The present invention relates to an interconnection device, or more particularly to an interconnection panel for electronic devices. The present invention is particularly, although not exclusively applicable to providing an interconnection panel for use in connecting electronic devices or instruments in an outdoor context, especially in a marine environment.

An increasing number of different electronic devices are used in all aspects of life today, particularly in the field of outdoor pursuits. For example, a number of different navigation devices may often be used, in addition to more conventional radios and power devices. For example, in marine applications, vessels are typically fitted with radios, power sources, fish finder and Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Often it is desirable to be able to connect such devices with one another so that they may communicate with one another. For example, in a marine context, the output of a positioning unit such as a GPS device may be connected to a radio and/or fish finder device. Typically a radio system may be connected to more than one different positioning device, such as Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and GPS systems, to allow the radio to be able to use either system, depending e.g. upon whether the vessel is in the proximity of a satellite. The power and/or communications/data inputs and outputs of respective devices may be connected to one another to allow intercommunication between the devices. Marine communication protocols such as the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) system also need instruments to be wired together. The way in which devices are connected to one another may vary depending upon how many different types of device are required for a particular context, and the intended activities of a user. For example, a yachtsman may wish to make use of more sophisticated positioning equipment for a more demanding voyage, or may wish to only use a fish finder only on certain fishing trips. Often the different electronic devices originate from different manufacturers, and are not supplied with any means to allow them to easily be interconnected with

other devices. Typically users hand wire devices to one another to interconnect them.

The applicant has realised that there remains a need for a flexible and cost- effective electronic instrument interconnection device, allowing different electronic devices to be cost-effectively and flexibly interconnected with one another.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnection panel for electronic devices, the panel having at least two connectors on a front side thereof connectable in use to different respective electronic devices, the reverse side of the panel being configured or configurable to provide a connection between terminals of said connectors to allow communication between different electronic devices connected to the front of the panel in use. The present invention therefore provides an electronic instrumentation interconnection device in the form of a panel. The front side of the panel is provided with at least two connectors connectable to respective different electronic devices in use. Terminals of the different connectors are, or may be connected with one another by a user on the reverse side of the panel, thereby allowing the communication of different electronic devices connected to the front of the panel in use.

In use, the electronic devices are plugged into or otherwise connected to the front of the panel, with any interconnection between the devices and associated wiring being confined to the reverse side of the panel. The present invention therefore provides a way of interconnecting electronic devices which may easily be mounted e.g. to a marine vessel. The Applicant has found that the use of a panel provides a particularly simple way of interconnecting devices, allowing easy access from the rear of the panel to the e.g. wiring connecting the devices to allow further connections to be made, or connections to be changed in use, while allowing devices to be connected to the front of the panel, and hence to one another, without disturbing the connections on the rear of the panel. If desired, devices may be removed from the front of the panel, e.g. for security reasons, without disturbing the connections at the rear. It has been found that the panel may provide a sufficient barrier to protect the connecting wiring from the environment, even in marine

contexts, without needing to enclose the rear of the panel, which would make changing the connections more difficult.

The reverse of the panel may be configured whereby corresponding terminals of the connectors are connected to one another in use e.g. power to power, communications to communications. Often particular inputs or outputs are associated with predetermined terminals of electronic devices in accordance with standard protocols. In accordance with the invention, corresponding terminals of the connectors on the front of the panel may be connected to one another on the rear of the panel in accordance with a known protocol, such that when devices are connected to the front of the panel, corresponding inputs/outputs of the devices are connected to one another, even when devices are changed. This may be achieved without modifying the connections on the reverse side of the panel. Previously, if it was desired to connect different devices to one another, the devices would need to be rewired directly to one another on each occasion that any new device was to be included in the system, or each time one of the devices was disconnected e.g. to remove it from a vessel.

The panel may be wired on shore, in contrast to conventional hand-wind techniques, which require devices to be connected to one another in situ. In many cases space and/or conditions may be unfavourable, making wiring difficult to achieve reliably where the panel is intended to be used, e.g. on board a boat, or outdoors.

The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments having two or more electronic devices connected to the respective connectors on the front of the panel. Preferably the devices are selected from a power supply, a radio device, a positioning device e.g. GPS, a radar device e.g. DGPS, a fish finder.

The present invention extends to a method of interconnecting different electronic devices using a panel in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects and embodiments. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of interconnecting electronic devices using a panel having at least two connectors on a front side thereof connectable in use to different respective

electronic devices, the reverse side of the panel being configurable to provide a connection between terminals of said connectors to allow communication between different electronic devices connected to the front of the panel in use; the method comprising the steps of configuring the reverse side of the panel to provide a connection between terminals of the connectors, and connecting different electronic devices to the connectors on the front side of the panel to allow communication between the different devices.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of interconnecting electronic devices using a panel having at least two connectors on a front side thereof connectable in use to different respective electronic devices, the reverse side of the panel being configured to provide a connection between terminals of said connectors to allow communication between different electronic devices connected to the front of the panel in use; the method comprising the step of connecting different electronic devices to the connectors on the front side of the panel to allow communication between the different devices.

The panel includes at least two connectors on the front side thereof, and preferably between two and four connectors. The most appropriate number of connectors will depend upon the context in which the panel is to be used, and the desired cost and complexity of the panel. In one preferred embodiment, the panel has three connectors on the front thereof. It has been found that this number of connections provides a panel which is still manageable in size, and relatively cost- effective, while allowing connections to three devices to be made. For example, in a marine context, this may allow the front of the panel to be connected to the three types of device most commonly used, radio, GPS positioning devices and a third device, such as a fish finder device. However, in a simpler arrangements, the panel might have only two connectors on the front thereof to provide a more cost effective panel. In a marine environment, this would allow the front of the panel to be connected to the GPS and radio of the vessel, which devices are the most commonly used, even in small vessels. The connectors located on the front side of the panel in accordance with the present invention may be any connectors suitable for connecting the panel to the electronic devices with which it is intended to be used. The connectors may be of

the same or different construction. It will be appreciated that only one of the connectors of the panel may therefore have any or all of the features below discussed in relation to "the" or "a" connector of the panel. The other connector or connectors may be of different construction, and may also have any or all of the features discussed below. At least one connector will have any or all or the features below discussed in relation to "the" or "a" connector. Preferably the panel comprises at least two connectors of the same construction.

The most appropriate construction of the connectors will depend upon the nature of the terminals of the electronic devices with which it is intended to cooperate in use. The terminals may be terminals of a connector associated with the device, or in simple cases may be wires or cables associated with a device.

It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the connector is configured to receive cable(s) or wire(s) associated with a device, the cable(s) or wire(s) of the device to which the connector is connected in use may lead directly to the device, or indirectly. One or more further connectors may be located between the connector of the panel and the device. In these embodiments, the panel may be adapted for use with any device, by splicing the wires/cables of the device to wires/cables of the panel connector. The wires may be spliced in a housing, such as a cable splicing enclosure. In some embodiments, at least one connector of the panel is a connector half configured for mating with an opposed connector half of an electronic device. In these preferred embodiments, the electronic devices may be plugged into the front of the panel. Preferably at least one connector is one half of a pin connector. Preferably the connector is a female connector half. In some preferred embodiments, the connector is a terminal connector. Preferably at least one connector is a DC power connector.

In other embodiments, at least one connector may be configured to provide a connection with a cable (s) or wire (s) extending from an electronic device in use. In some preferred embodiments, at least one connector is therefore a cable or wire connector. This may allow the connector to be connected to wires or cables extending from a device on the front of the panel, while permitting a connection to be made to other connector(s) of the panel by inserting wires or cables into the

connector from the rear side of the panel. In these embodiments, the connector may be an in-line connector. Such connectors generally comprise a housing having open ends through which cables or wires may be introduced. The cables or wires may be spliced directly to one another within the housing, or the connector may comprise means for receiving cables or wires introduced from each of its ends and for providing a connection between the cables or wires. The front face of the connector may comprise a plurality of bores for receiving wires or cables. It has been found that in certain contexts, it may be advantageous to use wire connectors to provide one or more connectors of the panel, as such connectors are readily available and relatively cheap, being used in many other contexts.

Preferably the connectors of the panel are configured to provide a sealed connection with the terminals of an electronic device. Where the connector of the panel is intended to be connected to a device via cable(s) or wire(s), the connector preferably adapted to provide a sealed connection with a plurality of wires or cables associated with an electronic device. The wires or cables associated with the device may be directly attached to the device or may be connected to the device via a cable or wire connector, e.g. they may be spliced to the wires or cables of the device.

Preferably at least one connector comprises a seal for providing a sealing connection between the panel connector and the terminals of an electronic device connected thereto. Preferably the interface between the panel connector and a connector or wire(s) or cable(s) associated with an electronic device attached thereto is sealed. For example, a seal may be locatable around a wire(s) or cable(s) to provide a seal with the wire or cables. In arrangements where the connector cooperates with a connector part of a device, the seal should be locatable between the panel connector and a connector part of a device connected to it in use. It will be appreciated that a connector part of an electronic device may fit over the connector of the panel to provide a connection with the device in use. In these arrangements, a seal may be mounted over the outer surface of the panel connector, such that it may be compressed when the connector part of the device is fitted over the connector in use. In other arrangements the seal may be located within the panel connector for providing a seal with a connector part of a device which is inserted in the panel connector in use.

Where the connector is to cooperate with a plurality of wires or cables attached to a device, preferably the seal is a wire seal. Such seals comprise a plurality of apertures for receiving respective wires or cables. In some embodiments the seal is a slotted seal. Preferably the connector comprises means for compressing a seal around a cable(s) or wire(s) inserted in the connector in use. For example, the connector may comprise a cap tightenable to compress a seal around cable(s) or wire(s) associated with a device. In other arrangements, the connector may comprise a plurality of opposed clamping members, and means for tightening the clamping members around wire(s) or cable(s) inserted in the front of the connector in use. Preferably, in such arrangements, a seal is preferably provided between the clamping members and the wire(s) or cable(s), and the clamping members are tightenable together to compress the seal around the wire(s) or cable(s). One such device is described in the applicant's copending UK Patent Application No. 0502697.6. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing connection may be provided in any other manner between the terminals of the panel connector and an electronic device attached thereto. A cover may be provided over the join between the panel connector and a connector part or wire(s) or cable(s) of the electronic device. For example, an overmould, boot, coating or sleeve of cold shrink or heatshrink material may be mounted over the connector. In some arrangements, the interface between the panel connector and the connector of an electronic device may be dipped in a sealant, such as liquid rubber.

Preferably the connectors are arranged to provide a waterproof connection with a or the respective electronic devices in use. It will be appreciated that the connection may not be completely waterproof, but should substantially eliminate the passage of liquid between the connectors and corresponding connector parts of a device.

Preferably the panel comprises means for covering at least the front faces of the panel connectors when not connected to an electronic device. This may protect the connector terminals from the environment, prolonging the life of the connector. Preferably separate covers are provided for each connector. Preferably the cover is

in the form of a lid. Preferably the lid is attached to its respective connector by a strap.

In some arrangements, the connectors are integrally moulded with the panel. In other arrangements, the connectors are separate components mounted to the panel. This may provide an interconnection system which may be readily assembled from components available for use in other contexts, providing a more cost-effective arrangement. The connectors may then be mounted to the panel in any suitable manner. In some preferred embodiments, the connectors extend through respective apertures provided in the panel. Preferably the connectors are mounted such that they directly contact the front surface of the panel.

In these embodiments, the panel preferably comprises means for securing the connectors to the panel. In some preferred embodiments, where the panel has apertures, each aperture has a threaded portion associated with it, for mating with a corresponding thread provided on the outer surface of a connector. In other arrangements, the connectors may be e.g. adhesively secured in place, or may be secured mechanically using e.g. a nut or similar mounted to the rear of the panel or using a component located between the connectors and the aperture through which it extends. In other preferred embodiments, a flange extends over one end of the connector to secure the connector to the reverse of the panel. Preferably the connectors are sealingly mounted to the front of the panel. In these embodiments, the present invention may provide a water-tight panel, suitable for marine use. Preferably the connectors are mounted to the panel in such a way as to prevent or try to prevent the passage of liquid from one side of the panel to the other through the connector or between the connector and the panel. In some arrangements, where the connectors are not integrally mounted with the panel, a component is mounted over the connector to retain it in place against the panel, and preferably seal the connector to the panel. For example, an overmould, boot or heatshrink material may be mounted over the connector to secure it in place, or a coating may be provide at the interface between the connector and the panel as described above in relation to the interface between the connectors and the connectors of a device. Preferably the component is in the form of a sleeve. Similar means may be provided associated with the rear of the panel to provide a more

secure attachment of the connector to the panel if desired. Where the connectors are integrally moulded with the panel, it will be appreciated that it may not be necessary to provide any additional sealing between the connectors and the panel. In these arrangements, a waterproof panel may advantageously be obtained by only sealing the connections and any other components at the rear of the panel, as described below, e.g. using overmoulds, a coating, heatshrink sleeving etc.

The connectors may be of any shape in vertical cross-section, depending upon the nature of the device connectors with which they are to cooperate. In some preferred embodiments, at least one connector is circular in vertical cross-section. Where the connectors extend through apertures in the panel, the apertures may be of a corresponding or different shape in vertical cross-section. Preferably the apertures are circular. In other arrangements, the apertures might be e.g. rectangular or "D" shaped, or comprise a plurality of sides. .

The connectors may be arranged in any manner to provide a front face which allows them to be connected to an electronic device in use. Preferably the connectors project from the front of the panel. Preferably at least one connector projects a horizontal distance of at least 1 cm from the front of the panel. This may allow the connector to be more easily connected to an electronic device, and may allow any further components, e.g. waterproof coverings, etc., to be more easily mounted to the front of the connector. Preferably a or each connector projects a horizontal distance of from 1 cm to 3 cm from the front of the panel, and in particularly preferred embodiments a distance of around 2.5 cm.

The connectors may or may not extend from the rear of the panel. For example, the rear face of the connectors may be located flush with the rear of the panel, or between the front and reverse sides of the panel. In preferred embodiments, a or each connector has front and back parts. In these embodiments, the front part of the connector may be of any configuration described above to allow it to be secured to the front of the panel, and to present a front face allowing it to be connected to a device in use. The rear part presents a face allowing connections to be made between terminals of the connectors from the rear of the panel. In these embodiments the front and back parts of the connector may be fitted together to mount the connector to the panel. Preferably the front and back connector parts are

screwable together. In other arrangements, the connector parts may snap fit together.

Preferably the rear face of at least one connector is configured to receive one or more wires for providing a connection between its terminals and those of another connector.

The size of the connectors may be selected as desired. In some preferred embodiments, the diameter of the front face of the connectors is in the order of from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, and preferably from around 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, and most preferably around 1 cm. Where the connectors are not circular in vertical cross-section, preferably the height of the front face of the connectors as measured from the top to the bottom of the panel is within these ranges. Preferably the width of the connectors at their front face is in the range of from 1 cm to 3 cm, and preferably from around 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and most preferably around 2 cm.

The connectors each comprise one or more terminals at their front face. The terminals may be of any type, depending upon the way in which the connector is intended to be connected to a device in use. For example, the terminals may be pin terminals or more preferably bores which may cooperate with a corresponding terminals of a device in use. The terminals of the device may, as discussed above, be in the form of pins or bores or, in simple cases, cables or wires. Preferably the connectors of the panel comprise terminals in the form of bores.

Preferably the or a connector is a multi-way connector. The number of ways will depend upon the device with which the connector is intended to be used. Preferably a connector is at least a two-way connector, and more preferably is a six to eight- way connector. In marine contexts, the number of terminals used in accordance with a common communications protocol is seven. Thus devices in this field typically have seven way connectors. In particularly preferred embodiments at least one connector is a seven-way connector. The number of "ways" of a connector corresponds to the number of terminals of the connector. Preferably, therefore, the or a connector has at least two terminals, and preferably from six to eight terminals. For example, a two-way connector would be sufficient for connection to a power device, allowing connections to the negative and positive terminals of the device to be made. Where the connector is more than two-way, additional connections to e.g.

data or communications terminals of a device may be made. In some preferred embodiments, the panel comprises at least two connectors which are more than two- way connectors. Preferably at least one connector is a two-way connector connectable to a power source in use. It has been realised that a more adaptable panel may be provided by providing multi-way connectors with a number of terminals which is sufficient to handle the maximum likely number of terminals needed to provide connections between devices associated with the connectors in use. In this way, the panel may be adapted for use in different contexts. If devices having seven input/output terminals are to be associated with the respective connectors in use, all seven of the input/output terminals of the connectors may be used, and interconnected with one another. If simpler devices are used, requiring e.g. only the power terminals to be interconnected, five of the seven terminals may remain unconnected, or, preferably, all terminals may be connected with terminals of another connector on the reverse of the panel, but not all terminals need be connected to terminals of a device. In these arrangements, the connector may advantageously be a wire connector, which may receive different numbers of wires as required without modification. If desired, any terminals which are not required for a particular application may be sealed, e.g. by inserting plugs into the terminals. Preferably any unused terminals are sealed when the connector is a wire connector.

In accordance with the present invention, the panel is configured or configurable to provide a connection between terminals of the connectors on the reverse of the panel. It will be appreciated that the connection is between terminals of the different connectors, in order to allow communication of a selected input/output between devices connected to the respective connectors in use without needing to make a connection between the panel connectors at the front of the panel.

In some arrangements, the panel is configurable to allow a connection between terminals of the panel to be made by a user. In such cases, the panel may be supplied without any connection on the reverse side thereof between terminals of the connectors. This may allow a user to configure the panel as required. In other arrangements, the panel may be supplied having a connection between terminals of the connectors on a reverse side thereof. This may allow the connections on the

configured reverse of the panel to be sealed during manufacture to provide a more reliable seal in cases where e.g. a waterproof connection is required.

By connecting appropriate ones of the terminals of the connectors to one another, the panel may be configured as desired to provide communication of one or more selected input/outputs between devices. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises the step of connecting terminals of the connectors which are associated with power inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between the power terminals of two or more devices. In some embodiments, the panel is therefore configured whereby terminals of the connectors which are associated with power inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use are connected to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between the power terminals of two or more devices.

In other embodiments, the method comprises the step of connecting terminals of the connectors which are associated with one or more communications inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between the communications terminals of two or more devices, and the panel is configured such that terminals of the connectors which are associated with one or more communications inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use are connected to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between the communications terminals of two or more devices.

Preferably the method comprises the step of connecting terminals of connectors which are associated with communications and power inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between one or more communications and power terminals of two or more devices. Preferably the panel is thus configured such that terminals of the connectors which are associated with communications and power inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel in use are connected to one another on the reverse of the panel to allow communication between communications and power terminals of two or more devices. In these arrangements, the like terminals of the connectors are thus bussed together.

The Communications inputs/outputs of the connectors which are connectable to one another in accordance with the invention may e.g. include one or more of a GPS signal input/output, a fish finder input/output, a radio signal input/output, an NMEA input/output or a DGPS input/output. The power input/outputs may be positive or negative power inputs/outputs. Of course, the input/outputs are not limited to these examples.

The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments having a plurality of electronic devices connected to the front thereof, the reverse of the panel being configured to provide a connection between terminals of the connectors to which said devices are connected, whereby at least one input/output may be communicated between said devices. The present invention extends to a method of interconnecting electronic devices using a panel in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the method comprising the step of configuring the reverse of the panel to provide a connection between terminals of the connectors to which said devices are connected, whereby at least one input/output may be communicated between said devices

The input/output may be a power or communications input/output of any of the types discussed above.

Often each terminal position of the connector is consistently associated with particular power or communications input/output when used. In this way, if a device has particular input or output, it can be predicted to which terminal that input/output will be made when the device is connected to a seven way connector. The present invention may allow connections to be preset on the rear of the panel to ensure communication of particular inputs/outputs of devices operating in accordance with a known protocol when connected to the front of the panel, even when such devices are interchanged with one another. One field in which a protocol is used is the marine communications field.

Preferably the method of the present invention comprises the step of configuring the reverse of the panel whereby those terminals of the connectors associated with corresponding inputs/outputs when connected to devices in use are connected to one another, and the reverse of the panel is configured whereby those terminals of the connectors associated with corresponding inputs/outputs when

connected to devices in use, are connected to one another. Preferably the reverse of the panel is wired in accordance with known protocol, preferably a marine communications protocol. The invention extends to a panel wired in accordance with such a protocol. The terminals may be connected together as described below by bussing connecting means associated with the terminals, e.g. wires in any suitable manner. For example the wires may be spliced together, directly, or using a connector, or may be bussed using PCB (printed circuit board) contacts and a PCB board.

The reverse of the panel may be configured or configurable in any suitable manner to provide a connection between the terminals of the connectors. A connection may be provided on the reverse side of the panel directly to the terminals of the front of the connector or may be provided through a back part of the connector or indirectly via another component. For example, an adaptor may be mounted over the rear part of the connector. Preferably the connection is made to the rear face of the connector whose front face is connectable to an electronic device in accordance with the invention. Preferably the reverse face of the connector comprises a plurality of bores associated with each terminal of the connector, which bores receive, or may receive, one or more connecting means for connecting the terminals of the panel connectors to one another. In embodiments where the panel is configurable to provide a connection between the terminals of the connectors, preferably the reverse of the panel further comprises means for configuring the panel to provide a connection between the terminals of the connectors. Preferably the configuring means comprises at least one connecting means for connecting terminals of said panel connectors to one another, the means being provided on the reverse of the panel. Preferably a plurality of such connecting means is provided associated with different respective terminals of the panel connectors.

Preferably at least one terminal of a connector of said panel has connecting means associated with it and extending from the reverse of the panel to allow the terminal to be connected to a terminal of another connector of the panel. In these arrangements, each connecting means therefore has a free end for connecting to a terminal of another connector of the panel. The connecting means may be

connected directly or indirectly to the terminal. For example, the connecting means may be inserted into the rear of the other connector to provide a connection with a terminal of the connector, or more preferably may be connected to another connecting means extending from the terminal of the other connector. Preferably at least one terminal of each connector has connecting means associated with it and extending from the reverse of the panel. Preferably each terminal of each connector of the panel has a respective connecting means associated with it and extending on the reverse of the panel to allow a connection to be provided between terminals of the connectors by connecting the respective connecting means to one another. In these embodiments, the panel is configured to provide connections between the maximum number of available terminals. Of course, if fewer terminals are needed for certain devices not all terminals may be used. However, the panel need not be reconfigured should a greater number of terminals subsequently be required.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interconnection panel for electronic devices, the panel having at least two connectors on a front side thereof connectable in use to different respective electronic devices, the panel further comprising configuring means for connecting terminals of said connectors to one another to allow communication between devices connected to the front of the panel in use, said configuring means being provided on a reverse side of the panel.

It will be appreciated that any connecting means may be used to connect the terminals of the panel connectors to one another on the reverse of the panel. For example, a printed circuit board might be used. Preferably the connecting means extends from the reverse side of the panel. Preferably the connecting means is flexible, and most preferably comprises one or more wires. The wires associated with terminals of the different connectors may then be connected to one another to provide the connection between the panel connectors.

A wire extending from a terminal of a connector at the rear of the panel may be easily be manipulated by a user to allow a connection to be provided either with a wire extending from a terminal of another connector of the panel, or directly with the terminal of another connector, e.g. by inserting it into the respective bore of a terminal of connector from the reverse side of the panel and connected to the

different respective terminals of one or more connectors by a user, as desired. Preferably at least one terminal of a connector, and preferably of each connector has a wire extending from it on the reverse side of the panel. Preferably each terminal of each connector on said panel has a respective wire extending from it on the reverse side of the panel.

In particularly simple embodiments, the rear of a or each panel connector is one half of a wire connector. The bores at the rear of the connector may then be bores of the wire connector. It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the rear face of the connector to have separate bores associated with each terminal at the front of the panel connector, although this may help to ensure the terminals remain electrically insulated from one another, particularly where the terminals are the ends of wires of a connector part associated with a device.

Preferably the length of each connecting means e.g. wire is in the order of from 10 cm to 15 cm. Where the panel comprises a plurality of connecting means extending from respective terminals of the connectors on the reverse side of the panel, preferably each connecting means is of approximately the same length. The most suitable length for the connecting means or wires will depend upon the distance between connectors, and whether the connecting means are to be directly spliced to one another, or via a connector to the rear of the panel to provide allow communication between the terminals.

Preferably each terminal of each connector has a connecting means extending therefrom on the reverse side of the panel. Preferably the connecting means associated with terminals of the connectors which are expected to have corresponding inputs/outputs when devices are connected to the panel in use are provided with like identifiers. In this way, a user may readily see which of the connecting means should be connected to one another to provide communication of a given input/output between different devices associated with the connectors in use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connecting means or wires are colour coded. For example, all wires associated with the positive power input/output of a connector, or the GPS input/output of a connector may be colour coded red or blue respectively.

Generally, the terminals which will have a particular input/output associated them are those terminals having corresponding positions in the respective connectors of the panel. Preferably therefore the connecting means associated with terminals of the connectors which have corresponding positions are provided with like identifiers. Where the panel includes connectors having different numbers of terminals, at least the terminals having corresponding positions in those connectors having the same number of terminals are provided with like identifiers.

The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with any of its aspects or embodiments having a reverse side configured to provide a connection between terminals of the panel connectors i.e. in which the terminals of the panel connectors are connected to one another at the reverse of the panel. In these embodiments, the panel comprises at least one connection between the terminals of said connectors on a reverse side thereof. The connection may be made in any of the ways described above in relation to embodiments in which the panel is configurable to provide such a connection. In these embodiments, it will be appreciated that the panel need not be arranged such that the configuration at its rear may be modified by a user. In these embodiments, the connections may be provided using a Printed Circuit Board. Thus in some preferred embodiments, the rear of the panel comprises a printed circuit board which provides a connection between terminals of the connectors. The connections between the terminals may then be factory set.

It will be appreciated that even where the panel is intended to be used in marine contexts or other contexts where it may come into contact with liquid, it may not be necessary for the connecting means to be sealed to the reverse of the panel, as the panel may be located such that the reverse face is away from the direction in which most liquid is expected to be incident on the panel. It is more critical that the front of the panel is watertight in these situations.

Preferably, however, the connecting means or wires extending from the terminals of the connectors on the reverse of the panel are sealed to the panel. The wires may be sealed to the panel in accordance with any of the ways known in the art, and described above in respect of embodiments in which the front of the connectors are configured for receiving wires. For example, a sealant may be

introduced into the bores surrounding the wires, or, a further component, such as a sleeve or coating, may be mounted over the interface between the wires and the reverse of the panel, e.g. by heatshrmking, screw fitting, etc. For example, an overmould, boot, liquid rubber coating or heatshrink may be used. In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments, where the connection between the terminals is provided by connecting connecting means associated with the respective terminals to one another, the connection between the respective connecting means may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, the connecting means or wires may be directly spliced to one another. Preferably means are provided to protect the connection between the connecting means associated with the terminals, and preferably to protect the connection from liquid. For example, the connection may be located within a housing. In some preferred embodiments the connection is located in a ferrule. In other arrangements, a sleeve or cover may be located over the connection to provide a waterproof join. The cover may be e.g. a heatshrink sleeve, coating or a cable connector housing, as discussed above in relation to the connections at the front of the panel. In some preferred embodiments, the connections between the terminal connecting means are secured to the panel. This may be achieved e.g. by adhesively securing the connecting means, or preferably a housing of the connection, to the panel. The connecting means may be sealed to the panel only at their interface with the panel. In some embodiments, the connecting means therefore extend from the panel to allow them to be manipulated by a user. However, in other arrangements, where the connections between the connectors have already been made, i.e. the panel is preconfigured, the rear of the panel in the region of the connectors may be overmoulded. Preferably the rear of the configured panel is overmoulded. In some embodiments the entire rear face of the panel in the region of the panel connectors and their associated connections e.g. wiring or printed circuitry is overmoulded. Any suitable overmoulding material may be used. Preferably the moulding material is a rubber or plastic material. For example, a sealant such a silicon may be used for this purpose. In these arrangements, the invention provides a less flexible panel, as the connections between terminals of the panel connectors at the rear of the panel may not be readily modified. However, the panel will be more durable, and the

connections set at the rear of the panel will be fixed in place. The overmould may be made by a user after configuring the rear of the panel, or may be made by a manufacturer where the rear of the panel is preconfigured.

In these embodiments a connector may be mounted to the moulding in the rear of the panel for providing an output connection to other devices e.g. further panels. The connector should be connected to at least one of the terminals of the panel connectors. In preferred embodiments, at least some of the terminals are connected via wires to a connector on the rear of the panel for providing an output to other devices from the rear of the panel. The terminals of the connectors may be connected directly to one another, or may be connected via a further component. Preferably the panel includes at least one fuse holder on the front side thereof, and preferably as many fuse holders as connectors whereby each connector may be associated with a respective fuse in use. The fuse holders may be of any type configured to allow a fuse to be inserted in the holder from the front of the panel. Preferably each fuse holder includes a fuse. In these embodiments, the terminals of the respective connectors are preferably connected to one another along a path which includes the fuse holder.

In preferred embodiments, the method of the present invention comprises the step of connecting terminals of the connectors such that a fuse holder located on the panel is connected between the terminals. Preferably a terminal of each connector which is to be associated with a positive power input in use is connected to a fuse holder. The negative terminal of the fuse holder may then be connected as required to another fuse holder, or other component to provide a continuous electrical circuit for the power supply. In some preferred embodiments, the negative terminals of the fuse holders are directly connected to one another.

In other preferred embodiments, the panel further comprises at least one of a circuit breaker or switch. These further components may be connected between the terminals of the respective connectors as described in relation to the fuse holder. In preferred embodiments, the panel is connected to a power supply. The power supply may be provided by connecting a suitable power source device to the front of the panel. For example, one of the connectors may be a power connector. The power terminals of the connector associated with the power source device may

then be connected on the reverse of the panel to the corresponding power terminals of any other connectors which are to be connected to devices requiring a power source. Preferably, however, the panel is connected to a power source using the connecting means extending from the reverse side thereof. Preferably a terminal of each connector of the panel is connected via a connecting means to a power supply on the reverse side of the panel

The terminals may be connected in any manner to a power source using the connecting means. The positive and negative terminals of a power source should be connected to corresponding positive and negative terminals of each of the connectors. In a preferred embodiment, each connecting means associated with a terminal of one of the connectors of the panel is spliced to a single connecting means or wire associated with the power source.

The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with any of the aspects and embodiments described connected to a power source. Preferably the panel is used with a DC electrical supply. Preferably the panel is connected to an electrical power supply delivering a current of less than 13 amps. Preferably the panel is connected to a power source delivering a voltage of 12 volts or less. Preferably the power source delivers a nominal voltage of 12v d.c.

The power source may be a portable power source, e.g. a battery or power pack. In other arrangements, the panel may be connected directly to a mains or other power distribution system. In these embodiments, the panel may be directly wired into an electrical supply. Depending upon the intended location of the panel, the power source may be located close to the panel, or at a distance. If the power source is to be located at a distance, the input and output terminals of the power source are preferably connected to the rear of the panel via a cable e.g. to the respective connecting means on the reverse of the panel associated with terminals of the connectors on the panel.

Preferably the method of the present invention further comprises connecting the input and output terminals of a power source to respective terminals of each connector of the panel from the rear of the panel, to provide a power supply to devices associated with each connector in use.

It will be appreciated that a panel in accordance with the present invention may be used as a stand-alone interconnection system. In other arrangements, a plurality of panels in accordance with the invention may be interconnected with one another. This may be done if, for example, the number of connectors provided on a given panel is insufficient for a given application. It has been found that it may be more cost-effective to provide further connectors by connecting more than one panel with a smaller number of connectors to one another, than by providing more connectors on a single panel.

The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments connected to one or more further panels in accordance with the invention, and the method of the present invention comprises the step of connecting the panel to one or more further panels in accordance with the invention. The second panel may be of the same or different construction to the first. The panels may be of the same or different construction. The panels may be connected in series and/or parallel with one another. The method thus may comprise the step of connecting a plurality of panels in series or parallel with one another.

The panels may be connected to one another using one or more connectors of any type known in the art. Preferably the panels are connected to one another using wires. Where the panels are to be located at a greater distance from one another, they may be connected by means of a cable. Preferably any connections between the panels are made between the reverse sides of the respective panels.

When the panels are connected to one another any or all of the input/outputs of terminals associated with connectors of one panel may be connected to corresponding inputs/outputs of another panel. In preferred embodiments, corresponding inputs/outputs of terminals of one panel are combined to provide a single input of that type to a second panel. The single input may then be divided to provide the input to terminals of different connectors of a second panel.

In preferred embodiments the method comprises the step of providing at least one output derived from a terminal or terminals or connectors of a first panel to a second panel such that the output becomes the input of the second panel. The input may then be supplied to any or all of the terminals of the connectors on the

second panel. Preferably the panels are thus arranged such that at least one output derived from a terminal or terminals or connectors of a first panel is supplied as the input of a second panel. The output may be a power and/or communications output of any type, as discussed above in the context of a single panel. In these embodiments, a single power source is preferably used to supply power to each panel of the system.

Preferably means are provided for amplifying at least any communications signals transmitted between the respective panels. Preferably the panels are connected to one another via a signal amplifier. Preferably the panels are connected to one another via a circuit incorporating a circuit breaker.

The panels may be connected directly to one another, or preferably via a distribution box. This is advantageous particularly where the panels are connected in parallel, or where the panels are to be located at a significant distance to one another. The box may then act as a "splitter". The provision of an interconnection system including a box of this type, may allow the system to be upgraded or extended without needing to reconfigure panels, or add further boxes or panels.

The distribution box may be of any construction. In some preferred embodiments, the box is a moulded box. Thus the box may be formed by moulding a material around the components of the box to provide a housing. For example, a rubber material may be moulded around any component connectors, wires, PCB or other parts to form a box shape.

Preferably the box comprises a plurality of connectors on different respective outer surfaces of the box, the terminals of which connectors may be connected to one another in the interior of the box. The connectors may be of the configuration described above in relation to the connectors of the panel. The terminals of the connectors of the junction box may be connected to one another inside the box in any desired manner, for example, as described above with respect to the connection of the terminals of the connectors on the panel in accordance with the invention. Preferably the terminals are therefore connected to one another using wires. These arrangements may allow the panels to more easily be connected to one another when they are located at different positions e.g. on a vessel. In other arrangements, the box may comprise a PCB.

As the rear faces of the connectors are not exposed to the environment in a junction box, there is no need to provide wire seals or waterproof seals between the connectors and the rear of the panel, or the terminals and the connecting means which connects terminals of the connectors to one another. The junction box may comprise a circuit breaker or signal booster as described above in connection to the panel. The applicant has found that such devices may be difficult to seal in a waterproof way to a panel, and may advantageously be located within the junction box. In this way, the panels may be connected to one another via the connection box to incorporate a circuit breaker or signal booster.

In some embodiments the junction box may comprise a radio to allow it to be wirelessly connected to devices.

It will be appreciated that in its broader aspects, a panel in accordance with the invention may be connected from the reverse side to a range of other devices in use, and not only other panels. In this way, the panel may be used to allow communication between the one or more electronic devices connected to its front side and a device connected directly or indirectly to the panel via its reverse side. For example, as discussed above, any or all of the terminals of the panel connectors may be connected to a connector on the reverse side of the panel which connector may be connected in use to a further device. The further device may be an electronic device, distribution box, panel or power supply as discussed above. It will be appreciated that where further panels are connected to the panel, those further panels may or may not be in accordance with the invention. For example, further panels may include only one connector on the front face thereof, as they are not required to provide interconnection between devices connected to their front face alone.

In some preferred embodiments, the panel further comprises a connector connected from the reverse side of the panel to one or more of the terminals of the panel connectors, whereby an input/output associated with the one or more terminals may be communicated to a further device from the reverse of the panel via the connector. The connector may be connected to the terminals of two or more panel connectors whereby one or more selected corresponding input/outputs of the panel

connectors may be communicated via the connector to another device. In this way, the an output of a device connected to the rear connector may be associated with one or more inputs of the panel connectors, or vice versa. For example, a single power supply may be used to supply devices associated with each panel connector, or communications outputs of a plurality of different devices attached to the panel connectors may be supplied to another device via the connector at the rear of the panel.

The panel in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments may be of any suitable material. Preferably the panel is a plastic panel. The panel may then be produced relatively cost-effectively, and resist corrosion. This is particularly advantageous in the context of the marine industry.

A panel of this type may easily be mounted to a console of a marine vessel, which is typically produced in fibreglass. The panel should be a rigid panel. Preferably the panel is substantially planar. However, the panel may comprise a peripheral flange and may then be tray shaped. Preferably the depth of the panel is less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 2 cm, and most preferably less than 1 cm. The length and height of the panel will depend upon the number of connectors located on the panel.

Preferably the height of the panel is less than 30 cm, and preferably less than 15cm.

Preferably the length is less than 30cm, and preferably in the range of from 5cm to 25 cm. For example, a panel having 2 connectors might have dimensions 10 cm length x 10 cm height x 0.5 cm depth, and a panel having 4 connectors might have dimensions 20 cm length x 10 cm width x 0.5 cm depth.

The panel may be of any desired shape. The most appropriate shape of the panel will depend upon the context in which it is to be used, and any component to which it is to be mounted. Preferably the panel is a square or rectangular panel.

Preferably the panel comprises a peripheral gasket. The gasket may be e.g. a rubber or plastics material. In this way, when the panel is mounted to a surface, the gasket is compressed between the surface and the panel, allowing a sealed interface to be obtained between the front and the rear of the panel. Preferably the panel comprises means for facilitating mounting of the panel to a surface. Preferably the mounting means comprises a plurality of holes.

Appropriate fasteners e.g. screws, may then be inserted through the holes to mount

the panel. The present invention extends to a panel in accordance with the present invention is any of its aspects and embodiments mounted to a marine vessel.

If desired, a cover may be located over the rear of the panel. However, preferably the rear face of the panel is exposed in use. This may provide a more cost-effective arrangement.

Although the panel of the present invention has been described particularly with reference to use in a marine context, it has been found that the panel is particularly suited to use with any applications where currents are typically low due to constraints on the power supply usable e.g. battery, such as size, weight, rechargeability and reduction in efficiency over a lifetime.

Although the Applicant has found that the use of a panel provides a particularly simple and effective way to connect devices to one another, the principles of the present invention may be applied to an interconnection box. An interconnection box in accordance with the invention would be similar to the panel described above, but with the connectors being disposed on the outer surface or surfaces of the box, and the connection between terminals of the respective connectors being provided in the interior of the box.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides an interconnection box for electrical devices, the box having at least two connectors on the exterior thereof, the connectors being connectable in use to respective electrical devices, wherein the box is configured or configurable to provide a connection in the interior of the box between terminals of the connectors in use.

The box may be connected or include any or all of the features discussed above in relation to the panel. Thus the box may be configured whereby any or all of the terminals of connectors provided on the box are able to communicate with one another, and may be used to provide power and/or communications connections between terminals of devices connected to the box. The devices may be directly connected to the box, or e.g. via panels. The box may act as a splitter for two panels located at a distance from one another. Preferably the box comprises connectors disposed on more than one face thereof. The box may then be a junction box.

The box may comprise one or more of a signal amplifier, wireless transmitter or a circuit breaker. These components are typically difficult to seal on a panel, and thus, in contexts where it is important to provide a watertight seal, may advantageously be located in a box. Preferably the connection box does not include a fuse or fuse holder. Fuse holders may be associated with other devices of the system, or, where provided, panels.

In some preferred embodiments, the box is a moulded box. Thus the box may be formed by moulding a material around the components of the box to provide a housing. For example, a rubber material may be moulded around any component comiectors, wires, PCB or other parts to form a box shape.

The present invention extends to a communications system comprising one or more panels in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments and two or more electronic devices connected thereto. Preferably the system further comprises an interconnection box operatively connected with the other components.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 illustrates a blank for a panel to which connectors and fuse holders may be mounted in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the panel of Fig. 1 along the line 2- 2 after the fuse holders and connectors have been mounted to the panel;

Figs. 3 A and 3B show the connector 20 of Fig. 2 in more detail respectively from the side, and the front;

Figs. 4 A and 4B are side and front views of an alternative connector which may be mounted to the panel of Fig. in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 5 A and 5B show the connector of Figs. 3 A and 3B from the side and front respectively, but with only two of the seven terminals having connecting means extending from them;

Fig. 6 is a side view illustrating the fuse holder 32 of Fig. 2 in more detail;

Figs. 7 A and 7B illustrate a wire seal in vertical cross-section which may be used in accordance with the arrangement shown in Fig. 2.

Figs. 8 A and 8B are schematic views from the side and front of a wire connector which may be used on the panel in accordance with Fig. 2; Fig. 9 illustrates a plug which may be inserted in unused bores of a wire connector of the type shown in Fig. 8 A and 8B;

Figure 1OA illustrates the way in which corresponding wires associated with like terminals of the connectors may be bussed together in accordance with the invention; Figure 1OB is a side view of a panel having an overmould in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1OC is a view from the front and one side of the panel shown in Figure 1OB;

Fig. 11 shows the terminals of a seven way comiector in accordance with a marine communications protocol;

Fig. 12 is a rear view of a panel in accordance with the invention having only power connectors;

Fig. 13 is a rear view of another panel in accordance with the invention having only power connectors; Fig. 14 is a rear view of another panel in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 15 to 17 are rear views of further panels in accordance with another embodiment of the invention having power and communications connectors showing schematically how they may be connected to other panels or devices;

Fig. 18 shows how a panel in accordance with the invention may be connected to a junction box;

Fig. 19 shows the junction box of Fig. 18 in more detail;

Fig. 20 is a side view of the connector box 900 as shown in Fig. 19, with certain details omitted for clarity;

Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of the box 900 as shown in Fig. 19 from the side of connector 906; and

Figure 22 shows the way in which a plurality of panels and interconnection boxes may be connected with one another in accordance with the invention to provide an integrated communications system.

Fig. 1 illustrates a blank for a panel to which connectors and fuse holders may be mounted in accordance with the present invention. The panel 1 is a rigid planar plastic panel of approximately square-shape. The panel has an upper row of three apertures 3, 5 and 7 through which connectors may be mounted to the panel as described in more detail below. The panel has a second row of apertures 9, 11 and 13 to which fuse holders may be mounted. The apertures are circular in vertical cross-section. The apertures through which the connectors are mounted may alternatively be D -shaped, rectangular or any other suitable shape, or of different shapes, to allow fitting of the connectors. Where a wire connector is used, the apertures should be rectangular.

The panel has holes 15 at each corner for mounting the panel to e.g. a console of a vessel. A peripheral gasket seal 17 extends around the edge of the panel inboard of the mounting holes 15, and outboard of the apertures 3, 5; 7, 9, 11, 13 so as to surround the apertures and to provide a seal between the front and back of the panel when the panel is mounted in use. To assemble the panel, connectors are mounted to the upper row of apertures 3, 5 and 7 and fuse holders to apertures 9, 11, 13 as discussed below.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the panel of Fig. 1 along the line 2- 2 after fuse holders and connectors have been mounted to the panel. In preferred embodiments, the front faces 27 of the connectors 20 are around 10 mm in diameter and the connectors project around 25 mm from the front of the panel. Panel connectors are associated with each of the apertures 3, 5 and 7 as shown in Fig. 2 in relation to aperture 5. The connectors may be of the type shown in Fig. 2, or of any of the other types described below. Fuse holders are mounted to apertures 9 and 13 in the same way as shown in relation to aperture 11 in Fig. 2.

Connector 20 mounted to aperture 5 comprises a front portion 24 projecting from the front surface of the panel. The front 24 of connector 20 defines one half of a connector. The connector half 20 is the female half of the mating connector and has front face 27 and back face 28. The front face 27 has bores (not shown) for

receiving terminal pins of connector 22. The connector 20 comprises a rear portion 26 which is screw-fitted to the front portion 24 to mount the connector to the panel 1.

The connector half 20 mates with a corresponding half of a connector 22 having terminals associated with an electronic device in use. The opposed connector half 22 is shown schematically in Fig. 2.

The front part 24 of the panel connector 20 has a seal 25 which is compressed between connector 20 and the mating connector half 22 in use to provide a sealing connection between the connector halves. A fuse holder 32 is mounted to the lower aperture 11 of the panel 1. Wires

34, 36 extend from the reverse side of the fuse connector for connecting the fuse holder to the positive and negative terminals of a power supply. The fuse holder 32 is shown in more detail in Fig. 6. The fuse holder has front 40 and rear 42 sections which fit together to mount the holder to the panel. A fuse may be inserted in the front 33 of the holder.

Connectors are associated with each of the apertures 3, 5 and 7 as shown in Fig. 2 in relation to aperture 5. The connectors may be of the type shown in Fig. 2, or of any of the other types described below. Fuse holders are mounted to apertures 9 and 13 in the same way as shown in relation to aperture 11 in Fig. 2. A plurality of connecting means in the form of wires 30 extend from the respective bores (not shown) at the rear face 28 of the rear connector part 26 on the reverse of the panel. The wires 30 are electrically connected e.g. by soldering or crimping to the respective terminals of the connector 20. Wires 34, 36 extend from the rear of the fuse holder 42. The wires 30 or 34, 36 extending from the connectors 20 or fuse holders 32 at the rear of the panel each have a length of 100 mm. The wires are colour coded, such that all wires associated with corresponding terminals of the connectors or fuse holders are the same e.g. colour red for positive power; black for negative power, and any wires associated with a GPS signal are blue. In this way, a user may readily understand how to connect e.g. each power or GPS terminal of the respective connectors together, by connecting wires of the same colour to one another.

The connectors, fuse holders and wires are sealed in a watertight fit to the panel 1. This may be achieved e.g. by locating a seal between the connector or fuse holder and the aperture through which it passes, or by e.g. heat-shrinking, or over- moulding a sleeve of material over the connector, or providing a coating e.g. of liquid rubber. Particularly for fuse holders, an over-mould or heat-shrink sleeve may be used to provide a watertight seal to the panel after the fuse holder has been mounted to the panel, as the profile of the fuse holder may not easily allow the over- mould or heat-shrink to pass through the aperture 9, 11 or 13 to retain the fuse holder in place. Alternatively, a boot may be used, or a housing located over the projecting part of the connector.

For marine applications, it has been found that the wires 30 may suitably be 20 AWG for panels to be used with power supplies of up to 7 amps and 16 AWG for power supplies of around 13 amps.

The connector 20 is shown in more detail from the side in Fig. 3 A. The vertical cross-section of the front face of the connector is shown in Fig. 3B.

The rear face 28 of the connector 20 defines a plurality of bores for receiving wires and which are associated with different respective terminals 28 of the front face 27 of the connector 20. The connector shown in Fig. 3B is a seven way connector. The connector therefore has seven terminals, which may be connected to the terminals of a device to which it is connected.

The wires 30 may be connected to terminals of other connectors of the panel as described below either directly or via wires associated with the other terminals. A wire seal 70 of the type shown in Figs. 7A and 7B may be mounted to the rear of the panel to provide a sealing connection between the wires 30 and rear face 28 of the connector. The seal has apertures 72.

Fig. 4A is a side perspective view of a different connector 20' which may be used in place of connector 20. The connector is identical to connector 20, except that it has only two terminals 13', rather than seven for receiving inputs/outputs of a device to which it is connected. Only two wires 30' are therefore connected to the terminal 23' and extend from the rear 28' of the connector, and panel, when the connector is attached to the panel. The vertical cross-section of the front face 27' of the connector is shown in Fig. 4B.

Fig. 5A illustrates a side perspective view of a connector 20" which is identical to that shown in Fig. 3 A. The only difference is that in the case of the connector 20" in Fig. 5A, only two of the seven terminals 23" have wires associated with them to allow them to be connected to the terminals of other connectors mounted to apertures 3 or 7 at the rear of the panel as described below.

Such an arrangement may be useful in providing a maximum number of terminals which may be used if required to interconnect terminals of the connectors of the panel to one another, depending upon the devices connected to them. It will be appreciated that a connector of the type shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B may be used to connect the panel to a device having less than seven terminals. In such arrangements, only those terminals 23, and wires 30 connected to the terminals 23 which are also connected to terminals of a device will have inputs/outputs associated with them for a given application. If less than seven terminals are used by particular devices, then wires 30 need only be associated with terminals which are to be interconnected in use. Thus, a connector having seven terminals may allow for data and power connection between terminals of the connectors. However, if a device requiring only power input/output is attached to the connector, then only two of the terminals corresponding to the power terminals of the device need have wires associated with them for connection to corresponding terminals of other connectors associated with the panel.

Fig. 6 illustrates the fuse holder 32 of Fig. 2 in more detail. Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a wire seal in vertical cross-section which may be used in accordance with the arrangement of Fig. 2. The wire seal defines a plurality of apertures 72 through which the wires 30 may be arranged to extend. The wire seal may then be compressed around the wires to seal them to one another. For example, the wire seal 70 may be located between the rear portion 26 of the connector 20 and the wires 30.

Fig. 7B is a side perspective view of the wire seal shown in Fig. 7 A. While an electronic device may be connected directly to the connector portion 20 extending from the front face of the panel, in other arrangements, the device may be connected via a cable to the panel. In these embodiments, a connector of the type shown in Fig. 8 may be used. The wires extending from the

front of the connector 82 may lead directly to a device, or be spliced to the respective wires of a device, or a cable leading to a device. In these cases, the splice between the wires and the cable may be located within a housing, preferably a watertight housing to provide a watertight seal between the wires associated with the connector, and the cable. In a similar way, a length of cable may be connected to connectors of the type shown in Fig. 2, i.e. the connector 20, and then spliced to the end of a cable associated with the device at a different point.

The connector 80 shown in Fig. 8 is a wire connector for receiving wires of an electrical device in use. The connector 80 comprises a front portion 82 and a rear portion 84. In use, the connector may be mounted to the panel 17 by inserting the rear portion 84 into the aperture e.g. 5, and locating the front portion 82 over the rear portion 84.

Fig. 8 A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the front face 88 of the assembled connector 80. The rear face is of identical construction. As shown in Fig. 8 A, the front face 88 of the connector 80 has rows of bores 86 for receiving wires of a device. The rear face 90 has similar bores into which wires may be inserted to electrically connect them to the wires inserted in the front face 88.

The two halves 82, 84 of the connector 80 snap-fit together. The wire connector is rectangular in vertical cross section, and has a 10x20mm front face, with a length of 25mm.

If the number of bores 86 in the front or rear of the connector is greater than the number required in a given application, a plug of the type shown in Fig. 9 may be inserted in any of the unused slots to seal those slots.

The panel may include more than one different type of connector. For example, the panel may include mating connectors for connecting to electronic devices, and wire connectors for connecting the panel to an electrical supply or to other panels as described below.

The panel in accordance with the invention may be supplied pre-wired, or may be configured by a user, in accordance with a particular protocol, such as a marine protocol. In this way, the user may simply attach devices to the front of the panel via the connectors, knowing that the respective terminals of the connectors will be connected with one another at the reverse of the panel. In other

arrangements, the panel may be supplied with wires extending from the rear terminals of the panel, and a user may connect them themselves as desired for a given application.

Figure 10 A illustrates the way in which the wires of corresponding terminals of the different panel connectors may be bussed together. The wires are colour coded such that all wires connecting terminals associated with the same type of input/output in use, e.g. according to a known protocol, are of the same colour. This allows a user or manufacturer to easily identify those wires which should be connected to one another. In Figure 1OA, the connector 20 has 7 terminals. These include power and communications terminals according to a marine protocol described in relation to Figure 11 below. Wires A-G extend from the rear face 28 of the connector 20 and are connected to its respective terminals. Fuse holder 40 similarly has wires H and I extending from its positive and negative power terminals at the rear face 41. The wires F and H are both associated with negative power terminals, and are bussed together in ferrule 90. Wires G and I are both associated with positive power terminals and connected in ferrule 92. In this way, the power supplies may be connected to terminals of other connectors or to other panels, by bussing further wires to them in ferrules 90, 92. The other wires of the connector 20 may be bussed to corresponding terminals of other connectors in a similar way. Rather than bussing the wires in ferrules as shown, the wires may be bussed in any known manner, e.g. using PCB contacts or a PCB board.

Figure 1OB shows how the rear of the panel of Figure 1OA may be overmoulded with a rubber, plastic, or similar material 94 for added durability after the reverse of the panel has been configured as described with respect to Figure 1OA. This may enhance the waterproofness of the panel, and may also help to secure the connectors and fuse holders in place, although a panel according to this further embodiment may not be configured by a user. In Figure 1OB the power wires associated with the fuse holder and connector 20 are shown being connected to a further connector 96 of the type shown in Figs 4 A and B, at the rear of the panel. The connector 96 may be used to connect the panel to another panel or a power supply.

Figure 1OC shows a panel 1' having an overmould 94 from the front and one side.

Fig. 11 illustrates a seven way connector having terminals 1-7. In a marine situation, the terminals may respectively be in accordance with a common protocol.

Signal Connections - seven way

Position 1 Power +ve / up to 12VDC, 13 Amp

Position 2 Power -ve / up to 12 VDC, 13 Amp

Position 3 NMEA in ¹ Position 4 NMEA out ¹

Position 5 RX ² /NMEA ³ (Com 2) in

Position 6 TX ² /NMEA ³ (Com 2) out

Position 7 Alarm

^l National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), an American organisation that produce a globally accepted protocol for electronic instrument communication.

² Broad cast protocol for VHF radio transmission/receive RX - Receive TX - Transmit

³ Option for a second NMEA (Com 2) communication channel. Commonly used when a GPS is used with a DGPS [Differential GPS, that locates land based signal to correct satellite (GPS) errors.]

The correspondingly numbered terminals having positions 1-7 of different seven way connectors on the front of the panel may be connected to one or another via bussed wires on the rear of the panel as shown in Figure 1OA to allow communication of corresponding inputs/outputs between devices when connected to the panel.

Fig. 12 is a view of the rear of the panel 101 in accordance with the invention, showing how the terminals of connectors 100, 102 and 104 may be connected to one another, and to the fuse carriers 106, 108 and 110 at the rear of the panel. The connectors 101, 102, 104 are of the type shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B,

The positive terminal 132, 134, 136 of each fuse carrier is connected via a respective wire 138, 140, 142 to the positive power terminals of each of the connectors 100, 102, 104. The positive power terminals of the connectors are terminals 144, 146 and 148. The negative power terminals 150, 152 and 154 of the connectors 100, 102 and 104 are connected via a ferrule 156 to each other and a connecting wire 158 leading to a terminal 160 of the wire connector half 130.

Wires 112, 114, 116 extend from the negative terminals 118, 120, 122 of each fuse holder 106, 108, 110. The connecting wires 112, 114, 116 are joined to one another in a ferrule 124. The ferrule is covered with an adhesive lined heat- shrink to render it waterproof and to protect the wires it houses. Alternatively, a cable connector or splice or any other housing may be used to connect the wires. The way in which the wires are spliced or joined to one another may be selected depending upon the level of sealing required.

A further connecting wire 126 extends from the ferrule to connect the negative power supplies of the fuse carriers to a terminal 128 of a wire connector half 130 associated with the panel.

In this way, the power supplies of the respective terminals of each connector are connected to the power supply and each other via the fuses which are located in fuse holders 106, 108, 100 in use. The power supplies of any electronic instruments or devices connected to the front side of the panel via connectors 100, 102 and 104 are thus connected to each other.

As Fig. 12 schematically illustrates, rather than using panel 101 as a stand alone unit, a panel (not shown) may be connected via a wire connector half 162 in series or parallel to the panel 101 by connecting the connector half 162 and connector half 130. The use of a further panel may allow a further set of devices to be electrically interconnected with a first connected to the connectors 100, 102 and 104. hi Fig. 12, the connector half is shown as being connected via wires 164 and 166 to a further panel (not shown), the panels may of course be connected in series or parallel. In this way, a single power source connected to one of the connectors 100, 102, 104 may be used to power a plurality of panels.

Any further panels may be in accordance with the invention, or may, for example, be of a different construction. For example, a panel having only one

connector may be used, as the panel is not required to be able to provide communication between devices as a stand alone unit.

If desired, a circuit breaker or switch may be located on the panel and connected to the terminals of the connectors 100, 102, 104 in a similar way to the fuse holders 106, 108, 100.

If the panel is connected to a power supply, it may be wired directly into an electric power supply, or may be connected to a portable power supply e.g. a battery. If the power supply is located at a significant distance from the panel, the wires extending from the connector half 162 may be spliced to the ends of a cable to allow power to be more easily transferred between the panel and the power supply.

Alternatively, it would be envisaged that a cable might be joined e.g. spliced, using an appropriate connector directly to the wires 158, 126, without need to use wire connector half 130. Rather than being connected to a panel, connector half 162 may be connected to a power supply. Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of a panel 101'. The panel 101' is identical to the panel 101, except that the negative terminals 132', 134' and 136' of the fuse carriers 106', 108 and 110' are connected via first wires 138a', 140a' and 142a' to second wires 138b', 140b' and 142b' extending from the negative terminals 144', 146' and 148' of the connectors 100', 102' and 104', via ferrules 139, 141 and 143.

Fig. 13 also schematically shows how the power inputs and outputs of connectors 100', 102', 104' may be connected via wire connector half 172 to a connector 186 of another panel on the right of Fig. 13 The positive terminal 174 of the connector half 172 is connected to ferrule 156' via wire 176. Similarly, the negative terminal 178 of the connector half 172 is connected via wire 180 to ferrule 124'. In this way, the panel 101' may be connected to a further panel by means of connector half 174. The connector halves 172 and 174 fit together so that terminals 178 and 174 to which the power inputs/outputs provided by wires 176 and 180 are connected are connected to corresponding terminals of connector half 170. As shown, the power inputs/outputs may be transmitted to another connector half 186, and then to e.g. another panel (not shown).

A similar connection may be made to another panel on the left of Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 illustrates a panel 300 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The panel 300 is similar to the panel shown in Figs. 12 and 13, except that it comprises only two connectors 302 and 304, rather than three. As shown schematically in Fig. 13, the panel may be connected in series to a connector 308, have halves 310 and 312, to allow the panel to be connected to another panel or to a power supply via half 312. Similarly, the panel may be connected on the right to another such connector 314 as shown in dotted lines, for connection to another panel, for example. The panel shown in Fig. 14 may provide a low cost panel, which may be extended by connecting it to other such panels if more connections are required.

The panel shown in Fig. 14 therefore has a power connection via connector half 312 or 314 to another device or panel.

Figs. 12 and 13 also show arrangements having only power inputs/outputs to other panels or devices. Fig. 15 illustrates a panel in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The panel is similar to that shown in Fig. 12. However, the panel comprises four connectors 402, 406, 408 and 410. The connector 402 has two terminals 412 and 414 and may be a DC power connector. However, each of the connectors 406, 408, 410 has seven terminals. For example, the connectors may be of the type shown in Figs. 3 A and 5 A.

Rather than simply providing a connection between the power terminals of the devices connected to the respective connectors 402, 406, 408, 410, the panel of Fig. 15 may also allow terminals associated with other inputs/outputs of devices connected to the panel to be interconnected with one another. As shown in dotted lines in Fig. 15, the terminals of the connectors 406, 408, 410 may be wired together. The wires may be joined to one another by splicing them in a ferrule, for example, as in Fig. 12.

While Fig. 15 only shows the power terminals being connected to the connector half 416 for connection via connector half 418 to a power supply, or another panel, it will be appreciated that any or all of the other terminals may similarly be connected to connector 415.

The embodiments shown in Fig. 15 may provide a panel allowing interconnection of the communications inputs/outputs of a VHF device, GPS device and fish finder as well as the power inputs/outputs. The power connections may be connected to a VGA phone charger, a light or other devices requiring power connected to the front of the panel.

Fig. 16 illustrates the way in which the wires associated with the communications terminals of the connectors may be joined to one another and to a connector for providing a communications input/output to a further panel, or to another device. The panel 500 is similar to the panel shown in Fig. 15, but has only two connectors 502 and 504 having communications terminals, rather than three as shown in Fig. 15. Wires 506, 508 lead from data terminals, such as the VHF and GPS terminals of connector 502 to a ferrule (not shown) where they are connected to the corresponding terminals of the connector 504 via wires 510 and 512 respectively. Wires 514 and 516 connect the corresponding terminals of each connector 502, 504 to terminals of connector half 518. Any other communications terminals are connected in a similar manner to the connector half 518. The connector half 518 may then be connected to a mating connector half 520. The panel may therefore be connected in series via a further connector via connector half 520, half of which is shown as 522 in Fig. 15, to another panel or device. Another panel or device may similarly be connected on the left of panel 500.

Fig. 17 shows an arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 16. However, the wires connecting the communications outputs of the respective connectors 602, 604 to one another are also connected to connector halves 606 and 608. The connector half 608 may be connected to another connector half, and thus to another panel or device as shown in Fig. 16, where connector half 518 is connected to another connector 522 via connector half 520. In Fig. 17, the connector half 606 is also connected to a connector half 608, and thus to a half of a connector 610 associated with a further panel or another device. In this way, the panel 600 may have a power and communications input and a power and communications output, by connecting the connector halves 606 and 608 appropriately to the terminals of the connectors 602, 604.

It will be appreciated that, depending upon the nature of the devices connected to the panel, not all of the available power/data inputs/outputs may be used in Figs. 15-17. Thus, in Fig. 17 for example, some of the slots in e.g. connectors 606, 608 may be left empty, e.g. if a GPS signal is not required to be output from the panel.

Fig. 18 illustrates the way in which a panel of the type shown in Fig. 14 may be connected to a junction box. In this way, the panel may be connected in parallel with one or more other panels. The outputs of the panel 700 is provided via connector half 702. In the arrangement of Fig. 18, only a power output is shown for simplicity. The connector half 702 mates with connector half 704. The connector is a wire connector of the type shown in Figs. 8 and 8A. The wires emerging from the connector half 704 extend through a cable 706 to a connector half 708. The connector 708 is connectable to a mating connector half 710 provided on a face 712 of junction box 714. The connector 710 is of the type described in relation to Fig. 2, e.g. as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B.

The junction box 714 comprises similar connectors 716 and 718 extending outwardly from faces 720 and 722. The corresponding terminals of connectors 716 and 710 may be connected with on another within box 714, e.g. using wires, as described above in relation to the connection of the terminals of the connectors associated with the panels, on the rear of the panel, it will be appreciated that the rear of the panel corresponds to the internal surfaces of the junction box 714. The connector 716 may be connected via a cable and further connectors to another panel in a similar way to that in which panel 700 is connected to the box 714. In this way, the panel 700 may be connected to another panel in parallel. Similarly panels may be connected to connectors 718 and 722 of the box 714.

Alternatively, other devices may be connected to the other faces. For example, the box 714 may be connected in series with another box, via connector 718, for example.

The box is waterproof. As any wires connecting the connectors in the embodiment of Fig. 18 within the junction box are protected from the environment, it is not necessary to provide wire seals around the wires, unlike in the case of a panel.

The box may include a circuit breaker to ensure that the system is not overloaded, or a signal booster to compensate for attenuation in signals which may occur between the box and a panel, allowing data signals to be transferred over a greater distance, or to more instruments or panels. Signal boosters or circuit breakers may be harder to seal effectively onto a panel, and may be more advantageously located in a box. The box may include a radio transmitter/receiver to allow it to be wirelessly connected to devices.

Fig. 19 shows the interior of the box shown in Fig. 18 in more detail, schematically illustrating the way in which the various connectors may be connected to one another.

Box 900 has connectors 902, 904, 906, 908 and 910 extending from faces 912, 914, 916 and 918. Connector 902 has only power terminals, terminals 920 and 922. Connector 904 is a seven way connector, having terminals 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934 and 936. Connectors 906 and 910 are also seven way connectors. The box also has a fuse associated with a fuse holder 938.

The respective power terminals of each of the connectors 910, 902, 904, 906 and the fuse 938 are connected to one another by wires joined at ferrules 942 and 944. The remaining communications outputs associated with terminals 928, 930, 932, 936 and 924 are connected to the corresponding communications terminals of connectors 910 and 906. In this way, for example, panels connected to connectors

902 and 904 may be connected in parallel with a panel connector 906. A further box may be connected in series with connector 910.

The connectors of the box may be held in a mould tool to allow the central housing to be moulded around the connectors. This may allow size reductions to be achieved, especially if the connectors are bussed using a flat PCB board. In these arrangements, the box may be in the form of a plastics or rubber material moulded around the components to provide a housing.

The cables or wires joining the box to the panel may be cut to a required length and terminated at one end preferably to a circular connector for mating to the box connector and to a rectangular connector at the other end to mate with the panel. However, the whole system may be standardised on one connector type if desired.

Fig. 20 is a side view of the connector box 900 as shown in Fig. 19, with certain details omitted for clarity.

Fig. 21 is a side perspective view of the box 900 as shown in Fig. 18 from the side of connector 906. Figure 22 shows the way in which a plurality of panels or interconnection boxes in accordance with the invention may be integrated with one another into a communications system. Figure 22 shows a system suitable for use on a boat or vehicle such as a mobile trailer where instruments or electronic devices may be positioned at the front and/or back of the vessel or vehicle, and connections between the devices may need to pass through a bulkhead. Typically these are low voltage, e.g. 12 V and low current, e.g. 10 Amp applications.

The system of Figure 22 includes an interconnection box A, and two panels B and C on one side of a bulkhead 1000. A further interconnection box D and two further panels E and F are located on the other side of the bulkhead. Panels B and E have two way DC power connectors on their front faces.

Panel C includes 7 way terminals for power and communications connections, while panel F has two connectors of the type of panel C, and one power connector.

Box D is connected to a battery, and is located within a console. Box D supplies power to panels E and F via cables 1002 and 1004. The communications terminals of the connectors on panel F are bussed together and connected via cable 1004 to the box D. In this way, the cable 1004 may provide two way communications and power inputs/outputs between box D and panel F. In contrast, cable 1002 provides one way communication of power to panel E.

Cable 1006 passes through console or bulkhead 1000 to connect box D to box A. Box A is connected via cable 1008 to panel B, to provide a one way power supply to panel B. Panel C is connected via bussed wires to a wireless transmitter 1010. The transmitter 1010 communicates communications signals between panel C and box A via wireless link to a radio transmitter of box A. One of the boxes A or D may include a signal booster if the distance between the boxes is significant, i.e. the length of cable 1006. Any unmated connections may be blanked off or eliminated if not required.

It will be appreciated, that instead of using cables to connect panels or boxes to one another, a wireless link may be used to provide any or all of the connections. It will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, the panel may have a number of connectors greater than two. The connectors may have any number of terminals, and preferably have between two and seven terminals, most preferably seven terminals. The connector may be of any type. Thus, in any of the arrangements where a circular type connector is shown, a rectangular one may be used, or vice versa.

Where panels are connected to other panels, as shown for Example in Figure 15, this may be done using a cable of short length, e.g. 15 cm for side by side installations, or longer extension cables for greater distances, depending upon installation requirements.

Preferably the power supplies in accordance with the present invention are derived from a DC power source, having a low current up to 13 amps and low voltage, of 12 volts.

The panel in accordance with the invention may be mounted to a console of a marine vessel. Typically the consoles are fibreglass. A rigid plastic panel in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention may be provide a corrosion-resistant panel which may be cost-effectively mounted to the consoles. Rather than being separately formed and mounted to the panel as shown in the illustrated embodiments, at least one of the connector parts, and preferably all may be moulded to the panel. This may reduce manufacturing costs. Instead or in addition to using wires to provide the connections between terminals, the panel may comprise one or more PCBs (printed circuit boards). The panel of the present invention is particularly suitable for marine electronic systems, but may be used in any other low voltage or current applications, such as those found in outdoor and camping markets. It is particularly suited to scenarios where costs are typically kept low because of battery power limits, such as size, weight, need to recharge and overall reducing efficiency over their useful life.