PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9281638-B2
Application Number: US-201314041842-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connectors

Abstract:
Pairs of matching connectors are described. The matching connectors can provide power to a powered device and/or communicate signals to a device. The matching connectors can include electrical contacts. In one example, the electrical contacts may be ring-shaped and several electrical contacts may be concentrically positioned. In one example, the matching connectors can be held together by a locking future that can be a magnet located in one or both of the matching connectors. In one example, the matching connectors can be connected by the angular of one of the connectors relative to the other. This rotation of one of the connectors relative to the other can engage the contacts of the connectors.

Claims:
What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A powered device, comprising:
 a device housing enclosing electrical components and defining an opening leading into a receptacle connector that includes a base portion recessed below an outer surface of the device housing; 
 a first electrical contact having a substantially circular geometry and extending away from the base portion of the receptacle connector; and 
 a second electrical contact extending from the base portion of the receptacle connector and enclosing the first electrical contact, 
 wherein the first and second electrical contacts are configured to receive electricity for powering the electrical components. 
 
     
     
       2. The powered device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrical contacts are concentric. 
     
     
       3. The powered device of  claim 1 , further comprising a third electrical contact defining a circle and extending from the base portion of the receptacle connector, wherein the circle of the third electrical contact encloses the first and the second electrical contacts. 
     
     
       4. The powered device of  claim 3 , wherein the electrical contacts comprise a ground electrically coupled to a ground terminal within the device housing. 
     
     
       5. The powered device of  claim 4 , wherein the second electrical contact comprises the ground. 
     
     
       6. The powered device of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking feature. 
     
     
       7. The powered device of  claim 6 , wherein the locking feature comprises a magnet. 
     
     
       8. The powered device of  claim 7 , wherein the magnet is encircled by the first and second electrical contacts. 
     
     
       9. The powered device of  claim 6 , wherein the locking feature is located on one or all of the electrical contacts. 
     
     
       10. A power connector, comprising:
 an insert having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the insert being configured to be received within a receptacle of a mating connector and defining concentric channels extending from the first end of the insert towards the second end of the insert; 
 a first electrical contact defining a first closed shape and being positioned within a first channel of the concentric channels; and 
 a second electrical contact defining a second closed shape and being positioned within a second channel of the concentric channels; and 
 a third electrical contact defining a third closed shape and being positioned within a third channel of the concentric channels, the third electrical contact being electrically coupled with a ground terminal. 
 
     
     
       11. The power connector of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second closed shapes comprise concentric circles. 
     
     
       12. The power connector of  claim 11 , wherein the first electrical contact is positioned entirely within the first channel. 
     
     
       13. The power connector of  claim 10 , wherein the third electrical contact has a substantially circular geometry and is positioned between the first and the second electrical contacts. 
     
     
       14. The power connector of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second electrical contacts have substantially circular geometries. 
     
     
       15. The power connector of  claim 10  further comprising a locking feature. 
     
     
       16. The power connector of  claim 15 , wherein the locking feature comprises a magnet. 
     
     
       17. The power connector of  claim 16 , wherein the magnet is encircled by the first and second electrical contacts. 
     
     
       18. The power connector of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical contacts comprise a positive contact, a negative contact, and a ground.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mobile devices such as laptop and notebook computers, media players, smart phones, tablets, and others have become ubiquitous in the last few years and the popularity shows no sign of abating. Further, ever more devices are being used by consumers that require electric power. To meet demand, designers have developed a wide range of devices having a constellation of form factors and features. 
     While features and form factors of devices have changed and evolved over time, electric devices rely on power to perform their functions. This power is frequently provided to the device via a combination of one or several plugs, connectors, and cords. While devices have evolved to be more compact, sleek, and reliable, many of the power providing components have not experienced similar development. Thus, apparatuses, systems, and methods are needed that improve the function of power providing features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of powered system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device connector including a ring contact. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector including a ring contact. 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of one embodiment of a power connector having a ring contact inserted into a device connector having a ring contacts. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector including twist lock receptacles. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device connector including twist lock contacts. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a method of connecting power connector including twist lock receptacles with a device connector including twist lock contacts. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a remote receptacle. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insert for a power connector with an insert. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the insert of a power connector received within a remote receptacle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Some embodiments relate to a connector and/or a pair of matching connectors. This connector and/or the pair of matching connectors can connect a powered device to a power source. The connector and/or the pair of matching connectors can include features that decrease space use by the connector and/or portion of the pair of matching connectors located within the powered device. Advantageously, these features can facilitate in the design and creation of slimmer and more compact powered devices. The connector and/or pair of matching connectors can further include features that can increase the safety of the connector and/or pair of matching connectors such as by, for example, decreasing the force to separate the native connector and/or mated pair of matching connectors. This decreased pullout force can further decrease the likelihood of damage to the powered device in the event that mated connector is and/or mated pair of matching connectors are rapidly separate. 
     Some embodiments relate to a device connector located on the powered device and a matching power connector. In one embodiment, the device connector can include several electrical contacts that can be, for example ring shaped. These electrical contacts can be positioned such that they are concentric. In one embodiment, the device connector can further include a locking feature such as, for example, a magnet, that can facilitate in connecting the device connector with the power connector. 
     In one embodiment, the power connector can include several electrical contacts that can be, for example, ring-shaped. The electrical controls of the power connector can be sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with the electrical contacts of the device connector. In one embodiment, these electrical contacts of the power connector can be concentrically arranged. 
     The power connector can further include features that can facilitate in the alignment and connecting of the device connector and the power connector. In one embodiment, for example, the power connector can include an insert that fits into a receptacle of the device connector. Insertion of the power connector into device connector can be facilitated by tapering the sides of the insert of the power connector. This taper can facilitate in the self-alignment of the insert of the power connector within the receptacle of the device connector. In some embodiments, the power connector can further include a locking feature such as, for example, a magnet, that can facilitate in connecting with the device connector, and in maintaining the connection with device connector. 
     In one embodiment, the power connector can include several twist lock receptacles and several contacts, and in one embodiment, the device connector can include several twist lock contacts. The twist lock receptacles can be sized and shaped to receive a twist lock contact when the power connector is in a first position, and to retain the twist lock contact when power connector is in a second position. 
     The power connector and the device connector can further include one or several clocking features, and one or several locking features. In some embodiments, the clocking features can facilitate the proper placement of the power connector with respect to the device connector. In some embodiments, the locking features can secure the connection between the power connector and the device connector. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a powered system  100  is shown. The powered system  100  can include a powered device  102  that can be any device, component, and/or system that consumes electrical power including, for example, AC power or DC power. In some embodiments, the power system  100  can include a computer, an appliance including, for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a dryer, a refrigerator, an oven, or a stove, a handheld device, or the like. The powered system  100  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety materials. 
     The powered device  102  can include a device connector  104 . The device connector  104  can be a component of the powered device  102  that can be used, for example, in providing power to the powered device  102  or in creating a communicating connection with the powered device  102 . In some embodiments, the device connector  104  can be a component of the powered device  102  in that the device connector  104  is not disconnectable from the powered device  102  in the normal operation of the powered device  102  or of the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, the device connector  104  can include an insert or a receptacle, and in some embodiments, the device connector  104  can be a male connector or a female connector. In one embodiment, the device connector  104  can be a male receptacle connector. 
     The device connector  104  can be any desired shape or size and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the device connector  104  can be shaped to define a cylindrical volume within a receptacle and can be made from a nonconductive material, or a material having a nonconductive coating. 
     The powered system  100  can further include a power connector  106 . The power connector  106  can connect with the device connector  104  to provide power to the powered device  102  and/or to establish a communicating connection with the powered device  102 , and the power connector  106  can disconnect from the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, the power connector  106  can include an insert or a receptacle, and in some embodiments, power connector  106  can be a male connector or a female connector. In one embodiment, the power connector  106  can be a female insert connector. 
     The power connector  106  can be any desired size or shape, and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the power connector  106  can include a cylindrically shaped insert and can be made from a nonconductive material, or from a material having a nonconductive coating. 
     The powered system  100  can further include a cable  108 . The cable  108  can be connected to the power connector  106  and can allow the transmission of power and/or communicating signals to the power connector  106 . The cable  108  can be any desired shape or size, and can be made from a variety materials. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the device connector  104  is shown. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the device connector  104  is located within the powered device  102 . The device connector  104  defines a cylindrical receptacle having a top  200  located in the plane of the outer surface of the powered device  102 , a bottom  202  recessed below the plane of the powered device  102 , and a side  204  extending between the top  200  and the bottom  202  of the device connector  104 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the device connector  104  defines a top  206 , bottom  202 , and side  204  of the volume. 
     The device connector  104  includes a ring connector  206 . The ring connector  206  can include features that facilitate the physical, electrical, and/or communicating connection between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . The ring connector  206  can be a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be located in a variety of positions within the device connector  104 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the ring connector  206  is located on the bottom  202  of the device connector  104 . 
     The ring connector  206  can include one or several electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the ring connector  206  includes three electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . The electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can link with mating contacts of the power connector  106  to thereby allow the passing of power and/or signals between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . The electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety materials. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made from a conductive material and/or partially conductive. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can include a metal, such as, for example, copper. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be circular in that the points of contact of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  with the bottom  202  of the device connector  104  form a circle. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made from a single piece of material, and in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made from multiple pieces of material. In one embodiment, for example, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made to allow the diameter of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  to change in response to the application of force to the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . In some embodiments, for example, this can be accomplished by the use of an elastic material for the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and some embodiments, this can be accomplished via the design of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . In one embodiment, for example, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made from several arcuate members arranged to form a circular electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . In some embodiments, these arcuate members can be linked so as to create a single electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  from several of mechanically separate members. In some embodiments, for example, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be made from a single piece of metal, but can have cutouts extending through a portion of the height of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  to allow the flexion of the least portions of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . Advantageously, the ability of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  to elastically change diameter can be used to facilitate the generation of retention forces that, in interaction with components of the power connector  106 , can retain and/or facilitate in the retention of the connection between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can have a different diameter and a different perimeter. In such an embodiment, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be positioned within each other such that smaller electrical contacts are positioned within larger electrical contacts. As specifically seen in  FIG. 2 , the smallest electrical contact  212  is positioned within electrical contacts  208 ,  210 , and the midsized electrical contact  210  is positioned within the largest electrical contact  208 . In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be positioned around the same axis  216 , in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can be positioned around different axes. In one embodiment, the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  are concentric. 
     The electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can perform a variety of functions. In some embodiments, for example in which the device connector  104  transmits power to the powered device  102 , the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can include a positive contact, a negative contact, and the ground. In some embodiments, for example in which the device connector  104  transmits communication signals to the powered device  102 , the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  can provide different signals and/or different signal components. 
     The ring connector  206  can further include a first locking feature  214 . The first locking feature  214  can interact with the power connector  106  and/or with a component of the power connector  106  to secure the connection between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  and/or to increase the separation of force to separate the device connector  104  from the power connector  106 . The first locking feature  214  can be, for example, a mechanical lock and/or a magnet. In some embodiments, the first locking feature  214  can be located on some or all of the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  and/or can be located on a portion or on all of the top  200 , bottom  202 , and/or side  204  of the device connector  104 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first locking feature  214  is located on the bottom  202  of the device connector  104 , and is specifically located within the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first locking feature  214  is a circular magnet concentrically located within the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector  106  connecting to a cord  108  is shown. The power connector  106  can connect with the device connector  104  and can be used to provide power and/or communication signals to the powered device  102 . The power connector  106  can have a top  302 , a bottom  304 , a side  306 , and an axis  308 . 
     The power connector  106  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the power connector  106  is a cylindrical insert that can be received within the volume defined by the top  200 , the bottom  202 , and the side  204  of the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, one or both of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  can include features to facilitate the connection of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . In one embodiment, for example, the sides  204 ,  306  of one or both of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  can be shaped to facilitate the connection of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . Specifically, in some embodiments, the sides  204 ,  306  of one or both of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  can be tapered and/or angled so that the bottom  304  of the power connector  106  is smaller than the top  302  of the power connector  106  and smaller than the opening in the plane of the outer surface of the powered device  102  defined by the top  200  of the device connector  104 . Advantageously, this taper and/or angle of the sides  204 ,  306  of one or both of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  can ease the insertion of the power connector  106  into the device connector  104 , and can thereby facilitate the connection of the power connector  106  and the device connector  104 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the power connector  106  can include one or several insulator rings  310 . The insulator rings  310  can protect electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  and can prevent shorting between the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  308 . The insulator rings  310  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from any desired material, and specifically from any desired insulative material. In some embodiments, the insulator rings  310  can have varying diameters, which diameters can allow the placement of the insulative rings  310  within each other. Thus, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , a first insulative ring  310 -A contains a second smaller insulative ring  310 -B, which insulative ring  310 -B contains a relatively smaller insulative ring  310 -C, which insulative ring  310 -C contains a relatively smaller insulative ring  310 -D. 
     As further seen in  FIG. 3 , the insulative rings  310  can be sized and positioned so as to create a contact receptacle  312  between each pair of adjacent insulative rings  310 . Specifically, adjacent insulative rings  310 -A and  310 -B create contact receptacle  312 -A, adjacent insulative rings  310 -B and  310 -C create contact receptacle  312 -B, and adjacent insulative rings  310 -C and  310 -D create contact receptacle  312 -C. The contact receptacles  312  can be sized and shaped to receive electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  and to prevent unintentional connection and/or shorting between the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . 
     The power connector  106  can include one or several electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 , and in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the power connector  106  includes three electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . The electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can link with mating contacts of the device connector  104  to thereby allow the transmission of power and/or signals between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . The electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety materials. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be made from a material that allows the conduction of power and/or signals. The electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be electrically conductive, can be made from electrically conductive material, and/or can be partially conductive. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be metal, such as, for example, copper, and in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be electrically connected with the cord  108 . 
     The electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be circular in that points of contact of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  with the power connector  106  form a circle. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be made from a single piece of material, and in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be made from multiple pieces of material. In one embodiment, for example, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can allow the diameter of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  to change in response to the application of force to the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . In some embodiments, for example, this can be accomplished by the use of an elastic material for the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 , and some embodiments, this can be accomplished via the design of the electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318 . In one embodiment, for example, electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be made from several arcuate members arranged to form a circular electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318 . In some embodiments, these arcuate members can be electrically linked so as to create a single electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318  from a number of mechanically separate members. In some embodiments, for example, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be made from a single piece of metal, but can have cutouts extending through a portion of the height of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  to allow the flexion of at least portions of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . Advantageously, the ability of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  to elastically change diameter can facilitate the generation of retention forces that, in interaction with components of the device connector  104 , can retain and/or facilitate in the retention of the connection between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can have a different diameter and a different perimeter. In such an embodiment, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be positioned within each other such that smaller electrical contacts are positioned within larger electrical contacts. As specifically seen in  FIG. 3 , the smallest electrical contact  318  is positioned within electrical contacts  314 ,  316 , and the midsized electrical contact  316  is positioned within the largest electrical contact  314 . In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be positioned around the same axis  308 , in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be concentric, and in some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be positioned around different axes. 
     The electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can perform a variety of desired functions. In some embodiments, for example in which the power connector  106  transmits power to the powered device  102 , the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can include a positive contact, a negative contact, and the ground. In some embodiments, in which the power connector  106  transmits communication signals to the powered device  102 , the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can provide different signals and/or different signal components. 
     The power connector  106  can include a second locking feature  320 . The second locking feature  320  can interact with the device connector  104  and/or with the first locking feature  214  of the device connector  104  to secure the connection between the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  and/or to increase the force required to separate the device connector  104  from the power connector  106 , which force is also referred to herein as the separation force. The second locking feature  320  can be, for example, a mechanical lock and/or a magnet. The second locking feature  320  can be located on some or all of the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  and/or can be located on a portion or all of the top  302 , bottom  304 , and/or side  306  of the power connector  106 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second locking feature  320  is located on the bottom  302  of the power connector  106 , and is specifically located within the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . In the specific embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second locking feature  320  is a circular magnet concentrically located within the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of one embodiment of a power connector  106  inserted into a device connector  104  is shown. As seen in  FIG. 4 , the contact receptacles  312  of the power connector  106  include a bottom  408 , an exterior side  410 -A, and an interior side  410 -B. The combination of the bottom  408 , the exterior side  410 -A, and the interior side  410 -B define an internal volume of the contact receptacles  312 , which internal volume contains the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318 . In some embodiments, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  are connected to one or several of the bottom  408 , the exterior side  410 -A, and the interior side  410 -B of the contact receptacle  312  in which the electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318  is located. In some embodiments, the electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be mechanically or integrally connected to the portion of the contact receptacle  312 , and in some embodiments, the electrical contact  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be adhered to the portion of the contact receptacle  312 . In one embodiment, for example, the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  can be connected to the portion the contact receptacle  312  in which they are contained by, for example, one or several screws. 
     As further seen in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the relatively furthest radially positioned of the electrical contacts  208 ,  318  can be positive, the middle of the electrical contacts  210 ,  316  can be a ground, and the innermost of the electrical contacts  212 ,  314  can be negative. 
     As further seen in  FIG. 4 , the power connector  106  can be inserted into the volume defined by the top  200 , bottom  202 , and side  204  of the device connector  104 . This insertion of the power connector  106  into the device connector  104  can bring the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  of the device connector  104  into contact with the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  of the power connector  106 , as well as the first locking feature  214  of the device connector  104  into contact with the second locking feature  320  of the power connector  106 . This contact between the electrical contacts  208 ,  210 ,  212  of the device connector  104  with the electrical contacts  314 ,  316 ,  318  of the power connector  106  allows the transmission of power and/or signals from the cord  108  to the powered device  102 , and this contact between the first locking feature  214  of the device connector  104  and the second locking feature  320  of the power connector  106  secures the connection between device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector  106  with twist lock receptacles is shown. The power connector  106  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a top  500 , a bottom  502 , a side  504 , and a central axis  505 . The power connector  106 , as also discussed above, can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety materials. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the power connector  106  is cylindrical and can be, for example, made from plastic. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the top  500 , bottom  502 , and side  504  define an internal volume of the power connector  106 , which internal volume contains components of the power connector  106 . 
     The power connector  106  can include a twist lock receptacle  506 . In the embodiment of the power connector  106  depicted in  FIG. 5 , the power connector  106  includes three twist lock receptacles  506 . The twist lock receptacle  506  can, when the power connector  106  is in a first angular position, receive an electrical contact of the device connector  104 , and can, when the power connector  106  is in a second angular position, retain the electrical contact from the device connector  104 . The twist lock receptacle  506  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be located in a variety of positions on the power connector  106 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the twist lock receptacle  506  is located on the bottom  502  of the power connector  106 . In some embodiments, the twist lock receptacle  506  can be located, sized, and shaped so as to allow access to the internal volume of the power connector  106 . 
     The twist lock receptacle  506  can include a receiving portion  508  and a contact portion  510 . The receiving portion  508  can be sized and shaped to allow a contact from the device connector  104  to move through the twist lock receptacle  506  and into or out of the internal volume of the power connector  106 . The contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacle  506  can be sized and shaped to retain the contact from the device connector  104  that was received via the receiving portion  508  of the twist lock receptacle  506 . In some embodiments, the receiving portion  508  and the contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacle  506  are arranged so as to allow movement of the contact from the device connector  104  from the receiving portion  508  to the contact portion  510  which the angular position of the power connector  106  is changed (i.e. by twisting) from a first position to a second position, and to allow movement of a contact of the device connector  104  from the contact portion  510  to the receiving portion  508  when the angular position of the power connector  106  is changed (i.e. by twisting) of the power connector  106  within the device connector  104 , from a second position to a first position. 
     The power connector  106  can include a contact  512 , and as specifically depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the power connector  106  includes three contacts  512 . The contact  512  can be electrically connected with the cord  108 . The contact  512  can connect with the contact of the device connector  104 , and can conduct power and/or signals to and from the contact of the device connector  104 . The contact  512  can be made from a variety of materials and can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the contact  512  can be partially and/or completely conductive. 
     The contact  512  can include an affixation portion  514 . The affixation portion  514  can affix the contact  512  to the power connector  106 , and as specifically depicted in  FIG. 5 , can affix the contact  512  to the bottom  502  of the power connector  106 . The affixation portion  514  can be a planar member that can be, for example, receive one or several affixation features. In some embodiments, these features can include one or several of an adhesive, the mechanical fastener, and/or an extruded connector. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the affixation portion  514  is connected to the bottom  502  of the power connector  106  via to connection features. 
     The contact  512  can include a deflection portion  516 . In some embodiments, the deflection portion  516  can include geometry to allow the elastic deformation of the contact  512  when the contact of the device connector  104  is received within the contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacle  506 . In some embodiments, the deflection portion  516  can be designed so as to maintain constant contact between portions of the contact  512  and the contact of the device connector  104  when the contact of the device connector  104  is received within the contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacle  506 . 
     The contact  512  can include a contact portion  518 . The contact portion  518  can engage with the contact of the device connector  104 . The contact portion  518  can be electrically conductive and can be made from a low friction material, which low friction material can facilitate the movement of the power connector  106  between the first and second positions. 
     The power connector  106  can include one or several positioning and/or locking features  520 . In some embodiments, the positioning and/or locking features  520  can facilitate the positioning of the power connector  106  within the device connector  104 , and in some embodiments, the positioning and/or locking features  520  can selectively secure the power connector  106  within the device connector  104 . Specifically, in some embodiments, the positioning and/or locking features  520  can prevent the movement of the power connector  106  from the first position to the second position, and specifically can prevent the angular movement of the power connector  106  from the first position to the second position. 
     The power connector  106  can include one or several clocking features  522 . In some embodiments, the clocking features  522  can, in connection with features of the device connector  104 , prevent the connection of the contacts  512  of the power connector  106  with the contacts of the device connector  104  when the power connector  106  is not in the desired orientation with respect to the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, the clocking features  522  can be integral in other components of the power connector  106 . In one embodiment, for example, the clocking features  522  can be incorporated in the different radial and/or angular positioning of the twist lock receptacles  506  of the power connector  106  and corresponding radial and/or angular positioning of the twist-lock contacts  606  of the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, the clocking features  522  can be features located on the top  500 , the bottom  502 , and/or the side  504  of the power connector  106 . The clocking features  522  can be any desired shape and size and can be located on any desired portion of the power connector  106  that interacts with a portion of the device connector  104   
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the device connector  104  is shown. The device connector  104  can include a top  600 , a bottom  602 , a side  604 , and an axis  605 . The top  600 , bottom  602 , and side  604  of the device connector can define an internal volume that can be sized and shaped to receive the power connector  106 . The size and shape of the internal volume of the device connector  104  can be any desired size and/or shape. 
     The device connector  104  depicted in  FIG. 6  includes a twist lock contact  606 , and specifically includes three twist lock contacts  606 -A,  606 -B,  606 -C. the twist lock contacts  606  can connect with the contacts  512  of the power connector  106  to thereby place the powered device  102  in electric connection with the cord  108 . The twist lock contacts  606  can be any desired size or shape and can be made from any desired material. In some embodiments, the twist lock contacts  606  can be conductive and/or partially conductive and/or can include a conductive material. The twist lock contact  606  can be located on any desired portion of the device connector  104  and, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , are located on the bottom  602  of the device connector  104 . The twist lock contacts  606  can be equally angularly spaced and/or can be unequally angularly spaced. Similarly, the twist lock contact  606  can have the same and/or a different radial and/or angular placement with respect to the axis  605  of the device connector  104 . In some embodiments, the radial and/or angular placement of the twist lock contacts  606  of the device connector  104  corresponds to the angular and/or radial placement of the twist lock receptacles  506  of the power connector  106 . 
     The twist lock contacts  606  can include an insertion portion  608  and a contact portion  610 . In some embodiments, the insertion portion  608  can be sized and shaped to extend from the portion of the device connector  104 , through the twist lock receptacle  506  of the power connector  106 , and into the internal volume of the power connector  106 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the insertion portion  608  of the twist lock contacts  606  are planar members that extend from the bottom  602  of the device connector  104 , and specifically extend approximately perpendicular from the bottom  602  of the device connector  104 . 
     The contact portion  610  of the twist lock contacts  606  can be sized and shaped to engage with the contacts  512  of the power connector  106  when the power connector  106  is moved to and/or is in the second position. In some embodiments, the contact portion  610  of the twist lock contacts  606  can be conductive. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the contact portion  610  of the twist lock contacts  606  extends from the distal (with respect to the bottom  602  of the device connector  104 ) portion of the insertion portion  608  of the twist lock contact  606 . As specifically depicted in  FIG. 6 , the contact portion  610  of the twist lock contact  606  extends approximately perpendicular to the direction of extension of the insertion portion  608  of the twist lock contacts  606 . 
     The device connector  104  can further include a positioning and/or locking feature  612 . In some embodiments, the positioning and/or locking feature  612  of the device connector  104  can interact with the positioning and/or locking feature  520  of the power connector to facilitate the connection of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106  and/or to secure the connection of the device connector  104  and the power connector  106 . In some embodiments, the device connector  104  can further include one or several clocking features (not shown) that can facilitate the proper orientation of the power connector  106  with respect to the device connector  104 . These features can include aspects discussed above with respect to the clocking features  522  of the power connector  106 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector  106  within device connector  104  in the first position and in the second position are shown. As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the power connector  106  is in the first position  700 , the twist lock contacts  606  are inserted into the receiving portion  508  of the twist lock receptacles  506 . As specifically seen in  FIG. 7 , the insert portion  608  of the twist lock contacts  606  extends through the twist lock receptacle  506  and into the internal volume of the power connector  106 , and the twist lock contacts  606  do not abut the contact  512  of the power connector  106 . As further seen in  FIG. 7 , when the power connector  106  is in the second position  702 , the twist lock contacts are in the contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacles  506  and are in contact with the contact portion  518  of the contacts  512  of the power connector  106 . Further, the insert portion  608  of the twist lock contacts  606  extends through the contact portion  510  of the twist lock receptacle  506  and the contact portion  610  of the twist lock contacts  606  are contained within the internal volume of the power connector  106 . The power connector  106  can be moved from the first position  700  to the second position  702  by twisting the power connector  106  in the direction indicated by the arrow  704 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the device connector  104  having a remote receptacle  802  is shown. The remote receptacle  802  can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the remote receptacle  802  can be made from a nonconductive material such as, for example, a plastic, polymer, resin, composite, and/or rubber, and can be sized and shaped to allow meeting with a corresponding power connector  106 . In contrast to other embodiments of the device connector  104  previously discussed herein, the embodiment of the device connector  104  shown in  FIG. 8  includes a cord  108 , which cord  108  extends to the powered device  102 , and which cord  108  is unattachable, or hardwired, to the powered device  102 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8 , the remote receptacle  802  includes an interior side  804 , a bottom  806 , and a top  808 . The combination of the interior side  804 , the bottom  806 , and the top  808  defines an interior volume of the remote receptacle  802 . This interior volume of the remote receptacle  802  can have a variety of shapes and sizes which shapes and sizes can correspond to the mating power connector  106 . 
     The interior volume of the remote receptacle  802  can include one or several contacts  810 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the remote receptacle  802  includes three contacts  810 , which contacts  810  are a positive contact, a negative contact, and a ground. The contacts  810  can be electrically connected with the cord  108 , and can electrically connect with contacts of the power connector  106 . The contacts  800  can be made from a variety of materials and can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the contacts  800  can be partially and/or completely conductive. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of one embodiment of a power connector  106  is shown. The power connector  106  shown in  FIG. 9  is sized and shaped to matingly connect with the device connector  104  shown in  FIG. 8 . The power connector  106  includes a front  902 , a back  904 , an insert side  906 , a top  908 , and a bottom  910 . 
     In some embodiments, the power connector  106  can include an insert  911  that is defined in part by the back  904  and the insert side  906  of the power connector  106 . The insert  911  can be any desired size or shape and can be made from any desired material. In some embodiments, the insert  911  is sized and shaped to fit into and be received by the remote receptacle  802  of the device connector  104 , and in some embodiments, the insert  911  is made of a nonconductive material. In some embodiments, the length of the insert  911 , as measured along the insert side  906  can allow the insert  911  to be completely inserted into the remote receptacle  802 . In some embodiments, the full insertion of the insert  911  into the remote receptacle  802  can cause the back  904  of the insert  911  to contact the bottom  806  of the remote receptacle  802 . 
     The insert  911  can include one or several contact receptacles  912 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the insert  911  can include three contact receptacles  912 . The contact receptacles  912  can be sized and shaped so as to receive one or several of the contacts  810  of the remote receptacle  802 . In some embodiments, the contact receptacles  912  can be sized and shaped so as to each receive one of the contacts  810  of the device connector  104 . 
     The contact receptacles  912  can include a contact (not shown). The contact can be electrically connected with electrical contact  914  which can be, for example, located on the front  902  of the power connector  106 . The electrical contact  914  can have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials which can be, for example, conductive materials. In some embodiments, the electrical contact  914  can be a plurality of electrical contacts that are sized, shaped, and arranged to interface with an outlet. The electrical contacts can be sized, shaped, and arranged, in one embodiment, to interface with any desired electrical outlet, and can create, for example, a NEMA connector, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the contact can be sized, shaped, and located within the contact receptacle  912  so as to engage with, and electrically connect with the contact  810  of the remote receptacle  802  received within the contact receptacle  912 . In some embodiments, the contact can be conductive and/or made of a conductive or partially conductive material. In some embodiments, the contacts within the contact receptacles  912  can be connected with the electrical contacts  914  such that when the power connector  106  is received within the remote receptacle  802  of the device connector  104 , the polarity of the electrical contacts  810  of the remote receptacle  802  matches the polarity of the electrical contacts  914 . Advantageously, the size, shape, and location of the contact receptacles  912  can be different than the size, shape, and arrangement of the electrical contact  914  or the electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and location of the contact receptacles  912  can remain the same across multiple power connectors  106  that have electrical contacts corresponding to different connector standards. Thus, in such an embodiment, one of the power connectors  106  may have electrical contacts sized, shaped, and arranged to be a NEMA connector, and others of the power connectors  106  may have electrical contacts sized, shaped, and arranged to be a Europlug, a German “Schuko” plug, a Swiss plug, or the like. Due to the constant size, shape, and position of the contact receptacles  912  of the power connectors  102 , power connectors  106  that function with different outlets and/or comply with different standards can be used with the same remote receptacle  802 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the power connector  106  meeting connected with device connector  104  is shown. As seen in  FIG. 10 , the insert  911  of the power connector  106  is enclosed within the remote receptacle  802 , and thereby connecting the contacts  810  of the remote receptacle  802  with the contacts contained within the contact receptacles  912  of the insert  911 , and the electrical contacts  914  of the power connector. Advantageously, as the mating of the power connector  106  the device connector  104  is not dependent on the electrical contacts  914  of the power connector  106 , the device connector  104  can connect with power connectors  106  having different electrical contact  914  configurations such as, for example, electrical contact configurations compliant with electrical standards of different countries or regions. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130930
Publication Date: 20160308
Grant Date: 20160308
Priority Date: 20130930
Inventors: MCBROOM MICHAEL D.
SUDDERTH BRIAN T.
MCBROOM DANIEL L.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2103/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/38", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2103/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52740588