42  of the cable lead  40  provides a secure and fast coupling with a mating quick-connect electrical connector of a runner cable completing a number of different functioning audio, video or display cables. In this manner, wall plate assemblies according to the present invention can be connected via runner cable to a second wall plate or a flying lead to enable relatively rapid and simple installation of a premise wiring solution. Back shell  50  will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the description of  FIG. 3 . The wall plate  1  can be assembled into a plastic case (for example, a gang box, also referred to as a junction box)  60  that also houses the terminus point of the wiring system  5 . One valuable attribute of the wall plate  1  of the present invention is its modularity made possible by its self-contained construction. For example, when an upgrade to components of an electronic system (such as an audio/visual system, computer system or multimedia system) is required, such as for monitors, displays, source components like DVD or video tape recorders or the like, the wall plate  1  can be easily decoupled from the wiring system  5  (through the quick-connect couplers) and removed, to be replaced by another unit with the appropriate connector(s) on it. The preterminated nature of the connection between the cable lead  40  and the circuit board  20  to allow quick electrical coupling and decoupling from the premise wiring  5  highlights the modular features of the wall plate  1 . 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 2A through 2C ,  4 A and  4 B through  10 A and  10 B, the signal interface  30  may include various termination configurations. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other connections and interfaces (not shown) may be used, and are understood to be within the scope of the present invention. As such, the present inventors envision that other signal interfaces besides signal interfaces  30  can be included. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 2A through 2C  (in conjunction with  FIG. 1 ), an ultra extended graphics array (UXGA) signal interface  30  for video applications is shown with an HD15 outlet. As shown with particularity in  FIG. 2C , individual conductive lines  45  that make up the cable of cable lead  40  can be routed to leads on circuit board  20 . Also as shown with particularity in  FIG. 2C , placement of printed circuit board  20  is such that it generally aligns with the front face  15  of mounting bracket  10 . Printed circuit board  20  also includes mounting apertures  27  that can have screws or related fasteners (none of which are shown) to secure the printed circuit board  20  to the mounting bracket  10 . In addition, the proximal end  41  of cable lead  40  may include a strain relief  70  to reduce the likelihood of the termination to the printed circuit board  20  becoming undone by a force (such as a tugging force) being placed on wiring system  5 . 
   Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a five-outlet BNC signal interface  130 , commonly used in analog and digital video applications, is shown. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a five-outlet RCA audio/video signal interface  230  is shown. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a three-outlet RCA audio/video plus S-video signal interface  330  is shown, where the RCA signal interfaces are shown as  330 A and the S-video as  330 B. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a four-outlet RCA signal interface  430  for component video and digital audio is shown. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a three-outlet RCA signal interface  530  used for composite video and stereo audio is shown. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a three-outlet RCA signal interface  630  for component video is shown. Referring with particularity to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a two-outlet RCA plus S-video is shown. As can be seen from the various types of outlets or jacks that the wall plate  1  can be equipped with, wall plate assemblies can be used for audio, visual, or other types of electrical signals, and can be extended to fiber optic and related transmission lines (such as HDMI/DVI Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) Digital Video, ST, SC, FC, and LC) signal interfaces that either presently exist or would be created in the future. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 3  in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , printed circuit board  20  is shown in more detail, where various leads (such as solder leads  45 ) can connect individual conductive lines within the cable lead  40 , and are placed in accordance with the electrical needs of the signal. Printed circuit board  20  is of a generally planar construction and is fabricated by techniques well-known to those skilled in the art. Signal interface  30  is configured to mate with a corresponding member (not shown) that is wired to, or formed in, the printed circuit board  20 . In one form, the circuit board  20  is substantially coextensive with the mounting frame  10  to better enable the signal interface  30  to line up with the appropriate wiring or circuitry on the circuit board  20 . The circuit board  20  can be encased in a box  50  (an example which can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2C ) made from any suitable material. In one form, box  50  may be formed from a low-cost material, such as plastic, while in others, it may be shielded (i.e., made from a metal or other suitable shielding material) to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of radio frequency interference (RFI). The modular nature of the wall plate  1  and its assembly ensures functionality for numerous signal types, such as those discussed above in conjunction with the various signal interfaces. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 11 , the placement of a premise siring system  5  in a dwelling  9  is shown. Wiring system  5  can be responsive to input from an electrical device, such as a central control panel  90  (may be connected to a multimedia system  92  or the like) or computer  95 . As shown, wall plates  1  can form either a terminus point or an intermediary point within wiring system  5 , and can be equipped with any of the signal interfaces described above. Monitors  80  can be placed in various locations within dwelling  9  to facilitate the transmission of audio/visual signals thereto. 
   Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.