Abstract:
A connector hub apparatus is provided that has a carabiner clip connected to one or more portions of the apparatus. The apparatus can utilize a locking or non-locking type carabiner clip to secure the hub to a bag, belt loop, etc. for quick and easy transport of the apparatus. The hub apparatus can also be clipped around a group of wires or cables to securely fasten the hub in a position off the user&#39;s desktop, thus freeing up desk space. In one embodiment, the hub apparatus has an integrated upstream cable and plug that folds out from the apparatus, thereby eliminating the need to carry an upstream cable with the hub apparatus when traveling.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a serial hub apparatus, and more particularly, to a serial hub with a carabiner clip attached to one or more portions of the hub. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In many applications, it is advantageous to interconnect a single serial computer port to multiple peripheral devices. A hub provides a convenient central data connection point for attaching multiple peripheral devices to a computer. The hub relays data from the computer to all enabled devices connected to the data hub, and relays data from the enabled devices to the computer. This data relay can be performed without any data storage or significant delay. The hub can be connected to the computer via a single upstream connector. The hub can include a plurality of downstream ports for connecting the peripheral devices to the hub. Hubs utilize standardized connectors at the upstream and downstream ports to provide universal connectivity between peripheral devices and the computer, thus simplifying these connections. Hub assemblies utilizing serial data transfer protocols and the corresponding electrical or electro-optical connectors operate in a similar fashion. Exemplary protocols that can be used with hub assemblies include Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), IEEE 1394 (“Fire Wire”), PS2, and RS232. 
     Conventional USB hubs receive power for low power applications via a positive voltage conductor and a ground conductor from a source, such as the computer, through the upstream port. Conventional USB hubs can operate in the so-called “self-powered” mode when equipped with a connector for connecting with a transformer plugged into a typical AC outlet for providing DC power to the hub for high power applications. 
     The USB standard is a communication interface standard that enables data transmission/reception between a single USB host and a plurality of USB devices. USB standard compliant interfaces have been widely used as a communication interface that mainly defines a PC as the USB host and its peripheral devices as the USB devices to enable connection between the PC and the peripheral devices. The USB standard adopts a star-shaped logical bus topology in which a single USB host is connected with plural USB devices. The USB 2.0 standard defines three bus transport speeds: a low speed (“LS”) of 1.5 Mbit/s, a full speed (“FS”) of 12 Mbit/s, and a high speed (“HS”) of 480 Mbit/s. Most USB 2.0 hubs are backward compatible to the USB 1.1 standard that includes the LS and FS bus transport speeds. 
     Laptop computers often have only one or two type “A” USB ports available. Commonly, many peripheral devices connect to a user&#39;s laptop computer via the limited number of Type A USB connector plugs on the user&#39;s computer. In order to increase the number of available USB ports to connect to, a USB hub is commonly used. Since laptop computers are often moved about to different locations, USB hubs that are small in size, lightweight and have minimal extra cables to lug around are desired by users. Small USB hubs that have two to four downstream USB port connectors are commonly referred to as “travel hubs.” A number of hubs with one, two, or even three USB ports molded into one rigid molded unit to save space are currently available. Even with such devices, however, the user needs to put the travel hub into a pocket or compartment in her suitcase or laptop carrying case, whether traveling just a few miles or to another continent. 
     Another problem with existing USB hubs is that the user needs to locate them close to their computer when they are connected together, and that takes physical space on the user&#39;s desktop. Further, the hub needs to be placed away from a desktop edge or the device can be knocked to the floor. One existing solution uses magnets on the underside of the hub, so that the hub can be placed on the side or top of the user&#39;s PC cabinet. This solution is limited in application to PCs with steel or iron exterior cases, not ones constructed of aluminum or plastic as with most laptop computers. Another way to secure the USB hub away from the desktop that is equally effective with or without the presence of an iron or steel surface, would offer the user a much greater range of possible places to secure her USB hub. 
     USB hubs can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes with a varying number of ports, commonly ranging from two to seven ports. Travel hubs, designed for use primarily with laptop computers, have two to four available bus-powered ports. Often, when a laptop user docks her computer at home or work, she needs a USB hub that has more than the two to four bus-powered ports. That is, she is in need of self-powered ports, as described above. Until now, this meant that the laptop user needed to purchase two hubs, i.e., a travel hub and a larger conventional USB hub, to get additional ports with the DC powered port option. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a portable DC-powered hub that can be easily and quickly stored during travel, whether for a five minute transport across the street or a two-week trip out of the country, while saving more of the available space for storage of other items. Additionally, there is a need for such a device that can be kept secure and out of the way from the user&#39;s desktop, freeing up space on the user&#39;s desktop for placement of other items. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a connector hub apparatus that includes a first body containing multiple downstream connectors that is connected to an upstream connector. The upstream connector is accessible from a second body. A carabiner clip is integrated with or connected to a portion of the first body and provides a quick and convenient way to secure the hub apparatus during transport. The following embodiments of the invention are described in terms of USB port connectors and are illustrative only. The embodiments are not to be considered limiting in any respect, as the invention can work equally well with a variety of types of electrical and electro-optical serial port connectors that employ other protocols such as Fire Wire, RS232 and PS2. 
     In one embodiment, the hub apparatus is a USB hub that has a non-locking carabiner clip attached to one or more portions of the apparatus. The carabiner clip can comprise a spring-loaded rotating gate element that can rotate to the open position by the application of force by the user&#39;s finger, thereby allowing the carabiner clip to be attached to a bag, belt loop, purse strap, bundle of wires, and the like. The clip can be used for multiple functions, such as holding the hub in place during travel or securing the hub in a portion of the user&#39;s work area that keeps the hub apparatus off the user&#39;s desk. In another embodiment, the carabiner clip can have a locking clip mechanism that prevents the clip from opening during travel by use of a ratcheting mechanism with a release button. In yet another embodiment, the locking clip utilizes a twist-lock gate that is similar to a nut on a bolt and requires the user to twist the nut to release the gate mechanism of the carabiner clip. The USB hub can have an upstream USB connector that is accessible from the surface of one portion of the USB hub, while in another embodiment, the USB hub can have an attached upstream connector and plug. This eliminates the need to carry an upstream cable when traveling with the hub apparatus. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a connector hub system that allows many devices to be connected to a single connector on a host computer or another hub. The system comprises a first body with a plurality of downstream connectors that are accessible from a surface of the first body, a second body with an upstream connector coupled to the plurality of downstream connectors, and a carabiner clip that is integral with the first body. One or more of the downstream connectors comprise a slot that can receive a USB connector, while the upstream connector comprises a serial connector head. The first and second bodies can be placed or folded together into one or more compact shapes, while the downstream ports remain accessible. The carabiner clip comprises a gate member that can be selectively opened and that pivots about a clip hinge from a closed position to one or more open positions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a connector hub system that allows many devices to be connected to a single connector on a host computer or another hub. The system comprises a first body with one or more downstream connectors, a second body with one or more upstream connectors coupled to the one or more downstream connectors, and a carabiner clip that is engaged with the first body. The first and second bodies can be placed together into one or more compact shapes. The carabiner clip comprises a gate member that can be selectively opened and moves between a closed position and one or more open positions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a connector hub apparatus that allows many devices to be connected to a single connector on a host computer or another hub. The system comprises a first body with one or more downstream connectors, a second body with one or more upstream connectors coupled to the one or more downstream connectors, and a carabiner clip that is connected to the first body and/or the second body. The first and second bodies are connected via a cable. The carabiner clip comprises a gate member that can be selectively opened and moves between a closed position and one or more open positions. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a connector hub system that allows many devices to be connected to a single connector on a host computer or another hub. The system comprises a first portion with a plurality of downstream connectors that are accessible from a surface of the apparatus, a second portion with an upstream connector coupled to the plurality of downstream connectors, and a carabiner clip that is engaged with the first portion and/or the second portion. One or more of the downstream connectors comprise a slot that can receive a first serial bus connector, while the upstream connector comprises a second slot for receiving a second serial bus connector. The carabiner clip comprises a gate member that can be selectively opened and that moves between a closed position and one or more open positions. 
     A more complete understanding of the connector hub apparatus that has a carabiner clip connected to one or more potions of the hub apparatus will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings, which are described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a conventional USB hub. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a USB hub apparatus with an attached non-locking carabiner clip in a closed position and an outstretched upstream USB cable with a USB plug. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus with the upstream USB cable with the USB plug shown in a stored position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a removable clip for releasing the upstream USB cable with the USB pug from a stored position. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus with a carabiner clip in an open position and the removable clip removed from a USB hub. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus with an upstream USB connector that is accessible from the surface of one portion of a USB hub. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus with a locking carabiner clip attached to a USB hub and the upstream USB cable with the USB plug shown in a stored position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a connector hub apparatus, in which a carabiner clip is attached to a first body of the hub apparatus that comprises a plurality of downstream port connectors and a second body that comprises at least one upstream port connector. The hub apparatus can be clipped to a user&#39;s bag, purse, belt loop, and the like, to simplify traveling with the hub apparatus. The clip can also be fastened around a bundle of cables or wires to securely hold the hub apparatus off the user&#39;s desktop, thereby saving desk space. The following embodiments of the invention are described in terms of USB port connectors, are illustrative only, and are not to be considered limiting in any respect. In the detailed description that follows, like element numerals are used to indicate like elements appearing in one or more of the figures. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the connection of a USB hub  10  to a computer  12 . The computer  12  has a USB interface (not shown) for receiving data from the USB hub  10 . The computer  12  includes at least one USB port connector  18 . The USB hub  10  includes an upstream port connector  20  having a corresponding USB plug  22  that connects to the USB connector  18  of the computer  12 . 
     The USB hub  10  also includes a plurality of downstream USB port connectors  26   a - 26   d  that permit multiple USB peripheral devices  28   a  and  28   b , such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, or printer, to be coupled to the computer  12  through the USB hub  10 . The USB peripheral devices  28   a  and  28   b  are each connected by connection cables  30   a  and  30   b  to USB plugs  32   a  and  32   b , which mate with the downstream port connectors  26   a - 26   d  of the USB hub  10 . 
     The USB hub  10  can contain connections for receiving power in two ways. First, the USB hub may be bus-powered for applications in which the total current provided to the hub is less than approximately 500 mA. In bus-powered applications, the USB hub receives power through the upstream port  20  from the USB plug  22  that contains separate positive and ground conductors. The USB hub can transfer a limited amount of current, approximately 100 mA, to each of four devices through the downstream ports  24  via positive and ground conductors in the downstream port connectors  26   a - 26   d.    
     The USB hub  10  can also include a separate power connector  34  for receiving sufficient power to supply the higher current demands to the downstream ports  26   a - 26   d  in high power applications when the hub is operated in the self-powered mode. The available current draw through the downstream ports in such powered applications is approximately 500 mA per port. The power connector  34  includes a positive voltage conductor  36  and a ground conductor  38  for receiving a DC voltage, preferably 5 volts, from a transformer (not shown) connected to an AC powered outlet (also not shown). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a USB hub apparatus  200  with an attached non-locking carabiner clip  222  in a closed position and an outstretched upstream USB cable  214  with an attached USB plug  218 . The hub apparatus  200  further comprises a first body or USB hub  202 , a carabiner clip  222 , an upstream cable  214 , and an upstream connector or serial connector head or male type “A” USB plug  218 . The USB hub  202  comprises three accessible downstream port connectors or slots or female type “A” USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c  accessible from a side panel  204 , an optional power connector  206 , and an upstream connector head retainer clip  210  that has a recessed circular portion or dimple  212 . The carabiner clip  222  is connected or engaged to the USB hub  202  and comprises a gate  226  attached to the carabiner clip  222  by a pin or screw  224 , a lower lip or catch  228 , and an internal spring (not shown) that is mounted within the front portion of the carabiner clip  222 . The USB plug  218  comprises a second body or molded connector cover  216 , a recessed circular portion or dimple  220 , and the upstream cable  214 . One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the USB hub  202  can comprise a different number of downstream port connectors  208   a - 208   c  and the molded connector cover  216  can comprise more than one USB connector plug  218 . Further, in another embodiment, a female USB connector can be mounted on one side of the body of the USB hub  202  in place of the attached cable  214  and storable USB plug  218  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The carabiner clip  222  illustrated is a straight non-locking carabiner clip. As such, the gate  226  is spring-loaded by the internal spring attached to the pin  224  so that the gate  226  can remain in close proximity to the catch  228 . The catch  228  acts as a stop to prevent the gate  226  from accidentally opening while the user travels with the hub apparatus  200 . In other embodiments, the catch  228  can form a tongue-in-groove arrangement (not shown) with the end of the gate  226  that provides a more secure carabiner clip  222 . Returning to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the gate  226  can be selectively opened by rotating the gate  226  about the attached pin  224 . The pin  224  is part of a clip hinge (not shown) at the front edge of the carabiner clip  222 . The gate  226  is spring-loaded so that the application of force or pressure on the gate  226  is required to open the gate for attachment of the carabiner clip  222  to a suitable object by the user. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gate  226  rotates inwardly so that the gate  226  is adapted to rotate from the closed position illustrated to an approximate horizontal position that is parallel to the top portion of the carabiner clip  222 . The gate  226  returns to the original closed position illustrated in  FIG. 2  when the force is removed. The particular amount of force required to rotate or swivel the gate is dependent on the tension created by the spring as well as other factors. The carabiner clip  222  and the gate  226  can be constructed of metal, plastic, rubber, and the like. 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that the carabiner clip  222  can be bent or curved (not shown). The straight type of carabiner clip is generally stronger and easier to manufacture than the bent type. Additionally, because the shape of the USB hub  202  is rectangular, having at least one straight side of the carabiner clip  222  creates more surface area to join with at least one side of the USB hub  202 , adding strength and ease of manufacture. The carabiner clip  222  can be permanently attached to one or more sides of the USB hub  202  so that the clip  222  is integral with the USB hub  202 . This can be accomplished by molding the housing or case of the USB hub  202  and the carabiner clip  222  into a single unit, or the USB hub  202  can be connected to the clip  222  by other secure means such as screws or clips (not shown). This is especially so if both the carabiner clip  222  and the body of the USB hub  202  are constructed of the same material, such as plastic. In other embodiments, the carabiner clip  222  can be removably attached to the USB hub  202  by removing the screws or clips that secure the carabiner clip  222  to one or more sides of the USB hub  202 . 
     The USB connector plug  218  and attached cable  214  are operatively coupled to the downstream USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c  of the USB hub  202 . The USB connector plug  218  and attached cable  214  can be retracted from one side of the USB hub  202  by removing the retainer clip  210  from the body of the USB hub  202 . The retainer clip  210  can be removed from the hub  202  to allow the cable  214  and the USB connector plug  218  to be released from the stored position. The operation and construction of the retainer clip  210  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and discussed further below. The cable  214  can be of various lengths and can be extended or retracted by gently tugging on the cable, which can be retained inside the hub  202  on a spring-loaded reel and a ratcheting type mechanism (not shown) inside the hub  202 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other methods of storing and releasing varying lengths of the cable  214  from the body of the hub  202  are within the scope and spirit of the invention. In another embodiment, the cable  214  extends outward from the body of the hub  202  by a predefined length. The length of the cable  214  cannot be altered by the user. 
     In  FIG. 2 , an optional power connector  230  is shown detached from the power connector  206 . In this bus-powered mode of operation, the hub apparatus  200  can support low power USB devices such as a computer mouse or a keyboard that can be connected to USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c . The power plug  230  comprises a power cable  232  that can be attached to a variety of suitable power sources such as an AC wall transformer, a battery pack, or an automobile cigarette lighter adapter. When the power connector  230  is removably attached to the power connector  206  and the power cable  232  is attached to a compatible power source, the USB hub  202  can be used in the self-powered mode. In this mode, the hub apparatus  200  can support high power USB devices that can be connected to the USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c.    
     In another embodiment (not shown), one or more of the downstream USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c  can comprise a slot for receiving a memory card or the like. The USB hub  202  in turn contains an internal memory device reader that communicates with a computer (not shown) or other compatible device via a removable connection with the USB plug  218 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus  300  with the upstream USB cable  214  with the USB plug  218  shown in a stored or folded position forming a single compactly shaped apparatus  300 . In this embodiment, the USB hub apparatus  300  shown is essentially the same as the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . The differences illustrated are: 1) an additional accessible downstream connector or slot or female type “A” USB port connector  208   d  is mounted on the right portion of a USB hub  320  between edges  301  and  302 ; 2) the cable  214  with the USB connector plug  218  is shown in the stored position; 3) the upper edge  301  has been added; and 4) the lower edge  302  has been added. Downstream USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c  are located on the opposing side of the USB hub  320  and are not visible in  FIG. 3A  (see  FIG. 2 ). A variety of USB compatible devices can be operatively connected to the downstream port connectors of the USB hub  320 , such as USB keyboards, mice, scanners, printers, flash memory devices, music players, and the like. One of skill in the art will recognize that the USB plug  218  can be operatively connected to compatible USB port connectors attached to a variety of devices, including a USB connector located at the downstream end of another USB hub (e.g., “daisy chaining” or “stacking” USB hubs in series). 
     When traveling with the USB hub  320 , it may be desirable to store the cable  214  and the USB plug  218  within the USB hub  320  to save space and avoid the USB plug  218  being caught with nearby items in the user&#39;s luggage, purse, etc. This is accomplished by using the removable retainer clip  210 . The retainer clip  210  secures the molded connector cover  216  and the cable  214  connected to the USB plug  218  within the upper edge  301  and the lower edge  302 . The retainer clip  210  can be removed from the USB hub  320  by the user placing one of her fingers  312  in the dimple  212  and her thumb around the retainer clip  212  and gently pulling away from the USB hub  202 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the removable clip  210  for releasing the upstream USB cable  214  and the USB plug  218  from a stored position. The removable retainer clip  210  comprises a top edge  310 , a bottom edge  304 , a front side  306 , a dimple  212 , and a support  308 . The retainer clip  210  snaps on the USB hub  202  and mounts flush with the top edge  301  and the bottom edge  302 . When the retainer clip  210  is mounted on the USB hub  202  (see  FIG. 2 ), the support block  308  secures the retainer clip  210  against the molded connector cover  216  (see  FIG. 2 ). The dimple  212  can be a concave circle that extends downward from the top edge  310 , contacting the dimple  220  (see  FIG. 2 ) on the molded connector  216 . This creates a pressure fit that, together with the contact of the support block  308  with the molded connector cover  216 , can retain the cable  214 , the molded cover  216 , and the USB plug  218  within the USB hub  202  in a stored position. One of skill in the art will recognize that the retainer clip  210  can be removably mounted to the USB hub  202  or USB hub  320  (see  FIG. 3 ) by other fastening methods such as tabs extending from the top edge  310  and bottom edge  304  that mate with matching slots on the corresponding portions of the top edge  301  and the bottom edge  302 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus  400  with a carabiner clip  410  in an open position and the removable clip  210  shown removed from a USB hub  412 . In this embodiment, the USB hub apparatus  400  shown is essentially the same as the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , but the non-locking carabiner clip  222  of  FIG. 3A  has been replaced with the locking carabiner clip  410 . The differences illustrated are: 1) the lower lip or catch  228  has been eliminated and replaced with a flat rectangular clip support  406 ; 2) the gate  226  has been replaced with a more elliptically shaped gate  401 ; 3) the gate  401  connects to a front edge  404  of the carabiner clip  410  by a ratcheting connector  402 ; 4) the pin  224  has been replaced with pin  408 ; 5) the internal spring attached to the pin  224  has been eliminated entirely so that no spring attaches to pin  408 ; and 6) a ratchet release button (not shown) located along the top portion of the carabiner clip  410  has been added. Similar to the discussion of the methods of attaching the catch  228  to the hub  202  in  FIG. 2  above, here the clip support  406  can be permanently attached to one or more sides of the USB hub  412  by being molded together in one piece or attached by other secure means such as screws or clips (not shown). 
     To place the carabiner clip  410  around an object such as a purse strap, the user simply pushes the release button and then pushes the ratcheting gate  401  inward to a sufficient predefined position to allow the object to be inserted into the carabiner clip  410 . The user than pushes or ratchets the gate  401  back to the neutral or closed position. 
     The carabiner clip  410  illustrated requires less force from the user to rotate the gate  401  sufficiently to allow the carabiner clip  410  to be clipped around an object than the carabiner clip  222  illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 3A  does. The carabiner clip  410  is also more secure, as the user must press the ratcheting release button before she can rotate the gate  401 . Thus, there is little chance of the carabiner clip opening and becoming detached from a belt loop, bag, and the like during travel. In other embodiments, the ratchet release button can be located on different portions of the carabiner clip  410  than the top portion discussed above. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus  500  with a slot or an upstream USB connector  501  that is accessible from the surface of one portion of a USB hub  506 . In this embodiment, the USB hub apparatus  500  shown is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , but the upstream cable  214 , the type A USB plug  218 , the retainer clip  210 , the dimple  212 , the upper edge  301 , and the lower edge  302  have been eliminated. Instead, a type B USB port connector  501  and side panels  502  and  504  have been added to the USB hub  506 . The upstream USB port connector  501  is accessible from the side panel  504  of the USB hub  202  and is operatively coupled to the downstream USB port connector  208   d  that is accessible from the side panel  502  of the USB hub  202 . The downstream USB port connectors  208   a - 208   c  are also present on the opposing side panel (not shown), but are not visible in  FIG. 5  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     In order to connect the USB hub  500  to a USB port of a computer  12  (see  FIG. 1 ) or the downstream USB port connector of another USB hub (not shown), an external USB cable (not shown) can be connected to the upstream USB port connector  501 . With this embodiment, the user needs to carry an additional USB cable to attach the hub apparatus  500  to her computer  12  or other compatible device when traveling with the hub apparatus  500 , as opposed to the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-4 . On the other hand, one advantage of this embodiment is that the apparatus  500  can be placed at a greater distance from the users computer or other compatible device then the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-4 , by simply utilizing a longer USB cable than the attached cable  214  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ). 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of a USB hub apparatus  600  with an attached locking carabiner clip  620  and the upstream USB cable  214  with the USB plug  218  shown in a stored position. In this embodiment, the USB hub apparatus  600  shown is essentially the same as the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , but the locking carabiner clip  222  that utilizes a ratcheting mechanism has been replaced with the locking carabiner clip  620  that utilizes a twist-lock gate. Although not visible in  FIG. 6 , the USB hub  622  has the four downstream port connectors  208   a - 208   d  and the upstream connector plug  218  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  4 . Other differences illustrated in  FIG. 6  are: 1) the front edge  404  has been replaced with upper front edge  601 ; 2) pin  408  has been replaced with pin  612 ; 3) pin  614  has been added; 4) the lower front edge  602  has been added; 5) the clip support  406  has been replaced with a clip support  610 ; 6) the gate  401  has been replaced by an upper gate  606  and a lower gate  608 ; 7) a locking nut  604  with a knurled surface that joins the upper gate  606  to the lower gate  608  has been added; and 8) an optional indicator  616  is mounted on the front portion of the USB hub  622 . 
     To place the carabiner clip  620  around an object such as a purse strap, the user grasps the knurled surface of the nut  604  and twists the locking nut  604  to unlock the upper gate  606  from the lower gate  608 . Next, the locking nut  604  is slid downward onto the lower gate  608 . The upper gate  606  is threaded and can rotate about the pin  612  to allow the carabiner clip  620  to grasp objects, while the lower gate  608  does not rotate and is retained in the lower front edge  602  by the pin  614 . The upper gate is then locked into position by sliding the locking nut  604  upward to contact the threaded portion of the upper gate  606  and twisting the locking nut  604  in the direction opposite to that used to unlock the upper gate  606 . The pin  612  is mounted in the upper front edge  601  and the pin  614  is mounted in the lower front edge  602 . The clip support  610  is attached to one portion of the USB hub  622 . As was discussed with respect to the corresponding elements in  FIGS. 2 and 4  above, the clip support  610  can be permanently attached to one or more sides of the USB hub  622  by being molded together in one piece or attached by other secure means such as screws or clips (not shown). 
     The carabiner clip  622  illustrated in  FIG. 6  is more secure than the carabiner clip  222  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3A , in that the lower gate  608  is very unlikely to open unintentionally if the gate  226  (see  FIG. 2 ) accidentally gets pressed against an object, causing the hub apparatus  200  (see  FIG. 2 ) to possibly fall to the ground and break. Twist-lock carabiner clips are often used to anchor ropes in rock climbing. The twist-lock gate carabiner clip  620  requires more effort by the user to open than the non-locking type, but one hand can be used to untwist the locking nut  604  and then open the lower gate  608 . One of skill in the art will note that other types of locking carabiner clips such as those having auto-locking gates are also within the spirit and scope of the current invention. 
     The optional indicator  616  can comprise a mono-colored Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) that illuminates when the USB hub  622  is connected to an upstream signal through USB connector plug  218  (see  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A, and  4 ). In other embodiments, the indicator is a multicolored LED that glows one color when there is an upstream port connection through USB plug  218  and glows a second color when there is at least one USB peripheral or other downstream USB device operatively connected to one or more of the USB port connectors  208   a - 208   d . One skilled in the art will recognize that other variations of the indicator are possible in other embodiments, such as the USB hub  622  having a plurality of multicolored LEDs (or other types of light sources) that change colors when the individual USB port connectors  208   a - 208   d  are connected to the hub or when DC power is supplied to the hub through power connector  206  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a connector hub apparatus with a carabiner clip attached to one or more portions thereof, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the invention have been achieved. For example, the hub can be quickly and securely transported by clipping the hub apparatus to a user&#39;s purse, backpack, belt loop, and the like, but it should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, USB (as defined, for example, in the USB 2.0 specification), FireWire (as defined in the IEEE 1394 standard), Bluetooth (as defined in the Bluetooth specification and published by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group), RS232, PS2, and fiber optic connectors are all within the scope of the invention.