PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8655006-B2
Application Number: US-201113013556-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-segment cable structures

Abstract:
A headset can include a cable structure connecting non-cable components such as jacks and headphones. The cable structure can include several legs connected at a bifurcation. An extrusion process can be used to manufacture legs of a multi-segment cable structure. As material is processed by an extruder, one or more system factors of the extruder can be dynamically adjusted to change a diameter of the resulting leg (e.g., to provide a smooth leg having a changing size). Once the leg is extruded, portions of the leg can be reformed to create undercuts used to connect the legs at a bifurcation region. In some cases, an extrusion process can be used to construct a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure having an integral bifurcation region and split.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A headset comprising: a cable structure comprising smooth main, left, and right legs each having respective interface regions, bump regions, and non-interface regions, the bump regions existing between the interface and non-interface regions and having a variable diameter, and wherein the main, left, and right legs are coupled together at a bifurcation region; a first non-cable component coupled to the interface region of the main leg; a second non-cable component coupled to the interface region of the left leg; and a third non-cable component coupled to the interface region of the right leg; wherein: each of the respective leg interface regions has a fixed diameter and a length; each of the respective leg non-interface regions has a fixed diameter and a length: each of the respective leg bump portions has a diameter smoothly and symmetrically varying from the fixed diameter of the respective leg non-interface portions to the fixed diameter of the respective leg interface portions. 
     
     
       2. The headset of  claim 1 , further comprising a conductor bundle that exists within the main, left, and right legs. 
     
     
       3. The headset of  claim 2 , therein the conductor bundle comprises a main leg bundle portion, a left leg bundle portion, and a right leg bundle portion. 
     
     
       4. The headset of  claim 3 , wherein the main leg bundle portion is connected to the first non-cable component, the left leg bundle portion is connected to the second non-cable component, and the right leg bundle portion is connected to the third non-cable component. 
     
     
       5. The headset of  claim 3 , wherein the main leg bundle portion splits into the left leg bundle portion and the right leg bundle portion. 
     
     
       6. The headset of  claim 2 , wherein the conductor bundle comprises a superelastic rod. 
     
     
       7. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the non-interface regions of the main, left, and right legs are coupled together at the bifurcation region. 
     
     
       8. The headset of  claim 7 , further comprising an overmold structure that couples the main, left, and right legs together at the bifurcation region, wherein the overmold structure extends beyond an outer diameter of the non-interface regions of the main, left, and right legs. 
     
     
       9. The headset of  claim 8 , wherein the overmold structure is a single-shot injection molded structure. 
     
     
       10. The headset of  claim 8 , wherein the overmold structure is a double-shot injection molded structure. 
     
     
       11. The headset of  claim 7 , further comprising a splitter that couples the main, left, and right legs together at the bifurcation region, the splitter having diameter dimensions that are substantially the same as the diameter dimension of the non-interface regions. 
     
     
       12. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the interfacing and non-interfacing regions of each leg comprise a smooth cylindrical outer surface. 
     
     
       13. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the bump region of each leg comprises a smooth outer surface. 
     
     
       14. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the bump region of each leg is constructed based on a bump function. 
     
     
       15. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the interface region is greater than a diameter of the non-interfacing region for one or more of the legs. 
     
     
       16. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the main, left, and right legs are jointly formed from a single bi-component sheath. 
     
     
       17. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the main, left, and right legs are independently formed from separate bi-component sheaths. 
     
     
       18. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the main, left, and right legs are jointly formed from a bifurcated extruded cable. 
     
     
       19. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein the main, left, and right legs are independently formed from separately extruded cables. 
     
     
       20. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein, for each leg, the diameter of each non-interface region is larger than the diameter of the interface region. 
     
     
       21. The headset of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the left leg bump region receives at least a portion of the second non-cable component; and 
 the right leg bump region receives at least a portion of the third non-cable component.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,087, filed Jan. 25, 2010, entitled “Small Diameter Cable with Splitter Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,103, filed Sep. 17, 2010, entitled “Molded Splitter Structures and Systems and Methods for Making the Same,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/319,772, filed Mar. 31, 2010, entitled “Thin Audio Plug and Coaxial Routing of Wires,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,097, filed Sep. 17, 2010, entitled “Cable Structures and Systems Including Super-Elastic Rods and Methods for Making the Same,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/326,102, filed Apr. 20, 2010, entitled “Audio Plug with Core Structural Member and Conductive Rings,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/349,768, filed May 28, 2010, entitled “Molding an Electrical Cable Having Centered Electrical Wires,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/378,311, filed Aug. 30, 2010, entitled “Molded Cable Structures and Systems and Methods for Making the Same,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/378,314, filed Aug. 30, 2010, entitled “Extruded Cable Structures and Systems and Methods for Making the Same.” Each of these provisional applications is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Wired headsets are commonly used with many portable electronic devices such as portable music players and mobile phones. Headsets can include non-cable components such as a jack, headphones, and/or a microphone and cables that interconnect the non-cable components. The one or more cables can be manufactured using different approaches 
     SUMMARY 
     Extruded cable structures and systems and methods for manufacturing extruded cable structures are disclosed. 
     A cable structure can interconnect various non-cable components of a headset such as, for example, a plug, headphones, and/or a communications box to provide a headset. The cable structure can include several legs (e.g., a main leg, a left leg, and a right leg) that each connect to a non-cable structure, and each leg may be connected to one another at a bifurcation region (e.g., a region where the main leg appears to split into the left and right legs). Cable structures according to embodiments of this invention provide aesthetically pleasing interface connections between the non-cable components and legs of the cable structure, for example such that the interface connections appear to have been constructed jointly as a single piece, thereby providing a seamless interface. 
     In addition, because the dimensions of the non-cable components typically have a dimension that is different than the dimensions of a conductor bundle being routed through the legs of the cable structure, one or more legs of the cable structure can have a variable diameter. The change from one dimension to another can exhibit a substantially smooth variation in diameter along the length of the legs of the cable structure. 
     The interconnection of the three legs at the bifurcation region can vary depending on how the cable structure is manufactured. In one approach, the cable structure can be a single-segment unibody cable structure. In this approach, all three legs are jointly formed, for example using an extrusion process, and no additional processing is required to electrically couple the conductors contained therein. In another approach, the cable structure can be a multi-segment unibody cable structure. In this approach, the legs may be manufactured as discrete segments, but require additional processing to electrically couple conductors contained therein. In some embodiments, the segments can be joined together using a splitter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate different headsets having a cable structure that seamlessly integrates with non-cable components in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 1C and 1D  show illustrative cross-sectional views of a portion of a leg in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 1E  shows an illustrative headset having a variable diameter in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative extruder in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of an illustrative die for use in an extrusion process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is an illustrative view of a conductor bundle for use in a leg of a cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the conductor bundle of  FIG. 4A  over which material is extruded in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the conductor bundle of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of the conductor bundle of  FIG. 4A  having a conductor bundle shell over which material is extruded in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of extruded cable legs in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system used to perform a cold reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system for performing a hot reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for extruding a leg of a cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for creating an undercut in an extruded leg using a cold reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for creating an undercut in an extruded leg using a hot reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a bifurcation of an illustrative jointly formed multi-leg cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of different conductor bundles of a multi-leg cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are sectional views of a portion of an illustrative extruder for providing a split in a co-extrusion process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Cable structures for use in headsets are disclosed. The cable structure interconnects various non-cable components of a headset such as, for example, a plug, headphones, and/or a communications box to provide a headset. The cable structure can include multiple legs (e.g., a main leg, a left leg, and a right leg) that each connect to a non-cable component, and each leg may be connected to each other at a bifurcation region (e.g., a region where the main leg appears to split into the left and right legs). The interface connections between a leg and a non-cable component are such that they appear to have been constructed jointly as a single piece, thereby providing a seamless interface. 
     In addition, because the dimensions of the non-cable components typically have a dimension that is different than the dimensions of a conductor bundle being routed through the legs of the cable structure, one or more legs of the cable structure can have a variable diameter. The change from one dimension to another is accomplished in a manner that maintains the spirit of the seamless interface connection between a leg and the non-cable component throughout the length of the leg. That is, each leg of the cable structure exhibits a substantially smooth surface, including the portion of the leg having a varying diameter. In some embodiments, the portion of the leg varying in diameter may be represented mathematically by a bump function, which requires all aspects of the variable diameter transition to be smooth. In other words, a cross-section of the variable diameter portion can show a curve or a curve profile. 
     The interconnection of the three legs at the bifurcation region can vary depending on how the cable structure is manufactured. In one approach, the cable structure can be a single-segment unibody cable structure. In this approach, all three legs are jointly formed and no additional processing is required to electrically couple the conductors contained therein. Construction of the single-segment cable may be such that the bifurcation region does not require any additional support. If additional support is required, an over-mold can be used to add strain relief to the bifurcation region. 
     In another approach, the cable structure can be a multi-segment unibody cable structure. In this approach, the legs may be manufactured as discrete segments, but require additional processing to electrically couple conductors contained therein. The segments can be joined together using a splitter. Many different splitter configurations can be used, and the use of some splitters may be based on the manufacturing process used to create the segment. 
     The cable structure can include a conductor bundle that extends through some or all of the legs. The conductor bundle can include conductors that interconnect various non-cable components. The conductor bundle can also include one or more rods constructed from a superelastic material. The superelastic rods can resist deformation to reduce or prevent tangling of the legs. 
     The cable structure can be constructed using many different manufacturing processes. The processes include injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion. In injection and compression molding processes, a mold is formed around a conductor bundle or a removable rod. The rod is removed after the mold is formed and a conductor bundle is threaded through the cavity. In extrusion processes, an outer shell is formed around a conductor bundle. 
       FIG. 1A  shows an illustrative headset  10  having cable structure  20  that seamlessly integrates with non-cable components  40 ,  42 ,  44 . For example, non-cable components  40 ,  42 , and  44  can be a male plug, left headphones, and right headphones, respectively. Cable structure  20  has three legs  22 ,  24 , and  26  joined together at bifurcation region  30 . Leg  22  may be referred to herein as main leg  22 , and includes the portion of cable structure  20  existing between non-cable component  40  and bifurcation region  30 . In particular, main leg  22  includes interface region  31 , bump region  32 , and non-interface region  33 . Leg  24  may be referred to herein as left leg  24 , and includes the portion of cable structure  20  existing between non-cable component  42  and bifurcation region  30 . Leg  26  may be referred to herein as right leg  26 , and includes the portion of cable structure  20  existing between non-cable component  44  and bifurcation region  30 . Both left and right legs  24  and  26  include respective interface regions  34  and  37 , bump regions  35  and  38 , and non-interface regions  36  and  39 . 
     Legs  22 ,  24 , and  26  generally exhibit a smooth surface throughout the entirety of their respective lengths. Each of legs  22 ,  24 , and  26  can vary in diameter, yet still retain the smooth surface. 
     Non-interface regions  33 ,  36 , and  39  can each have a predetermined diameter and length. The diameter of non-interface region  33  (of main leg  22 ) may be larger than or the same as the diameters of non-interface regions  36  and  39  (of left leg  24  and right leg  26 , respectively). For example, leg  22  may contain a conductor bundle for both left and right legs  24  and  26  and may therefore require a greater diameter to accommodate all conductors. In some embodiments, it is desirable to manufacture non-interface regions  33 ,  36 , and  39  to have the smallest diameter possible, for aesthetic reasons. As a result, the diameter of non-interface regions  33 ,  36 , and  39  can be smaller than the diameter of any non-cable component (e.g., non-cable components  40 ,  42 , and  44 ) physically connected to the interfacing region. Since it is desirable for cable structure  20  to seamlessly integrate with the non-cable components, the legs may vary in diameter from the non-interfacing region to the interfacing region. 
     Bump regions  32 ,  35 , and  38  provide a diameter changing transition between interfacing regions  31 ,  34 , and  37  and respective non-interfacing regions  33 ,  36 , and  39 . The diameter changing transition can take any suitable shape that exhibits a fluid or smooth transition from any interface region to its respective non-interface region. For example, the shape of the bump region can be similar to that of a cone or a neck of a wine bottle. As another example, the shape of the taper region can be stepless (i.e., there is no abrupt or dramatic step change in diameter, or no sharp angle at an end of the bump region). Bump regions  32 ,  35 , and  38  may be mathematically represented by a bump function, which requires the entire diameter changing transition to be stepless and smooth (e.g., the bump function is continuously differentiable). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1E , cable structure  20  can include legs  22 ,  24  and  26  that interface at bifurcation region  30 . Each leg can have a varying diameter or shape to provide a cable structure with a smooth outer surface and appealing cosmetic features. 
       FIGS. 1C and 1D  show illustrative cross-sectional views of a portion of main leg  22  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Both  FIGS. 1C and 1D  show main leg  22  with a center axis (as indicated by the dashed line) and symmetric curves  32   c  and  32   d . Curves  32   c  and  32   d  illustrate that any suitable curve profile may be used in bump region  32 . Thus the outer surface of bump region  32  can be any surface that deviates from planarity in a smooth, continuous fashion. 
     Interface regions  21 ,  34 , and  37  can each have a predetermined diameter and length. The diameter of any interface region can be substantially the same as the diameter of the non-cable component it is physically connected to, to provide an aesthetically pleasing seamless integration. For example, the diameter of interface region  21  can be substantially the same as the diameter of non-cable component  40 . In some embodiments, the diameter of a non-cable component (e.g., component  40 ) and its associated interfacing region (e.g., region  31 ) are greater than the diameter of the non-interface region (e.g., region  33 ) they are connected to via the bump region (e.g., region  32 ). Consequently, in this embodiment, the bump region decreases in diameter from the interface region to the non-interface region. 
     In another embodiment, the diameter of a non-cable component (e.g., component  40 ) and its associated interfacing region (e.g., region  31 ) are less than the diameter of the non-interface region (e.g., region  33 ) they are connected to via the bump region (e.g., region  32 ). Consequently, in this embodiment, the bump region increases in diameter from the interface region to the non-interface region. 
     The combination of the interface and bump regions can provide strain relief for those regions of headset  10 . In one embodiment, strain relief may be realized because the interface and bump regions have larger dimensions than the non-interface region and thus are more robust. These larger dimensions may also ensure that non-cable portions are securely connected to cable structure  20 . Moreover, the extra girth better enables the interface and bump regions to withstand bend stresses. 
     The interconnection of legs  22 ,  24 , and  26  at bifurcation region  30  can vary depending on how cable structure  20  is manufactured. In one approach, cable structure  20  can be a jointly formed multi-leg or single-segment unibody cable structure. In this approach all three legs are manufactured jointly as one continuous structure and no additional processing is required to electrically couple the conductors contained therein. That is, none of the legs are spliced to interconnect conductors at bifurcation region  30 , nor are the legs manufactured separately and then later joined together. Some jointly formed multi-leg cable structures may have a top half and a bottom half, which are molded together and extend throughout the entire cable structure. For example, such jointly formed multi-leg cable structures can be manufactured using injection molding and compression molding manufacturing processes. Thus, although a mold-derived jointly formed multi-leg cable structure has two components (i.e., the top and bottom halves), it is considered a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure for the purposes of this disclosure. Other jointly formed multi-leg cable structures may exhibit a contiguous ring of material that extends throughout the entire cable structure. For example, such a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure can be manufactured using an extrusion process (discussed below in more detail). 
     In another approach, cable structure  20  can be a multi-segment unibody cable structure in which three discrete or independently formed legs are connected at a bifurcation region. A multi-segment unibody cable structure may have the same appearance of the jointly formed multi-leg cable structure, but the legs are manufactured as discrete components. The legs and any conductors contained therein are interconnected at bifurcation region  30 . The legs can be manufactured, for example, using any of the processes used to manufacture the jointly formed multi-leg cable structure. 
     The cosmetics of bifurcation region  30  can be any suitable shape. In one embodiment, bifurcation region  30  can be an overmold structure that encapsulates a portion of each leg  22 ,  24 , and  26 . The overmold structure can be visually and tactically distinct from legs  22 ,  24 , and  26 . The overmold structure can be applied to the single or multi-segment unibody cable structure. In another embodiment, bifurcation region  30  can be a two-shot injection molded splitter having the same dimensions as the portion of the legs being joined together. Thus, when the legs are joined together with the splitter mold, cable structure  20  maintains its unibody aesthetics. That is, a multi-segment cable structure has the look and feel of jointly formed multi-leg cable structure even though it has three discretely manufactured legs joined together at bifurcation region  30 . Many different splitter configurations can be used, and the use of some splitters may be based on the manufacturing process used to create the segment. 
     Cable structure  20  can include a conductor bundle that extends through some or all of legs  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Cable structure  20  can include conductors for carrying signals from non-cable component  40  to non-cable components  42  and  44 . Cable structure  20  can include one or more rods constructed from a superelastic material. The rods can resist deformation to reduce or prevent tangling of the legs. The rods are different than the conductors used to convey signals from non-cable component  40  to non-cable components  42  and  44 , but share the same space within cable structure  20 . Several different rod arrangements may be included in cable structure  20 . 
     In yet another embodiment, one or more of legs  22 ,  24 , and  26  can vary in diameter in two or more bump regions. For example, the leg  22  can include bump region  32  and another bump region (not shown) that exists at leg/bifurcation region  30 . This other bump region may vary the diameter of leg  22  so that it changes in size to match the diameter of cable structure at bifurcation region  30 . This other bump region can provide additional strain relief. Each leg can have any suitable diameter including, for example, a diameter in the range of 0.4 mm to 1 mm (e.g., 0.8 mm for leg  20 , and 0.6 mm for legs  22  and  24 ). 
     In some embodiments, another non-cable component can be incorporated into either left leg  24  or right leg  26 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , headset  60  shows that non-cable component  46  is integrated within leg  26 , and not at an end of a leg like non-cable components  40 ,  42  and  44 . For example, non-cable component  46  can be a communications box that includes a microphone and a user interface (e.g., one or more mechanical or capacitive buttons). Non-cable component  46  can be electrically coupled to non-cable component  40 , for example, to transfer signals between communications box  46  and one or more of non-cable components  40 ,  42  and  44 . 
     Non-cable component  46  can be incorporated in non-interface region  39  of leg  26 . In some cases, non-cable component  46  can have a larger size or girth than the non-interface regions of leg  26 , which can cause a discontinuity at an interface between non-interface region  39  and communications box  46 . To ensure that the cable maintains a seamless unibody appearance, non-interface region  39  can be replaced by first non-interface region  50 , first bump region  51 , first interface region  52 , communications box  46 , second interface region  53 , second bump region  54 , and second non-interface region  55 . 
     Similar to the bump regions described above in connection with the cable structure of  FIG. 1A , bump regions  51  and  54  can handle the transition from non-cable component  46  to non-interface regions  50  and  55 . The transition in the bump region can take any suitable shape that exhibits a fluid or smooth transition from the interface region to the non-interface regions. For example, the shape of the taper region can be similar to that of a cone or a neck of a wine bottle. 
     Similar to the interface regions described above in connection with the cable structure of  FIG. 1A , interface regions  52  and  53  can have a predetermined diameter and length. The diameter of the interface region is substantially the same as the diameter of non-cable component  46  to provide an aesthetically pleasing seamless integration. In addition, and as described above, the combination of the interface and bump regions can provide strain relief for those regions of headset  10 . 
     In some embodiments, non-cable component  46  may be incorporated into a leg such as leg  26  without having bump regions  51  and  54  or interface regions  52  and  53 . Thus, in this embodiment, non-interfacing regions  50  and  55  may be directly connected to non-cable component  46 . 
     Cable structures  20  can be constructed using many different manufacturing processes. The processes discussed herein include those that can be used to manufacture the jointly formed multi-leg cable structure or legs for the multi-segment unibody cable structure. In particular, these processes include injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion. Embodiments of this invention use extrusion to manufacture a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure or multi-segment unibody cable structures. 
     In some embodiments, cable structure  20  can be constructed by extruding the main, left and right legs separately, and combining the legs at the bifurcation region. The extrusion process used can be selected such that the interface region, taper region, non-interface region, and bifurcation region of each leg can be constructed seamlessly as part of the extrusion process. Because each region of the leg can have a different diameter (e.g., a different cross-section), the particular extrusion process selected may include controllable system factors for adjusting the dimensions of an extruded leg.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative extruder in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Extruder  200  can receive a material to extrude in a first form, such as pellets, and can transform the material to a form corresponding to cable structure  20 . 
     Extruder  200  can extrude any suitable material to create cable structure  20 . For example, the extruder can use one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, polyamide (e.g., nylon), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate. Material can be provided to extruder  200  in any suitable form including, for example, in liquid or solid form. In one implementation, pellets or chips of material can be provided to hopper  210  for processing. The material can pass through feedthroat  212  and enter barrel  220 . Screw  222  can rotate within barrel  220  to direct material from hopper end  224  of the barrel to die end  226  of the barrel. Drive motor  228  can be mechanically connected to screw  222  such that the screw can rotate to direct material received from hopper  210  towards die end  226 . The drive motor can drive screw  222  at any suitable rate or speed, including a variable speed based on a manner in which the process is executed. 
     Barrel  220  can be heated to a desired melt temperature to melt the material provided in hopper  210 . For example, barrel  220  can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200° C. to 300° C. (e.g., 250° C.), although the particular temperature can be selected based on the material used. As the material passes through barrel  220 , pressure and friction created by screw  222 , and heat applied to barrel  220  by a heating component can cause the material to melt and flow. The resulting material can be substantially liquid in a region near die end  226  of barrel  220  so that it may easily flow into die  250 . In some cases, different amounts of heat can be applied to different sections of the barrel to create a variable heat profile. In one implementation, the amount of heat provided to barrel  220  can increase from hopper end  224  to die end  226 . By gradually increasing the temperature of the barrel, the material deposited in barrel  220  can gradually heat up and melt as it is pushed toward die end  226 . This may reduce the risk of overheating, which may cause the material to degrade. In some embodiments, extruder  200  can include cooling components (e.g., a fan) in addition to heating components for controlling a temperature profile of barrel  220 . 
     In some cases, one or more additives can be added to the material within barrel  220  to provide mechanical or finishing attributes to cable structure  20 . For example, components for providing UV protection, modifying a coefficient of friction of an outer surface of cable structure  20 , refining a color of cable structure  20 , or combinations of these can be used. The additives can be provided in hopper  220 , or alternatively can be inserted in barrel  220  at another position along the barrel length. The amount of additives added, and the particular position at which additives are added can be selected based on attributes of the material within the barrel. For example, additives can be added when the material reaches a particular fluidity to ensure that the additives can mix with the material. 
     Screw  222  can have any suitable channel depth and screw angle for directing material towards die  250 . In some cases, screw  222  can define several zones each designed to have different effects on the material in barrel  220 . For example, screw  222  can include a feed zone adjacent to the hopper and operative to carry solid material pellets to an adjacent melting zone where the solid material melts. The channel depth can progressively increase in the melting zone. Following the melting zone, a metering zone can be used to melt the last particles of material and mix the material to a uniform temperature and composition. Some screws can then include a decompression zone in which the channel depth increases to relieve pressure within the screw and allow trapped gases (e.g., moisture or air) to be drawn out by vacuum. The screw can then include a second metering zone having a lower channel depth to re-pressurize the fluid material and direct it through the die at a constant and predictable rate. 
     When fluid material reaches die end  226  of barrel  220 , the material can be expelled from barrel  220  and can pass through screen  230  having openings sized to allow the material to flow, but preventing contaminants from passing through the screen. The screen can be reinforced by a breaker plate used to resist the pressure of material pushed towards the die by screw  222 . In some cases, screen  230 , combined with the breaker plate, can serve to provide back pressure to barrel  220  so that the material can melt and mix uniformly within the barrel. The amount of pressure provided can be adjusted by changing the number of screens used, the relative positions of the screens (e.g., mis-aligning openings in stacked screens), or changing the size of openings in a screen. 
     The material passing through the screen is directed by feedpipe  240  towards die  250 . Feedpipe  240  can define an elongated volume through which material can flow. Unlike in barrel  220 , in which material rotates through the barrel, material passing through feedpipe  240  can travel along the axis of the feedpipe with little or no rotation. This can ensure that when the material reaches the die, there are no built-in rotational stresses or strains that can adversely affect the resulting cable structure (e.g., stresses that can cause warping upon cooling). 
     Fluid material passing through feedpipe  240  can reach die  250 , where the material is given a profile corresponding to the final conductor structure. Material can pass around pin  252  and through opening  254  of the die. Pin  252  and opening  254  can have any suitable shape including, for example, circular shapes, curved shapes, polygonal shapes, or arbitrary shapes. In some embodiments, pin  252  can be movable within die  250 . In some embodiments, elements of die  250  can move such that the size or shape of opening  254  can vary. Once material has passed through the die, the material can be cooled to maintain the extruded shape. The material can be cooled using different approaches including, for example, liquid baths (e.g., a water bath), air cooling, vacuum cooling, or combinations of these. 
     In some embodiments, the die used for extruder  200  can include movable components for adjusting the diameter of material coming out of the die.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of an illustrative die for use in an extrusion process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Die  300  can include top die element  302  and bottom die element  304 . In some embodiments, top and bottom die elements  302  and  304  can represent top and bottom halves of a cylindrical die element. Die elements  302  and  304  can include angled surfaces  303  and  305 , respectively, for guiding material towards opening  306 . In some cases, the angled surfaces can correspond to surfaces of a cone removed from within die elements  302  and  304 . 
     Die  300  can include pin  310  positioned at least partially within an area enclosed by die elements  302  and  304 , such that angled surface  311  corresponds to angled surfaces  303  and  305 . Material  301  can flow between surface  311  and surfaces  303  and  305  to form a leg  330  of cable structure  20  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, pin  310  can include hypodermal path  312  extending through pin  310 . For example, hypodermal path  312  can extend through a centerline of pin  310 . Conductor bundle  320  can be fed through the hypodermal path into the extrusion path (e.g., into a region between die elements  302  and  304  and pin  310 ) and through opening  306 . As conductor bundle  320  is fed through hypodermal path  312 , material  301  flowing through the die surrounds conductor bundle  320  as it exits pin  310 . The combination of conductor bundle  320  and material  301  forms extruded leg  330 . Material  301  forms a continuous sheath or covering that encapsulates conductor bundle  320  and provides both mechanical and cosmetic attributes to the leg  330 . 
     In some cases, material  301  can instead be extruded around a rod that is fed through hypodermal path  312 . The rod can have any suitable dimensions including, for example, a constant or variable cross section. The rod can be coated or treated so that it minimally adheres to the extruded material. The rod can be removed from the resulting leg  330  formed by the extrusion process to form a hollow tube through which a conductor bundle can be fed. 
     Leg  330  can have any suitable size or shape including, for example, a varying outer diameter. In particular, leg  330  can include interface region  332  having a larger diameter, and taper region  334  having a variable diameter decreasing from the larger diameter of interface region  332 . Any suitable approach can be used to adjust the amount of material  301  provided through die  300  to form the different regions of leg  330 . In some embodiments, different portions of the die can move relative to one another. For example, pin  310  can move in direction  314  towards opening  306  to reduce the amount of material  301  flowing between die elements  302  and  304 , and pin  310 . This may reduce the diameter of the extruded leg. Similarly, pin  310  can move in direction  315  away from opening  306  to increase the amount of material  301  flowing between die elements  302  and  304 , and pin  310 . This may increase the diameter of the extruded leg. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 3B , pin  310  has moved closer to opening  306  of die  300 , thereby producing non-interface region  335 , which has a smaller diameter than interface region  332  of leg  330 . 
     As another example, referring back to  FIG. 3A , top die element  302  and bottom die element  304  can move relative to one another to change the size of opening  306 . In particular, top and bottom die elements  302  and  304  can move away each other (e.g., in directions  308   a  and  308   b , respectively) to increase the size of opening  306 . When the opening size increases, more material  301  can flow through the opening, which increases the diameter of extruded leg  330 . In another case, top and bottom die elements  302  and  304  can move toward each other (e.g., in directions  309   a  and  309   b , respectively) to decrease the size of opening  306 . When the opening size decreases, less material  301  can flow through the opening, which decreases the diameter of the leg  330 . 
     Other factors relating to the extrusion process can be adjusted to change characteristics of the die to modify the diameter of extruded leg  330 . For example, the speed at which conductor  320  is fed through pin  310  and through opening  306  can be adjusted to change the diameter of leg  330 . The faster the line speed of the conductor, the smaller the diameter of the resulting leg. 
     As another example, the speed at which a screw brings material to the die can be adjusted to control the amount of material passing through the die (e.g., adjust the RPM of the screw). As yet another example, the amount of heat provided to the barrel can control the viscosity of the material, and the pressure of the material within the barrel. As still another example, the melt pressure of the material within the barrel can be adjusted. As still yet another example, a screen and breaker plate used in the extruder can be used to control the amount of material passing from the barrel to the die. As more material passes through the die, the diameter of a resulting leg can increase. 
     Specific settings for the die position, line speed, heat, screw rotation speed, melt pressure, and air pressure (e.g., from cooling or for controlling the position of a die pin), which collectively can be known as system factors, can be dynamically adjusted during the extrusion process to change the diameter of an extruded leg. In particular, by dynamically adjusting system factors, an extruder can create a leg that includes an interface region, a taper or bump, and a non-interface region such that transition change between the regions is smooth and seamless. The system factors can be adjusted by any suitable component of extruder  200  such as, for example, a control station. 
     To ensure that an external surface of the leg created using an extrusion process as described above is smooth and the material is uniformly distributed around the conductor bundle, the conductor bundle may be covered with a sheath that maintains a constant fixed “inner” diameter within the extruded leg. Thus, while the “inner” diameter remains constant, the diameter of the extruded leg can vary. 
     In addition to providing a constant “inner” diameter, the sheath covering the conductor bundle can provide a smooth outer surface over which material is extruded. In the absence of a smooth surface, material extruded over a conductor bundle can mirror or mimic discontinuities of the conductor bundle. For example, if the conductor bundle includes two distinct conductors or rods placed length-wise side by side, the outer surface of the extruded leg can include at least one indentation or discontinuity that reflects the separation between the conductors.  FIG. 4A  is an illustrative view of a conductor bundle for use in a leg of a cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Conductor bundle  400  can include distinct rod  410 , and conductors  420 ,  430  and  440  placed adjacent to each other. Rod  410  can be constructed from a superelastic material to reduce tangling of the cable structure. Conductors  420 ,  430  and  440  can include co-axial conductors in which several distinct conductive paths or wires are wrapped around a core. Using this approach, three conductors can be sufficient to provide six conductive paths. 
     Because each rod and conductor in conductor bundle  400  constitutes a separate element, there may be discontinuities between outer surfaces of the elements.  FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the conductor bundle of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 4B , there may be discontinuity  412  between rod  410  and conductor  420 , discontinuity  422  between conductor  420  and conductor  430 , discontinuity  432  between conductor  430  and conductor  440 , and discontinuity  442  between conductor  440  and rod  410 . When material is extruded over conductor bundle  400 , the extruded material provides a covering  460  having a constant thickness around the conductor bundle. This means, however, that variations in the outer surfaces of elements in a conductor bundle can be reflected in the outer surface of covering  460 . For example, covering  460  can include discontinuity  462  corresponding to discontinuity  412 , discontinuity  464  corresponding to discontinuity  422 , discontinuity  466  corresponding to discontinuity  432 , and discontinuity  468  corresponding to discontinuity  442 . The resulting leg may lack a cosmetic appeal, and detract from a user&#39;s attraction to the cable structure. 
     To ensure that the leg has a smooth outer surface, it may therefore be desirable for conductor bundle  400  to have a smooth outer surface. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the rod and conductors of conductor bundle  400  can be enclosed within sheath  450 . Sheath  450  can be constructed using any suitable approach including, for example, constructed as a tube into which the rod and conductors can be fed. In some embodiments, additional material  452  (e.g., a resin) can be placed between sheet  450  and the rod and conductors to fill in the discontinuities in the conductor bundle. In some cases, sheath  450  may additionally serve as an additional strain relief component within the extruded cable leg. 
     Material can be extruded over conductor bundle  400  to create a covering that has any suitable diameter. In the example of  FIG. 4D , some portions of conductor bundle  400  can be enclosed within covering  460 ′ having a first diameter (e.g., corresponding to a non-interface region), and other portions of conductor bundle  400  can be enclosed within covering  460 ″ having a second diameter (e.g., corresponding to an interface region). The diameter of the covering can transition between the first and second diameters in a taper region of the leg. In all regions of the leg, conductor bundle  400  can be centered relative to the covering such that an internal diameter of the covering remains constant and substantially matches sheath  500 . This approach can help ensure that the outer surface of the leg remains smooth. 
     Once each of the cable legs has been extruded, the cable legs can be assembled into a cable structure.  FIG. 5  is an exploded view of extruded cable legs in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Cable structure  520  can include main leg  522 , left leg  524 , right leg  526 , and bifurcation region  530  having some or all of the properties of the corresponding components of cable structure  20  ( FIG. 1 ). To complete the cable, however, one or both ends of each leg may require undercut features, or other features that cannot be constructed as part of an extrusion process. For example, main leg  522  can include undercut features  523  in an interface region. Similarly, left leg  524  can include undercut features  525  in an interface region, and right leg  526  can include undercut features  527  in an interface region. In some embodiments, one or more of the legs can instead or in addition includes undercut features near bifurcation region  530 . The undercut features may be used to interface with non-cable components (e.g., an audio plug or headphone). 
     Any suitable approach can be used to construct undercut features in extruded cable legs. In some embodiments, a cold reform process can be used.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system used to perform a cold reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. System  600  can include left fixture  620  and right fixture  622  operative to secure opposite ends of cable leg  610 . Although cable leg  610  is shown as having a constant diameter, it will be understood that cable leg  610  can have a variable diameter (e.g., as described above in connection with the legs of cable structure  20 ,  FIG. 1 ). Fixtures  620  and  622  can retain leg  610  in tension such that tool  630  can be applied to leg  610  to create undercuts. Fixtures  620  and  622  can be secured to any suitable portion of leg  610 . In some embodiments, fixtures  620  and  622  can be coupled to excess extruded material of the leg that will be removed before completing the cable structure such as, for example, strip regions  612 . Using this approach, cosmetic damage to the leg caused by fixtures  620  and  622  may be ignored, as strip regions  612  will be removed from the final product. 
     To create undercut features or other features within leg  610 , such as feature  632 , tool  630  can be applied to a surface of leg  610 . Tool  630  can include any suitable tool having a cutting, grinding, or polishing element, or any other element for removing material from leg  620 . In some cases, several tools  630  can be used simultaneously (e.g., two grinders are used simultaneously), or a tool can include several elements for removing material. In some embodiments, tool  630  can move relative to leg  610  to create features. For example, tool  630  can move relative to fixtures  620  and  622  and to leg  610 . In particular, tool  630  can include a moving cutting element (e.g., a rotating saw) that can be brought into contact with leg  610 . Alternatively, leg  610  can move relative to tool  630 . For example, fixtures  620  and  622  can rotate in direction  640 , such that when tool  630  is brought into contact with the leg, the rotation of the leg allows tool  630  to create undercut features. Leg  610  can rotate at any suitable speed including, for example, a speed determined from characteristics of tool  630  and from characteristics of the material used for leg  610 . 
     The cold reform process of system  600  can be performed once an extruded cable leg has been cooled. The cable leg may in addition remain cold while tool  630  creates features in the leg. This approach can ensure that material forming leg  610  does not flow and change shape, or does not change in a manner that would adversely affect the cosmetic appearance of the leg. In addition, only the portions of leg  610  that come into contact with fixtures  620  and  622 , or with tool  630  may be deformed by the process. 
     In some embodiments, a hot reform process can be used to obtain a desired undercut.  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system for performing a hot reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. System  700  can be applied to extruded leg  710 , which can include some or all of the features of extruded legs described above. In the example of  FIG. 7 , leg  710  is shown to have a constant diameter, thought it will be understood that leg  710  can have a variable diameter. Leg  710  can be secured to a fixture (not shown) to perform a hot reform process. As discussed above in connection with a cold reform process, the fixture can be placed in contact with regions of the leg that will be removed from the final product so as to avoid damaging cosmetic surfaces of leg  710 . 
     Depending on the material used for constructing leg  710 , it may be beneficial to construct undercut features in the leg using a heated tool. The heated tool can reduce the strength of the extruded material, and facilitate the formation of undercut features in the leg. System  700  can include top plate  730  and bottom plate  732  each including cutting features  734  for creating undercut features  712  in leg  710 . Region  714  of leg  710 , where undercut features  712  are to be provided, can be positioned between plates  730  and  732 , and the plates can then be applied to the leg. In particular, top plate  730  can move in direction  731  towards leg  710 , and bottom plate  732  can move in direction  733  toward leg  710 . When the plates come into contact with leg  710 , cutting features  734  can remove material from leg  710  to form undercut features  712 . 
     Top and bottom plates  730  and  732  can be heated to facilitate the application of the plates to leg  710 . The plates can be heated at any suitable time. In some embodiments, plates  730  and  732  can be heated before they are applied to leg  710 . In other embodiments, plates  730  and  732  can be at least partially applied to leg  710  (e.g., brought into contact with the leg), and subsequently heated to create undercut features  712 . Any suitable region of the plates can be heated. In one implementation, the entire plates can be heated. Alternatively, only a region that includes cutting features  734  of each plate can be heated. The plates can be heated using any suitable approach including, for example, using a heating element embedded within or in contact with a plate (e.g., a resistive heating element), or by placing the plates in contact with a heat source when they are not applied to a leg. 
     Because the plates are heated, heat from the plates can be conducted into regions of the leg other than region  714  where undercut features are desired. In some cases, heat can be transferred to regions of the leg that form part of the final product such as, for example, region  716 . When heat is applied to region  716 , the material of the leg can deform, or cosmetic properties of the material can change (e.g., the color of the material changes due to the heat). This can adversely affect the cosmetic appearance of the leg. To prevent heat from reaching region  716 , system  700  can include top cold plate  720  and bottom cold plate  722  placed in contact with region  716 . When heat from a hot plate reaches region  716 , cold plates  720  and  722  can remove the heat from the leg before the cosmetic appearance of the leg is adversely affected. Cold plates  720  and  722  can counteract the heat imposed on leg  716  by hot plates  732  and  734 . Cold plates  720  and  722  can be placed in close proximity of hot plates  730  and  732 , respectively, but do not touch. 
     Cold plates  720  and  722  can be cooled using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the cold plates can include an integrated cooling component. Alternatively, the cold plates can be cooled prior to being used as part of the hot reform process. In some cases, several cold plates can be used interchangeably during a hot reform process. For example, a first set of cold plates heated by the hot plates during the process can be replaced by a second set of cold plates when the first set of cold plates become too hot. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for extruding a leg of a cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  800  can begin at step  802 . At step  804 , material to be extruded can be provided to an extruder. For example, pellets of material can be placed in a hopper of an extruder. The extruder can melt the material, and apply pressure to the melted material so that it may be directed out of the extruder. At step  806 , a conductor bundle can be fed through a die. For example, a bundle that includes conductors and a superelastic rod can be placed within a hypodermal path. 
     At step  808 , the material can be extruded through the die to surround the conductor bundle, which is also passing through the die. The combination of the extruded material and conductor bundle form an extruded leg. At step  810 , system factors of the extruder can be dynamically adjusted to change dimensions of the extruded leg. In particular, a diameter of the extruded leg can change from a large diameter in an interface region to a variable diameter defining a smooth transition from the large diameter to a small diameter of a non-interface region. Any suitable system factor can be changed including, for example, the position of die components (e.g., the position of the die pin), line speed, heat applied to the extruder, screw rotation speed, melt pressure, and air pressure, or combinations of these. Process  800  can end at step  812 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for creating an undercut in an extruded leg using a cold reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  900  can begin at step  902 . At step  904 , an extruded leg can be secured in tension in a fixture. For example, left and right fixtures can capture opposite ends of an extruded leg, and apply tension to the leg. At step  906 , the fixture can be rotated to rotate the captured leg. The leg can be rotated at any suitable speed including, for example, at a speed selected based on the material used to extrude the leg, or on the type of tool to be applied to the leg. At step  908 , a tool can be applied to the rotating leg to create an undercut in the extruded material of the leg. For example, one or more grinders can be applied to the leg to create undercuts in the leg. Process  900  can then end at step  910 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for creating an undercut in an extruded leg using a hot reform process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1000  can begin at step  1002 . At step  1004 , a leg can be secured in a fixture. At step  1006 , cold plates can be applied to the region of the leg adjacent to a region of the leg that will be undercut. At step  1008 , hot plates can be applied to the region of the leg that is to be undercut. At step  1010 , undercuts are created using the hot plates. Process  1000  can end at step  1012 . 
     It should be understood that processes of  FIGS. 8-10  are merely illustrative. Any of the steps may be removed, modified, or combined, and any additional steps may be added, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, the cable structure can instead by constructed as a single component having a seamless, integrated bifurcation.  FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a bifurcation of an illustrative jointly formed multi-leg cable structure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Cable structure  1120  can include legs  1122 ,  1124  and  1126  joined at bifurcation  1130 . 
     Each of cable legs  1122 ,  1124 , and  1126  can include conductor bundles  1142 ,  1144 , and  1146 , respectively, having different numbers of conductors. For example, as shown in the cross-sections of  FIG. 12 , conductor bundle  1142  can include 6 conductors, which split into 2 conductors in conductor bundle  1144  and 4 conductors in conductor bundle  1146 . 
     The extruder can include any suitable component for splitting an initial leg into two legs, or for combining two distinct legs into a single leg.  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are sectional views of a portion of an illustrative extruder for providing a split in a co-extrusion process in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Die  1300  can include some or all of the features of die  300 , described above. For example, die  1300  can include top die element  1302  and bottom die element  1304  corresponding to top and bottom halves of a cylindrical die element. Die elements  1302  and  1304  can include angled surfaces  1303  and  1305 , respectively, for guiding material  1301  towards opening  1306  (e.g., when material moves in direction  1314 ). In some cases, the angled surfaces can correspond to surfaces of a cone removed from within die elements  1302  and  1304 . 
     Die  1300  can include pin  1310  positioned at least partially within an area enclosed by die elements  1302  and  1304 , such that angled surface  1311  corresponds to angled surfaces  1303  and  1305 . In some embodiments, pin  1310  can include hypodermal path  1312  extending through pin  1310 , for example extending through a centerline of pin  1310 . Conductor bundle  1320  can be fed through the hypodermal path into the extrusion path (e.g., into a region between die elements  1302  and  1304  and pin  1310 ) and through opening  1306 . 
     Die  1300  can include splitting member  1325  positioned adjacent to opening  1306  to separate conductor bundle  1320  into several distinct conductor bundles  1322  and  1324 , corresponding to legs  1332  and  1334 , respectively. As material  1301  passes through opening  1306 , splitting member  1325  can redirect portions of the material into each of legs  1332  and  1334 . By modifying the position of pin  1310  and splitting member  1325 , the amount of material provided to each leg, and therefore the diameter of each leg, can vary. When each of legs  1332  and  1334  have been created, splitting member  1325  can be moved or repositioned to create a single leg  1320  having the conductors of both conductor bundles  1322  and  1324  (e.g., conductor bundle  1320 ). 
     In some cases, the die can instead serve to combine several distinct extruded legs into a single leg. As shown in  FIG. 13B , die  1350 , which can include some or all of the features of die  300 , described above, can include top die element  1352 , bottom die element  1354 , and middle die element  1353  corresponding different surfaces of each of legs  1380  and  1382 . Die elements  1352 ,  1353 , and  1354  can include angled surfaces for guiding material  1351  towards opening  1356  (as material moves in direction  1365 ). In some cases, the angled surfaces can correspond to surfaces of a cone removed from within one or more of die elements  1352 ,  1353  and  1354 . 
     Conductor bundles  1372  and  1374  can be fed into die  1350  with material  1301  such that initially, conductor bundles  1372  and  1374  combine and form conductor bundle  1370 . Material  1351 , fed through die  1350 , creates leg  1380 . Die  1350  can include splitting member  1375  which, when positioned in die  1350 , maintains conductor bundles  1372  and  1374  separate to create legs  1382  and  1384 . Then, as material is provided in direction  1365 , leg  1380  can be initially created, and subsequently split, at a bifurcation created by splitting member  1375 , into legs  1382  and  1384 . By modifying the position of splitting member  1375 , the amount of material provided to each leg, and therefore the diameter of each leg, can vary. 
     Manufacturing a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure via an extrusion process can provide several advantages. For example, the extrusion process can provide a continuous and smooth structure that is aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the cable structure may have no discontinuities creating areas in which stresses can be concentrated. This may eliminate a need for an overmold or other strain relief component (e.g., an interface with a non-interface component. 
     The described embodiments of the invention are presented for the purpose of illustration and not of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110125
Publication Date: 20140218
Grant Date: 20140218
Priority Date: 20100125
Inventors: AASE JONATHAN
FRAZIER CAMERON
RUSSELL-CLARKE PETER
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B29C43/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C43/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3605", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C45/14073", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C43/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02G15/18", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C43/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C43/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C39/42", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29K2705/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3462", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C43/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2045/1409", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29K2105/256", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3605", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3621", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3621", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3665", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2043/3665", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3462", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29K2105/256", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29K2705/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C2045/14131", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C33/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C33/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C39/42", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44308097