PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8353729-B2
Application Number: US-70846810-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Low profile connector system

Abstract:
A low profile connector system. In one set of embodiments, a low profile plug receptacle is provided that is thinner than a standard plug receptacle, thereby allowing the plug receptacle to be incorporated in small form factor (e.g., very thin) electronic devices while maintaining compatibility with standard plug connectors. In another set of embodiments, different types of custom plug connectors are provided that can improve the aesthetics of an electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle when the custom plug connector is attached. In another set of embodiments, features are provided for preventing a plug connector from unintentionally falling out of, or coming loose from, the low profile plug receptacle and/or preventing a plug connector from rotating within the receptacle.

Claims:
1. An electronic device-comprising:
 a device housing that defines a shape and size of the electronic device; 
 a processor positioned within the device housing; and 
 an audio receptacle connector having an interior, longitudinal passage configured to receive a plug of a plug connector within the device housing the longitudinal passage opening to a first, partially circular opening at a first exterior surface of the device housing-and to a second, elongated opening at a second exterior surface of the device housing, wherein the second opening intersects the first opening and extends perpendicularly into the longitudinal passage, and wherein the width of the second opening is equal to the width of the first opening where the first and second openings intersect. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the width of the first opening and the width of the second opening is approximately 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device-of  claim 1  wherein the width of the first opening and the width of the second opening is less than 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device-of  claim 1  wherein the height of the first opening is less than 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein when the plug of the plug connector is inserted into the interior, longitudinal passage, the plug extends at least partially through the second opening. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein a thickness of the electronic device is less than 5 millimeters. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the audio receptacle connector further comprises a magnet configured to attract a ferrous attractor coupled to the plug connector, thereby holding the plug connector in place when the plug is inserted into the interior, longitudinal passage. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the audio receptacle connector includes one or more cutouts along an interior surface of the longitudinal passage that are configured to receive one or more projections extending from the plug, thereby preventing the plug connector from rotating when the plug is inserted into the longitudinal passage. 
     
     
       9. A portable electronic device comprising:
 a storage device configured to store media assets; 
 a processor configured to play back media assets; and 
 a device housing comprising:
 a first side including a first, partially circular opening at an exterior surface of the housing that extends into a longitudinal passage configured to receive a plug of a 3.5 mm audio plug connector; and 
 a second side that shares an edge with the first side, the second side including a second, elongated opening at the exterior surface of the housing that intersects the first opening and that extends perpendicularly into the longitudinal passage, 
 
 wherein the width of the second opening is to equal the width of the first opening where the first opening meets the second opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/205,333 titled “Low Profile Plug Receptacle,” filed Sep. 5, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,633, issued Dec. 21, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connector systems, and in particular to a low profile connector system that can be used with small form factor electronic devices. 
     Standard audio plug connectors (or “audio plugs”) include a cylindrical plug and are available in three sizes according to the diameter of the plug: a 6.35 mm (¼″) size, a 3.5 mm (⅛″) “miniature” size, and a 2.5 mm ( 3/32″) “subminiature” size. Generally speaking, these connectors have conductive regions along portions of the plug known as the tip, ring, and sleeve, and are thus often referred to as TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) connectors. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a standard audio plug connector  100  having a connector body  102  and a cylindrical plug  104 . In this example, plug  104  includes three conductive regions: a conductive tip  106 , a conductive ring  108 , and a conductive sleeve  110 . Other types of plug connectors can have more or fewer conductive regions. Conductive regions  106 ,  108 , and  110  are electrically isolated by insulating rings  112  and  114 . If standard audio plug connector  100  is a 3.5 mm miniature connector, the diameter of plug  104  (at its thickest section) will be 3.5 mm. 
     A standard audio plug receptacle (or “audio jack”) that is used to couple standard audio plug connector  100  to an electronic device has a circular opening through which plug  104  is inserted and an interior passage sized to receive the plug. Taking into account the thickness of the receptacle housing in which the opening is formed, as well as an appropriate amount of clearance for the plug to slide into the receptacle, a standard audio plug receptacle for a 3.5 mm audio plug connector generally has a thickness that is greater than 3.5 mm. As electronic devices (such as portable media players, cellular phones, portable computing devices, and the like) become smaller and thinner, the plug diameter of standard audio plug connectors (and the thickness of their corresponding receptacles) can be a limiting factor in reducing device thickness. While it is possible to develop an audio plug connector and receptacle that uses a smaller plug diameter than, for example, the standard 3.5 mm miniature size, such a connector system would not be backward compatible with the multitude of existing devices and accessories that are designed with the 3.5 mm size in mind. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a low profile connector system. In one set of embodiments, the low profile connector system includes a low profile plug receptacle having at least a front side and a top side, where the front side can include a first, partially circular opening that extends into a longitudinal passage inside the receptacle, and where the top side can include a second, elongated opening that intersects the first opening and that extends perpendicularly into the longitudinal passage. In certain embodiments, the width of the second opening can be equal to the width of the first opening. When a plug connector is inserted into the low profile plug receptacle, the plug of the plug connector can extend partially through the second opening. With this type of design, the thickness of the low profile plug receptacle can be made smaller than standard plug receptacles, thereby allowing the low profile plug receptacle to be incorporated in small form factor (e.g., very thin) electronic devices, while maintaining compatibility with standard (e.g., 3.5 mm) plug connectors. 
     In another set of embodiments, the low profile connector system can include different types of custom plug connectors that are adapted to mate with the low profile plug receptacle described above. For example, one type of custom plug connector can include a cosmetic cap that is coupled with the connector plug and/or the connector body. When the custom plug connector is inserted into the low profile plug receptacle, the cosmetic cap can at least partially cover the second opening of the receptacle (including the portion of the plug extending through the second opening). In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the cosmetic cap can be configured to be similar in appearance to an outer surface of an electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle. In this manner, the cosmetic cap can improve the aesthetics of the device when the custom plug connector is attached. 
     Another type of custom plug connector can include a plug that is shaped to match the longitudinal passage inside the low profile plug receptacle. For instance, if the second opening causes the longitudinal passage to be partially cylindrical (rather than fully cylindrical) in shape, the plug of the custom plug connector can also be partially cylindrical in shape. Thus, the custom plug connector can be inserted into the low profile plug receptacle in such a way that no portion of the plug extends through the second opening. This also can improve the aesthetics the electronic device housing the receptacle. 
     In another set of embodiments, the low profile connector system can include features for preventing a plug connector from unintentionally falling out of, or coming loose from, the low profile plug receptacle and/or preventing a plug connector from rotating within the receptacle. For example, in embodiments where the plug connector can be customized, the low profile plug receptacle can include a magnet and the custom plug connector can include a ferrous attractor (or vice versa). When the custom plug connector is inserted into the low profile plug receptacle, the magnetic attraction between the magnet and ferrous attractor can cause the plug connector to be held in place. 
     In another embodiment, the low profile plug receptacle can include one or more cutouts along the interior surface of the longitudinal passage and the custom plug connector can include one or more matching features that protrude from the plug and/or connector body. When the custom plug connector is inserted into the low profile plug receptacle, the protruding features can fit into the cutouts in the longitudinal passage, thereby preventing the plug from rotating. 
     In embodiments where the plug connector can be a standard connector (e.g., a 3.5 mm miniature connector), the low profile connector system can include an adapter that is separate from either the low profile plug receptacle or the standard plug connector, and can be configured to attach onto or around one or more outer walls of an electronic device in which the low profile plug receptacle is housed. When the adapter is attached, the adapter can provide structural support that prevents the standard plug connector from unintentionally coming loose from the low profile plug receptacle, thereby providing improved compatibility with such standard connectors. 
     A further understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a standard audio plug connector that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate various low profile plug receptacles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate various configurations for positioning a low profile plug receptacle within an electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a first type of custom plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate the custom plug connector of  FIG. 4  as mated with various low profile plug receptacles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a second type of custom plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A-7D  illustrate the custom plug connector of  FIG. 6  as mated with various low profile plug receptacles according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a magnetic retention mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an anti-rotation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate an adapter for retaining a standard plug connector in a low profile plug receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments can be practiced without some of these details. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a low profile connector system. In one set of embodiments, a low profile plug receptacle is provided that is thinner than a standard plug receptacle, thereby allowing the low profile plug receptacle to be incorporated in small form factor (e.g., very thin) electronic devices while maintaining compatibility with standard (e.g., 3.5 mm) plug connectors. In another set of embodiments, different types of custom plug connectors are provided that can improve the aesthetics of an electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle when the custom plug connector attached. In another set of embodiments, features are provided for preventing a plug connector from unintentionally falling out of, or coming loose from, the low profile plug receptacle and/or preventing a plug connector from rotating within the receptacle. 
       FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a low profile plug receptacle  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Low profile plug receptacle  200  can be any type of receptacle that is capable of receiving (and providing electrical connections to) a corresponding plug connector. In certain embodiments, low profile plug receptacle  200  can be an audio plug receptacle that is configured to receive a standard audio plug connector, such as connector  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown, low profile plug receptacle  200  can include a receptacle housing  202 , which can be constructed from various non-conducting materials, such as plastic. Receptacle housing  202  can include a front side  204  and a top side  206 . It should be appreciated that the phrases “front side” and “top side” (as well as any other similar phrases used herein) are relative, and are not intended to limit embodiments of the present invention. For example, front side  204  and top side  206  can be any two sides of receptacle housing  202  that are adjacent (i.e., share an edge). In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , front side  204  and top side  206  share an edge  208 . 
     Front side  204  can include a first, partially circular opening  210  that is disposed along edge  208  and that extends into a longitudinal passage  212  within receptacle housing  202 . First opening  210  can have a height H corresponding to the maximum vertical distance between edge  208  and a perimeter point of first opening  210 . In addition, first opening  210  can have a width W 1  corresponding to the maximum horizontal distance between two perimeter points of the opening. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , first opening  210  forms a semi-circle, and width W 1  of first opening  210  is equal to the distance between the points at which the perimeter of first opening  210  meets edge  208  (points P 1  and P 2 ). 
     In other embodiments, the size of the first opening can vary. For example,  FIG. 2B  illustrates a variation of plug receptacle  200  (receptacle  220 ) where the first, partially circular opening on front side  204  (opening  222 ) forms an area less than a semi-circle. In this embodiment, width W 1  of first opening  222  is also equal to the distance between the points at which the perimeter of the opening meets edge  208  (P 1  and P 2 ).  FIG. 2C  illustrates another variation of plug receptacle  200  (receptacle  230 ) where the first, partially circular opening on front side  204  (opening  232 ) forms an area greater than a semi-circle. In this embodiment, width W 1  of first opening  232  (in this case, the diameter of the opening) is greater than the distance between the points at which the perimeter of the opening meets edge  208  (P 1  and P 2 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 2A , top side  206  can include a second, elongated opening  214  that extends perpendicularly into longitudinal passage  212  and that intersects first opening  210  at edge  208 . As shown, second opening  214  can have a width W 2 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , width W 2  can be equal to width W 1 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2C , width W 2  can be less then width W 1 . 
     Longitudinal passage  212  can include one or more electrical contacts  216  disposed within, which can be spring contacts or other appropriate contacts. The number of contacts can correspond to the type of plug connector for which the low profile plug receptacle is used. In one embodiment, electrical contacts  216  can include four individual contacts for ground, left audio channel, right audio channel, and video. In other embodiments, electrical contacts  216  can include more or less contacts or contacts for different connections altogether. Additionally, electrical contacts  216  can be compatible with plug connectors that include fewer conductive regions than the number of contacts. For example, a low profile plug receptacle having four electrical contacts  216  can be compatible with an audio plug connector having only three conductive regions for left audio, right audio, and ground. 
     Low profile plug receptacle  200  can be configured to receive any type of plug connector by having its dimensions, including dimensions H, W 1 , and W 2 , scaled accordingly. In situations where low profile plug receptacle  200  is adapted for use with standard 3.5 mm miniature audio plug connectors, height H can be less than 3.5 mm and widths W 1  and W 2  can be equal to or slightly larger than 3.5 mm (e.g., 3.6 mm). In another embodiment, widths W 1  and W 2  can be less than 3.5 mm. In yet another embodiment, width W 1  can be equal to or slightly larger than 3.5 mm, and width W 2  can be less than 3.5 mm. 
     In use, a plug of a plug connector (e.g., plug  104  of  FIG. 1 ) can be inserted into longitudinal passage  212  of low profile plug receptacle  200  through first opening  210 . Alternatively, the plug can be inserted perpendicularly into longitudinal passage  212  through second opening  214 . When a cylindrical plug is inserted, the plug can extend at least partially through second opening  214 , and thus extend past the surface of top side  206 . With this type of design, the thickness of plug receptacle  200  can be less than a standard plug receptacle (and possibly less than the diameter of a standard plug connector). Accordingly, low profile plug receptacle  200  can be implemented to reduce the thickness of an electronic device, while maintaining compatibility with standard (e.g., 3.5 mm) plug connectors. 
     Further, the relative thinness of low profile plug receptacle  200  (as compared with standard plug receptacles) can provide greater flexibility in placing the receptacle within an electronic device.  FIG. 3A  is a frontal view of low profile plug receptacle  200  as incorporated into the body of an electronic device  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, low profile plug receptacle  200  is placed in a “middle” portion of device  300 , such that the device body surrounds three sides of the receptacle (left, right, and bottom sides). 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates another configuration where low profile plug receptacle  200  is placed at an “end” portion of electronic device  300 . In this embodiment, the device body only extends from the bottom side of the receptacle. 
       FIG. 3C  is a frontal view of an alternative low profile plug receptacle  302  as incorporated into the body of electronic device  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Like low profile plug receptacle  230  of  FIG. 2C , low profile plug receptacle  302  can include a first opening  304  on a front side and a second opening  306  on a top side. However, low profile plug receptacle  302  can also include a third opening  308  on a bottom side opposite the top side. In certain embodiments, third opening  308  can be similar (or identical) in size to second opening  306 . In the embodiment shown, low profile plug receptacle  302  can be placed in a “middle” portion of electronic device  300 , such that the device body surrounds two sides the receptacle (left and right sides). In this embodiment, a plug connector can be inserted into low profile plug receptacle  302  via any of the openings  304 ,  306 , or  308 . When a cylindrical plug is inserted, the plug can extend at least partially through both second opening  306  and third opening  308  (and thus extend past the top and bottom sides of device  300 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a custom plug connector  400  that can be used with the low profile plug receptacles described above according to an embodiment of the present invention. Like standard plug connector  100  of  FIG. 1 , custom plug connector  400  can include a connector body  402  and a plug  404 . Custom plug connector  400  can also include one or more conductive regions  406 ,  408 , and  410  and insulating rings  412  and  414  along plug  404 . Although only three conductive regions are shown, more or fewer regions can be supported. In one embodiment, plug  404  can be a standard 3.5 mm miniature audio plug. 
     Unlike standard plug connector  100 , custom plug connector  400  can include a cosmetic cap  416 . Cap  416  can be constructed from various non-conducting materials, such as plastic, and can be coupled with connector body  402 , plug  404 , or both. When custom plug connector  400  is inserted into, e.g., low profile plug receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A , cap  416  can at least partially cover second opening  214  on the top side of the receptacle. Accordingly, the portion of plug  404  that extends outward through second opening  214  can be hidden from view by the cap, thereby improving the aesthetics of an electronic device housing the receptacle. Additionally, cap  416  can prevent or minimize the influx of dust or other contaminants into the interior passage (e.g., passage  212 ) of the receptacle. 
     In one set of embodiments, the outer surface of cap  416  can be configured to match (or be similar to) the appearance of the outer surface of the electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle. For example, the outer surface of cap  416  can have a similar shape, texture, color, etc. to the outer surface of the electronic device. In these embodiments, the aesthetics of the electronic device is further enhanced, since cap  416  can provide a seamless visual appearance to the exterior of the device when custom plug connector  400  is connected. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional views of custom plug connector  400  as mated with the low profile plug receptacles depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively. In each case, cap  416  is configured to cover the portion of the connector plug that extends outward via the second opening of the receptacle. It should be appreciated that the size of cap  416  can be scaled based on the size of the second opening (and thus, the amount of plug surface that will be exposed when the plug connector is attached). For example, plug receptacles  200 ,  220 , and  230  of  FIGS. 2A-2C  each have a second opening that is different in width. Different versions of custom plug connector  400  (each having different cap sizes) can be used with these embodiments to ensure that the second opening is sufficiently covered. 
       FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view of a custom plug connector  502  as mated with low profile plug receptacle  302  of  FIG. 3C . Connector  502  is similar to connector  400 , but can include a second cosmetic cap  504  on the side of the plug opposite cap  416 . Accordingly, the portions of the plug extending from openings  306  and  308  can both be covered. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another custom plug connector  600  that can be used with the low profile plug receptacles described above according to an embodiment of the present invention. Like standard plug connector  100  of  FIG. 1 , custom plug connector  600  can include a connector body  602  and a plug  604 . Custom plug connector  600  can also include one or more conductive regions  606 ,  608 , and  610  and insulating rings  612  and  614  along plug  604 . Although only three conductive regions are shown, more or fewer regions can be supported. In one embodiment, plug  604  can have a cross-sectional width of approximately 3.5 mm. 
     Unlike standard plug connector  100 , a portion of plug  604  ( 616 ) can be cut away along its longitudinal axis such that plug  604  matches the partially cylindrical shape of longitudinal passage  212  within low profile plug receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A . This modification allows custom plug connector  600  to be inserted into low profile plug receptacle  200  in an orientation where plug  604  does not extend outward through second opening  214 . This, in turn, improves the aesthetics of an electronic device housing the receptacle, since there is no protrusion along the exterior of the device caused by the connected plug. In a particular embodiment, when plug connector  604  is mated with low profile plug receptacle  200 , the surface of plug  604  can be flush with top side  206  across second opening  214 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are cross-sectional views of custom plug connector  600  as mated with the low profile plug receptacles shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  respectively. In each case, custom plug connector  600  is oriented such that the plug does not extend outward through the second opening of the receptacle. It should be appreciated that shape of plug  604  can be modified to match different low profile plug receptacles having different interior dimensions. For example, low profile plug receptacles  200 ,  220 , and  230  of  FIGS. 2A-2C  all have interior, longitudinal passages that are partially cylindrical in shape, but the passages differ in area. Variations of custom plug connector  600  can be shaped as appropriate to fully occupy the interior space of receptacles  200 ,  220 , and  230  respectively (without extending past the second opening of the receptacle). 
       FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional view of a custom plug connector  702  as mated with low profile plug receptacle  302  of  FIG. 3C . Connector  702  is similar to connector  600 , but can include a second cut away portion on the side of the plug opposite first cut away portion  616 . Accordingly, custom plug connector  702  can be inserted into low profile plug receptacle  302  without extending through either opening  306  or opening  308 . 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention can combine various features of custom plug connector  400  and custom plug connector  600  into a single custom plug connector. For example, a third type of custom plug connector can include a cosmetic cap (e.g., cap  416  of connector  400 ) that covers a cut away portion of the plug (e.g., portion  616  of connector  600 ). When inserted into a low profile plug receptacle such as receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A , the connector can be oriented such that the connector plug  10  does not extend beyond second opening  214 . Further, the portion of the plug that would typically be visible through second opening  214  can be covered by the cosmetic cap. In a particular embodiment, the cosmetic cap can sit flush with an outer wall of an electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle. See for example,  FIG. 7D , where a cosmetic cap  704  is configured to sit flush with an outer wall of electronic device  300  when plug connector  600  is inserted into receptacle  200 . Thus, this type of custom plug connector can enhance the aesthetics of the electronic device by providing both (1) a uniform exterior appearance (via the cosmetic cap) and (2) a uniform exterior shape (via the cut away plug) for the device when the plug connector is attached. 
     In addition to the low profile plug receptacles and custom plug connectors described above, certain embodiments of the present invention provide retention and/or anti-rotation mechanisms for holding a plug connector in place when inserted into a low profile plug receptacle.  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector  800  mated with a low profile plug receptacle  802  that illustrates a magnetic retention mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, plug connector  800  is similar in general construction to custom plug connector  400  of  FIG. 4 . For example, plug connector  800  can include a cosmetic cap  804 . Low profile plug receptacle  802  is similar in general construction to receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A . 
     In various embodiments, low profile plug receptacle  802  can include a magnet  806  and plug connector  800  can include a ferrous attractor  808  (e.g., a ferromagnetic material such as steel). In one embodiment, the ferrous attractor  808  can be a discrete object embedded in the plug and/or connector body of plug connector  800 . In another embodiment, ferrous attractor  808  can be integrated into the structure of the plug or connector body; for instance, the entire plug can be constructed of a ferromagnetic material. When plug connector  800  is inserted into low profile plug receptacle  802 , the magnetic attraction between magnet  806  and ferrous attractor  808  can prevent plug connector  800  from falling out of (or otherwise coming loose from) plug receptacle  800 . 
     It should be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8  is exemplary and that numerous modifications are possible. For example, the positions of magnet  806  and ferrous attractor  808  can be swapped, such that magnet  806  is included in plug connector  800  and ferrous attractor  808  is included in low profile plug receptacle  802 . Further, although plug connector  800  is depicted as being similar to custom plug connector  400  of  FIG. 4  and low profile plug receptacle  802  is depicted as being similar to receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A , any combination of plug connectors and plug receptacles disclosed herein can employ the magnetic retention mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
       FIG. 9  is a top-down view of a plug connector  900  and a low-profile plug receptacle  902  that illustrates an anti-rotation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, plug connector  900  is similar in general construction to custom plug connector  600  of  FIG. 6 . For example, the plug of plug connector  900  can be partially cylindrical in shape and can include a cut away portion  904 . Low profile plug receptacle  902  is similar in general construction to receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A . 
     In various embodiments, plug connector  900  can include one or more projecting features  906  and  908  and low profile plug receptacle  902  can include one or more matching cutouts  910  and  912 . When plug connector  900  is inserted into low profile plug receptacle  902 , features  906  and  908  can fit into cutouts  910  and  912 , thereby preventing the plug of connector  900  from rotating. In one set of embodiments, projecting features  906  and  908  can hold plug connector  900  in an orientation where cut away portion  904  is parallel to the second opening on the top side of low profile plug receptacle  902 , thus preventing the plug from extending through the second opening. 
     It should be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9  is exemplary and that numerous modifications are possible. For example, although only two projecting features ( 906 ,  908 ) and matching cutouts ( 910 ,  912 ) are shown, any number can be supported. Further, features  906  and  908  can be positioned at any section along the plug or connector body of plug connector  900 . Yet further, the anti-rotation mechanism shown in  FIG. 9  can be implemented in any of the plug connectors and plug receptacles disclosed herein, and in combination with any other retention or anti-rotation mechanism (such as the magnetic retention mechanism of  FIG. 8 ). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
     In some cases, a plug connector may not support the retention and anti-rotation mechanisms described with respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . For example, a standard 3.5 mm audio plug connector generally will not include a ferrous attractor as depicted in  FIG. 8  or projecting features as depicted in  FIG. 9 . To address this, an adapter can be provided for retaining a standard plug connector in place within a low profile plug receptacle.  FIG. 10A  is a frontal view of such an adapter ( 1000 ) as mated with a low profile plug receptacle  1002  according to an embodiment of a present invention. In this particular embodiment, low profile plug receptacle  1002  is similar in general construction to receptacle  200  of  FIG. 2A  and is placed at an end portion of an electronic device  1004 . 
     As shown, adapter  1000  can include a body section  1006  and clip section  1008 . Body section  1006  can be partially cylindrical in shape and, when positioned next to low profile plug receptacle  1002 , can form a fully cylindrical cavity for receiving the plug of a standard plug connector (e.g., connector  100  of  FIG. 1 ). Thus, when a standard plug connector is inserted into low profile plug receptacle  1002 , body section  1006  can provide structural support that prevents the plug connector from unintentionally coming loose from the receptacle. In a particular embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical cavity formed by body section  1006  and low profile plug receptacle  1002  can be equal to or slightly greater than 3.5 mm. 
     Clip section  1008  is configured to attach adapter  1000  to the outer walls of low profile plug receptacle  1002  and/or electronic device  1004 . In one set of embodiments, clip section  1008  can hold adapter  1000  in place by exerting an elastic force against the walls of receptacle  1002  or electronic device  1004  (e.g., via a spring or other means). In another set of embodiments, clip section  1008  can include a ferrous attractor that is attracted to a magnet  15  resident in receptacle  1002  or electronic device  1004 . 
     In certain embodiments, the outer surface of adapter  1000  can be configured to match (or be similar to) the appearance of the outer surface of electronic device  1004 . For example, the outer surface of adapter  1000  can have a similar shape, texture, color, etc. to the outer surface of electronic device  1004 . Accordingly, in these embodiments adapter  1000  can provide a seamless visual appearance to the exterior of the device when the adapter is attached. 
       FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a standard plug connector  1010  as mated with low profile plug receptacle  1002  and retained by adapter  1000 . 
     It should be appreciated that the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are exemplary and that numerous modifications are possible. For example, although adapter  1000  is shown as attaching to an end section of electronic device  1004 , adapter  100  can be configured to attach to any other section of device  1004  where low profile plug receptacle  1002  may be located. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an electronic device  1100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one set of embodiments, electronic device  1100  can be a portable electronic communication or media device such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPod Nano manufactured by Apple Inc. 
     Electronic device  1100  can include one or more processors, communications buses, and memories (not shown). In certain embodiments, electronic device  1100  can operate as a mobile phone and/or a media playing/recording device. For example, electronic device  1100  can include a storage device for storing media assets (e.g., music, video, etc.) and a processing component for playing back the media assets. As shown, electronic device  1100  can include a housing  1102  that includes a display screen  1104  on side  1106 , and a low profile plug receptacle  1108  on an adjacent side  1110 . In one embodiment, side  1110  can have a thickness of 5 mm or less. In another embodiment, side  1110  can have a thickness of 3.5 mm or less. Low profile plug receptacle  1108  can be similar in general construction to any of the low profile plug receptacles described above. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100218
Publication Date: 20130115
Grant Date: 20130115
Priority Date: 20100218
Inventors: DABOV TEO
FRAZIER CAMERON
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2105/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2105/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44369946