PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8425243-B2
Application Number: US-201113180326-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetically activated connector port cover

Abstract:
A magnetically activated connector port cover or door that provides access through a connector port for a corresponding connector to mate with a receptacle connector behind the door, and closes the door when the connector is not presently proximate to or intending to mate with the receptacle connector. The connector port includes a magnetic element that works in tandem with an actuator to respond to the position of the corresponding connector and bias as well as move the door in an open or closed position accordingly.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector port having an opening, the connector port comprising:
 a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening; 
 an actuator operatively coupled to the door to bias the door in the closed position with a bias force; and 
 a magnetically responsive element that, when the corresponding connector plug is proximate the opening in the connector port, is responsive to a magnetic field to provide a second force greater than the bias force that moves the door to the open position. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector port set forth in  claim 1  wherein the door pivots around a pivot point to move between the open and closed positions. 
     
     
       3. The connector port set forth in  claim 2  wherein the actuator comprises a spring-loaded hinge. 
     
     
       4. The connector port set forth in  claim 2  wherein the actuator comprises a motor. 
     
     
       5. The connector port set forth in  claim 1  wherein the door includes first and second door sections that are separately moveable between the closed and open positions. 
     
     
       6. The connector port set forth in  claim 5  wherein the first door section pivots around a first pivot point and the second door section pivots around a second pivot point located on an opposite side of the opening as the first pivot point. 
     
     
       7. The connector port set forth in  claim 1  wherein the door slides across the opening when moving between a closed to open position. 
     
     
       8. The connector port set forth in  claim 7  wherein the door is biased in the closed position by a spring. 
     
     
       9. The connector port set forth in  claim 1  wherein the door comprises a plurality of sections, with each section being joined to an adjacent section by a hinge and wherein, when moving from a closed to open position, the door slides across the opening into a location aligned with the depth of the opening. 
     
     
       10. A connector port having an opening, comprising:
 a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening; 
 an actuator for moving the door between its positions; and 
 a magnetically responsive element that biases the actuator when the corresponding connector plug is proximate the opening in the connector port. 
 
     
     
       11. The connector port set forth in  claim 10  wherein the actuator is a motor. 
     
     
       12. The connector port set forth in  claim 10  wherein the door slides across the opening when moving between the closed and the open position. 
     
     
       13. The connector port set forth in  claim 10  wherein the door includes first and second door sections that are separately moveable between the closed and open positions. 
     
     
       14. The connector port set forth in  claim 10  wherein the door comprises a plurality of sections, with each section being joined to an adjacent section by a hinge and wherein, when moving from a closed to open position, the door slides across the opening into a location aligned with the depth of the opening. 
     
     
       15. The connector port set forth in  claim 10  wherein magnetically responsive elements in the door and the connector port are responsive to a magnetic field to a provide bias force that holds the door in the closed position. 
     
     
       16. A connector port having an opening, comprising:
 a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening; 
 a sensor that detects when the connector plug is proximate the opening in the connector port; and 
 one or more electromagnets that bias the door in a sealed position and, in response to the sensor detecting that the connector plug is proximate the opening, move the door to an open position allowing the connector plug to be inserted into the opening in the connector port. 
 
     
     
       17. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the sensor is an optical sensor. 
     
     
       18. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the sensor is a Hall effect switch. 
     
     
       19. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the sensor is an RFID sensor. 
     
     
       20. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the door includes first and second door sections that are separately moveable between the closed and open positions. 
     
     
       21. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the door slides across the opening when moving between a closed to open position. 
     
     
       22. The connector port set forth in  claim 16  wherein the door comprises a plurality of sections, with each section being joined to an adjacent section by a hinge and wherein, when moving from a closed to open position, the door slides across the opening into a location aligned with the depth of the opening. 
     
     
       23. The connector port set forth in  claim 18  wherein the electromagnets cause the door to move between its positions by creating magnetic fields, in response to the proximity of the corresponding connector plug, detectable by the Hall effect switch and wherein the Hall effect switch communicates with an actuator operatively coupled to the door that moves the door between its positions based on the detected magnetic fields.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to electronic media devices that include connectors and more particularly, port covers for connector ports on such electronic devices. 
     Electronic devices typically have one or more locations to provide access to external connectors, such as audio connectors, data connectors, power connectors and the like. These access points (sometimes referred to as “connector ports”) also allow for dust and other debris to collect. Debris can disrupt the connection between electronic devices and external connectors. 
     Historically, some electronic devices included a connector port cover to prevent debris interference at the access location for external connectors. These covers sealed the connector port closed when not in use. Some connector port covers are cumbersome to operate between open and closed positions and may be easily breakable because space constraints led to less robust systems. In some instances, these factors have led to accidental or purposeful removal of the connector cover. 
     Some electronic devices have abandoned the inclusion of connector port covers for the aforementioned reasons. As a result, longer wiping distances may be implemented for electronic connectors to partly cope with the debris issues. However, this solution is not complete and requires a deeper connector. Consequently, connections can still be disrupted and scarce internal device space or other resources may be allocated to help remedy the debris issues. Hence, a need for connector port covers still exist, but the usefulness of future connector covers will depend on the extent to which the historical pitfalls can be overcome. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the shortcomings in currently available port covers as described above, the present invention provides a magnetically activated connector port cover to provide access for a corresponding connector to mate with a receptacle connector within an electronic media device and to seal the connector port cover closed when the connector is not presently proximate to or intending to mate with the electronic media. 
     In one embodiment, a connector port according to the present invention includes an opening having a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening. An actuator is operatively coupled to bias the door in the closed position with a bias force. A magnetically responsive element that, when the corresponding connector plug is proximate to the opening in the connector port, is responsive to a magnetic field to provide a second force greater than the bias force that moves the door to the open position. 
     In another embodiment, a connector port according to the present invention includes an opening having a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening. The connector port also includes an actuator for moving the door between its positions and a magnetically responsive element that biases the actuator when the corresponding connector plug is proximate to the opening in the connector port. 
     In yet another embodiment, a connector port according to the present invention includes an opening having a door movable between a closed position where the opening is sealed and an open position for receiving a corresponding connector plug through the opening. The connector port also includes a sensor that detects when the connector plug is proximate to the opening in the connector port and one or more electromagnets that bias the door in a sealed position and, in response to the sensor detecting that the connector plug is proximate to the opening, move the door to an open position allowing the connector plug to be inserted into the opening in the connector port. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified illustrative block diagram of an electronic media device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular embodiment of an electronic media device suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  shows an angled front view or three-dimensional view of an illustrative connector port cover and a specific motor element in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  shows a side or top/bottom view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention pertain to connector port assemblies that include a port cover (sometimes referred to herein as a “door”) that automatically opens in response to the proximity of an external connector to the connector port. The connector port cover may be suitable for a multiplicity of electronic devices including portable electronic media devices and others. 
     As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that may be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, desktop computers, as well as tablet or other mobile computers (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices). Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video or other sensory output. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device  100  that includes a connector port assembly  102  according to one embodiment of the invention. Connector port assembly  102  includes a connector  104  positioned within a connector port  106 , a port cover (door)  108  that covers an opening to the connector port, and an actuator  110  that opens and closes port cover  108 . Connector port assembly  102  also includes a magnet  115  that is operatively coupled to the actuator and a bias element  118  that biases the port cover in a closed position to seal the connector port and prevent dirt, dust and other contaminants from collecting in the port. 
     Magnet  115  can be operatively coupled to open port cover  108  in response to a magnetic field. In one embodiment, a corresponding plug connector (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) adapted to mate with connector  104  includes a magnet. When the plug connector is moved proximate to connector port  106 , a magnetic field between the magnet in the plug connector and magnet  115  is created. In response to the magnetic field, magnet  115  provides a force on actuator  110  that is greater than the force applied by bias element  118  thus moving the door to the open position as described in detail below. 
     Electronic media device  100  may include, among other components, one or more user input components  120 , one or more output components  125 , control circuitry  130 , graphics circuitry  135 , a bus  140 , a memory  145 , a storage device  150 , communications circuitry  155  and POM (position orientation or movement sensor) sensors  160 . Control circuitry  130  may communicate with the other components of electronic media device  100  (e.g., via bus  140 ) to control the operation of electronic media device  100 . In some embodiments, control circuitry  130  may execute instructions stored in a memory  145 . Control circuitry  130  may also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device  100 . Control circuitry  130  may include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device  100 ). In some embodiments, control circuitry  130  may also drive the display and process inputs received from input component  120 . 
     Memory  145  may include one or more different types of memory that may be used to perform device functions. For example, memory  145  may include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory. Memory  145  may also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions). Storage device  150  may include one or more suitable storage mediums or mechanisms, such as a magnetic hard drive, flash drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory (such as ROM), semi-permanent memory (such as RAM) or cache. Storage device  150  may be used for storing media (e.g., audio and video files), text, pictures, graphics, advertising or any suitable user-specific or global information that may be used by electronic media device  100 . Storage device  150  may also store programs or applications that may run on control circuitry  130 , may maintain files formatted to be read and edited by one or more of the applications and may store any additional files that may aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g., files with metadata). It should be understood that any of the information stored on storage device  150  may instead be stored in memory  145 . 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include input component  120  and output component  125  for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device  100 . For example, input component  120  and output component  125  may provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry  130 . Input component  120  may take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen. Input component  120  may also include one or more devices for user authentication (e.g., smart card reader, fingerprint reader or iris scanner) as well as an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for recording video or still frames. Output component  125  may include any suitable display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen display, a projection device, a speaker or any other suitable system for presenting information or media to a user. Output component  125  may be controlled by graphics circuitry  135 . Graphics circuitry  135  may include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities. In some embodiments, output component  125  may also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device  100 . For example, output component  125  may include a headset, headphones or ear buds that may be coupled to electronic media device  100  with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset). 
     Electronic media device  100  may have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device  150  or in memory  145 . Control circuitry  130  may be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory  145 . For example, control circuitry  130  may be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component  125 . Other applications resident on electronic media player  100  may include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application. Electronic media device  100  may also execute any suitable operating system, such as a Mac OS, Apple iOS, Linux or Windows and can include a set of applications stored on storage device  150  or memory  145  that is compatible with the particular operating system. 
     The applications available to a user of electronic media device  100  may vary widely. As one example, the applications may be grouped into application suites that provide similar or related functionalities. For example, the applications in one suite may include word processing and publishing applications (e.g., Keynote and Pages within the iWork suite) and another suite may include media editing tools (e.g., iWeb within the iLife suite). The applications within a given suite may have similar properties and other features that associate each application in a suite with the other applications in that suite. For example, the applications may feature a similar look and feel, may include a similar user interface, may include related features or functions and may allow a user to easily switch between the applications in the suite or include any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     In some embodiments, electronic media device  100  may also include communications circuitry  155  to connect to one or more communications networks. Communications circuitry  155  may be any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic media device  100  to other devices within the communications network. Communications circuitry  155  may be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband and other cellular protocols, VOIP or any other suitable protocol. 
     In some embodiments, communications circuitry  155  may be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol. Communications circuitry  155  may create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices. For example, communications circuitry  155  may be operative to create a local communications network using the Bluetooth protocol to couple with a Bluetooth headset (or any other Bluetooth device). Communications circuitry  155  may also include a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public or private network. For example, electronic media device  100  may be configured to connect to the Internet via a wireless network, such as a packet radio network, an RF network, a cellular network or any other suitable type of network. Communication circuitry  145  may be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network. 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation. For example, electronic media device  100  may include a power supply, an antenna, ports or interfaces for coupling to a host device, a secondary input mechanism (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) or any other suitable component. 
     Electronic media device  100  may also include POM sensors  160 . POM sensors  160  may be used to determine the approximate geographical or physical location of electronic media device  100 . As described in more detail below, the location of electronic media device  100  may be derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique, in which case POM sensors  160  may include an RF triangulation detector or sensor or any other location circuitry configured to determine the location of electronic media device  100 . 
     POM sensors  160  may also include one or more sensors or circuitry for detecting the position orientation or movement of electronic media device  100 . Such sensors and circuitry may include, for example, single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers, angular rate or inertial sensors (e.g., optical gyroscopes, vibrating gyroscopes, gas rate gyroscopes or ring gyroscopes), magnetometers (e.g., scalar or vector magnetometers), ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensor (e.g., a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, active ultrasonic sensor or active microwave sensor) and linear velocity sensors. For example, control circuitry  130  may be configured to read data from one or more of POM sensors  160  in order to determine the location orientation or velocity of electronic media device  100 . One or more of POM sensors  160  may be positioned near output component  125  (e.g., above, below or on either side of the display screen of electronic media device  100 ). 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative rendering of one particular embodiment of an electronic media device  180 . Device  180  includes a click wheel  182  as an input component and an LED display  184  as an output component. For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components are not shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Device  180  also includes a connector assembly  185 , similar to assembly  102  discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . Connector port assembly  185  includes a housing (not shown) that defines a connector port opening through which a corresponding plug connector can be inserted into a receptacle connector attached to the housing. A connector port cover  186  is positioned over the opening and is moveable between a closed position in which cover  186  seals the opening to prevent dirt and debris from collecting therein and an open position in which the corresponding plug connector (not shown) can be inserted. Connector port cover  186  can be opened in response to the presence of a magnetic field moved proximate to assembly  185  to enable a receptacle connector (not shown) within assembly  185  to be mated with a corresponding plug connector. Several exemplary implementations of connector port assemblies that can be used as assembly  102  and/or assembly  185  are discussed in detail below as representative embodiments of the present invention. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that connector port assembly  185  can be implemented in any of the embodiments described below as well as others that are evident to the skilled artisan based on the description herein. 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified cross-sectional side view of a connector port assembly  300  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention spaced apart from an external connector  315 . Connector port assembly  300  may be housed within an electronic media device, such as media device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Typically, connector port assembly  300  is positioned on media device  100  such that opening  305  is located at an easily accessible exterior surface of the media device. As one example, opening  305  may be located on a bottom side surface of media device  100  so that the media device can sit upright in a docking station. In other embodiments, connector port assembly  300  can be positioned so that opening  305  is situated at any other suitable location on the media device. 
     Connector port assembly  300  includes a housing  310  that defines a cavity  302  in which a connector  320  is positioned. Housing  310  includes top and bottom walls  310   a  and  310   b , respectively, which, along with left and right side walls (not shown), define cavity  302  as well as a central opening  305  through which a connector tip portion  345  of external connector  315  may be inserted to mate with connector  320 . Housing  310  may be formed from any suitable type of material, which may include, for example, aluminosilicate glass, aluminum, stainless steel or polycarbonate plastic. Similarly, connectors  315  and  320  may be any suitable mating connectors. For example, in one embodiment, connector  315  may be a 30-pin plug connector while connector  320  is a 30-pin receptacle connector. Connector  315  may also be configured to mate with less than all of the pins associated with connector  320 . For example, connector  315  may couple only to the pins for power, data or both power and data. For example, in some embodiments, an interface on electronic media device  100  includes four pins to communicate over a USB interface. One pin may be included for USB power (e.g., +5 VDC), one pin may be included for USB ground, one pin may be included for USB data (negative differential, for example, −3.3 VDC) and one pin may be included for USB data (positive differential, for example, +3.3 VDC). Any suitable number and types of pins carrying any suitable types of signals may be used in other embodiments. 
     Connector port assembly  300  may also include a connector port cover  325  proximate to opening  305 . Connector port cover  325  may be moveable between a covering or closed position ( 325   a ) and an uncovered or open position ( 325   c ). In the closed position, port cover  325  covers opening  305  thereby preventing or limiting intrusion of solid particles such as dirt, crumbs, dust, lint and other substances which may otherwise enter into cavity  302  and be hard to clean or remove from the cavity. Over time, the accumulation of such particles may create potential for interference of or damage to the interface between connector  315  and connector  320 . 
     In some embodiments, connector port assembly  300  includes a sealing member  308 , such as an o-ring or a similarly suitable structure, positioned proximate to the outer edges of opening  305 . In the closed position, port cover  325  contacts sealing member  308  to form an improved seal that may block fluid penetration into cavity  302 . Potential for fluid penetration may originate from wet or moist conditions including snow, rain, fog, humidity or liquid contact resulting from spills, splashing, spraying or other wetting events. Fluid penetration can damage or adversely affect the components at the connection interface and other components within electronic media device  100  or connector  320 . 
     Connector port cover  325  may be formed from any suitable type of material, which may include, for example, plastics or metals or blended materials. In some embodiments, connector port cover  325  may be doped with other materials, have embedded particles, have material inserts, be coated in another material or otherwise formed to include additional materials. The original or added materials of connector port cover  325  may include magnetic materials. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , connector port cover  325  is moveable between an open and a closed position, pivoting at pivot point  330 . In one embodiment, pivot point  330  is part of an actuator, e.g., a spring loaded hinge  332 , that is biased to set port cover  325  in a closed, sealed position represented in  FIG. 3  as position  325   a  and the solid outline of port cover  325 . Port cover  325  may further include a magnet  335  while connector  315  may include a magnet  340 . The poles of magnets  335  and  340  are aligned such that magnet  340  repels magnet  335  when connector  315  is moved proximate to opening  305 . Magnets  335  and  340  are sufficiently strong that the magnetic force generated between the magnets overcomes the biasing force applied by spring-loaded hinge  332  to keep port cover  325  shut. The magnetic force thus opens port cover  325  from position  325   a  to  325   b  to  325   c  so that the end of the port cover opposite pivot point  330  moves along an arc (represented by dotted path  328 ). In this manner, port cover  325  can be opened without connector  315  ever coming in physical contact with port cover  325 . 
     Magnets  335  and  340  can be made from any appropriate magnetic material, such as ferromagnetic or ferrous materials, diamagnetic, paramagnetic or other materials or any combination thereof. Magnets  335  and  340  may take the form of, for example, material inserts, dopant particles or doping agents or otherwise embedded particles at fixed locations along port cover  325  and connector  315 . In some embodiments, magnets  335  and  340  are made of the same magnetic material while in other embodiments, magnets  335  and  340  may be made of different materials. 
     While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  places magnets  335  and  340  at particular locations on port cover  325  and connector  315 , respectively, magnets  335  and  340  may be located at any suitable location. For example, magnet  335  may be located closer to pivot point  330  on port cover  325  or closer to the distal end of port cover  325  and thus further from pivot point  330 . Similarly, magnet  340  may be located at different locations along connector tip  345  and/or along the base  350  of connector  315  providing the magnets are positioned such that the magnetic field generated when they are proximate to each other is sufficient to overcome the bias force on port cover  325  and open the port cover. 
     In other embodiments, magnets are located in various locations throughout connector  315  and connector port assembly (including connector port cover  325 ). A multiplicity of configurations of magnet locations may operate in a multiplicity of different manners to provide an opening and closing functionality to connector port cover  325 . Any suitable variation may be implemented, which may be based on different engineering, business and user interaction factors. In some embodiments, the entire connector port cover  325  or a shell of connector prong  345  made be made out of a magnetic material in which case magnets  335  and  340  may be the door or connector prong themselves. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include an additional magnet  338  attached to or positioned in housing  310 . Magnet  338  can be located at a position proximate to magnet  335  when port cover  325  is in open position  325   c . The magnetic field of magnet  338  is aligned to attract magnet  335  and help hold port cover  325  in the open position. Magnet  335  posses a magnetic field that, combined with the magnetic field extending from magnet  340 , repulses magnet  335  away from magnet  340 , and secures port cover  325  in open position  325   c  while connector  315  is mated with connector  320 . The magnetic field of attraction between magnets  335  and  338 , by itself, is insufficient to overcome the bias force applied by spring loaded hinge  332  and hold door  325  in open position  325   c . In other words, the bias force applied by spring hinge  332  to close door  325  is greater than the magnetic force generated between magnets  335  and  338 . Thus, when connector  315  is detached from connector  320  and removed from cavity  302 , spring loaded hinge  332  forces door  325  away from magnet  338  into closed position  325   a.    
     In other embodiments, connector port cover  325  may be magnetically attracted to connector  315 . In this embodiment, the connector port cover  325  may initially be held in the closed position by some force that only is applied when connector port cover  325  is in the closed position  325   a  (e.g., a latch or another locking mechanism is holding it closed). An insertion force may be applied by connector  315  (e.g., a manual force supplied by a user) to connector port cover  325  and cause the connector port cover  325  to move from closed position  325   a  to open position  325   c , allowing connector  315  to connect with connector  320 . When connector  315  is later retracted from connector  320 , the magnetic attractive forces between connector  315  and connector port cover  325  may cause connector port cover  325  to return to closed position  325   a  as it is magnetically guided to follow connector  315 . The latch or other locking mechanism may be caused to be reengaged as connector  315  is retracted through opening  305  and connector port cover  325  is pulled against housing  310  by its magnetic attraction to connector  315 . 
     In other embodiments, pivot point  330  may be a swivel, hinge, joint, pivot, flexible joint, elastic member or some other element about which connector port cover  325  may rotate. Pivot point  330  may be located at a variety of different locations within connector port assembly  300 . For example, point  330  may be located nearest to housing  310   a  or nearest to housing  310   b.    
     In some embodiments, pivot point  330  may be coupled with, for example, spring loaded hinge  332  as discussed above. Alternatively, other elements that provide a biasing force on connector port cover  325  may be implemented instead of spring loaded hinge  332 , including other springs (e.g., torsion spring), biasing hinges (e.g., snap-hinge), biasing elastic members, or any other suitable mechanisms. 
       FIG. 3   a  also shows a side or top view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Connector port assembly  301  is similar to connector port assembly  300  in many regards, and for convenience like components are identified with the same reference numbers. Connector port assembly  301  may include sensor  390  that changes the polarity of electromagnets  392 ,  394 , and  396  arranged within connector port assembly  300  to create a magnetic field that moves connector port cover  325  between open position  325   c  and closed position  325   a , depending on the proximity of connector  315 . For example, electromagnets  392  and  394  may initially be magnetically attracted to each other and electromagnets  394  and  396  may be magnetically repulsed by each other when connector  315  is not proximate to connector port assembly  300 , causing connector port cover  325  to be held in closed position  325   a . When connector  315  approaches connector port assembly  300 , sensor  390  may alter the polarity of electromagnets  392 ,  394 , and  396  such that electromagnets  392  and  394  become magnetically repulsed by each other and electromagnets  392  and  396  become magnetically attracted to each other. This change in polarity may create a magnetic field that causes connector port cover  325  to be magnetically repulsed when connector  315  is proximate, moving it from closed position  325   a  to open position  325   c  along arc  328 . Thereafter, connector  315  may be connected to connector  320  through opening  305 . When connector  315  is disconnected from connector  320  or no longer in proximity to connector port assembly  300 , the polarity of the electromagnets may return to their initial scheme, causing connector port cover  325  to move from open position  325   c  to closed position  325   a , along arc  328 . 
     In other embodiments, the polarities, locations and number of electromagnets may be reconfigured to accomplish the same effect as described for the previous embodiment. Alternatively, electromagnets may be used in combination with other types of magnets to create the necessary magnetic field to move connector port cover  325  between positions. 
     In some embodiments, electromagnets  392 ,  394  and  396  may not only assist in moving connector port cover  325  into different positions, but may also assist in locking connector port cover  325  in certain positions, e.g., open position  325   c  or closed position  325   a , by magnetically holding it in a position. 
     In some embodiments, sensor  390  may be an optical sensor. This optical sensor may be configured to detect the proximity of connector  315  to connector port assembly  300  and cause the polarity of electromagnets  392 ,  394  and  396  to change in order to accomplish a corresponding displacement of a connector port cover  325 . In other embodiments, optical sensors may be configured to detect and grant access to specific connectors only. Thus, optical sensors may be used to prevent the improper opening or closing of opening  325  that may occur in some embodiments. For example, if an improper connector is introduced at connector port  305  the optical sensor would recognize this situation and it may not grant access to the improper connector. 
     Embodiments implementing optical sensors may also provide backwards compatibility between new connector port assembly  300  or new connectors  320  and previous generation connectors  315 . The backwards compatibility could be achieved because materials  340  may no longer be necessary if an optical sensor is implemented. The embodiments including optical sensors may still implement magnets in other locations, but backwards compatibility may be achieved because materials  340 , which may not be included in previous generations, would not be required to open or close connector port cover  325 . 
     In some embodiments, sensor  390  may be a Radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader that is triggered by a RFID chip in connector  315 . This would provide the advantage of allowing only a specific connector  315  to be able to gain access to connector  320 ; this may prevent the use of an incorrect connector  315  or exclude an unauthorized connector from gaining access to connector  320 . 
     In other embodiments, sensor  390  may respond to a magnetic field. In these embodiments, connector  315  may include some magnetic materials. For example, magnetic material may be found within connector base  350 , prongs  345  or material  340 . Hence, when connector  315  is proximate to connector port assembly  300 , whether because of the magnetic material in connector  315  or connector  315  otherwise affecting the magnetic field of connector port assembly  300 , the magnetic field may change. This change in magnetic field may be detected by sensors, for example, a Hall Effect sensor. Hall Effect sensors are configured to detect magnetic fields, e.g., the magnetic filed created by a magnet in connector  315  (e.g., where material  340  is magnetic). In this manner, when connector  315  approaches connector port assembly  300 , the Hall Effect sensor may detect its presence and trigger a response. For example, the Hall Effect sensor (or any of the previously discussed sensors) may be combined with circuitry to trigger a response based on the detection of a magnetic field (e.g., Hall Effect switch), such as changing the polarity of magnets, turning magnets on/off or enabling/disabling some other mechanism that supports the process of moving connector port cover  325 . 
       FIG. 3   b  is an angled front view or three-dimensional view of connector port cover  325  operatively coupled to a motor element  333  actuator instead of a spring loaded hinge according to a specific embodiment of the invention. Motor element  333  can be, for example, a SQUIGGLE® motor that is controlled or switch on/off by the sensor discussed previously. A SQUIGGLE® motor may include a bolt  333   a  and a threaded element  333   b . The revolving action of the bolt  333   a  is created by applying power, e.g., via cord element  333   c , to bolt  333   a  which includes piezoelectric elements. When the power is applied, ultrasonic vibrations cause bolt  333   b  to turn in a predetermined direction  333   d  or  333   e , moving bolt  333   a  across the threads of threaded element  333   b . This rotational motion of bolt  333   a  may be applied to connector port cover  325  to move connector port cover  325  between an open position ( 325   c  in  FIG. 3 ) and a closed position ( 325   a  in  FIG. 3 ) like a door on hinges (rotating about the axes of direction  333   e  and  333   d ). Alternatively, for example, instead of rotating connector port cover  325  between positions, connector port cover  325  may slide in direction  333   e  or  333   d  because the rotational motion of the bolt  333   a  may be translated into linear motion, moving the bolt  333   a  between the open and closed positions ( 325   a ,  325   b ). 
     In other embodiments, the motor element  333  may be substituted with any suitable motor mechanism suitable for assisting connector port cover  325  in moving between open and closed positions ( 325   a ,  325   b ). 
       FIG. 4  shows a simplified side cross-sectional view of a connector port cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is similar to that of  FIG. 3  except that a different door configuration (connector port cover  425 ) is implemented. Connector port cover  425  hinges at pivot point  430  between open and closed positions ( 425   c ,  425   a ). Connector port cover  425  includes an L-shaped end section  441  that is shaped to fit within opening  405  and be flush with the outside of housing  410 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , end section  441  is staggered from a base  442  of door  425  by an elbow  440 . Seal  408  can be located along an inner edge of the portion of housing  310  that defines an opening  405  to cavity  302 . Embodiments of  FIG. 4  offer several advantages, including the advantages associated with connector port cover  425  being flush with the outside of housing  310  when in closed position  425   a . This flush surface also eliminates additional gaps that may need to be sealed against debris and other particles. Furthermore, debris may not accumulate in these embodiments as it might in the embodiments of  FIG. 3  wherein there is a depressed region on the exterior surface of connector port assembly  400  because the outside of connector port cover  325  is not flush with the outside of housing  310 . This accumulation of debris may create a greater propensity for debris to eventually penetrate into cavity  302 . Additionally, connector port cover  425  is structurally unified with housing  310  when flush, which may provide structural advantages to the system and decrease the propensity for connector port assembly  400  to get snagged on other objects. 
     In some embodiments, individual features and elements of  FIG. 1-3  may be implemented in embodiments associated with  FIG. 4 , where suitable. 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a connector port cover in an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 , except two connector port covers  525  and  526  work in tandem to cover a connector port opening  505  instead of just one. Specifically, connector port cover  525  may hinge on pivot point  530  and connector port cover  526  may hinge on pivot point  531  and move between open position ( 525   a ,  526   a ) and closed position ( 525   c ,  526   c ) along arc ( 528 ,  529 ). 
     In some embodiments, connector port covers  525  and  526  may be approximately half as long as connector port cover  325  of  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, connector port cover  525  and  526  may not be of the same length but the sum of their lengths may equal or about equal to the length of connector port cover  325 . As such, the combination of connector port cover  525  and  526  may require less clearance (i.e. depth within cavity  302 ) to open and close and connector  520  could accordingly be moved closer to opening  505 . For example, the distance between connector  520  and opening  505  may be half of the distance between connector  320  and opening  305  ( FIG. 3 ). This embodiment may be useful, depending on the internal configuration of connector port assembly  500 , in saving space (within cavity  302 ) by necessitating less clearance. 
     In other embodiments, connector port covers  525  and  526  can be configured to open and close at rates faster than that of the embodiments of  FIG. 3  because they may be smaller, i.e., arc  528  and  529  may have a shorter arc length than arc  328  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, the smaller sizes of connector port covers  525  and  526  may also require less force to move them to open position ( 525   c ,  526   c ), closed position ( 525   a ,  526   a ) and/or hold in a position between an open and a closed position ( 525   b ,  526   b ) because they may be smaller and weigh less. The weight decrease may also help to increase the opening and closing rates of connector port cover  525  and  526 . 
     In some embodiments, individual features and elements of  FIG. 1-4  may be implemented in embodiments associated with  FIG. 5 , where suitable. 
       FIG. 6  also shows a side or top view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to those associated with  FIG. 3 , wherein a connector port cover hinges between an open and closed position. It is also similar to the embodiments associated with  FIG. 4  in that the connector cover door is shaped such that it becomes flush with the outside of the device housing. Additionally, it is similar to the embodiments associated with  FIG. 5  in that it includes two connector port covers that both hinges between open and closed positions and together open and close the opening through which the connectors are connected. Specifically, the connector port covers  625  and  626  of  FIG. 6  may be caused to swing on pivot points  630  and  631  from a closed position to an open position by virtue of a magnetic field (created by magnets in connector  615  and connector port covers  625 ,  626 ) and that repulses them inward toward connector  620  when connector  615  is presented at the opening of connector port assembly  600  (similar to embodiments of  FIG. 3 ). The advantage of the embodiments of  FIG. 6  is that the benefits of each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  may be combined into a single embodiment, e.g., a flush surface between the outside of housing  610  and connector port cover  625  and  626 , less clearance required for connector  620 , and possibly faster and lighter connector port covers  625  and  626  by virtue of their shorter length. 
     In some embodiments, individual features and elements of  FIG. 1-5  may be implemented in embodiments associated with  FIG. 6 , where suitable. 
       FIG. 7  also shows a side or top view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In embodiments of  FIG. 7 , the connector port cover  725  may be likened, for example, to a sliding door. Connector port cover  725  may be biased by spring  755  in the closed position. Guide elements  760   a  and  760   b  may ensure that connector port cover  725  moves along a particular path between open and closed positions. Materials  740 ,  735  may be magnetic materials. However, in some embodiments, connector  715  and connector port cover  725  may inherently contain magnetic materials. Materials  735  and  740  may be magnetically attracted to each other. When connector  715  approaches connector port assembly  700 , the magnetic attraction between materials  740  and  735  may cause connector port cover  725  to move from the closed position, guided by guide elements  760   a  and  760   b , towards a position that would allow connector  715  to be inserted into connector receptacle  720  through connector port  705 —an open position. 
     In other embodiments, spring  755  may be replaced by other mechanisms that have a biasing effect on connector port cover  725 . For example, any elastic material may be implemented between housing  710  and connector port cover  725  to bias connector port cover  725  in the closed position. 
     In other embodiments, connector port cover  725  may be biased by spring  755  or another biasing element in the open position, but held in the closed position by a magnet or a system of magnets. For example, guide element  760   b  and housing  710  may contain magnets, that cause connector port cover  725  to be biased in a closed position despite spring  755  or other biasing elements pulling connector port cover  725  towards an open position. The movement of connector port cover  725  may, at least in part, be attributable to magnetic interactions. For example, when connector  715  approaches connector port  705 , the magnetic attraction between material  740  and  735  may overcome the force of spring  755  and magnets in  760   b  and housing  710 , causing connector port cover  725  to retract to an open position and allow connector  715  to be inserted into connector  720 . 
     In other embodiments, the magnetic interactions that cause connector port cover  725  to move between open and closed positions may utilize electromagnets and sensors. For example, electromagnets within connector port cover  725  and guide element  760   b  may hold connector port cover  725  in a closed position. As connector  715  moves towards connector port assembly  700 , a sensor may cause the polarity of magnets within connector port cover  725  or material  735  to be changed, allowing spring  755  to retract connector port cover  725  into the open position. The same may be done with the polarity of magnets within housing  310 ; these changes in polarity or loss of magnetism may simply allow spring  755  to pull connector port cover  725  to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors described in the preceding paragraph may be optical sensors, Hall Effect sensors or other suitable sensors. Optical sensors may be used to detect the proximity of objects or connectors and trigger a response (e.g., changing the polarity of an electromagnet) within connector port assembly  700  to assist in moving connector port cover  725 . Hall Effect sensors that are configured to respond to the magnetic properties of connector  715  as it approaches connector port assembly  700  may be implemented. The response triggered by the sensors in some embodiments, may include, for example, changing the polarity of magnets, turning magnets on or off or enabling and disabling some other mechanism that supports the process of moving connector port cover  725 . 
     In other embodiments, a motor element may replace spring  755 . The motor element may be triggered by some response to a change in magnetic fields (e.g., Hall Effect switch) or an optical reading (e.g., optical sensor and switch) or combined with a system of magnets and sensors to create the force necessary to move connector port cover  725 . For example, the sliding door effect of the aforementioned embodiments of  FIG. 7  may also be accomplished with a reeling and unreeling function, functionally similar to a roll up garage door, that causes connector port cover  325  to move between open and closed positions via a motor element. This may be done by reeling up a roll-up door element (connector port cover  725 ) or reeling up another element connected to the connector port cover  725  until the connector  720  is accessible to connector  715 . The reeling may be accomplished with the aid of a SQUIGGLE® motor or another mechanism that produces a rotational force. 
     In some embodiments, guide elements  760   a  and  760   b  may not be necessary and magnets may be placed exclusively in housing  710  to cause connector port cover  725  to be held in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, individual features and elements of  FIG. 1-6  may be implemented in embodiments associated with  FIG. 7 , where suitable. 
       FIG. 8  also shows a side or top view of an illustrative connector cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments associated with  FIG. 7 , but two connector port covers are implemented instead of one. These embodiments offer advantages over the embodiments of  FIG. 7 , similar to the advantages offered by  FIG. 5  over  FIG. 3 , including, for example, faster movement of connector port covers, less force required to move and bias connector port covers. In these embodiments, magnetic elements  835  and  836  may be magnetically attracted to magnetic elements  840  and  841 , respectively. Then, when connector  815  is brought within proximity to connector port assembly  800 , the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements may cause springs  855  and  856  to compress due to the magnetic force exerted by magnetic elements  835  and  836 , causing them to move (pulling connector port covers  825  and  826  along with them) closer towards magnetic elements  840  and  841 , respectively. After springs  855  and  856  have compressed, connector  815  may be inserted into connector  820 . The aforementioned process may be reversed when connector  815  is retracted from connector  820 . 
     In some embodiments, individual features and elements of  FIG. 1-7  may be implemented in embodiments associated with  FIG. 8 , where suitable. 
       FIG. 9  also shows a side or top view of an illustrative connector port cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Connector port cover  925  may be described as functioning in a manner similar to a sectional garage door, wherein section elements  965 , connected by hinge elements  970 , fold as connector port cover  925  opens or closes. Guide element  960  and a track element  975  may be located along the range of motion of connector port cover  925  to help control the movement of connector port cover  925 . 
     In some embodiments, guide element  960  may be similar to the guide of a garage door. Guide element  960  may be connected to connector port cover  925  with a roller-track interface or some other kind of dynamic connection. Guide element  960  may also not actually be connected to connector port cover  925 , but rather run parallel to the full or partial range of motion of connector port cover  925 . The adjacent position of guide element  960  to the range of motion of connector port cover  925  may serve to guide connector port cover  925  along a desired path. Track element  975  may work in tandem with motor element  980  to move connector port cover  925  between open and closed positions. Track element  975  may be connected to housing  910  or may be otherwise connected to connector port assembly  900 . Track element  975  may be connected to connector port cover  925  by linking element  985 . Motor element  980  may be any suitable mechanism for moving connector port cover  925  including, for example, a SQUIGGLE® motor. Sensor  990  may also be implemented to communicate with motor element  980 . For example, a motor element  980  may receive commands from a sensor in the form of a Hall Effect sensor/switch which responds to the magnetic properties of connector  915  as its proximity to connector port  905  changes. Material  940  may also be implemented to provide a magnetic field for connector  915  to be sensed by the Hall Effect sensor/switch. These commands may result in motor element  980  causing connector port cover  925  to open and close in order to provide access to connector receptacle  920  or seal opening  905  closed. 
     Linking element  985  may be a cable, chain, rope or another suitable implementation for translating the force or movement of motor element  980  to connector port cover  925 . It may be connected to track  975  or motor element  980 . 
     Track element  960  may span the full or a partial range of motion of connector port cover  925 . As discussed previously, track element  975  may be threaded. However, in other embodiments, track element  965  may be any suitable implementation for providing guidance or force to assist in the movement of connector port cover  925 . 
     Section elements  965  of connector port cover  925  may be joined by hinges  970  to allow sections of connector port cover  925  to fold as necessary to retract connector port cover  925 . Hinge  970  may be any suitable hinge, joint or another type of bearing that allows section elements  965  to rotate relative to each other. One or more implementations of hinge  970  may be used to provide the connection between section elements  965 . 
     In some embodiments, wherein motor element  980  is a SQUIGGLE® motor, A SQUIGGLE® motor may take the form of a bolt that is threaded on track element  975 . The revolving action of the SQUIGGLE® motor (in the form of a bolt and other components) is caused by applying power to piezoelectric elements on the bolt, creating ultrasonic vibrations that turn the bolt about the track element and move it in an opening or closing direction. Translating the rotational motion of the bolt to create the linear motion of the bolt may allow motor element  980  to open or close connector port cover  925  along track element  975 . Motor element  980  may also be a series of motor elements placed in different locations to produce the force necessary to move connector port cover  925  between positions. 
     In other embodiments, Optical sensors may be also be implemented as previously described to send open and close commands to motor element  980 . For example, the optical sensor may cause electromagnets implemented in various locations within housing  910  to turn on and off which may be sensed by a Hall Effect switch which may then send open and close commands to motor elements  980 , causing connector port cover  925  to open or close. 
     In some other embodiments, connector port cover (e.g.,  325  of  FIG. 3 ) may be a bistable mechanism (e.g., a light switch or another compliant mechanism), wherein the mechanism&#39;s two “stable” positions are the open and the closed positions of a connector port cover. Thus, connector port cover may simultaneously have the capability to be biased in the open position or the closed position by virtue of the bistable mechanism&#39;s mechanical properties. Upon application of sufficient force, the mechanism may change from being biased in one position (e.g., closed or open) to being biased in the other position. The force necessary to move the bistable mechanism connector port cover between its stable positions may be created by a motor, a system of electromagnets and sensors or magnets, or another previously mentioned element capable of providing force. 
     In additional embodiments, a four bar mechanism; e.g., a four bar hinge, may alternatively serve as the pivot point for all previously mentioned embodiments. 
     In yet additional embodiments, implementing a locking mechanism, hinges or latches or other similar mechanisms may be used. For example, a latch mechanism may require a threshold force to place a connector port cover (e.g.,  325  in  FIG. 3 ) in a locked position and similarly to remove it from a locked position. Many of the previously discussed embodiments may be implemented in combination with locking mechanism implementations. Sensors, as previously discussed, may also provide input to locking mechanisms, unlocking or locking connector port cover in its position based on the proximity or position of an external connector (e.g.,  315  in  FIG. 3 ) in relation to an electronic media device. 
     In some embodiments, the internal connector (e.g.,  320  in  FIG. 3 ) may also move in relation to the opening and closing of the connector port door. For example, the internal connector (e.g.,  320  in  FIG. 3 ) may move away from connector port (e.g.,  305  in  FIG. 3 ) when the connector port cover moves from a closed position (e.g.,  325   a  in  FIG. 3 ) towards an open position (e.g.,  325   c  in  FIG. 3 ) and then back towards connector port (e.g.,  305  in  FIG. 3 ) once connector port cover has reached an open position (e.g.,  325   c  in  FIG. 3 ). This process may be repeated in reverse when the connector port cover moves back to a closed position. The purpose of this dynamic internal connector may be to allow full range of motion for the connector port cover to open and close where space constraints and the resulting position of the internal connector would otherwise prevent that full range of motion. 
     In some embodiments, alternative sealing implementations (e.g., sealing member  308 ,  FIG. 3 ) may be used in combination with connector port cover (e.g.,  325  in  FIG. 3 ) to augment the seal on the connector port (e.g.,  305  in  FIG. 3 ). Sealing implementations may include, for example, dust seals, o-rings, gaskets, rubber seals, molded rubber parts, sponges, double-sided tapes, assembly tapes, adhesives, Velcro®, fabric over foam gaskets or other suitable sealing options. These implementations may serve to keep out small and large particles or work in combination with other locking mechanisms. These sealing implementations may be located on or around the electronic media device&#39;s housing (e.g.,  310  in  FIG. 3 ), connector port (e.g.,  305  in  FIG. 3 ) and connector port cover such that connector port cover (e.g.,  325  in  FIG. 3 ) is able to provide a better seal. 
     In some embodiments, the connector port cover (e.g.,  325  in  FIG. 3 ) is implemented on the exterior of a connector port assembly or in place of sections of housing (e.g.,  310  in  FIG. 3 ). A connector port cover (e.g.,  325  in  FIG. 3 ) may be implemented on the exterior of the housing of an electronic media device (e.g.,  310  in  FIG. 3 ) as a door that functions in a manner similar to those already discussed. However, instead of pivoting away from the connector (e.g.,  315  in  FIG. 3 ), it may pivot towards the connector (e.g.,  315  in  FIG. 3 ) to provide access to a connector receptacle (e.g.,  320  in  FIG. 3 ) through connector port (e.g.,  305  in  FIG. 3 ). There may be challenges in implementing this embodiment as the opening of connector port cover in this implementation may run into the external connector as it is inserted. The functionality of several previously discussed embodiments may be implemented herein to overcome these challenges. For example, a sensor may be used to detect the proximity of an external connector, and cause the connector port cover to open before the external connector is so close that there is not sufficient clearance for connector port cover to open. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Various configurations described herein may be combined without departing from the present invention. The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The present invention also can take many forms other than those explicitly described herein. 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. Accordingly, it is emphasized that the invention is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods, systems and apparatuses, but is intended to include variations to and modifications thereof which are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110711
Publication Date: 20130423
Grant Date: 20130423
Priority Date: 20110711
Inventors: ALVAREZ RIVERA FELIX J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/4536", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/447", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/5213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/5213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/447", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/4536", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47519150