Abstract:
A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes a stationary base station functioning as a connectivity hub and a removable connectivity hub functioning by itself as a travel connectivity hub. The removable travel hub can be plugged into the stationary base station by connecting an upstream port of the removable hub to a downstream port of the base station. Thus, a user of the connectivity hub achieves the functionality of a full-featured connectivity base station as well as that of a small, easily transportable travel hub without having to purchase multiple units.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application claims the benefit, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119( e ), of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/868,686, filed Dec. 5, 2006. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a connectivity hub, such as a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) hub, and more particularly to a first connectivity hub with a selectively removable second connectivity hub that interconnects with the first connectivity hub. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     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 the peripheral devices to the hub. Some common examples of connectivity hubs include FireWire hubs and USB hubs. Both Firewire hubs and USB hubs utilize standardized connectors at the upstream and downstream ports to provide universal connectivity between peripheral devices and the computer, thus simplifying these connections. 
     Many connectivity hubs receive power for low power applications via a positive voltage conductor and a ground conductor from a source, such as a computer, through the upstream port. Conventional connectivity hubs can 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. 
     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. 
     Connectivity hubs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes with a varying number of ports, commonly ranging from 2 to 7 ports. Small portable hubs often meant to be used with a laptop computer are commonly referred to as “travel hubs” with two to four available bus-powered ports, since most devices used with laptops away from the user&#39;s home or office (i.e., when the user is “on the road”) tend to be smaller, low power devices. Often, when a laptop user docks her computer at home or work, she needs a connectivity hub that has more than the two to four bus-powered ports. That is, she is in need of DC-powered ports, as described above. Until now, this meant that the laptop user needed to purchase two hubs, a travel hub and a larger conventional hub to get additional ports with the DC powered port option. 
     Users can increase the number of connectivity ports available to them for connecting peripheral devices by daisy-chaining hubs together with upstream cables between the hubs. Some hubs are designed to be “stacked” so that a plurality of similar hubs are affixed to each other to form a rigid structure that saves space. Stackable hubs can have integrated upstream and power connectors that mate when the hubs are stacked, thus eliminating some of the cables needed to daisy-chain the hubs. Until now, stackable hub designs required that the hubs being stacked were all the same type of hub with the same number of ports. 
     In particular, Laptop computers often have only two type “A” USB ports available, and they are commonly located either on the back or side of the laptop computer, and little clearance is provided around the connectors for plugging in travel hubs or larger USB devices designed to be plugged into the USB ports. To reduce the size of travel hubs and the number of cables the user must carry around while traveling, it would be preferable if the travel hub could plug directly into one of the laptop computer&#39;s USB ports similar to a USB flash memory drive. A number of such devices with one, two or even three USB ports molded into one rigid molded unit are currently available. Unfortunately, this solution is often not practical without the use of an upstream extension cable, because a conventional hub tends to block the user&#39;s access to other cables and devices plugged into the laptop. The use of an extension cable thus defeats many of the benefits of using a single molded hub unit. Thus, many travel hub manufacturers settle for an alternative solution of having an integrated male type “A” USB connector and upstream cable permanently attached to the travel hub. When not in use, the upstream cable can be stored by folding it, coiling it into a bundle, or wrapping it around the circumference of the travel hub. An improved USB hub design that would allow the user to easily connect her travel hub directly to the USB ports on her laptop computer could allow the user to eliminate the requirement of using the upstream cable and the extension cable when a laptop user connects a travel hub to one of her laptop computer&#39;s USB ports. Eliminating the need for this upstream cable would save weight and space for the traveling laptop user. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a method of stacking a small non-powered travel hub with a larger DC-powered base-station hub that would eliminate interconnecting cables, and save weight and space for the user. Additionally, the ability to convert the travel hub to a DC-powered hub when interconnected would reduce the need for the user to purchase additional USB hubs to stack, thus providing an improvement over currently available stackable hubs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes a stationary base station functioning as a connectivity hub and a selectively removable connectivity hub functioning by itself as a travel connectivity hub. The selectively removable travel hub can be plugged into the stationary base station by connecting an upstream port of the removable hub to a downstream port of the base station. Thus, the user achieves the functionality of a full-featured connectivity base station as well as that of a small, easily transportable travel hub without having to purchase multiple units. 
     In the discussion that follows, embodiments of the connectivity hub comprising a stationary base station and a removable travel 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 within the spirit and scope of the 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 connectivity hub comprises a stationary base station designed to be placed on a work surface such as a desk or table and connected to a USB port on a computer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the computer and the connectivity hub is made using an external cable that connects to a USB port on the computer and to an upstream USB port on the connectivity hub. In another embodiment, the connectivity hub comprises a permanently connected cable terminating in a USB plug that is used to connect to the computer. The cable may be wrapped around the outside of the connectivity hub for storage when not in use. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the base station hub comprises a stand designed to stabilize the hub when it is placed on a work surface, and a substantially flat rear surface designed to fix in place a plurality of port connectors, including at least one upstream connector for connecting to a computer and at least one downstream connector for connecting to a peripheral device. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connectivity hub includes a DC power connector for powering the connectivity hub by connecting it to an external DC power supply, which may comprise an AC transformer that plugs into a wall outlet in accordance with power supply designs well known in the art. Optionally, the base station may also be powered directly through a USB port connected to the computer when the connected peripheral devices are low-current devices. The connectivity hub also includes a rim portion that provides mechanical support for a second, selectively removable connectivity hub that may be electrically integrated into the base station connectivity hub. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim is elliptical in shape, corresponding to an elliptical shape of the removable travel hub that may be placed within the rim. However, it should be appreciated that other shapes for the rim and for the cross section of the removable travel hub also fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the removable travel hub includes an upstream USB port that is adapted to plug into a downstream port fixed on a surface of the stationary base station hub within the region defined by the rim. However, it should be appreciated that other types of port connectors, including FireWire ports, other serial data ports, parallel ports, power ports, and other ports adapted for connecting peripheral devices to a computer are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The removable travel hub may also include a DC power connector that is configured to plug into an output DC power connector fixed on a surface of the stationary base station hub within the region defined by the rim. When the removable travel hub is plugged into the stationary base station hub, the downstream ports on the travel hub may be powered through the DC power connector, thus enabling the travel hub to power peripheral devices requiring higher current. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, when the removable travel hub is removed from the base station, it functions as a bus-powered connectivity hub, allowing multiple low-current peripheral devices to be connected to a desktop or laptop computer. Because of space limitations, particularly near laptop port connectors, one embodiment of the present invention includes a swivel plate attached to the upstream port of the removable travel hub to allow the hub to rotate with respect to the connector by up to 180 degrees in order to accommodate other plugs and wires protruding from other laptop port connectors. However, it should be appreciated that port connectors able to swivel more or less than 180 degrees are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the base station hub further includes an LED indicator lamp. The LED may be configured to illuminate when an upstream port of the base station connectivity hub is connected to a computer. Alternatively or additionally, the LED indicator may indicate when a peripheral device is connected to a downstream port of either the base station hub or the docked removable travel hub by illuminating with an alternative color. 
     A more complete understanding of the connectivity hub with a stationary base-station hub and a selectively removable travel hub 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 the invention. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings which will first be described briefly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a conventional connectivity hub. 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C are different perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a first connectivity hub with a second connectivity hub removably attached to the first hub, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2D  is a left-side elevational view of the first connectivity hub with the second connectivity hub removably attached to the first hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2E  is a top view of the first connectivity hub with the second connectivity hub removably attached to the first hub with peripheral plugs and a power cable shown connected to the first hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C are different perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a first connectivity hub with a second hub removably attached to the first hub in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a detailed view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , illustrating how the second connectivity hub can be removed from the first connectivity hub in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides an apparatus having a first connectivity hub and a selectively removable second connectivity hub that interlocks with the first connectivity hub. The second connectivity hub can operate as a DC-powered hub when connected to the first connectivity hub and can operate as a bus-powered hub when separated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second connectivity hub has a rotating plug connector that provides clearance from adjacent port connectors when a user connects the second connectivity hub to an available port connector on a laptop computer. 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 conventional connectivity hub  10  to a computer  12 . For purposes of illustration, a USB hub is described, although it should be recognized that other types of connectivity hub connectors, such as FireWire ports, other serial ports, parallel ports, power ports, and other ports adapted to connect peripheral devices to a computer are all within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 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 . 
     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 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 connectivity hub  10 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the connectivity hub  10  contains connections for receiving power in two ways. First, the USB hub may be 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 USB 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.    
     The connectivity hub  10  also includes a separate power connector  34  for receiving sufficient power to supply higher current to the downstream ports in high-power applications. The available current draw through the downstream ports in such high-powered applications is approximately 500 mA per port. However, it should be appreciated that other current-carrying capacities are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 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). 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  are different perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a connectivity hub apparatus  200  in accordance with the present invention, comprising a first connectivity hub  202  with a second connectivity hub  210 , selectively removable from the first hub  202 , shown from two different angles. For purposes of illustration, the connector ports shown are USB ports, although it should be appreciated that other types of connectivity ports, such as FireWire ports, other serial ports, parallel ports, or power ports, fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the removable connectivity hub  210  is shown attached to the stationary connectivity hub  202 , while in  FIG. 2B , the removable connectivity hub  210  has been detached from the stationary connectivity hub  202 . The first hub  202  comprises a stand  204 , a back panel  206 , an elliptically shaped rim  208 , three type “A” USB port connectors  214   a - 214   c , a type “B” USB port connector  238 , and a power connector  212 . However, it should be appreciated that other numbers of connectors in other configurations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, the rim  208  is shaped elliptically since that is the shape of the bottom portion of the removable connectivity hub  210 . In other embodiments, the rim  208  can be shaped differently As shown in  FIG. 2C , one embodiment of the present invention further comprises an LED indicator  224 , a USB cable  236 , a type “A” USB plug  220   c , and a cable clip  234 . In one embodiment, the removable connectivity hub  210  comprises a type “A” rotatable USB plug  220   a , a top panel  218 , four type “A” USB ports  214   d - 214   g , a bottom surface  310 , and a power connector  306  (see  FIG. 3D ) on the bottom side of the connectivity hub  210 , and a type “A” USB plug  216  that selectively connects to one of the USB ports  214   d - 214   g.    
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the body of the connectivity hub  210  in this embodiment has an elliptical cross section and can be placed on a workspace, tabletop, or other flat surface in a stationary position using the stand  204 . USB port connector  238  is an upstream port protruding from the back panel  206  that can either be daisy-chained to other USB hubs or directly connected to a master data hub inside a computer. A user can operatively connect peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, etc. to downstream USB ports  214   a  and  214   b , protruding from back panel  206 . Power connector  212  can be connected to an AC transformer or other power supply that provides a DC voltage of approximately 5V and up to 500 mA of current per port  214   a  for high-current, DC-powered peripherals. When the hub  218  is operatively connected to the rim  208 , the upstream data traveling through port  238  is in communication with the downstream ports  214   b , and the DC power supplied to the connectivity hub  210  becomes operatively connected to ports  214   b  as well. Thus, when connectivity hub  210  is operatively connected to the rim  208 , USB hubs  202  and  210  function as one connectivity hub with downstream port connectors  214   a - 214   g.    
     The interconnection of the first connectivity hub  202  to the second connectivity hub  202  provides the benefit of making available to the user the convenience of having top mounted port connectors  214   d - 214   g . Peripheral devices such as digital cameras and flash memory drives are frequently connected and disconnected from port connectors, and having available the USB port connectors  214   d - 214   g  on the upward facing side of a connectivity hub saves the user from having to reach to the back or side of the hub to reach the available port connectors. 
       FIG. 2B  shows how connectivity hub  210  can be detached from connectivity hub  202  by simply pulling connectivity hub  210  out of the rim  208 . The removable hub  210  can then be used as a bus-powered travel hub, wherein, USB plug  220   a  functions as an upstream port for connection to an available USB port on a laptop computer or another USB hub other than USB hub  202 . The USB plug  220   a  can be rotated up to approximately 180 degrees, though other rotational angles are possible in other embodiments. This allows connectivity hub  210  to easily fit in tight spaces when connected to a USB port on a laptop computer or other compatible upstream USB port. The USB plug  220   b  and cable  216  can be from a USB peripheral that operatively connects to any of the USB ports  214   d - 214   g  that protrude from top panel  218 . 
     Additional features of one embodiment of connectivity hub  210  that are visible in  FIG. 2C  include an indicator  224 , a USB cable  236 , a cable support  234 , and a USB plug  220   c . USB cable  236  has a type “B” USB plug on the end distal to cable support  234 , and can be operatively connected to USB jack  238  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Cable  236  is tucked between the body of connectivity hub  202  and the stand  204 . Depending on the length of the cable  236  in a particular embodiment, the cable  236  can be wrapped around the body of hub  202  multiple times similar to a cord reel. The proximal end of cable  236  is held in place against the stand  204  by cable support  234  and the cable  236  can be removed from the support  234  to alter the length of the cable  236  protruding from the stand  204 . Excess cable slack may be neatly contained in the gap between the hub  202  and the stand  204  so that the optimal length of the cable  236  needed to reach the user&#39;s computer protrudes from the hub  202 . The USB plug  220   c  and cable  216  can operatively connect to an available USB port on the user&#39;s computer to transmit and receive data from the connectivity hub  202  and the removable hub  210  when it is operatively connected to the rim  208 . An advantage to having the USB cable  236  and the USB plug  220   c  protruding from the front of the connectivity hub  202  is that it saves the user time and effort in having to reach around to the back of the hub to connect and disconnect an upstream cable from the connectivity hub  202  and the user&#39;s computer. This can become an important consideration for a user that frequently connects and disconnects the hub  202  from the computer. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an indicator  224  can comprise a mono-colored Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) that lights up when the connectivity hub  202  is connected to an upstream signal through port connector  238 . In other embodiments, indicator  224  is a multicolored LED that glows one color when there is an upstream port connection through port  238  and glows a second color when there is at least one peripheral or other downstream device operatively connected to port connector  238 . One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the use of indicator  224  are possible in other embodiments. For example, another embodiment of the present invention comprises a hub  202  having a plurality of multicolored LEDs (or other types of light sources) that change colors when the individual port connectors  214   a - 214   g  are connected to the hub and/or when DC power is supplied to the hub through power connector  212 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a left-side elevational view of the connectivity hub apparatus  200  comprising the first connectivity hub  202  with the second connectivity hub  210  removably attached to the first hub  202 . In this view, the cable  236  can be seen tucked between the body of hub  202  and the stand  204 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 2B . Also visible is a USB plug and cable  232  operatively connected to one of the USB connector ports  214   a - 214   c  (not shown) and USB cable  216  and plug  220   b  (not shown) operatively connected to one of the USB ports  214   d - 214   g . In this illustration, the stand  204  protrudes outward to the right of the body of the connectivity hub  204 . This protrusion adds stability to the stand, especially when the user is connecting or disconnecting plugs to the ports on the back panel  206  or the top panel  218  of the connectivity hub  204 . The USB cable  216  and plug  220   b  can be from a USB peripheral that operatively connects to any of the USB ports  214   d - 214   g  that protrude from top panel  218 . 
       FIG. 2E  is a top view, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, of the first connectivity hub  202  with the second connectivity hub  210  removably attached to the first hub with USB plugs and cables  228   a - 228   c  and a power cable  226  shown connected to the first hub  202 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2E , the rim  208  and the connectivity USB hub  210  appear to be concentric, since the perimeter of the rim  208  is smaller than the perimeter of the hub  210  and the rim  208  circumscribes the base of the connectivity hub  210  when they are connected. The stand  204  has a void or hole with a “half-moon” shape located below the USB plugs and cables  228   a - 228   c . The hole reduces the total weight of the connectivity hub  202 . Also visible in this view are the USB ports  214   d - 214   g  and the indicator  224 , which operate as described above. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are different perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a connectivity hub apparatus  300  comprising a first hub  304  with a second hub  210  removably attached to the first hub  304 . In  FIG. 3A , the connectivity hub  210  is shown attached to the connectivity hub  202 , while in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the connectivity hub  210  has been detached from the connectivity hub  202 . This embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-2E , except for the addition of a secondary rim  302  that protrudes vertically from the top surface of the first connectivity hub  202 . In other variations of this embodiment, the height and angle of the secondary rim  302  from the top of the connectivity hub  202  can vary. As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the secondary rim  302  surrounds the outer edge of the hub  202  and is attached to the stand  204 . The secondary rim  302  serves to create a storage space for cables and other loose items to be stored along the top surface of the USB hub  202 . 
     Visible in  FIG. 3C  is the first connectivity hub  304  with type “A” USB plug  228   d , type “B” USB plug  314 , and a power cable  226  shown connected to the first connectivity hub  202  on the back panel  206 . The USB plug  314  is operatively connected to the USB cable  236  and in turn to the USB plug  220   c  on the proximal end of the USB cable  236 . As described with respect to  FIG. 2B  above, the USB plug  220   c  and cable  216  can operatively connect to an available USB port on the user&#39;s computer to transmit and receive data from the USB hub  202  and USB hub  210  when it is operatively connected to the rim  208 . 
       FIG. 3D  is a detailed view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3C , illustrating how the second connectivity hub  210  can be removed from the first connectivity hub  202 . In the illustration, the rotatable USB plug  220   a  and the power connector  306  protrude from the bottom surface  310 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 2B  above, the USB plug  220   a  can be rotated up to approximately 180 degrees, though other rotational angles are possible in other embodiments. This allows the connectivity hub  210  to easily fit in tight spaces when connected to a USB port on a laptop computer or other compatible upstream USB port. 
     The USB plug  220   a  operatively connects to a USB port connector  312  when the connectivity hub  210  is operatively connected to the rim  208 . Similarly, the power connector  306  operatively connects to power plug  308  when the connectivity hub  210  is operatively connected to the rim  208 . The USB plug  220   b  and the power connector  306  removably attach to the USB connector  312  and the power plug  308 , respectively, by friction fit. The friction fit serves to keep the USB hub secured or “docked” to the rim  208 . 
     In another embodiment (not shown), a plurality of male tabs protruding from the top portion of the rim  208  that mate with a plurality of apertures on the bottom surface  310  can secure the connectivity hub  210  to the rim  208 . In yet another embodiment (not shown), one or more thumb screws protrude from opposing sides of the rim  208  and when the connectivity hub  210  is docked to the rim  208 , the one or more thumb screws engage one or more threaded inserts located on opposing sides of the body of the USB hub  210  to secure the connectivity hub  210  to the rim  208 . One of skill in the art will recognize that other methods of securely fastening the connectivity hub  210  to the rim  208  are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, when the connectivity hub  210  is docked with the rim  208 , DC power can be supplied to the hub  202  via the power cable  226 . The DC power can in turn be supplied to the USB port connectors  214   d - 214   g  by the power connector  310  operatively connected to the power plug  308 . This allows the connector ports  214   d - 214   g  to support high current, DC powered peripherals that are connected thereto. In this embodiment, when the connectivity hub  210  is docked to the rim  208 , all seven downstream port connectors  214   a - 214   g  are DC powered. One skilled in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, other numbers of DC-powered port connectors are possible. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a first connectivity hub comprising: a housing; at least one side with one or more bus ports; a power connector for DC powered hub applications; and a second side. The second side of the first connectivity hub can comprise: one or more ports; and a power connector for DC powered hub applications, wherein a second connectivity hub can be removably connected thereto. The second connectivity hub comprises a first side with one or more bus ports; and a second side. The second side of the second connectivity hub can comprise: a rotatable bus port connector; and a DC power connector that removably connect to the second side of the first connectivity hub. The second connectivity hub can be separated from the first hub by an upward application of force (pulling apart) to the exterior surface of the second connectivity hub. 
     Having thus described a preferred embodiment of a first connectivity hub with a removable second connectivity hub that interconnects or interlocks with the first connectivity hub, 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 removably attached travel hub that has an integrated swiveling upstream type A male USB connector 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.