Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an electronic data transfer cable comprising (a) a first end; (b) a second end; (c) a plurality of data transmission wires running the length of the data transmission cable; (d) an insulating sheath disposed at one of said data transfer cable first or second ends having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and connected to either of the data transfer cable first or second ends, at least one side surface extending between said insulating sheath first and second ends, and a tab extending outwardly from the sheath side surface and defining a through-hole; (e) a connector which slidably engages the through-hole; and (f) a plug extending outwardly from the sheath first end, the plug having a plurality of data transfer pins whereat said plurality of data transmission wires terminate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/920,414, filed Mar. 28, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of cables for transferring data to and from a computer, and in particular to a robust universal serial bus cable that reduces the likelihood of inadvertent disconnection. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the modern technological world, businesses and individuals rely heavily upon computer workstations to perform data processing functions. Frequently it is necessary to transfer data between a computer and a peripheral device such as a printer, external hard drive, or another computer. One common way of transferring data between a computer and a peripheral device is to connect one end of a data transfer cable to an input/output jack on the computer and then connect the other end of the cable to an input/output jack on the peripheral device. The types of input/output jacks have evolved to keep pace with the ever-changing computer industry, and today there are many varieties of jacks that require a cable equipped with an appropriate mating connector. 
         [0004]    Currently, many computers and peripheral devices are equipped with at least one universal serial bus (USB) interface. The USB interface was originally designed to give home computer users an easy method to connect peripheral equipment to their computers. USB connectors are small, easy to align with their corresponding jacks, and can be connected and disconnected much faster than prior interfaces. These advantages have helped the USB interface rapidly become a preferred interface for both personal computers and office computers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention recognizes and addresses considerations of prior art constructions and methods. The present invention is directed to an electronic data transfer cable comprising (a) a first end; (b) a second end; (c) a plurality of data transmission wires running a length of the data transmission cable; (d) an insulating sheath disposed at one of said data transfer cable first or second ends, having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and connected to either of the data transfer cable first or second ends, at least one side surface extending between said insulating sheath first and second ends, and a tab extending outwardly from the sheath side surface and defining a through-hole; (e) a connector which slidably engages the through-hole; and (f) a plug extending outwardly from the sheath first end, the plug having a plurality of data transfer pins whereat said plurality of data transmission wires terminate. 
         [0006]    The present invention is additionally directed to an electronic data transfer cable comprising (a) a first end; (b) a second end; (c) a plurality of data transmission wires running a length of the data transmission cable; (d) an insulating sheath disposed at both of said data transfer cable first and second ends, each insulating sheath having, a first end, a second end opposite the first end and connected to either of the data transfer cable first or second ends, at least one side surface extending between said insulating sheath first and second ends, and a tab extending outwardly from the sheath side surface and defining a through-hole; (e) a connector for each insulating sheath, which slidably engages the through-hole; and (f) a plug extending outwardly from each of the insulating sheaths first end, the plug having a plurality of data transfer pins whereat said plurality of data transmission wires terminate. 
         [0007]    The present invention is further directed to an electronic data transfer system comprising an electronic data transfer cable which contains, (a) a first end; (b) a second end; (c) a plurality of data transmission wires running a length of the data transmission cable; (d) an insulating sheath disposed at one of said data transfer cable first or second ends having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and connected to either of the data transfer cable first or second ends, at least one side surface extending between said insulating sheath first and second ends, and a tab extending outwardly from the sheath side surface and defining a through-hole; (e) a connector which slidably engages the through-hole; and (f) a plug extending outwardly from the sheath first end, the plug having a plurality of data transfer pins whereat said plurality of data transmission wires terminate. The electronic data transfer system further contains an electronic data receiving component. The electronic receiving component contains a jack with a plug receiving recess containing a plurality of data transfer pins. The plug data transfer pins align with the jack data transfer pins and the connector is releasably attached to the electronic data receiving component when the electronic data transfer cable is in engagement with the electronic data receiving component. 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a universal serial bus connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a universal serial bus connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a partial front view of an automated device having a universal serial bus jack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention suitable for receiving a universal serial bus connector illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is a partial front view of an automated device having a universal serial bus jack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention suitable for receiving a universal serial bus connector illustrated in  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the engagement between the universal serial bus connector illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and the universal serial bus jack illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the engagement between the universal serial bus connector illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and the universal serial bus jack illustrated in  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a section view of a universal serial bus connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a partial perspective view of a universal serial bus connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention according to the disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1A  shows one embodiment of a data transmission cable  12  having a rugged USB connector  10  in accordance with the present invention. Connector  10  is located at an end of cable  12  and has an interfacing plug  14 , and an insulating sheath  16  that surrounds and protects the wires (not shown), which transmit electronic data. It should be understood that both ends of cable  12  may be equipped with a USB connector  10 , but cable  12  may also have a USB connector at one end and an alternative connector at another end, such as a USB mini, parallel, or serial connector. 
         [0021]    Insulating sheath  16  preferably has a first end surface  18  from which interfacing plug  14  extends, and a second end surface  20  from which data transmission cable  12  extends. Preferably, a strain relief  22  extends from sheath second end  20  and encircles cable  12 , thus preventing the cable from fraying or kinking during use. Insulating sheath  16  also has a first side surface  24 , a second side surface  26 , a top surface  28 , and a bottom surface  30 . While sheath  16  preferably has a generally rectangular cross section, it should be understood that sheath  16  may have a cross section with any suitable shape, such as, for example, square, circular, triangular, hexagonal or oval-shaped. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, a tab  32  extends outwardly from insulating sheath top surface  28 , and has a rear surface  34  that is generally perpendicular to sheath top surface  28 . Tab  32  is positioned proximate to interfacing plug  14  such that insulating sheath first end surface  18  also forms the tab&#39;s forward facing surface while sheath first and second side surfaces  24 ,  26  form the tab&#39;s side surfaces. In this embodiment, tab  32  has a rounded top surface  36  that forms a smooth transition between sheath first and second side surfaces  24 ,  26 . It should be understood that tab top surface  36  may have any suitable profile, such as flat or beveled, for example. A through-hole  38  is formed in tab  32  and is positioned proximate to top surface  36 . Through-hole  38  is sized appropriately to receive a thumb screw  40  having a head  42  and a threaded shaft  44  that defines screw threads  46 . Insulating sheath through-hole  38  slidably receives thumb screw threaded shaft  44  such that screw threads  46  extend outward from insulating sheath first end  18 . 
         [0023]    Although  FIG. 1A  illustrates tab  32  extending outwardly from insulating sheath top surface  28 , it should be understood that tab  32  may also extend from first or second side surfaces  24 ,  26 , or from bottom surface  30 . Tab  32  may also provide a stop mechanism that prevents thumb screw  40  from sliding out of through-hole  38 . For example, through-hole  38  may define a circumferential rib  39  about its interior surface at a point intermediate tab rear surface  34  and insulating sheath first end surface  18  as shown in  FIG. 4A . During assembly of connector  10 , as thumb screw  40  is inserted into through-hole  38 , screw threads  46  will engage the circumferential rib  39 . Because the screw threads are not smooth, additional force will be required to push the screw threads past the rib. The rib will preferably deform slightly to allow the screw threads to pass. Preferably, in addition to having electrical insulating properties, insulating sheath will also have some flexible resiliency, and, accordingly, the circumferential rib will also be flexibly resilient. Once the rib deforms to allow the screw threads to pass, the rib will return to its original form, allowing the thumb screw to slide within the through-hole. However, any engagement between the screw threads and the rib will prevent the screw from simply sliding out of the through-hole. Instead, the user will have to exert additional pulling force upon the screw head to cause the screw threads to engage and deform the flexible rib sufficiently for the screw threads to pass over the rib, thus allowing the user to remove the screw from the through-hole. 
         [0024]    Other means of slidably retaining thumb screw  40  in through-hole  38  may also be employed, such as, for example, a flexible stopping-tab  29  shown in  FIG. 4B . Stopping tab  29  is preferably formed on insulating sheath top surface  28  and engages screw head  42 . During assembly, as thumb screw  40  is inserted into through-hole  38 , screw head  42  will engage stopping tab  29 , and additional force will be required to push the screw head past the tab. Because of the flexible resiliency of the material from which insulating sheath is preferably formed, stopping tab  29  will deform slightly to allow the screw head to pass. Once the screw head passes over the stopping tab, the tab will return to its original form, allowing the thumb screw to slide within the through-hole. However, any engagement between the screw head and the rib will prevent the screw from simply sliding out of the through-hole. Instead, the user will have to exert additional pulling force upon the screw head to cause the screw head to engage and deform the flexible stopping tab sufficiently for the screw head to pass over the rib, thus allowing the user to remove the screw from the through-hole. 
         [0025]    While element  40  is described as a “thumb screw”, it should be understood that element  40  could be any type of screw that will engage the connector  10  to the electronic component  300 . For example, element  40  can be a slotted screw, a Phillips screw, a hex cap screw, or any other screw that would serve the invented purpose. 
         [0026]    Interfacing plug  14  is shown as a standard USB A Series plug, as identified by its elongated rectangular shape. Plug  14  has a first sidewall  52 , a second sidewall  54 , a top wall  56 , and a bottom wall  58 , all of which terminate in a jack engaging end  60 . Jack engaging end  60  defines a pin connection recess  62 , inside of which is located a generally flat pin board  64  equipped with four data transfer pins  66 . Data transfer pins  66  represent the terminus of a plurality of data transmission wires (not shown), such as commonly known twisted pairs of copper wire or similar wires. The data transmission wires pass through the interior of insulating sheath  16  and cable  12  and terminate at a connector at another end of the data transmission cable, thus allowing electronic data to be communicated between a computer and a peripheral device via the data transmission cable. Pin board  64  is positioned proximate to the interior surface of sidewall  54  such that data transfer pins  66  face the interior surface of sidewall  52 . Additionally, plug sidewall  52  defines two generally square alignment recesses  70 A and  70 B. Similar recesses may also be formed in plug sidewall  54 . 
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 1B , an alternative embodiment of rugged USB connector  210  in accordance is shown. Connector  210  is largely the same as connector  10  ( FIG. 1A ), but is instead equipped with an interfacing plug  214  that is shown as a standard USB B Series plug, as identified by its generally square shape with chamfered corners. Interfacing plug  214  has a first sidewall  252 , a second sidewall  254 , a top wall  256 , and a bottom wall  258 , all of which terminate in a jack engaging end  260 . First sidewall  252  and top wall  256  are connected by a flat chamfer  255 A, while second sidewall  254  and top wall  256  are connected by a flat chamfer  255 B. Similarly, first sidewall  252  and bottom wall  258  are connected by a flat chamfer  255 C, while second sidewall  254  and bottom wall  258  are connected by flat chamfer  255 D. Jack engaging end  260  defines a generally square pin connection recess  262 , having a bottom surface  264  equipped with two data transfer pins  266 . The top surface (not shown) of pin connection recess  262  is also equipped with two data transfer pins (not shown). It should be understood that a USB Mini-A or USB Mini-B series plug, HDMI plug, FIREWIRE plug, or other similar plug having quick-connect/disconnect functionality may be substituted for the USB A and USB B series plugs described herein. 
         [0028]    Tuning now to  FIG. 2A , an electronic component  300  is shown equipped with a USB A Series jack  302  suited for receiving the interfacing plug  14  of USB connector  10  ( FIG. 1A ). Jack  302  has a plug receiving recess  304 , having a first sidewall  306 , a second sidewall  308 , a top wall  310 , and a bottom wall  312 . A generally flat pin board  364  having four data transfer pins (not shown) is positioned inside plug receiving recess  304  proximate to sidewall  306  such that the data transfer pins of pin board  364  engage USB connector pins  66  ( FIG. 1A ) when interfacing plug  14  is inserted into USB jack. Plug receiving recess  304  may also be equipped with a flexible retaining tab  366  having two ears  370 A and  370 B that releasably engage interfacing plug alignment recesses  70 A and  70 B as described in further detail below. Electronic component  300  also has a threaded bore  340  located directly above jack  302  and sized appropriately to receive connector thumb screw threads  46  ( FIG. 1A ) as described below. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , an electronic component  300  is equipped with a USB B Series jack  502  suited for receiving the interfacing plug  214  of USB connector  210  ( FIG. 1B ). Jack  502  has a plug receiving recess  504 , having a first sidewall  552 , a second sidewall  554 , a top wall  556 , and a bottom wall  558 . First sidewall  552  and top wall  556  are connected by a flat chamfer  555 A, while second sidewall  554  and top wall  556  are connected by a flat chamfer  555 B. Similarly, first sidewall  552  and bottom wall  558  are connected by a flat chamfer  555 C, while second sidewall  554  and bottom wall  558  are connected by flat chamfer  555 D. A generally square pin board  562  has a top surface  564  and a bottom surface  566 . Two data transfer pins  568  are located on each of pin board top surface  564  and pin board bottom surface  566  and are configured to engage with the corresponding data transfer pins  266  of interfacing plug  214  ( FIG. 1B ). Electronic component  300  also has a threaded bore  540  located directly above jack  502  and sized appropriately to receive connector thumb screw threads  46  ( FIG. 1B ) as described below. 
         [0030]    With reference now to  FIG. 3A , a user may connect USB A Series connector  10  with USB jack  302  by sliding interfacing plug  14  into plug receiving recess  304 . Plug first and second sidewalls  52 ,  54  slide against recess sidewalls  306 ,  308 , respectively while plug top and bottom walls  56 ,  58  slide against recess top and bottom walls  310 ,  312 , respectively. Simultaneously, plug pin board  64  engages recess pin board  364 , allowing plug pins  66  to engage the pins (not shown) on recess pin board  364  and facilitating the transfer of electronic data. 
         [0031]    As plug  14  enters into plug recess  304 , flexible retaining tab  366  flexes outward toward recess second sidewall  308 . When plug  14  is fully inserted into recess  304 , the ears  370 A,  370 B of retaining tab  366  engage plug alignment recesses  70 A,  70 B, respectively, and flexible retaining tab  366  returns to its normal un-flexed state. The engagement between the retaining tab ears and the plug alignment recesses helps to ensure proper alignment between interfacing plug  14  and plug recess  304 . Additionally, the engagement between the retaining tab ears and the plug alignment recesses ensures that the interfacing plug will not simply slide out of the plug recess when the engagement between connector  10  and jack  302  is left unattended. 
         [0032]    When interfacing plug  14  is fully inserted into jack recess  304 , connector insulating sheath first end  18  engages or is brought into close proximity with the external surface of electronic component  300 . Additionally, through-hole  38  formed in insulating sheath tab  32  aligns with threaded bore  340 . The user may then slide thumb screw  40  through the hole  38  until screw threads  46  engage the female threads  346  formed on the interior surface of threaded bore  340 . The user may tighten thumb screw  40  by turning screw head  42 . When thumb screw  40  is fully tightened, the engagement between screw threads  46  and threaded bore threads  346  ensures that USB connector  10  will not slide out of or disengage USB jack  302  unless the user fully unscrews thumb screw  40  from threaded bore  340 . This secured engagement between connector  10  and jack  302  ensures the integrity of the engagement between the plug data transfer pins and the jack data transfer pins, and the transfer of electronic data from USB connector  10  to USB jack  302  will not be inadvertently interrupted. 
         [0033]    If the user desires to disengage the USB connector and jack, she may simply unscrew thumb screw  40  from threaded bore  340 . Once thumb screw  40  is fully unscrewed and disengaged from threaded bore  340 , the user may then simply pull the USB connector plug out of the USB jack. The reward motion of connector  10  will cause the edge of plug alignment recesses  70 A,  70 B to engage retaining tab ears  370 A,  370 B, respectively. Retaining tab  366  will flex toward jack sidewall  308 , allowing plug  14  to slide out of plug recess  304 , thereby breaking the connection between the plug data transfer pins from the jack data transfer pins. It should be understood that retaining tab  366  may be replaced with two separate tabs, each for engaging one of plug alignment recesses  70 A,  70 B, or the retaining tab may be omitted all together. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , a user may connect USB B Series connector  210  with USB jack  502  in a manner similar to that described above by sliding interfacing plug  214  into plug receiving recess  304 . Plug first and second sidewalls  252 ,  254  slide against recess sidewalls  552 ,  554 , respectively while plug top and bottom walls  256 ,  258  slide against recess top and bottom walls  556 ,  558 , respectively. Plug chamfers  255 A-D similarly slide against recess chamfers  555 A-D, respectively. Simultaneously, jack pin board  562  engages recess plug square pin connection recess  262 , allowing jack data transfer pins  568  to engage plug data transfer pins  266  pins and facilitating the transfer of electronic data. 
         [0035]    As with connector  10  described above, through-hole  38  formed in insulating sheath tab  32  aligns with threaded bore  540  when connector  210  is properly inserted into jack  502 . The user may then slide thumb screw  40  through the hole  38  until screw threads  46  engage the female threads  546  formed on the interior surface of threaded bore  540 . By turning screw head  42 , the user may tighten thumb screw  40  into bore  540 . Once fully tightened, the engagement between screw threads  44  and threaded bore threads  546  ensures that USB connector  10  will not disengage USB jack  502  unless the user fully unscrews thumb screw  40  from threaded bore  540 . The engagement between connector  210  and jack  502  ensures the integrity of the engagement between the plug data transfer pins and the jack data transfer pins, and the transfer of electronic data from USB connector  210  to USB jack  502  will not be interrupted. 
         [0036]    If the user desires to disengage the USB connector and jack, he may simply unscrew thumb screw  40  from threaded bore  340 . Once thumb screw  40  is fully unscrewed and disengaged from threaded bore  340 , the user may then simply pull the USB connector plug out of the USB jack, thereby breaking the connection between the plug data transfer pins from the jack data transfer pins. 
         [0037]    It should be understood that the thumb screw helps to provide a secure connection between the USB connector and an electrical component. However, the USB cable of the present invention may also be used with standard USB jacks that are not equipped with a threaded bore of the type described above. When used with a standard USB jack, the user simply may pull on the head of the thumb screw, sliding the screw backward in its through-hole so that the threaded end of the screw does not interfere with the connection between the USB plug and the USB jack. Similarly, a standard USB connector may be used to connect a USB cable to a USB jack having a threaded bore. In this instance, the USB connector will not be locked in place. The connection will not be as secure as when using the USB cable of the present invention, but the transfer of data will not be impaired unless a vibration, shock, or impact causes the USB connector to disengage the USB jack. 
         [0038]    Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged either in whole or in part. For example, while methods for the production of a commercially sterile liquid nutritional supplement made according to those methods have been exemplified, other uses are contemplated. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein. 
         [0039]    While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.