Connecticut Patent of the Month – September 2022
Patch panels are an important piece of hardware that organizes cables and wires that connect incoming and outgoing local area network (LAN) cables. These may facilitate internet connections or connection to wide area networks (WAN), and are typically stored in a telecommunications closet or other location appropriate for storing cables. Since wires are typically positioned at the back of the panel, and the patch plugs are to be plugged into ports at the front of the panel, this limits the locations in which the patch panels can be stored. Therefore, there is a need to manage cables effectively and enhance space utilization so that these panels could be easily mounted to a variety of surfaces.
Ortronics, Inc. (Ortronics) is focused on providing infrastructure solutions related to connectivity and physical support products. Through extensive research, they developed a patch panel that was not limited to specific storage areas. It could be mounted to furniture, including a desk, bookshelf, table or chair, a ceiling or wall.
Ortronics’s development consists of a base that can be mounted to a desired surface, and a separate patch panel element that can slide into the base with a patented locking system. This element contains jacks or ports that separate cables and wires so that they can be easily organized and carefully wrapped for storage. Multiple base components can be fitted together to form an angular patch panel, suitable for mounting to wall corners or other furniture. Their panel element is quick to insert and has a releasable lock feature, making their angular patch panel easy to use and able to save space.
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