Abstract:
A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes an integrated clip adapted to grip cables and to grip an edge of a work surface, thereby reducing cable clutter and providing for a more efficient use of work surface space. The connectivity hub includes a curved portion manufactured from a flexible and springy material, enabling a user to apply pressure to increase the distance between two edges of the clip in order to insert cables into the clip or to slide the clip over an edge of a work surface, or both.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/868,258, filed Dec. 1, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a connectivity hub, such as a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) hub, enabling a computer to attach to multiple peripheral devices, and more particularly to a connectivity hub with an integrated clip for attaching the connectivity hub to other surfaces and/or holding cables. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In many applications, it is advantageous to interconnect a single computer port to multiple peripheral devices. A connectivity 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 connectivity hub can be connected to the computer via a single upstream connector. The connectivity hub can include a plurality of downstream ports for connecting peripheral devices to the hub. Some common examples of connectivity hubs include FireWire hubs and USB hubs. Both USB and FireWire hubs utilize standardized connectors at the upstream and downstream ports to provide universal connectivity between peripheral devices and the computer, thus simplifying these connections. 
         [0006]    Many connectivity 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 connectivity hubs can also be 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. 
         [0007]    One example of a connectivity hub is a USB hub. 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. 
         [0008]    Connectivity hubs are available in a variety of sizes and with a varying number of ports that can be utilized. One method of saving space and securely attaching a hub to a surface is by the use of an integrated magnet on one side of the hub. This solution allows the hub to be mounted to the side of metallic enclosures such as computer cases, thus allowing the hub to be moved off workspace areas like a desktop. Of course, this solution is limited to steel- and iron-type surfaces. Another solution available currently is the use of self-adhesive foam tape or hook-and-loop-type fasteners that are applied to one side of the hub and to a surface the hub will be attached to with glue or self-adhesive tape. These methods are not permanent and when the adhesive is removed, the surfaces contacting the adhesive often become marred. 
         [0009]    When hooked-up for use, connectivity hubs have a plurality of cables that attach to the ports on the hub. Small portable hubs often meant to be used with a laptop computer and commonly referred to as “travel hubs” have the additional factor to deal with of managing all the disconnected cables that can create clutter in the user&#39;s computer bag, backpack, suitcase, etc. An easy-to-use method of storing the cables integrated with a hub would improve the user&#39;s experience by saving time in setting up the hub after traveling. 
         [0010]    Some travel hubs have small clips on one side to enable the hub to be attached to a bag, briefcase or purse during travel, similar to the keychain clips on USB flash memory drives or clips similar to the pocket clip on a ball point pen; however, this solution doesn&#39;t fully address the shortcomings of existing connectivity hubs described in the preceding paragraphs. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connectivity hub design and solution to free-up space on the working area of the user&#39;s desktop with respect to placement of a connectivity hub. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    Improved cable organization and more efficient utilization of work space are achieved with a connectivity hub that includes an integrated clip adapted to store and secure cables and to clamp the hub to the edge of a work surface. In the discussion that follows, embodiments of the connectivity hub are described, making reference to USB port connectors. However, it should be appreciated that FireWire ports, other serial data ports, parallel ports, power ports, and other ports adapted for connecting peripheral devices to a computer are all within the spirit and scope of this invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the connectivity hub provides a data and a power connection between a USB port on a computer and a plurality of USB peripheral devices. The top and back surfaces of the hub are adapted to fix in place one or more USB connectors that may be configured as upstream connectors, suitable for connection to a computer, or as downstream connectors, suitable for connection to peripheral devices. The USB connectors may be configured as standard “A”-type USB connectors or as standard “B”-type USB connectors, well known to those skilled in the art. Power for the connected peripheral devices may be provided by the computer through certain conductors in an upstream USB port routed through circuitry internal to the connectivity hub to conductors in the downstream USB ports. Alternatively, for higher power applications, the downstream peripheral devices may be powered by an external power supply that supplies power to the hub via a power connector on the hub that is routed through circuitry internal to the hub to conductors in the downstream USB ports. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment of the invention, the circuitry and the plurality of ports are contained within a housing that comprises a substantially flat top surface connected to a front edge, a back surface connected to the top surface, and a curved portion connected to the back surface that terminates in an edge portion. The central portion of the curved surface may be cut away starting at a location near the back surface and extending through the edge portion, such that the edge portion is divided into a left edge portion and a right edge portion, much like two tines of a fork. The curved portion is manufactured from a flexible and springy material such that when pressure is applied to the left and right edge portions, the curved portion flexes and opens up, increasing the volume enclosed by the curved portion. When pressure is released from the left and right edge portions, the curved portion substantially springs back to its original shape, in which the left and right edge portions sit approximately one inch from the front edge attached to the top surface in the preferred embodiment. Of course, this distance can be adjusted within the spirit and scope of the present invention to accommodate varying user requirements. 
         [0014]    The flexible curved portion of the connectivity hub serves at least two purposes. The first is to allow the hub to be fixed in place on an edge of a work surface, such as a table or desk, or to be clamped onto other convenient surfaces, such as a chair. By applying pressure to the left and right edge portions, a user can increase their distance from the front portion, allowing the user to slide the hub over an edge of a work surface or other convenient surface. When the user releases the pressure on the left and right edge portions, the curved portion will cause the edges to spring back into place, clamping the hub to the edge of the work surface, much like a C-clamp. The second purpose is to allow cables to be held within the volume enclosed by the curved portion and thus held out of the way of the user. The cables held within the volume enclosed by the curved portion may be cables currently in use and connected to the plurality of port connectors on the connectivity hub, or they may be extra cables, conveniently coiled for storage. The user would insert cables into the volume defined by the curved portion by inserting them between the front portion and left and right edge portions. The curved portion would flex during this process if necessary to accommodate the insertion of a large cable bundle. Depending upon how much room is taken up by inserting cables into the volume defined by the curved portion of the connectivity hub, the connectivity hub could both grip cables and grip the edge of a work surface, thereby moving both the hub and the cables out of the way of a user. 
         [0015]    Besides gripping cables extending longitudinally through the volume defined by the curved portion, the connectivity hub can also accommodate cables exiting the volume through the cutaway portion of the curved portion. This allows the user to grip cables running both longitudinally though the volume defined by the curved portion as well as cables running in a direction perpendicular to the first set of cables. To further secure the perpendicular cables, the connectivity hub may optionally include an additional cable clip situated near the cutaway region of the curved portion to hold such cables in place. 
         [0016]    A more complete understanding of the connectivity hub with an integrated clip, providing improved cable organization and more efficient use of workspace 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. For purposes of convenience and clarity, the preferred embodiment is described with reference to USB port connectors. However, it should be appreciated that FireWire ports, other serial data ports, parallel ports, power ports, and other ports adapted for connecting peripheral devices to a computer are all within the spirit and scope of this invention. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings which will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a conventional connectivity hub. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connectivity hub employing USB connectors with an integrated clip in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the connectivity hub employing USB connectors with an integrated clip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the connectivity hub with an integrated clip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the connectivity hub with an integrated clip attached to a desktop surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are different perspective views illustrating the connectivity hub with an integrated clip managing a plurality of cables in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The present invention provides a connectivity hub with an integrated clip for attaching the hub to surfaces and/or managing cables. For example, the connectivity hub can be clipped to the edge of a desktop or clipped to a group of cables running behind a user&#39;s desk. In the detailed description that follows, like element numerals are used to indicate like elements appearing in one or more of the figures. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the connection of a conventional connectivity hub  10  to a computer  12 . For purposes of illustration, a USB hub is described. The computer  12  has a USB interface that includes a master data hub for receiving data from the connectivity hub  10 . The computer  12  includes at least one USB port connector  18 . The connectivity 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 . 
         [0025]    The connectivity hub  10  also includes a plurality of downstream USB port connectors  26   a - 26   d  to 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 connectivity hub  10 . The USB peripheral devices  28   a  and  28   b  are each connected by 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 connectivity hub  10 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the connectivity hub  10  contains connections for receiving power in two ways. First, the connectivity hub is bus powered for applications in which total current provided to the hub is less than approximately 500 mA. In bus powered applications, the connectivity hub receives power through the upstream port  20  from the USB plug  22  that contains separate positive and ground conductors. The connectivity hub can transfer a limited amount of current, approximately 100 mA, to each of four devices through the downstream ports via positive and ground conductors in the downstream port connectors  26   a - 26   d.    
         [0027]    The connectivity hub  10  also includes a separate power connector  34  for receiving sufficient power to supply the higher current demands to the downstream ports in high power applications. 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 DC voltage, preferably 5 volts, from a typical transformer (not shown) connected to an AC powered outlet (also not shown). The specific current levels specified above illustrate an exemplary difference between two operating modes, but it should be appreciated that other current sourcing capabilities fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connectivity hub  200  with an integrated clip in accordance with the present invention. For convenience, the connector ports shown are USB ports, although it should be appreciated that other types of connectivity ports fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the connectivity hub  200  comprises a clip  204 , a top surface  202 , a connector bezel  218 , two USB jacks  210   a  and  210   b,  a curved portion  220 , edges  222   a  and  222   b,  and a front edge  224 . The connectivity hub  200  electrically operates as a conventional USB hub, with USB jacks  210   a  and  210   b  comprising USB type “A” downstream ports. In this embodiment, USB jacks  210   a  and  210   b  are USB 2.0 ports and are downward compatible with the USB 1.1 protocol. Connection cables from USB port  210   a  and  210   b  can be attached to USB peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, digital camera flash memory drive, etc. (not shown). The connectivity hub  200  can be used as a powered hub, receiving power through connectors for an external power supply, or as a non-powered hub, receiving power through an upstream USB port that is coupled to a computer. The external power connector, the upstream ports, and additional downstream ports are visible in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and are described further below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to a connectivity hub that includes USB connectors in the configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . It should be appreciated that a connectivity hub that, for example, includes additional surfaces and jacks and/or does not include a bezel is within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the curved portion  220  is constructed of a flexible material that allows the spacing between the edges  222   a,    222   b  and the front edge  224  to be increased when a user applies downward pressure on the edges  222   a,    222   b,  away from the stationary front edge  224 . The spacing then returns to approximately the original gap when the pressure is released, in effect acting like a spring (as long as the pressure applied does not exceed the maximum force that causes the curved portion  220  to permanently deform beyond the original shape of the integrated clip  204 ). This allows the integrated clip  204  to grasp things such as the edge of a desktop between the convex edges  222   a,    222   b  and the front edge  224 , that together act like a set of jaws of a vice or a C-clamp. The application of pressure to the edges  222   a,    222   b  causes the space between edges  222   a,    222   b  and front edge  224  to increase temporarily so that cables with a diameter greater than the space can be inserted into the curved portion  220  of the integrated clip  204  (illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  6   a,  and  6   b ) and/or the clip  204  can be slid over the edge of a desktop or other work surface (discussed further below with regard to  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0030]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the clip  204  edges  222   a,    222   b  are curved; however, one skilled in the art will recognize that in other embodiments the edges  222   a,    222   b  can be curved less or more than as shown or even have no curve, though that will likely effect the springiness of the edges  222   a,    222   b  and in turn the amount of force required to separate the edges  222   a,    222   b  from the front edge  224 . Other variations can include a different number of edges  222   a,    222   b  on the clip  204 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the connectivity hub  200  with the integrated clip  204  in accordance with the present invention. Visible on the back portion of the integrated clip  204  are additional USB jacks  210   c  and  210   d,  a type “B” USB jack  304 , a power connector  306 , a coiled cable  300 , and cable plug  302 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the number and placement of the downstream USB jacks can vary and is not limited to the four USB jacks  210   a - 210   d  illustrated in this embodiment. That is, the USB jacks  210   a - 210   d  can be placed on different sides of the connectivity hub  202  and in a different pattern or layout on a particular side. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that other types of ports used to connect devices to a computer, other than USB ports, are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. USB jack  304  is preferably an upstream port used to connect a type “B” USB plug, wherein a cable is coupled from USB jack  304  to a master data hub inside an external computer (not shown). It should be noted that USB jack  304  can also be coupled to a downstream port of another connectivity hub so that multiple hubs are interconnected in a “daisy-chain” fashion. The USB peripherals coupled to the connectivity hub  200  are coupled to the USB jack  304  by the internal circuitry (not shown) of the connectivity hub  200 . Coiled cable  300  and cable plug  302  can be extra cables not currently connected to the connectivity hub  200 , such as when the connectivity hub  200  is being transported to another location. Alternatively, if a particular USB cable is longer than needed to reach a USB peripheral device, the extra slack can be removed by coiling the cable in the integrated clip  204 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the connectivity hub  200  with an integrated clip  204  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the details of power connector  306  are visible. Power connector  306  includes a positive voltage connector  400  and a ground connector  402  for providing DC voltage, preferably 5 volts, from a conventional source such as an AC power transformer (not shown) connected to a 120 v AC wall outlet. The power connector  306  may be any type of power connector known in the art. The positive and ground connectors  400  and  402  are connected to the internal circuitry (not shown) of the connectivity hub  200  so as to provide power to the connectivity hub  200  for high power applications when more than the typical 100 mA current available in the bus powered mode is required. Also visible in  FIG. 3  is cutaway  308 . Cutaway  308  is an area of the clip  204 , the curved portion  220 , and the edges  220   a  and  220   b,  that has been removed or “cut away” from the solid material comprising these portions of the connectivity hub  204 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , cutaway  308  is roughly rectangular in shape. A better understanding of cutaway  308  can be realized by reviewing cutaway  308  in  FIG. 2 , where cutaway  308  is visible from another angle. The use of cutaway  308  serves several purposes. First, the weight of the connectivity hub  200  is reduced. Second, the use of cutaway  308  causes edges  222   a,    222   b  (see  FIG. 2 ) to be split into two separate edges so that less downward force by the user is required to separate convex edges  222   a,    222   b  from front edge  224 . Third, the convex edges  222   a,    222   b  can each be separated by a different distance from front edge  224  so that integrated clip  204  can be applied to uneven or sloping surfaces, thereby allowing the connectivity hub  200  to be clipped onto more types of surfaces and at more varied angles than would be possible if the integrated clip  204  comprised one solid material. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the connectivity hub  200  with an integrated clip  204  attached to an edge  600  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 5 , a USB flash drive  602  with a USB connector  504  is operatively connected to one of the USB jacks  210   a  and  210   b  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) on the top surface  202 . However, it should be appreciated that other devices, including those not using the USB protocol, could be connected to a connectivity hub in accordance with the present invention. On the back portion of the integrated clip  204  is an upstream USB plug  504  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , but not visible in  FIG. 5 ) that comprises the cover  502 , the strain relief  506 , and the USB cable  508 . The USB cable  508  is operatively connected to a master hub within a computer either directly or indirectly through one or more other connectivity hubs, as discussed above. 
         [0034]    The integrated clip  204  can grasp the edges of desktops, tables, chairs, etc., and in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the thickness  604  has a distance of approximately one inch; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions and materials of the integrated clip  204  can be altered so that the maximum thickness of an edge  600  can be increased or decreased accordingly. To get the integrated clip  204  to grasp the edge  600 , the user applies downward pressure on edges  222   a,    222   b  away from the edge  600 , while holding front edge  224  stationary, then the user slides the integrated clip  204  over the edge  600 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are different perspective views illustrating the connectivity hub  200  with an integrated clip  204  managing a plurality of cables  700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Visible in  FIG. 6A  is the cover  502  and the USB cable  508  connected to the USB jack  304  on the proximal end that operatively connects to a USB peripheral (not shown) on the distal end, as described above. Also visible in  FIG. 6A  is a power converter cable  702  that operatively connects to power connector  306  on the proximal end, as described above, to an AC power transformer on the distal end (not shown). The power converter cable  702  is used with high powered peripherals that draw more than the 100 mA-current-per-port limit for USB jacks  210   a - 210   d  operating in the bus powered mode, as discussed above with regards to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  both illustrate some of the possible uses of the integrated clip  204 . First, the plurality of cables  700  can be contained within the concave portion  220  to manage these otherwise loose cables within the proximity of the user&#39;s computer. Second, the plurality of cables  700  can be placed within the concave portion  220  so as to affix the connectivity hub  200  in a stationary position off of the user&#39;s workspace. The integrated clip  204  can serve both of these purposes at the same time. That is, the integrated clip can be used to hold the connectivity hub  200  in a stationary position on the edge  600  and to manage the cables  700  so as to keep the cables  700  neat and orderly. The volume of the plurality of cables  700  is limited by the diameter of the individual wires, the diameter of the concave portion  220  and the thickness  604  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Although the diameter of the concave portion  220  is larger than the thickness  604 , the limiting factor as to the number of wires that can be grasped by the integrated clip  204  is in most cases the thickness  604 . 
         [0037]    In another embodiment (not shown), the curved portion of the cable clip has a curved insert with one or more spokes like a bicycle wheel placed in the C-shape of the curved portion of the clip that enables cables that pass longitudinally through the clip (similar to the illustration of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) to be held securely within the center of the body of the clip. One skilled in the art will recognize that the number, size of the spokes and the pattern may vary. 
         [0038]    In yet another embodiment (not shown), the cutaway  308  (see  FIG. 3 ) has a retaining clip running across the cutaway  308  so that the cable clip can retain wires that run through cutaway  308  perpendicular to the direction of the cables shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
         [0039]    In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a connectivity hub comprising: a housing; a first side with one or more bus ports; a second side; and a clip integrated with one or more sides of the connectivity hub. The clip can secure the hub to an edge of a surface. The cables can be contained adjacent to the interior side of the clip. The housing can comprise: a top portion; a bottom portion opposite the top portion; a first side perpendicular to the top portion; and a second side parallel to the first side. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the second side comprises one or more bus ports. The clip can have one or more edges that are in close proximity to the second side of the housing with a gap separating the surfaces. The one or more edges of the clip can be separated from the second side by the application of force on one or more of the edges in a direction away from the second side, thereby causing the gap to widen so that cables can be inserted along the interior side of the clip and/or an edge of a surface can be placed along the interior of the clip. 
         [0041]    Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a connectivity hub with an integrated clip, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the invention have been achieved. For example, the use of the integrated clip to affix the connectivity hub to an edge of a desk has been illustrated, 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. The invention is further defined by the following claims.