PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9142908-B2
Application Number: US-201414281064-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Low profile male connector

Abstract:
Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cable assembly comprising:
 a connector plug having a housing arranged to fit entirely in a connector receptacle in an electronic device, the connector plug having a rear surface contoured to be flush with a surface of the electronic device; 
 a plurality of contacts located in the connector plug housing, each contact having an engaging portion to contact a corresponding contact in the connector receptacle and a connecting portion extending to the rear surface; and 
 a cable attached to the plurality of contacts located in the connector plug. 
 
     
     
       2. The cable assembly of  claim 1  wherein the cable is substantially flat. 
     
     
       3. The cable assembly of  claim 2  wherein the cable is a flex cable. 
     
     
       4. The cable assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a pull tab attached to the connector plug. 
     
     
       5. The cable assembly of  claim 4  further wherein the pull tab is a ribbon. 
     
     
       6. The cable assembly of  claim 1  wherein the cable is attached to the connecting portions of the contacts. 
     
     
       7. The cable assembly of  claim 6  wherein the cable may be routed along an underside of the electronic device. 
     
     
       8. The cable assembly of  claim 1  wherein the cable comprises a plurality of conductors, each conductor is attached to a connecting portion of a contacts at a rear surface of the connector plug. 
     
     
       9. The cable assembly of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of conductors are arranged in parallel. 
     
     
       10. A cable assembly comprising:
 a connector plug having a front surface, top surface, bottom surface, and side surfaces to fit in a connector receptacle of an electronic device, the connector plug having a rear surface contoured such that it is substantially flush with an outside surface of the electronic device adjacent to the connector receptacle; 
 a plurality of contacts located in the connector plug housing, each contact having an engaging portion to contact a corresponding contact in the connector receptacle and a connecting portion extending to the rear surface; and 
 a cable attached to the connecting portions of the plurality of contacts located in the connector plug. 
 
     
     
       11. The cable assembly of  claim 10  wherein the cable comprises a plurality of conductors, each conductor is attached to a connecting portion of a contacts at a rear surface of the connector plug. 
     
     
       12. The cable assembly of  claim 11  wherein the plurality of conductors are arranged in parallel. 
     
     
       13. The cable assembly of  claim 12  wherein the cable is substantially flat. 
     
     
       14. The cable assembly of  claim 13  wherein the cable is a flex cable. 
     
     
       15. The cable assembly of  claim 14  wherein the cable may be routed along an underside of the electronic device. 
     
     
       16. The cable assembly of  claim 10  further comprising a pull tab attached to the connector plug. 
     
     
       17. The cable assembly of  claim 16  further wherein the pull tab is a ribbon. 
     
     
       18. A cable assembly comprising:
 a connector plug having a housing arranged to fit in a connector receptacle in an electronic device, the connector plug having a rear surface contoured to be substantially flush with an outside surface of the electronic device adjacent to the connector receptacle; 
 a plurality of contacts located in the connector plug housing, each contact having an engaging portion to contact a corresponding contact in the connector receptacle and a connecting portion; and 
 a cable having a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel, each conductor attached to a connecting portion of a contact in the plurality of contacts located in the connector plug. 
 
     
     
       19. The cable assembly of  claim 18  wherein the cable may be routed along an underside of the electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The cable assembly of  claim 18  wherein the connecting portions of the plurality of contacts extend to the rear surface of the plug housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/839,264, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/112,995, filed May 20, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,337, which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a connector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a low profile male connector adapted to be fully insertable into an electronic device and contoured to match an outer surface of the electronic device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Numerous types of electrical connectors for interconnecting electronic devices exist in the art. Such connectors typically include a receptacle (female) connector and a plug (male) connector. The plug connector may engage the receptacle connector for establishing an electrical connection between pin-shaped electrodes arranged in each connector. 
     With the diminishing size of electronic devices, there is a significant desire to similarly reduce the size of electrical connectors. However, as the size of electrical connectors is reduced, numerous problems arise. For example, reductions in a size of an electrical connector requires a corresponding reduction in size of pin-shaped electrodes arranged in the connector. Reducing the size of the electrodes tends to increase stresses of and forces applied to the electrode upon engagement with a receiving connector. As a result, the integrity and effectiveness of the connector is reduced over time. 
     Further, electrical connectors are typically coupled to or part of a cable assembly. Such cable assemblies and electrical connectors often protrude and extend from electronic devices in a disorganized manner. As a result, the electrical connectors and cable assemblies attached thereto are often distracting and unsightly. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally concern electrical connectors, cable assemblies, and connector pins. An electrical connector may include pin-shaped electrodes and be part of a cable assembly while being adapted to be fully insertable into an electronic device and contoured to match an outer surface of the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, a cable assembly includes a plug housing, a cable, and a connector base. Various features of the cable assembly may, either alone or in combination with one another, overcome some or all of the above deficiencies in the related art. 
     For example, the plug housing may include a rear surface that is at least one of curved and angled with respect to a front surface of the plug housing so as to match a contour of an outer surface of an electronic device. In this fashion, a size and visual protrusion of the plug housing may advantageously be minimized. For another example, the plug housing may have a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate a number of pins. The pins may each include a connecting portion, and the connecting portions of adjacent pairs of pins may be staggered with respect to one another. In this fashion, an interference between adjacent pins may be advantageously reduced. For yet another example, the connecting portions of pins may extend substantially perpendicular to a rear surface of the plug housing. In this fashion, the integrity of the pins and the integrity of a coupling between the pins and the cable may advantageously be increased. 
     In other embodiments, a pin is provided for establishing an electrical connection with a receiving pin. Various features of the pin may, either alone or in combination with one another, overcome some or all of the above deficiencies in the related art. 
     For example, the pin may include a base, an elongated shaft, and an engaging portion. The base may include a cutout for extending a length of the elongated shaft. In this fashion, forces applied to and stresses within the pin may advantageously be reduced. For another example, the elongated shaft may include a limit stop protruding from a top surface of the elongated shaft. The limit stop may distribute a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement of the engaging portion with the receiving pin. In this fashion, forces applied to and stresses within the pin may advantageously be reduced. 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description that follows. However, the scope of the invention will be fully apparent from the recitations of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device that may be part of a digital signage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a digital signage system including a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station for receiving a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a back view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a side view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a bottom view of the docking station shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of an electrical plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a back perspective view of an electrical plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of an electrical plug connector coupled to a cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a pin arranged in an electrical plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of a pin arranged in an electrical plug connector engaged with a receiving pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a pin according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of a pin according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 7B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only as embodiments of the invention extend beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device  100  that may be part of a digital signage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, electronic device  100  is a tablet computer. For example, electronic device  100  may be an iPad as manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; a Toshiba Tablet as manufactured by Toshiba Corp. of Tokyo, Japan; a Z-Pad as manufactured by ZTE Corp. of Shenzhen, China; an EEE Pad as manufactured by Asus of Taipei, Taiwan; a Dell Streak as manufactured by Dell of Austin, Tex.; a Samsung Galaxy as manufactured by Samsung Group of Seoul, South Korea; etc. According to other embodiments of the present invention, electronic device  100  is not a tablet computer. Rather, electronic device  100  may be any portable electronic device with a display. For example, electronic device may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player (e.g., music player or video player), a camera, a game player, a laptop computer, a netbook, a booklet, a slate, a convertible notebook, etc. 
     Electronic device  100  includes an upper surface  102 , a rear surface  104 , and side surfaces  106 . According to one embodiment, upper surface  102  is a digital display. According to another embodiment, upper surface  102  is a digital display incorporating touch screen functionality, thereby enabling a user to operate electronic device  100  by interacting with the display. 
     Electronic device  100  may also include various buttons on various surfaces for activating various functionality of the device. For example, electronic device  100  may include a multipurpose button  108  arranged on upper surface  102 , a volume up and down button  110  on side surface  106 , a volume mute button  112  on side surface  106 , a power on and off button (not illustrated) on rear surface  104 , etc. Electronic device  100  may also include, on various surfaces, various mechanical interfaces for interfacing with other electronic devices and/or accessories. For example, electronic device  100  may include a receptacle connector  114  on side surface  106  for connecting to other electronic devices via a cable of a cable assembly, an audio jack (not illustrated) on a side surface  106  for connecting to speakers, etc. Electronic device  100  may also include other elements causing protrusions from or indentations into surfaces of electronic device  100 , such as camera&#39;s, microphones, speakers, antenna&#39;s, etc. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1A . From this view, it is apparent that rear surface  104  is contoured in the shape of a bowl. In some embodiments, rear surface  104  includes curved surfaces  104   a  and a substantially planar surface  104   b . In other embodiments, the entire rear surface  104  is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in rear surface  104 . 
     Rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a predetermined depth. For example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth of approximately 0.15 inches. For another example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth in a range of approximately 0.05 inches to 0.25 inches. For yet another example, rear surface  104  may protrude from side surfaces  106  by a depth greater than 0.25 inches or less than 0.05 inches. 
     Side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a predetermined depth. For example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth of approximately 0.15 inches. For another example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth in a range of approximately 0.05 inches to 0.25 inches. For yet another example, side surfaces  106  may protrude from upper surface  102  by a depth greater than 0.25 inches or less than 0.05 inches. 
     In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be arranged substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 . In other embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be arranged at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to upper surface  102 , such that side surfaces  106  are directed inwards towards a center of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be substantially planar, while in other embodiments, side surfaces  106  may be curved inwards. In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  are arranged such that they are continuous with rear surface  106 ; for example, side surfaces  106  may be mechanically coupled with rear surface  104  such that there is no recognizable disjoint between side surfaces  106  and rear surface  104 . In other embodiments, there are no side surfaces  106 ; for example, rear surface  104  may protrude directly from upper surface  102 . In some embodiments, side surfaces  106  have substantially identical angles with respect to one another; for example, all side surfaces  106  may be substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 . In other embodiments, side surfaces  106  have different angles with respect to one another; for example, one of side surfaces  106  may be substantially perpendicular to upper surface  102 , while another one of side surfaces  106  may be arranged at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to upper surface  102 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a digital signage system  200  including a cable assembly  250  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Digital signage system  200  includes an electronic device  100  such as that described with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a docking station  210  for mounting electronic device  100 , and cable assembly  250 . 
     Docking station  210  includes a body  212  for supporting electronic device  100 . Docking station  210  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3E . In general, however, body  212  includes a top surface having a recessed region formed therein. The recessed region is shaped to receive electronic device  100  such that when electronic device  100  is positioned within the recessed region, rear surface  104  of electronic device  100  fits entirely within the recessed region while upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  is substantially flush with a portion of the top surface of body  212  that surrounds the recessed region. As previously discussed, in some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include side surfaces  106 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the recessed region of body  212  may be shaped to receive electronic device  100  such that when electronic device  100  is positioned within the recessed region, one or more or all of side surfaces  106  of electronic device  100  abut a surface of the recessed region. 
     Cable assembly  250  may include a plug housing  252  sized for insertion into receptacle connector  114  of electronic device  100 . Plug housing  252  may be designed to accommodate a number of pins which, when plug housing  252  is engaged with electronic device  100 , make an electrical contact with a number of pins arranged within receptacle connector  114 . Plug housing  252  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 5A to 6B . In one embodiment, plug housing  252  may be designed so as to fit entirely within receptacle connector  114  and have a rear surface that is contoured to and flush with an outer surface (e.g., at least one of rear surface  104  and side surfaces  106 ) of electronic device  100 . The one or more pins accommodated in plug housing  252  are further described with reference to  FIGS. 5A to 7B . 
     Cable assembly  250  may also include a cable  254  mechanically connected to plug housing  252 . For example, an end of cable  254  may be bonded to a surface of plug housing  252 . Cable  254  may have one or more conductive traces formed thereon that correspond to and are electrically coupled to the pins located in plug housing  252 . For example, the pins located in plug housing  252  may each include a connecting portion that protrudes from plug housing  252 . Cable  254  may include holes sized to fit those connecting portions of the pins which protrude from plug housing  252 . Cable  254  may then be arranged such that, after fitting the connecting portions through the holes of cable  254 , the connecting pin portions and holes are soldered so as to establish an electrical connection between the pins and conductive traces electrically coupled to the holes. 
     Cable  254  may be any thin cable. For example, cable  254  may be a single or multi-core cable in which the cores or electric conductors are guided parallel and adjacent to one another. Cable  254  may include flat conductive traces or strips. Each strip may have a cross section of any shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. The conductive traces or strips may be made of any conductive material. For example, they may be made of tin, copper, etc. The conductive traces or strips may be insulated using any insulating material, such as polyester, dielectric polymers, etc. In some embodiments, cable  254  should be thin enough so as not to interfere with or perturb electronic device  100  when electronic device  100  is arranged in the recessed region of body  212 . For example, cable  254  may have a diameter of 0.8 mm, or in a range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm or greater than 1 mm. Cable  254  may have a cross section of any shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. According to some embodiments, cable  254  may be flexible or stiff. For example, in one embodiment cable  254  may be a substantially flat flex cable. In another embodiment, cable  254  may be a rounded or otherwise thicker cable that runs through a channel (not shown) in body  212  to connect plug housing  252  to connector base  256 . 
     Cable  254  may be arranged between electronic device  100  and the recessed region of body  212 , and extend from an aperture of body  212  to an edge of electronic device  100  (e.g., an edge of upper surface  102 , a location on a side surface  106 , or an edge of side surface  106 ). For example, cable  254  may extend from the aperture to side  106  including receptacle connector  114 . Cable  254  may also extend in a direction substantially parallel to the one or more pins accommodated in plug housing  252  and toward receptacle connector  114 . Plug housing  252  may be mechanically coupled to an end of cable  254  proximate to an edge of electronic device  100 . For example, plug housing  252  may be mechanically coupled to an end of cable  254  proximate to side  106  including receptacle connector  114 . The aperture of body  212  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3E . 
     Cable assembly  250  may also include a connector base  256 . Connector base  256  may include a printed circuit board (not illustrated) having one or more connection pads formed thereon. The connection pads may be electrically coupled to respective ones of the conductive traces of cable  254 . Connector base  256  may be arranged in the aperture of body  212 . For example, connector base  256  may be arranged to partially extend into body  212 . For another example, connector base  256  may be arranged to fully extend through body  212 . Connector base  256  may be mechanically coupled to plug housing  252  via cable  254 . For example, connector base  256  may be bonded to an end of cable  254  opposite an end which plug housing  252  is bonded. In some embodiment, connector base  256  is coupled to plug housing  252  only by cable  254 . 
     Cable assembly  250  may also include a wire  258  that, in some embodiments, may be insulated. Wire  258  may include a number of (in some embodiments, insulated) wires, where at least one of the wires is coupled to the connection pads in connector base  256 . Further, wire  258  may be arranged in an elongated cutout of docking station  210  extending from the aperture to an edge or edge surface of body  212 . For example, wire  258  may be located in an elongated cutout extending within body  212 . For another example, wire  258  may be located in an elongated cutout extending along a bottom surface of body  212 . The elongated cutout of body  212  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3E . 
     In some embodiments, digital signage system  200  includes one or more flexible pads (not shown) disposed between electronic device  100  and docking station  210 . The pads may be made from any type of flexible material; for example, they may be made from silicon, rubber, cloth, soft plastic, etc. The pads may function to secure electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . For example, the pads may be bonded to both electronic device  100  and docking station  210  so as to mechanically couple electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . The pads may also function to enable activation of buttons arranged on rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . For example, one or more pads may be flexible so that a force applied on upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  causes one or more of pads to deform, thereby causing a button located on rear surface  104  to engage with a surface of the recessed region of docking station  210 . 
     In other embodiments, there are no pads. Rather, electronic device  100  may be mechanically coupled to docking station  210  via other means; for example, electronic device  100  may be glued or bonded to docking station  210 ; for another example, clamps may be provided for mechanically coupling electronic device  100  to docking station  210 . In other embodiments, electronic device  100  is arranged in the recessed region of docking station  210  without a mechanical coupling; for example, the recessed region of docking station  210  may be sized such that electronic device  100  securely fits within the recessed region; for another example, electronic device  100  may be secured to docking station  210  via the effect of gravity. In yet other embodiments, both pads and other means for mechanically coupling electronic device  100  to docking station  210  are provided. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a docking station  300  for receiving a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3A , docking station  300  includes a body  302 . In some embodiments, body  302  is substantially transparent; in other embodiments, body  302  is opaque. A substantially transparent body  302  formed in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may advantageously result in various elements being hidden from view depending on the angle of view. For example, upon viewing a side of transparent body  302 , a user may not be able to view portions of a cable assembly due to light refractions caused by the geometry of body  302 . 
     In some embodiments, body  302  may be made from any materials suitable for forming a substantially solid entity. In other embodiments, body  302  may be made from any materials suitable for forming a malleable and/or flexible entity. For example, body  302  may be made from any suitable metal, minerals, ceramic, glass ceramic, wood, polymers, composite materials, semiconductors, nanomaterials, or biomaterials. According to one embodiment, body  302  is made from acrylic or an acrylic equivalent. According to another embodiment, body  302  is made from combinations of the above materials. 
     Body  302  includes a top or upper surface  304 , a bottom surface  306 , a front (or side) surface  308 , a back (or side) surface  310 , and side surfaces  312 . Body  302  also includes a recessed region  314  formed at upper surface  304 . 
     Recessed region  314  is shaped to receive an electronic device such that, when the electronic device is positioned in the recessed region, an exposed surface such as a display of the electronic device is substantially flush with a peripheral portion of the upper surface that surrounds the recessed region. For example, recessed region  314  may be shaped to form a substantially mirror image of rear surface  104 , and optionally side surfaces  106 , of electronic device  100 . By forming recessed region  314  to have such a shape, when electronic device  100  is positioned within recessed region  314 , upper surface  102  of electronic device  100  may be substantially flush with a peripheral portion of upper surface  304  that surrounds the recessed region. Further, when electronic device  100  is positioned within recessed region  314 , the entire rear surface  104 , and optionally the entire side surfaces  106 , of electronic device  100  will abut a surface of recessed region  314 . 
     According to one embodiment, recessed region  314  includes curved surfaces  314   a  and a substantially planar surface  314   b . For example, curved surfaces  314   a  may be shaped to receive curved surfaces  104   a  of electronic device  100 , and substantially planar surface  314   b  may be shaped to receive substantially planar surface  104   b  of electronic device  100 . 
     According to another embodiment, recessed region  314  does not include a substantially planar surface. Rather, the entire recessed region  314  is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in recessed region  314 . For example, where electronic device  100  includes an entire rear surface  104  that is curved such that there are substantially no planar surfaces in rear surface  104 , recessed region  314  may be contoured accordingly such that the entire recessed region  314  is curved to match rear surface  104  of electronic device  100 . 
     Recessed region  314  may be arranged to receive electronic devices having exposed surfaces of a variety of shapes. For example, recessed region  314  may be contoured to receive electronic device  100  having a rectangular upper surface  102 . Other shapes of upper surface  102  that recessed region  314  may be adapted to receive include square, circular, oval, etc. 
     Upper surface  304  may be sloped upwards from front surface  308  to back surface  310  so that recessed region  314  is accordingly sloped upwards from front surface  308  to back surface  310 . For example, a height of side surfaces  312  arranged proximate to front surface  308  may be smaller than a height of side surfaces  312  arranged proximate to back surface  310 . As a result, upper surface  304  may be sloped upwards from front surface  308  to back surface  310  with respect to bottom surface  306 . In some embodiments, upper surface  304  may be sloped upwards at an angle of approximately 7° with respect to bottom surface  306 . In other embodiments, upper surface  304  may be sloped upwards at an angle in the range of approximately 4° and 10°. In yet other embodiments, upper surface  304  may be sloped upwards at an angle of less than 4° or greater than 10°. By angling upper surface  304  with respect to bottom surface  306 , visibility of an exposed surface of a mounted electronic device  100  (e.g., upper surface  102 ) may be increased when docking station  300  is disposed on a horizontal surface. 
     Docking station  300  may include an aperture  316  formed at least partially through body  302  from recessed region  314  toward bottom surface  306 . In one embodiment, aperture  316  extends only partially into body  302  such that aperture  316  terminates within body  302 . In another embodiment, aperture  316  extends entirely through body  302  such that aperture  316  terminates at bottom surface  306  of body  302 . 
     Aperture  316  may be sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to an electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region. For example, aperture  316  may have a mirror-image shape of connector base  256  and have a diameter larger than a diameter of at least one of plug housing  252  and wire  258 . In this fashion, at least one of plug housing  252  and wire  258  can pass through aperture  316  while connector base  256  may fit snugly within aperture  316 . 
     Docking station  300  may include an elongated cutout (not illustrated in  FIG. 3A ) extending from aperture  316  to an edge (e.g., edges of front surface  308 , back surface  310 , or side surfaces  312 ) or edge surface (e.g., front surface  308 , back surface  310 , or a side surface  312 ) of body  302 . The elongated cutout may be sized so that a cable of a cable assembly can fir within the aperture. For example, the elongated cutout may be sized to receive wire  258 . 
     According to one embodiment, the elongated cutout extends within body  302 . For example, where aperture  316  terminates within body  302 , the elongated cutout may extend from the point of termination within body  302  to back surface  310  of body  302 . According to another embodiment, the elongated cutout extends along bottom surface  306  of body  302 . For example, where aperture  316  terminates at bottom surface  306  of body  302 , the elongated cutout may extend from the point of termination at bottom surface  306  of body  302  to a bottom edge of body  302 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the docking station  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . From the top view, it is apparent that recessed region  314  may be contoured to receive electronic device  100  having a substantially rectangular upper surface  102 . Corners of recessed region  314  and upper surface  304  may be rounded or at substantially perpendicular angles. 
     Aperture  316  may be provided at any location within recessed region  314 . According to one embodiment, aperture  316  is located at a center of recessed region  314 . According to other embodiments, aperture  316  is provided at a location offset from the center of recessed region  314 ; for example, aperture  316  may be provided at a location closer to front surface  308  than back surface  310 , closer to back surface  310  than front surface  308 , and/or closer to a side surface  312  than another side surface  312 . 
     Aperture  316  may be arranged in any orientation within recessed region  314 . According to one embodiment, aperture  316  is arranged such that side surfaces of aperture  316  are parallel to side surfaces  312 . According to other embodiments, aperture  316  is arranged such that side surfaces of aperture  316  are arranged at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees from side surfaces  314 . 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a back view of the docking station  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . From the back view, an end portion of elongated cutout  318  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3C , elongated cutout  318  extends along bottom surface  306  of body  302 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, elongated cutout  318  may extend within body  302 . In such a case, the end portion of elongated cutout  318  may appear as a circle arranged on back surface  310  between (but not in contact with) upper surface  304  and bottom surface  306 . 
     As previously discussed, elongated cutout  318  may be sized to receive wire  258 . In one embodiment, wire  258  has a substantially circular cross section, and elongated cutout  318  has a substantially circular cross section having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the wire  258 . For example, the diameter of elongated cutout  318  may be approximately 10% greater than the diameter of wire  258 . The diameter of elongated cutout  318  may alternatively be greater than the diameter of wire  258  by an amount less than or greater than 10%. In another embodiment, elongated cutout  318  has a cross section having a curved portion and planar portions. The smallest diameter of elongated cutout  318  may be greater than the largest diameter of wire  258 . In other embodiments, wire  258  has a cross section of different shapes; for example, wire  258  may have an oval cross section, square cross section, rectangular cross section, etc. Elongated cutout  318  may then similarly be shaped and sized to match the size and shape of wire  258 . 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a side view of the docking station  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . From the side view, elongated cutout  318  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3D , elongated cutout  318  extends along bottom surface  306  from aperture  316  to back surface  310 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, elongated cutout  318  may extend within body  302 . In such a case, elongated cutout  318  may be vertically displaced from bottom surface  306  such that elongated cutout  318  is arranged between (but not in contact with) upper surface  304  and bottom surface  306 . 
     As previously discussed, docking station  300  may include an aperture  316  formed at least partially through body  302  from recessed region  314  toward bottom surface  306 . According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3D , aperture  316  extends entirely through body  302  such that aperture  316  terminates at bottom surface  306  of body  302 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, aperture  316  may extend only partially into body  302  such that aperture  316  terminates within body  302 . In such a case, aperture  316  may be vertically displaced from bottom surface  306  such that aperture  316  is arranged between recessed region  314  and bottom surface  306  but not in contact with bottom surface  306 . 
     As also previously discussed, aperture  316  may be sized to receive a cable assembly operable to connect to an electronic device when the electronic device is mounted within the recessed region. In one embodiment, aperture  316  includes a first portion  316   a  and a second portion  316   b . First portion  316   a  is recessed from recessed region  314  and extends from recessed region  314  toward bottom surface  306 , while second portion  316   b  is recessed from first portion  316   a  and extends from bottom surface  306  toward recessed region  314 . A diameter of first portion  316   a  may be greater than a diameter of second portion  316   b . Further, an upper portion of connector base  256  may have a diameter greater than a diameter of a lower portion of connector base  256 . First portion  316   a  may be sized to receive the upper portion of connector base  256 , while second portion  316   b  may be sized to receive the lower portion of connector base  256 . In this fashion, when aperture  316  receives connector base  256 , a top surface of connector base  256  may be substantially flush with a surface of recessed region  314 . 
       FIG. 3E  illustrates a bottom view of the docking station  300  shown in  FIG. 3A . From the bottom view, aperture  316  and elongated cutout  318  may be seen. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3E , aperture  316  extends entirely through body  302  and elongated cutout  318  extends along bottom surface  306  from aperture  316  to back surface  310 . According to another embodiment, as previously discussed, aperture  316  may extend only partially into body  302  and elongated cutout  318  may extend within body  302 . In such a case, neither aperture  316  nor elongated cutout  318  would be seen in this view. 
     Other features and aspects of digital signage systems, electronic devices, docking stations, and cable assemblies are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/112,999, filed May 20, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,659,889, issued Feb. 25, 2014, which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cable assembly  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cable assembly  400  may include a plug housing  402 , a cable  404 , a connector base  406 , a wire  408 , and a pull tab  410 . Plug housing  402 , cable  404 , connector base  406 , and wire  408 , may include some or all of the characteristics of plug housing  252 , cable  254 , connector base  256  and wire  258  previously discussed. 
     Additionally or alternatively, connector base  406  may include an upper portion  406   a  and a lower portion  406   b . An upper surface of upper portion  406   a  may receive an end of cable  404 . For example, upper portion  406   a  may include a slot for receiving cable  404 . In some embodiments, an end of cable  404  may be bonded to a printed circuit board included within connector base  406 . In other embodiments, cable  404  may be bonded to a slot of connector base  406 . A lower surface of lower portion  406   b  may receive wire  408 . For example, lower portion  406   b  may include a slot for receiving wire  408 . In some embodiments, an end of wire  408  may be bonded to a printed circuit board included within connector base. In other embodiments, wire  408  may be bonded to the slot of connector base  406 . 
     Wire  408  may include one or more wires. The one or more wires may be bonded to a printed circuit board located in connector base  406 . In some embodiments, each of the one or more wires is surrounded by an insulating sheath. In other embodiments, the one or more wires are individually insulated and bundled together within an additional insulating sheath. Any portion of wire  408  may be bonded to lower portion  406   b  of connector base  406 . For example, an additional insulating sheath bundling together a number of wires may be bonded to connector base  406 . 
     Pull tab  410  is a flat, flexible element mechanically coupled to an electrical connector and operable to disconnect the electrical connector from an electronic device. For example, pull tab  410  may be mechanically coupled to plug housing  402  and operable to remove plug housing  402  from receptacle connector  114 . As previously mentioned, plug housing  402  may be designed so as to fit entirely within receptacle connector  114  and have a rear surface that is contoured to and flush with an outer surface of electronic device  100 . By way of such a design, the provision of pull tab  410  may advantageously increase the ease of removing plug housing  402  from receptacle connector  114 . 
     In one embodiment, pull tab  410  includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is mechanically coupled to a surface of plug housing  402  oriented in parallel with pins arranged within plug housing  402 . For example, the first portion may be bonded to a top surface of plug housing  402 . For another example, the first portion may be bonded to a surface within plug housing  402 . For yet another example, the first portion may be formed as part of plug housing  402 . The second portion extends from the first portion. Pull tab  410  may be any type of flexible element. For example, pull tab  410  may be a ribbon, a tape-like structure, or a woven band. Pull tab  410  may be made using any type of material resulting in a flexible element. For example, pull tab  410  may be made using silicon, rubber, cloth, soft plastic, etc. 
     By way of its flexibility, the second portion of pull tab  410  may be arranged in a same plane as the first portion. For example, the second portion may extend from the first portion in parallel with pins arranged within plug housing  402 . In this fashion, a force applied to pull tab  410  to remove plug housing  402  from receptacle connector  114  may reduce a risk of damage to pins arranged within plug housing  402  arising from removal of the electrical connector from the electronic device. 
     Further by way of its flexibility, the second portion of pull tab  410  is operable to curve around a rear surface of plug housing  402  and a bottom surface of plug housing  402 . For example, pull tab  410  may curve around the rear and bottom surfaces of plug housing  402  and extend parallel with and substantially adjacent to cable  404 . In this fashion, pull tab  410  may be hidden from view if cable assembly  400  is incorporated into a digital signage system. 
     Pull tab  410  may be of any shape and dimension enabling a user to disconnect the electrical connector from the electronic device. For example, pull tab  410  may be rectangular, square, oval, etc. Pull tab  410  may have a width W extending across an entire upper surface of plug housing  402 . Alternatively, pull tab  410  may have a width W extending across only a portion of upper surface of plug housing  402 . In one embodiment, pull tab  410  has a width W approximately equal to 2 cm. In another embodiment, pull tab  410  has a width W approximately equal to 1 cm or 3 cm. In another embodiment, pull tab  410  has a width W in a range between 0.5 cm and 5 cm. In yet another embodiment, pull tab  410  has a width W less than 0.5 cm or greater than 5 cm. In one embodiment, pull tab  410  has a length L approximately equal to 10 cm. In a further embodiment, pull tab  410  has a length L approximately equal to 20 cm. In another embodiment, pull tab  410  has a length L in a range between 5 cm and 30 cm. In yet another embodiment, pull tab  410  has a length L less than 5 cm or greater than 30 cm. 
     In some embodiments, pull tab  410  may be temporarily bonded to cable  404  via an adhesive or other bonding agent. For example, pull tab  410  may be temporarily bonded to cable  404  such that pull tab  410  curves around the rear and bottom surfaces of plug housing  402  and extends parallel with and substantially adjacent to cable  404 . By way of such temporary bonding, an interference of pull tab  410  during insertion of plug housing  402  in a receptacle connector may advantageously be reduced. 
       FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of an electrical plug connector  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Electrical connector  500  includes a plug housing  502  having a depth D and an interior cavity  504  designed to accommodate one or more pins  506  that extend within interior cavity  504  in a direction of depth D. Plug housing  502  includes a top surface  508 , bottom surface  510 , front surface  512 , rear surface  514 , and side surfaces  516 . Rear surface  514  extends between top surface  508  and bottom surface  510 . Top surface  508 , bottom surface  510 , front surface  512 , and side surfaces  516  may engage with and contact interior surfaces of receptacle connector  114  upon connecting plug connector  500  to electronic device  100 . Upon such a connection, rear surface  514  may be exposed. According to one embodiment, side surfaces  516  are substantially parallel to each other. According to other embodiments, side surfaces  516  are sloped at an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to one another. According to one embodiment, top surface  508  and bottom surface  510  are substantially parallel to each other. According to other embodiments, top surface  508  and bottom surface  510  are sloped at an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to one another. 
     Plug housing  502 , and accordingly the surfaces and interior cavity  504  of plug housing  502 , are shaped to fit a receptacle connector such as receptacle connector  114  of electronic device  100 . Plug housing  502  may include various features for increasing the quality of fit with receptacle connector  114 . For example, plug housing  502  may include a pair of elongated slots  518  extending from front surface  512  along the direction of depth D and along bottom surface  510 . Elongated slots  518  may receive projections from receptacle connector  114 , and may be arranged in parallel with each other and/or in parallel with side surfaces  516 . Elongated slots  518  may include cutouts from bottom surface  510  having a cross section of any shape for receiving corresponding projections, such as a rectangular cross section, circular cross section, etc. In one embodiment, elongated slots  518  extend partially through plug housing  502  toward rear surface  514 . In another embodiment, elongated slots  518  extend entirely through plug housing  502  to rear surface  514 . 
     Plug housing  502  may include additional or alternative various features for increasing the quality of fit with receptacle connector  114 . For example, plug housing  502  may include a pair of recessed portions  520  extending from front surface  512  along the direction of depth D and along top surface  508 . Recessed portions  520  may receive projections from receptacle connector  114 , and may be arranged in parallel with each other and/or in parallel with side surfaces  516 . Recessed portions  520  may include cutouts from top surface  508  having a cross section of any shape for receiving corresponding projections, such as a rectangular cross section, circular cross section, etc. In one embodiment, recessed portions  520  extend partially through plug housing  502  toward rear surface  514 . In another embodiment, recessed portions  520  extend entirely through plug housing  502  to rear surface  514 . 
     According to one embodiment, plug housing  502  includes a top plate  507  and a bottom plate  509 . The top and bottom plates extend between side surfaces  516 , and rear surface  514  extends from top plate  507  to bottom plate  509 . Interior cavity  504  is formed between the top and bottom plates and extends from a front edge of plug housing  502  in a direction of depth D. Interior cavity  504  is designed to accommodate one or more pins  506 . For example, pins  506  may include a number of pins positioned in pin locations spaced apart in a single row along width W of plug housing  502 . For each pin  506 , top plate  507  may include a cutout thereby enabling the pin to flex upon engagement with a receiving pin in receptacle connector  114 . Bottom plate  509  may include, within cavity  504 , a substantially planar top surface for engaging a projecting portion of receptacle connector  114 . 
     Elongated slots  518  may be formed on bottom plate  509  between interior cavity  504  and sides  516  and extend from a front edge of plug housing  502  in a direction of depth D. For example, a first one of elongated slots  518  may be formed between a first side of plug housing  502  and interior cavity  504 , and a second one of elongated slots  518  may be formed between a second side of plug housing  502  and interior cavity  504 , where the second side is opposite the first side. 
     Recessed portions  520  may be formed at an outer edge of the top plate on sides  516  and extend from a front edge of plug housing  502  in a direction of depth D. For example, a first one of recessed portions  520  may be formed at an outer edge of top plate  507  on the first side of plug housing  502  and a second one of recessed portions  520  may be formed at an outer edge of top plate  507  on the second side of plug housing  502 . 
     Plug housing  502  may have cross sections of a variety of shapes. For example, in a plane parallel to top surface  508 , bottom surface  510 , front surface  512  or rear surface  514 , plug housing  502  may have a substantially rectangular cross section. In a plane parallel to side surfaces  516 , plug housing  502  may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. 
     One or more pins  506  may comprise one or more electrical conductors. In one embodiment, one or more pins includes 30 pins. In another embodiment, one or more pins includes less than 30 pins; for example, one or more pins may include 9 pins. In yet another embodiment, one or more pins include more than 30 pins. One or more pins  506  may be used for communicating electrical signals representing any type of data. For example, one or more pins  506  may include first and second differential data pins for communicating a data stream, a ground pin for providing a ground voltage, a power pin for providing a voltage, etc. 
     According to some embodiments, the first portion of pull tab  410  may be bonded to some or all of top surface  508  or to some or all of top plate  507 . According to other embodiments, a portion of top surface  508  or a portion of top plate  507  is recessed so as to form a recessed portion  508   a . In such embodiments, the first portion of pull tab  410  may be bonded to some or all of recessed portion  508   a.    
       FIG. 5B  is a back perspective view of an electrical plug connector  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As previously mentioned, rear surface  514  extends between top surface  508  and bottom surface  510 . In one embodiment, rear surface  514  is angled with respect to front surface  512 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5B , rear surface  514  may be angled such that a depth of plug housing  502  at top surface  508  is greater than a depth of plug housing  502  at bottom surface  510 . For another example, rear surface  514  may be angled such that a depth of plug housing  502  at top surface  508  is less than a depth of plug housing  502  at bottom surface  510 . In some embodiments, rear surface  514  is not angled with respect to front surface  512 . For example, rear surface  514  may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of top surface  508  and bottom surface  510 . In some embodiments, plug housing  502  may include a top plate and a bottom plate as previously discussed. In such cases, rear surface  514  may be angled such that a depth of plug housing  502  at top plate  507  is greater or less than a depth of plug housing  502  at bottom plate  509 . For example, rear surface  514  may be angled inwardly from top plate  507  to bottom plate  509 . In other embodiments, rear surface  514  matches front surface  512 . For example, rear surface  514  may be arranged parallel to one another. For another example, rear surface  514  and front surface  512  may be angled inwardly or outwardly at the same angle. 
     In one embodiment, rear surface  514  is curved with respect to front surface  512 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5B , rear surface  514  may be convex such that rear surface  514  protrudes from plug housing  502  in a direction away from front surface  512 . For another example, rear surface  514  may be concave such that rear surface  514  is indented inward toward front surface  512 . In some embodiments, rear surface  514  is not curved with respect to front surface  512 . For example, rear surface  514  may be substantially planar. In other embodiments, rear surface  514  may be both curved and angled. 
     In some embodiments, rear surface  514  is curved and/or angled to match a contour of an outer surface of an electronic device in which a corresponding receptacle connector is housed so that, when plug housing  502  is fully inserted into and mated with the corresponding receptacle connector, rear surface  514  is flush with the outer surface of the electronic device. For example, rear surface  514  may be curved and/or angled to match a contour of an outer surface of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the outer surface may be a side surface  106 ; in other embodiments, the outer surface may be rear surface  104 . By way of such an angle and/or curvature of rear surface  514 , when plug housing  502  is fully inserted into and mated with a corresponding receptacle connector of electronic device  100 , such as receptacle connector  114 , rear surface  514  is flush with the outer surface (e.g., side surface  106  and/or rear surface  104 ) of electronic device  100 . 
     As previously discussed, connector  500  includes one or more pins  506 . Each pin  506  includes a connecting portion  522  for mechanically and electrically coupling to a corresponding hole on cable  254 . Accordingly, each connecting portion  522  may be shaped for engaging a corresponding hole on cable  254 . For example, connecting portion  522  may be in the shape of a cylinder. For another example, connecting portion  522  may have a cross-section in the shape of a circle, oval, square, rectangle, etc. 
     In one embodiment, when pin  506  is fitted into plug housing  502 , connecting portion  522  may protrude or extend from plug housing  502 . For example, connecting portion  522  may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to rear surface  514 . In some cases, rear surface  514  may be curved. In such cases, connecting portion may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a planar surface that is tangential to curved rear surface  514 . 
     In another embodiment, pairs of pins  506  arranged adjacent to one another have connecting portions  522  that are staggered or vertically offset with respect to one another. For example, a pair of pins  506  may include a first connecting portion  522   a  associated with a first one of the pair and a second connecting portion  522   b  associated with a second one of the pair. The first connecting portion  522   a  may extend from rear surface  514  such that it is located closer to bottom surface  510  than top surface  508 , while the second connecting portion  522   b  may extend from rear surface  514  such that it is located closer to top surface  508  than bottom surface  510 . Staggering connecting portions  522  of adjacent pins  506  may advantageously reduce contact interference between adjacent pins  506  when coupled to holes on cable  254 . 
     In yet other embodiments, connecting portions  522  of some or all of pins  506  may be arranged substantially parallel to one another such that they are arranged in substantially the same plane between side surfaces  516 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first portion of pull tab  410  may be bonded to some or all of top surface  508  or to some or all of top plate  507 . According to other embodiments, a portion of top surface  508  or a portion of top plate  507  is recessed so as to form a recessed portion  508   a . In such embodiments, the first portion of pull tab  410  may be bonded to some or all of recessed portion  508   a.    
       FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of an electrical plug connector  500  coupled to a cable  254  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed, cable  254  may include holes for receiving connecting portions  522  of one or more pins  506 . For example, cable  254  may include one or more holes  524  spatially arranged to receive connecting portions  522 . In some embodiments, pairs of pins  506  arranged adjacent to one another have connecting portions  522  that are staggered or vertically offset with respect to one another. Accordingly, pairs of holes  524  arranged adjacent to one another may be similarly staggered or vertically offset with respect to one another. In other embodiments, some or all of holes  524  may be arranged substantially parallel to one another such that they are arranged in substantially the same plane between side edges of cable  254 . 
     In one embodiment, cable  254  includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is mechanically coupled to rear surface  514 . As previously mentioned, the first portion may be mechanically coupled by soldering together the connecting portions of pins and holes  524 . By way of this coupling to rear surface  514 , the first portion may be curved to match a contour of rear surface  514  and, in some embodiments, an outer surface of an electronic device. The second portion extends from the first portion. 
     By way of its flexibility, the second portion of cable  254  may be arranged in a same plane as the first portion. For example, the second portion may extend from the first portion in a direction substantially parallel with rear surface  514 . Further by way of its flexibility, the second portion of cable  254  is operable to curve around bottom surface  510 . For example, cable  254  may curve around bottom surface  510  and extend parallel to a direction in which the pins arranged in plug housing  502  extend. In this fashion, cable  254  may be hidden from view when the cable assembly is incorporated into a digital signage system. 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of a pin arranged in an electrical plug connector  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector  600  includes a plug housing  602  that may be made of any material for forming a substantially solid non-conductive entity. For example, plug housing  602  may be made from composite materials, semiconductors, plastics, etc. 
     Plug housing  602  includes a top shelf  604  and a bottom shelf  606 . Top shelf  604  and bottom shelf  606  may function together to provide a friction fit or interference fit for a pin  650 . That is, upon fitting pin  650  into plug housing  602 , a position of pin  650  within plug housing  602  may be substantially maintained by friction forces between pin plug housing  602  and pin  650 . 
     Pin  650  includes various feature that, alone or in combination, enable plug housing  602  and pin  650  to constitute a low profile male connector. In general, pin  650  includes a base  652  for supporting pin  650  within plug housing  602 , an elongated shaft  654  extending from base  652 , and an engaging portion  656  located on an end of elongated shaft  654  opposite base  652  for engaging a receiving pin of a corresponding receptacle connector. 
     In one embodiment, base  652  includes a bottom surface  658  for mating with and engaging bottom shelf  606 . For example, bottom surface  658  may be substantially planar. Such a mating and engagement may increase a quality of the friction fit between plug housing  602  and pin  650 . 
     In another embodiment, base  652  includes a cutout  660  for extending a length of elongated shaft  654 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , cutout  660  may have a cross section in the shape of triangle. However, cutout  660  may have cross sections in other shapes as well; for example, the shape of a square, rectangle, circle, oval, etc. Extending the length of shaft advantageously reduces the magnitude of rotational forces applied to and stresses within pin  650  when pin  650  is engaged with a receiving pin. 
     In particular, reducing the size of electrical connectors typically requires the reduction in size of pins housed within the connectors. Upon reducing the size of such pins, the magnitude of rotational forces applied to such pins and the magnitude of stresses within such pins is increased when such pins engage receiving pins. For example, when the length of a pin is decreased, a stiffness of the pin is consequently increased. By increasing the stiffness of the pin, a rotational force applied to the pin from engaging a receiving pin is consequently increased. Such rotational forces may, after only few engagements, disadvantageously cause the pin to permanently rotate out of its original position, thereby reducing the quality of an electrical connection between the pin and the receiving pin. Further, by increasing the stiffness of the pin, stresses within such pins are increased. For example, by increasing the stiffness of the pin, a stress at the junction of a shaft and a base of such a pin is increased when the pin is engaged with a receiving pin. Such increased stress may, after only few engagements, disadvantageously cause the pin to permanently deform or, in some cases, break. 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments, base  652  includes cutout  660 . Cutout  660  may advantageously increase the length of elongated shaft  654  while maintaining a friction fit via bottom surface  658 , thereby enabling pin  650  to maintain its position within plug housing  602  while reducing the likelihood of pin rotation, deformation or breakage. 
     In some embodiments, base  652  may include a connecting portion  662 . As previously discussed, connecting portion  662  may protrude from plug housing  602  for establishing a mechanical and electrical connection with a hole  524  of cable  254 . 
     In one embodiment, base  652  includes one or more barbs for engaging a plug housing. For example, base  652  may include a barb  664  for engaging top shelf  604 . To enable such an engagement, top shelf  604  may include a slit or cutout in which barb  664  travels when pin  650  is fitted into plug housing  602 . Barb  664  may include a leading edge  664   a  and a stopping edge  664   b . Leading edge  664   a  may be slanted at an angle relative to a top surface  666  of base  652  for enabling pin  650  to be inserted into plug housing  602 . Stopping edge  664   b  may be substantially perpendicular to top surface  666  for resisting removal of pin  650  from plug housing  602 . In this fashion, a position of pin  650  within plug housing  602  may advantageously be maintained. 
     In another embodiment, elongated shaft  654  may include a limit stop  668  protruding from a top surface  670  of elongated shaft  654 . Limit stop  668  may have a cross section in any one of a number of shapes. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , limit stop  668  may have a cross section that is substantially rectangular; for other examples, the cross section may be substantially square, circular, oval, etc. Limit stop  668  may be disposed along elongated shaft  654  at a predetermined distance ‘d’ from base  652 . For example, ‘d’ may equal to approximately ⅕ of the length ‘l’ of elongated shaft  654 . For another example, ‘d’ may be in a range of approximately 1/10 and ⅖ of length ‘l’. For yet another example, ‘d’ may be equal to less than 1/10 or greater than ⅖ of length ‘l’. 
     By disposing limit stop  668  at a predetermined distance from base  652 , limit stop  668  may function to distribute a force applied to elongated shaft  654  upon engagement of engaging portion  656  with a receiving pin. For example, if no limit stop is provided, upon deflection of elongated shaft  654  due to engagement with a receiving pin, significant stress may be placed at the junction of elongated shaft  654  and base  652 . However, if a limit stop is provided, upon deflection of elongated shaft  654  due to engagement with a receiving pin, some of the rotational force causing stress at the junction is distributed to top shelf  604  via limit stop  668 . By such a distribution, stress at the junction and thus likelihood of pin deformation or breakage is advantageously reduced. 
     In yet other embodiments, engaging portion  656  includes a leading edge  656   a  that is slanted at an angle relative to top surface  670  for enabling pin  650  to engage a receiving pin. According to one embodiment, leading edge is provided at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to top surface  650 . In other embodiments, leading edge is provided at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees. In yet other embodiments, leading edge is provided at an angle less than 40 degrees or greater than 50 degrees. 
       FIG. 6B  is a side view of a pin  650  arranged in an electrical plug connector  600  engaged with a receiving pin  680  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed, pin  650  may engage with a receiving pin  680 . Receiving pin  680  may be arranged, for example, within receptacle connector  114  of electronic device  100 . Upon engagement of pin  650  with receiving pin  680 , pin  650  may be caused to deflect. For example, pin  650  may be caused to deflect vertically toward top shelf  604 . As previously discussed, such a deflection may cause stresses at the junction of elongated shaft  654  and base  652  which may, in some embodiments, be reduced by a cutout  660  in base  652  for extending the length of elongated shaft  654 . Further, as previously discussed, the deflection forces may tend to cause pin  650  to rotate; for example, they may tend to cause pin  650  to rotate in direction R. In some embodiments, however, such rotational forces may be reduced by incorporation of a limit stop  668 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a side view of a pin  700  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Pin  700  may be made using any type of rigid conductive material. For example, pin  700  may be made using one or more metals such as copper, nickel, tin or magnesium. Pin  700  includes a base  702  for supporting pin  700  within a plug housing, an elongated shaft  704  extending from base  702 , and an engaging portion  706  located on an end of elongated shaft  704  opposite base  702  for engaging a receiving pin of a corresponding receptacle connector. Base  702  includes a connecting portion  708 . 
     According to one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , connecting portion  708  extends from an upper edge of pin  700 . Connecting portion  708  may extend from the upper edge at any one of a variety of angles. For example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . For another example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle in a range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . For yet another example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle of less than 30 degrees or greater than 60 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , connecting portion  708  extends in a direction toward a bottom surface of base  702 . In another embodiment, connecting portion  708  extends in a direction toward a top surface of base  702 . 
       FIG. 7B  is a side view of a pin  700  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , connecting portion  708  extends from a lower edge of pin  700 . Connecting portion  708  may extend from the lower edge at any one of a variety of angles. For example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . For another example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle in a range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . For yet another example, connecting portion  708  may extend at an angle of less than 30 degrees or greater than 60 degrees from a direction in which elongated shaft  704  extends from base  702 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , connecting portion  708  extends in a direction away from a top surface of base  702 . In another embodiment, connecting portion  708  extends in a direction toward the top surface of base  702 . 
     With reference to both  FIGS. 7A and 7B , pin  700  may have any one or a number of predetermined dimensions. For example, pin  700  may have an overall length L_pin of approximately 4.7 mm, or an overall length of approximately 4.3 mm. Alternatively, L_pin may be in a range of approximately 4 mm to 5 mm, or less than 4 mm or greater than 5 mm. For another example, pin  700  may have an overall height H_pin of approximately 1.5 mm or 1.4 mm. Alternatively, H_pin may be in a range of approximately 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm, or less than 1.2 mm or greater than 1.8 mm. For a further example, pin may have a depth or thickness (not illustrated) of approximately 0.2 mm, or in a range of approximately 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm, or less than 0.15 mm or greater than 0.25 mm. 
     Various elements of pin  700  may have any one or a number of predetermined dimensions. For example, base  702  may have a length L_base of approximately 1.3 mm or 1.4 mm. Alternatively, L_base may be in a range of approximately 1 mm to 1.7 mm, or less than 1 mm or greater than 1.7 mm. Base  702  may have a height H_base approximately equal to H_pin. For another example, elongated shaft  704  may have a length L_shaft of approximately 2.7 mm or 2.8 mm. Alternatively, L_shaft may be in a range of approximately 2.2 mm to 3.2 mm, or less than 2.2 mm or greater than 3.2 mm. Elongated shaft  704  may have a height H_shaft approximately equal to 0.2 mm or 0.25 mm. Alternatively, H_shaft may be in the range 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, or less than 0.15 mm or greater than 0.3 mm. For a further example, a limit stop of elongated shaft  704  may have a length L limit stop approximately equal to H_shaft. The limit stop may have a height H_limit_stop also approximately equal to H_shaft. For another example, engaging portion  706  may have a length L_engaging_portion approximately equal to 0.7 mm or 0.8 mm. Alternatively, L_engaging_portion may be in the range 0.5 mm to 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm or greater than 1 mm. Engaging portion  706  may have a height H_engaging_portion approximately equal to 0.6 mm or 0.7 mm. Alternatively, H_engaging_portion may be in the range of approximately 0.3 mm to 1 mm, or less than 0.3 mm or greater than 1 mm. 
     Various embodiments for improved connectors, cable assemblies, and connector pins according to the present invention have been described. While these inventions have been described in the context of the above specific embodiments, many modifications and variations are possible. The above description is therefore for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Also, references to top or bottom, or front and back of the various structures described above are relative and are used interchangeably depending on the point of reference. Similarly, dimensions and sizes provided throughout the above description are for illustrative purposes only and the inventive concepts described herein can be applied to structures with different dimensions. Accordingly, the scope and breadth of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments described above and should instead be determined by the following claims and their full extend of equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140519
Publication Date: 20150922
Grant Date: 20150922
Priority Date: 20110520
Inventors: VILLARREAL CESAR LOZANO
DOLCI DOMINIC E.
SPIELMANN VICTORIA A.
MARIANO RICARDO A.
KWAN ALEXANDER M.
SMEENGE JAMES G.
DE LULIIS DANIELE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R12/65", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/592", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/46", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/516", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/26", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/65", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/46", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/592", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/65", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/592", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46197710