PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8376789-B2
Application Number: US-201213366469-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Jack assemblies with cylindrical contacts

Abstract:
Jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts are provided. For example, an enclosure may provide a cavity with a longitudinal axis for receiving an electrical plug. The jack assembly may also include at least one jack contact positioned in the cavity. The jack contact may include a first end region extending about at least a portion of the axis and a contact region extending from the first end region towards the axis. The first end region may extend completely about the axis or just about a portion of the axis. The contact region may deflect and contact a first conductive region of the plug in multiple contact areas when the plug is inserted into the cavity.

Claims:
1. An electrical connector comprising:
 an enclosure defining a cavity with a longitudinal axis operative to receive an electrical plug; and 
 a jack contact positioned in the cavity, the jack contact comprising: 
 at least a first end region extending about at least a first portion of the axis; and 
 a contact region extending towards the axis from the first end region to a free end of the contact region, wherein the contact region is operative to contact a first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity, 
 wherein the free end of the contact region is operative to deflect towards a portion of the first end region when the contact region deflects away from the axis; and 
 wherein the free end of the contact region is operative to contact the portion of the first end region when the contact region deflects away from the axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The electrical connector of  claim 1 , wherein the free end of the contact region is operative to electrically couple with the portion of the first end region when the contact region deflects away from the axis. 
     
     
       3. The electrical connector of  claim 1 , wherein the first end region extends completely about the axis. 
     
     
       4. The electrical connector of  claim 1 , wherein the contact region comprises a plurality of contact bands. 
     
     
       5. The electrical connector of  claim 4 , wherein:
 a first contact band of the plurality of contact bands is operative to contact a first portion of the first conductive region of the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity; and 
 a second contact band of the plurality of contact bands is operative to contact a second portion of the first conductive region of the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity. 
 
     
     
       6. The electrical connector of  claim 4 ,
 a first contact band of the plurality of contact bands is operative to contact a first portion of the first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity; and 
 a second contact band of the plurality of contact bands is operative to contact a second portion of the first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity. 
 
     
     
       7. The electrical connector of  claim 4 , wherein:
 a first contact band of the plurality of contact bands extends from a first portion of the first end region towards the axis; and 
 a second contact band of the plurality of contact bands extends from a second portion of the first end region towards the axis. 
 
     
     
       8. An electrical connector comprising:
 an enclosure defining a cavity with a longitudinal axis operative to receive an electrical plug; and 
 a jack contact positioned in the cavity, the jack contact comprising: 
 at least a first end region extending about at least a first portion of the axis; and 
 a contact region extending towards the axis from the first end region to a free end of the contact region, wherein the contact region is operative to contact a first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity, 
 wherein the contact region comprises a plurality of contact bands; 
 a first contact band of the plurality of contact bands extends from a first portion of the first end region towards the axis; 
 a second contact band of the plurality of contact bands extends from a second portion of the first end region towards the axis; 
 the first contact band extends between the first portion of the first end region and a free end of the first contact band; 
 the second contact band extends between the second portion of the first end region and a free end of the second contact band; 
 a contact portion of the first contact band is operative to contact a first portion of the first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity; 
 a contact portion of the second contact band is operative to contact a second portion of the first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity; 
 the free end of the first contact band is operative to contact a third portion of the first end region when the contact portion of the first contact band deflects away from the axis; and 
 the free end of the second contact band is operative to contact a fourth portion of the first end region when the contact portion of the second contact band deflects away from the axis. 
 
     
     
       9. The electrical connector of  claim 1 , wherein the free end of the contact region is positioned between the first end region and the axis. 
     
     
       10. The electrical connector of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the contact region forms an inner structure about at least a second portion of the axis; and 
 the first end region forms an outer structure about the at least the first portion of the axis; and 
 the inner structure is positioned between the outer structure and the axis. 
 
     
     
       11. The electrical connector of  claim 10 , wherein the outer structure is a continuous wall. 
     
     
       12. The electrical connector of  claim 10 , wherein the outer structure is cylindrical. 
     
     
       13. An electrical connector comprising:
 an enclosure defining a cavity with a longitudinal axis operative to receive an electrical plug; and 
 a jack contact positioned in the cavity, the jack contact comprising: 
 at least a first end region extending about at least a first portion of the axis; 
 a contact region extending towards the axis from the first end region to a free end of the contact region, wherein the contact region is operative to contact a first conductive region of the plug and deflect away from the axis when the plug is inserted into the cavity; and 
 a tab coupled to the enclosure, wherein: 
 the first end region extends about the first portion of the axis between a first edge of the first end region and a second edge of the first end region; 
 an opening extends about the remaining portion of the axis between the first edge of the first end region and the second edge of the first end region; and 
 at least a portion of the tab is positioned within at least a portion of the opening. 
 
     
     
       14. The electrical connector of  claim 13  wherein the free end of the contact region is operative to deflect towards a portion of the first end region when the contact region deflects away from the axis. 
     
     
       15. The electrical connector of  claim 14  wherein the free end of the contact region is operative to contact the portion of the first end region when the contact region deflects away from the axis. 
     
     
       16. The electrical connector of  claim 13 , wherein the first end region extends completely about the axis. 
     
     
       17. The electrical connector of  claim 13 , wherein the contact region comprises a plurality of contact bands. 
     
     
       18. The electrical connector of  claim 13 , wherein the free end of the contact region is positioned between the first end region and the axis. 
     
     
       19. The electrical connector of  claim 13  wherein:
 the contact region forms an inner structure about at least a second portion of the axis; and 
 the first end region forms an outer structure about the at least the first portion of the axis; and 
 the inner structure is positioned between the outer structure and the axis. 
 
     
     
       20. The electrical connector of  claim 19 , wherein the outer structure is cylindrical.

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/571,240 filed Sep. 30, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,617), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to jack assemblies of electronic devices and, more particularly, to such jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Many electronic devices (e.g., media players and cellular telephones) often include a jack for transmitting information to and/or receiving information from a corresponding plug of a component coupled to the device. For example, many electronic devices include an audio jack into which an audio plug from a set of headphones can be inserted for transferring signals between the electronic device and the headphones. Such jacks often include one or more conductive pads operative to contact a respective plug contact portion or region to provide an electrical path through which signals (e.g., audio signals, power signals, and data signals) can be transferred. The conductive pads of the jack typically can be formed from stamped sheet metal and can be shaped to ensure electrical contact and retention when a plug is inserted in the jack. For example, a commonly used shape for conductive pads of a jack includes, for example, cantilever beams extending into a cavity of the jack and operative to deflect away from a plug when the plug is inserted in the jack cavity. 
     These cantilever beams, however, can take up large amounts of space within the jack assembly. In particular, a cantilever beam can require a substantial minimum length for ensuring that the force generated by the beam deflection is sufficient to maintain the beam in contact with a plug contact portion. Moreover, one end of the beam must be physically fixed to the jack assembly defining the jack cavity, which may often require significant real estate of the assembly. Additionally, the cantilever beam may provide only one region of contact with a respective plug contact portion. If this single region of contact is no longer maintained by the beam, the connection between the jack and that portion of the plug may be lost. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts and methods for creating the same are provided. 
     According to some embodiments, an electrical connector is provided. The connector may include an enclosure defining a cavity with a longitudinal axis for receiving an electrical plug. The connector may also include at least a first jack contact positioned in the cavity. The first jack contact may include at least a first end region extending about at least a first portion of the axis, and a contact region extending from the first end region towards the axis. In some embodiments, the first end region of the jack contact may extend completely about the axis. The contact region may deflect and contact a first conductive region of the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity. In some embodiments the contact region may include two or more contact bands. A first contact band may contact a first portion of a first conductive region of the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity, and a second contact band may contact a second portion of the first conductive region of the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity. 
     According to some other embodiments, method for manufacturing a jack assembly is provided. The method may include manufacturing an enclosure with a cavity for receiving an electrical plug, deforming a jack contact, inserting the deformed jack contact into the cavity, and expanding the jack contact within the enclosure cavity. In some embodiments, the jack contact may include a first end region extending about a first portion of an axis, and the jack contact may be deformed by coiling the jack contact about the axis. In other embodiments, the jack contact may include a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis, and the jack contact may be deformed by reducing a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the jack contact may be deformed by twisting a first end of the tube in a first direction about the axis and twisting a second end of the tube in a second direction about the axis that is opposite the first direction. 
     According to other embodiments, a method of manufacturing a jack contact is provided. The method may include providing a sheet of material having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. A contact region of the sheet positioned between the top edge and a first end region may be deflected. The method may also include rolling the left edge towards the right edge about a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a second end region may be positioned between the top edge and the contact region, and one or more slots may be formed through the contact region from the first end region to the second end region. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of a system including an accessory device having a plug assembly and an electronic device having a jack assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the jack assembly of  FIG. 1 , taken from line II-II of  FIG. 1 , with the plug assembly of  FIG. 1  inserted therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first portion of the jack assembly and plug assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , taken from line IIA-IIA of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top, front, right perspective view of a jack contact of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A , after a first step in a creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIG. 3A , after a second step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , after a third step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is a top, front, right perspective view of a jack contact of  FIG. 12A , similar to  FIG. 3C , but in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 , similar to  FIG. 2 , but with jack contacts in various stages of insertion, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first portion of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A  and  4 , taken from line IVA-IVA of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second portion of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A ,  4 , and  4 A, taken from line IVB-IVB of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second portion of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A  and  4 - 4 B, taken from line IVC-IVC of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the jack assembly of  FIGS. 1-2A  and  4 - 4 C, similar to  FIG. 2 , but with jack contacts in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top, front, right perspective view of a jack contact of the jack assembly of  FIG. 5 , after a first step in a creation process, in accordance with some other embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIG. 5A , after a second step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , after a third step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIGS. 5A-5C , after a fourth step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top, front, right perspective view of a jack contact, after a first step in a creation process, in accordance with yet some other embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIG. 6A , after a second step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a top, front, right perspective view of the jack contact of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , after a third step in the creation process, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6D  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the jack contact of  FIGS. 6A-6C , taken from line VID-VID of  FIG. 6C , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts and methods for creating the same are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6D . 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative communication system  1  that may include an accessory device  90  having a connector plug assembly  94  and an electronic device  100  having a connector jack assembly  102  configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
     Electronic device  100  can include any suitable electronic device capable of communicating signals through jack  102  with another device (e.g., accessory device  90  through plug  94 ). The term “electronic device” can include, but is not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, domestic appliances, transportation vehicle instruments, musical instruments, calculators, cellular telephones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, remote controls, pagers, computers (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, etc.), monitors, televisions, stereo equipment, set up boxes, set-top boxes, boom boxes, modems, routers, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to playing music) and, in other embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that plays music, displays video, stores pictures, and receives and transmits telephone calls). 
     Electronic device  100  may generally be any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature electronic device having a jack assembly. Miniature electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held personal media devices, such as an iPod™ Shuffle available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can be integrated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable at all. 
     Along with at least one connector jack assembly  102 , electronic device  100  may also include one or more electronic components configured to receive signals from jack  102  (e.g., signals communicated to jack  102  from plug  94 ) and/or to transmit signals to jack  102  (e.g., signals to be communicated by jack  102  to plug  94 ). For example, device  100  may include an input component (see, e.g., input component  170  of  FIG. 1 ) that can allow a user to manipulate at least one function of the device, at least one output component (see, e.g., output component  180  of  FIG. 1 ) that can provide the user with valuable device generated information, and at least one protective housing (see, e.g., housing  190  of  FIG. 1 ) that can at least partially enclose jack  102 , the one or more input components, and/or the one or more output components of the device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, housing  190  of device  100  can be hexahedral and may include a bottom wall  192 , a top wall (not shown) opposite bottom wall  192 , a right side wall  194 , a left side wall (not shown) opposite right side wall  194 , a front wall  196 , and a back wall (not shown) opposite front wall  196 . While each of the walls of housing  190  may be substantially flat (see, e.g., right side wall  194 ), the contour of one or more of the walls of housing  190  can be at least partially curved, jagged, or any other suitable shape or combination thereof, in order to contour at least a portion of the surface of device  100  to the hand of a user, for example. It should be noted that housing  190  of device  100  is only exemplary and need not be substantially hexahedral. For example, in certain embodiments, the intersects of certain walls may be beveled, and housing  190  itself may generally be formed in any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, conoidal, octahedral, or a combination thereof, for example. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, connector jack assembly  102  may be provided at an opening  191  through bottom wall  192  of housing  190  of electronic device  100 . However, it is to be understood that jack  102  of device  100  may be provided at any portion of any wall or walls of housing  190  and not just bottom wall  192 . 
     Accessory device  90  can include any suitable device capable of communicating signals through a plug  94  with another device (e.g., electronic device  100  through jack  102 ). For example, accessory device  90  may also be any suitable electronic device, such as those described with respect to electronic device  100 , or any other suitable type of device configured to communicate with electronic device  100 . Along with at least one connector plug  94 , accessory device  90  may also include one or more electronic components configured to receive signals from plug  94  (e.g., signals communicated to plug  94  from jack  102 ) and/or to transmit signals to plug  94  (e.g., signals to be communicated by plug  94  to jack  102 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , accessory device  90  may be a headset that can include one or more ear buds  98  that may be coupled to plug  94 , either directly or through a wired path  96 . 
     Jack  102  may be configured to receive plug  94  for communicating a variety of signals including, for example, analog and digital audio signals, analog and digital video signals, power signals, control signals, other data signals, and the like, through one or more signal channels. For example, jack  102  may be configured to receive plug  94  when plug  94  is inserted into jack  102  through housing opening  191  in the direction of arrow I. One or more jack contact regions of jack  102  may be configured to electrically couple with one or more distinct plug electrical contact regions  91  of plug  94  to communicate signals through one or more respective signal channels. For example, plug  94  can be a tip, ring, sleeve (“TRS”) connector plug, which can combine a tip connector electrical contact region, a ring connector electrical contact region, and a sleeve connector electrical contact region. Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , jack  102  may be configured to receive plug  94  that may be a TRS connector including tip connector contact region  91 C, ring connector contact region  91 B, and sleeve connector contact region  91 A. 
     Plug electrical contact regions  91  of plug  94  may be electrically insulated from one another by one or more insulators  93  (see, e.g., insulator  93 A between contact regions  91 A and  91 B, and insulator  93 B between contact regions  91 B and  91 C). Plug  94  may also include a base region  95  for coupling each electrical contact region  91  to a respective wire of wired path  96 . In other embodiments, jack  102  may be configured to receive a plug  94  having any other suitable number of electrical contact regions  91 , including just one or two contact regions, or four or more contact regions, such as a tip, ring, ring, sleeve (“TRRS”) connector plug. 
     Jack  102  may be configured to receive plug  94  having any suitable form factor, including, but not limited to, a 3.5 millimeter (e.g., ⅛ inch) miniature plug, a 2.5 millimeter (e.g., 3/32 inch) subminiature plug, and a 6.3 millimeter (e.g., ¼ inch) plug. Moreover, jack  102  may be configured to receive any suitable type of plug  94  besides a TRS connector plug, such as a banana plug, an RCA plug, and the like. 
     As shown in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 4 C, for example, jack assembly  102  may include an enclosure  104  that may define a jack cavity  106 . Cavity  106  may include a jack opening  101  adjacent housing opening  191  of device  100 . A plug, such as plug  94 , may be inserted in the direction of arrow I through housing opening  191  and into cavity  106  of enclosure  104 . In some embodiments, jack enclosure  104  may be a portion of housing  190  of device  100 . For example, enclosure  104  and top wall  192  may be a single structure. Alternatively, enclosure  104  may be a separate entity that may be coupled to housing  190  or any other portion of device  100  in any suitable way, including, but not limited to, adhesive, tape, heat staking, a mechanical fastener, such as a screw, or any other approach. Enclosure  104  can be formed from a single component (e.g., molded), or from several components combined and assembled to create enclosure  104 . For example, enclosure  104  may include at least two portions, each of which may define a portion of cavity  106  (e.g., two halves which may be combined). As another example, enclosure  104  may be formed from a tubular section defining cavity  106 . Any suitable approach may be used to assemble distinct portions of enclosure  104 , including, but not limited to, adhesive, tape, heat staking, a mechanical fastener, such as a screw, or any other approach. 
     Enclosure  104  may be made out of any suitable material using any suitable manufacturing process. For example, enclosure  104  may be manufactured from a plastic (e.g., nylon), a composite material, or any other suitable material. Cavity  106  may be formed in enclosure  104  in any suitable way, including molding, cutting, or any other suitable process. 
     Jack assembly  102  may include one or more jack contacts  110  that may be operative to electrically couple one or more electronic device components of device  100  with one or more plug contact regions of a plug inserted into cavity  106  (e.g., plug electrical contact regions  91  of plug  94 ). Each jack contact  110  may be positioned with respect to enclosure  104  such that, when a plug is fully inserted into cavity  106 , each jack contact  110  may electrically couple with a respective plug contact of the plug. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , jack assembly  102  may include jack contacts  110 A,  110 B, and  110 C, each of which may electrically couple with a respective plug contact  91 A,  91 B, and  91 C of plug  94  when plug  94  is positioned within cavity  106 . 
     Enclosure  104  may be shaped to provide cavity  106  that may include one or more jack contact cavity regions  107  and one or more insulator cavity regions  109 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , each insulator cavity region  109  may be positioned between two adjacent contact cavity regions  107  or between a contact cavity region  107  and housing opening  191 . Each contact cavity region  107  may be configured to hold a respective jack contact  110 . Moreover, each contact cavity region  107  may be configured to hold at least a portion of a respective plug contact  91  when plug  94  is positioned within cavity  106 . Each insulator cavity region  109  may be configured to hold a respective portion of plug  94  extending between two plug contacts  91  or between a plug contact  91  and base region  95  when plug  94  is positioned within cavity  106 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, at least one contact cavity region  107  may have a height CH and a cross-sectional area at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length CC. Moreover, as also shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, at least one insulator cavity region  109  may have a height IH and a cross-sectional area at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length IC, which may also at least partially define the cross-sectional area of jack opening  101  and/or housing opening  191 . 
     Moreover, each jack contact  110  may be electrically coupled to at least one electronic component  175  of device  100  via at least one jack pad  120  and at least one associated wire  125 . For example, as shown in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 4 C, jack assembly  102  may include wires  125 A,  125 B, and  125 C, each of which may be electrically coupled to an electronic device component  175  and to at least one respective jack pad  120 A,  120 B, and  120 C. Moreover, at least when plug  94  is fully inserted into cavity  106 , each one of jack contacts  110 A,  110 B, and  110 C may be electrically coupled to at least one respective jack pad  120 A,  120 B, and  120 C. Therefore, when plug  94  is inserted into cavity  106 , each plug contact  91  may electrically couple with a respective jack contact  110 , which may be electrically coupled to a device component  175  via a respective jack pad  120  and wire  125 . Each jack pad  120  may be assembled and positioned in jack assembly  102  in any suitable way. For example, each jack pad  120  may be surface mounted to a portion of enclosure  104 . Therefore, when a plug is inserted into cavity  106  of jack assembly  102 , an electrical path may be created for transferring signals between each plug contact and at least one device component  175  of device  100  via a respective jack contact  110 , jack pad  120 , and wire  125 . 
     Electronic device component  175  may be any suitable electronic component of device  100  capable of receiving electrical signals from a plug coupled to jack  102  and/or capable of transmitting electrical signals to a plug coupled to jack  102 . For example, device component  175  may be a circuit board of electronic device  100 , which may provide one or more attachment points to other electronic components of electronic device  100  (e.g., input component  170  and/or output component  180  of  FIG. 1 ). Generally, most of the basic circuitry and components required for electronic device  100  to function may be onboard or coupled to the circuit board (e.g., via one or more cables, bond pads, leads, terminals, cables, wires, contact regions, etc.). Such electronic components may include, but are not limited to, a processor (not shown), a storage device (not shown), communications circuitry (not shown), a bus (not shown), and a power supply (not shown), each of which may be coupled to the circuit board, for example. In other embodiments, device component  175  may itself be such an electronic component, including, but not limited to, a processor, a storage device, communications circuitry, a bus, a power supply, an input component (e.g., input component  170 ), an output component (e.g., input component  180 ), and the like. Each wire  125  of each jack pad  120  may be electrically coupled to a different electronic component  175  than each of the other wires  125 . Alternatively or additionally, each wire  125  of each jack pad  120  may be electrically coupled to the same electronic component  175  as each of the other wires  125  of each of the other jack pads  120 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more jack contacts  110  may be substantially cylindrical and may define a hollow tube through which a plug may be inserted. One or more portions of the jack contact defining the hollow tube may be configured to deflect when physically contacted by the plug, thereby creating one or more electrically conductive contact regions between jack assembly  102  and a plug inserted therein. 
     Each jack contact  110  may be provided using any suitable electrically conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper and copper alloys (e.g., beryllium copper, titanium copper, and copper nickel silicone), carbon, phosphor bronze, a composite material, or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, jack contact  110  may be initially formed from a substantially flat sheet of material. The sheet of material may be embossed or otherwise provided with a curved or otherwise deflectable region. Then, the sheet may be rolled about an axis such that the sheet may form an annular or partially annular tube or cylindrical structure about and along the axis. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3A , jack contact  110  may be formed from a sheet  111  having a length C, a width H, and a thickness T. Sheet  111  may be substantially flat and may be made from a single material or a combination of multiple materials. 
     Next, sheet  111  may be embossed or otherwise provided with a curved or deflected region along width H between a first edge N 1  (e.g., a top edge) and a second edge N 2  (e.g., a bottom edge) of sheet  111 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3B , sheet  111  may be provided with a deflected region  112  extending between first and second end regions  113 . Deflected region  112  may be formed to have a deflection distance E (e.g., a deflection distance E out of the plane of original sheet  111 ), which may thereby reduce the physical width of sheet  111  to reduced width HR. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3B , for example, deflected region  112  may span only a portion of reduced width HR of sheet  111  and may be flanked by end regions  113  that may not be deflected. Alternatively, in other embodiments, deflected region  112  may span substantially the entirety of reduced width HR of sheet  111  between edges N 1  and N 2  such that end regions  113  are minimal or substantially non-existent. Similarly, in some embodiments, deflected region  112  may span only a portion of length C of sheet  111 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3B , for example, deflected region  112  may span the entire length C of sheet  111  from a first edge G 1  to a second edge G 2 . 
     Next, sheet  111  may be rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical or tubular shape. For example, edge G 1  and edge G 2  (e.g., left edge and right edge) of sheet  111  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about an axis L, which may be parallel to edges G 1  and G 2 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , to form a substantially cylindrical or tubular jack  110 . 
     In some embodiments, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  111  may actually be joined to one another, such that the actual structure may be that of jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D . Edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  111  may be coupled to one another using any suitable approach, including the use of adhesives, mechanical holding features, welding, or any other process. In such embodiments, jack contact  110 ′ may form a hollow tube extending completely about axis L and extending along axis L between a first end defined by edge N 1  and a second end defined by edge N 2 . Moreover, in such embodiments, at least one portion of deflected region  112  may extend away from at least one end region  113  and towards axis L. 
     When edges G 1  and G 2  are coupled to one another, the ends of jack contact  110 ′ defined by edges N 1  and N 2  may each be completely annular or otherwise continuous about axis L. That is, each end of jack contact  110 ′ may be continuous and may define a completely annular end of the hollow tube. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3D , an end of jack contact  110 ′ (e.g., the end defined by edge N 2 ) may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length D′. In the embodiments where jack contact  110 ′ may have a completely annular end defined by edge N 2  to be of a circular shape, as shown in  FIG. 3D , for example, cross-sectional length D′ may be a diameter of the circle having a circumference defined by length C of sheet  111  (i.e., cross-sectional length D′ may be equal to length C divided by H). However, jack contact  110 ′ may have a completely continuous end defined by edge N 2  to be of any other suitable shape about axis L, such as oval, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable shape, in which case the end of jack contact  110 ′ may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by any other suitable cross-sectional length D′. An opposite end (e.g., defined by edge N 1 ), may also be of any suitable shape about axis L, such as circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, and the like. Similarly, a cross-sectional area of a jack contact at any point along the length of the contact along axis L may be any suitable shape, such as circular or triangular. 
     Alternatively, in other embodiments, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  111  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about axis L, as shown in  FIG. 3B , to form only a partially annular jack  110 . For example, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  111  may not be joined to one another, such that the actual structure may be that of jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C . Edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  111  may remain spaced from one another by an opening  117  defined by a distance O. In such embodiments, jack contact  110  may also form a hollow tube extending partially about axis L and extending along axis L between a first end defined by edge N 1  and a second end defined by edge N 2 . Moreover, in such embodiments, at least one portion of deflected region  112  may extend away from at least one end region  113  and towards axis L. 
     However, when edges G 1  and G 2  are not coupled to one another, the ends of jack contact  110  defined by edges N 1  and N 2  may each be C-shaped or any other suitable broken or non-continuous shape about axis L that may be provided with an opening. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3C , an end of jack contact  110  (e.g., the end defined by edge N 2  and opening  117 ) may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length D. In the embodiments where jack contact  110  may have an end defined by edge N 2  and opening  117  to be of a circular shape (e.g., C-shaped), as shown in  FIG. 3C , for example, cross-sectional length D may be a diameter of the circle having a circumference defined by length C of sheet  111  plus distance O of opening  117  (i.e., cross-sectional length D may be equal to the sum of length C and distance O, divided by H). However, jack contact  110  may have an end defined by edge N 2  and opening  117  to be of any other suitable shape, such as oval, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable shape, in which case the end of jack contact  110  may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by any other suitable cross-sectional length D. An opposite end (e.g., defined by edge N 1  and an opening  117 ), may also be of any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, and the like. Similarly, a cross-sectional area of a jack contact at any point along the length of the contact may be any suitable shape, circular or otherwise. 
     In some embodiments, jack contact  110  may be provided with an opening  117  in its undeformed state having an opening distance O that may be a certain proportion of length C, such that jack contact  110  may provide a tube about various sized portions of axis L. For example, opening distance O may be in the range of 1% to 10% of length C. In some embodiments, opening distance O may be in the range of 3% to 8% of length C. In some embodiments, opening distance O may be 5.5% of length C. Of course, opening distance O may be widely varied with respect to length C and is not limited to these examples. For example, opening distance O may be greater than 10% of length C or less than 1% of length C. 
     In some embodiments, rather than creating deflected region  112  before folding edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  111  towards one another, deflected region  112  may be formed after sheet  111  has been shaped into a hollow tube. Moreover, in some embodiments, rather than providing a tubular jack contact  110  with at least substantially continuous walls along axis L (i.e., along width HR of sheet  111 ) as shown in  FIG. 3D , one or more slots may be formed through sheet  111 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , one or more slots  115  may be formed through thickness T of sheet  111 . Each slot  115  may be provided at least partially along or through deflected region  112  between first edge N 1  and second edge N 2 . The remaining sheet material between two adjacent slots  115  or between a slot  115  and edge G 1  or edge G 2  may create a band portion  114  of jack contact  110 . At least a portion of each band  114  may provide at least a portion of deflected region  112 . 
     Each slot  115  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of any other slot  115 . For example, a slot  115  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width S and a length A. Moreover, each band  114  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of other bands  114 . For example, a band  114  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width W and a length A. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , for example, sheet  111  may be provided with seven slots  115  and, therefore, eight bands  114 , although any other suitable number of bands  114  and slots  115  may be provided, such as two or less, or nine or more. In some embodiments, each slot  115  may be equally spaced from one another along length C between edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  111 . Slots  115  and tabs  114  may combine to create a fine mesh like region along jack contact  110  and jack contact  110  may provide a stent like structure. Moreover, each slot  115  may be spaced from edge N 1  by a first distance B 1  and from edge N 2  by a second distance B 2 . In some embodiments, distances B 1  and B 2  may each define the length of a respective end region  113  along width H that may flank deflected region  112 , such that deflected region  112  may be defined by the length of slot  115  and, thus, band  114 . 
     Each slot  115  may be formed using any suitable process, including, but not limited to, laser cutting and the like. In some embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  115  before forming deflected region  112 , deflected region  112  may be formed after one or more slots  115  have been formed through sheet  111 . Moreover, in other embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  115  before rolling sheet  111  into a tubular structure, sheet  111  may be rolled before forming one or more slots  115 . It is to be understood that, although slots  115  are only illustrated and described with respect to jack contact  110  of  FIGS. 3A-3C , in some embodiments, jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D  may also be provided with one or more slots  115 . It is also to be understood that, although slots  115  are illustrated and described with respect to jack contact  110  of  FIGS. 3A-3C , in some embodiments, jack contact  110  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may not include any slots  115 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than forming a jack contact from a sheet  111 , a jack contact may be produced by starting with a single, unitary tube of material, and then removing selected material until only the material shown in  FIG. 3C  or  FIG. 3D  may remain. For example, laser cutting or any other suitable process may be used to remove material from a single, unitary starting tube in order to produce jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C  and/or jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D . One or more deflected regions  112  may be formed in the starting tube before and/or after material is removed from the tube. 
     The geometries of jack contact  110  may be varied based on the type of plug jack assembly  102  is to receive. For example, jack assembly  102  is configured to receive and communicate with a 3.5 millimeter (e.g., ⅛ inch) miniature plug. Therefore, in some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be formed from a sheet  111  or tube of material having a length C that may be in the range of 11.0 millimeters to 13.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, length C may be in the range of 11.5 millimeters to 12.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, length C may be about 12.0 millimeters. Of course, length C of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, length C can be greater than 13.0 millimeters or less than 11.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be formed from a sheet  111  or tube of material having a height H that may be in the range of 2.0 millimeters to 5.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, height H may be in the range of 3.0 millimeters to 4.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, height H may be about 3.5 millimeters. Of course, height H of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, height H can be greater than 5.0 millimeters or less than 2.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be formed from a sheet  111  or tube of material having a thickness T that may be in the range of 0.02 millimeters to 0.12 millimeters. In some embodiments, thickness T may be in the range of 0.05 millimeters to 0.09 millimeters. In some embodiments, thickness T may be about 0.07 millimeters. Of course, thickness T of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, thickness T can be greater than 0.12 millimeters or less than 0.02 millimeters. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be provided with a deflected region having a deflection distance E that may be in the range of 0.01 millimeters to 0.04 millimeters. In some embodiments, deflection distance E may be in the range of 0.02 millimeters to 0.03 millimeters. In some embodiments, deflection distance E may be about 0.025 millimeters. Of course, deflection distance E of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, deflection distance E can be greater than 0.04 millimeters or less than 0.01 millimeters. In some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be provided with one or more slots  115  having a slot width S that may be in the range of 0.02 millimeters to 0.08 millimeters. In some embodiments, slot width S may be in the range of 0.04 millimeters to 0.06 millimeters. In some embodiments, slot width S may be about 0.05 millimeters. Of course, each slot width S of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, slot width S can be greater than 0.08 millimeters or less than 0.02 millimeters. Similarly, in some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be provided with one or more tabs  114  having a tab width W that may be in the range of 0.02 millimeters to 0.08 millimeters. In some embodiments, tab width W may be in the range of 0.04 millimeters to 0.06 millimeters. In some embodiments, tab width W may be about 0.05 millimeters. Of course, each tab width W of jack contact  110  can be widely varied and is not limited to these examples. For example, tab width W can be greater than 0.08 millimeters or less than 0.02 millimeters. Moreover, in some embodiments, a jack contact  110  may be provided with one or more tabs  114  and slots  115  having a tab/slot length A that may be a certain proportion of width H. For example, tab/slot length A may be in the range of 70% to 90% of width H. In some embodiments, tab/slot length A may be in the range of 75% to 85% of width H. In some embodiments, tab/slot length A may be 80% of width H. Of course, each tab/slot length A may be widely varied with respect to width H and is not limited to these examples. For example, tab/slot length A may be greater than 90% of width H or less than 70% of width H. 
     As shown in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 4 C, one or more jack contacts  110  may be inserted into cavity  106  and positioned with respect to enclosure  104  of jack assembly  102 . Each jack contact  110  may provide one or more electrically conductive regions for transferring signals with a respective conductive region of a plug that may be positioned within cavity  106  (see, e.g., conductive plug regions  91  of plug  94  within cavity  106  of  FIG. 2 ). As mentioned, enclosure  104  may be shaped to provide one or more jack contact cavity regions  107  and one or more insulator cavity regions  109 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, each contact cavity region  107  may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length CC, and each insulator cavity region  109  may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length IC, which may also at least partially define the cross-sectional area of jack opening  101  and/or housing opening  191 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, the cross-sectional area of a contact cavity region  107  at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length CC may be larger than the cross-sectional area of an adjacent insulator cavity region  109  at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length IC, such that a jack contact  110  may be held within the contact cavity region  107 . 
     As mentioned, one or more jack contacts  110  may be inserted into a respective contact cavity region  107  of cavity  106 . In order to be positioned within a contact cavity region  107 , a jack contact  110  may first be deformed so as to pass through an adjacent insulator cavity region  109 , jack opening  101 , and/or housing opening  191 , at least one of which may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the contact cavity region  107 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 A, a first jack contact  110 A may be positioned within a first contact cavity region  107 A. However, in some embodiments, in order to introduce jack contact  110 A into contact cavity region  107 A, contact  110 A may first be passed through housing opening  191 , jack opening  101 , and first insulator cavity region  109 O in the direction of arrow I, which may be parallel to axis L. The size of at least one of housing opening  191 , jack opening  101 , and first insulator cavity region  109 O (e.g., length IC) may prevent jack contact  110 A from passing therethrough in its undeformed state. Therefore, jack contact  110 A may be deformed such that it may pass through housing opening  191 , jack opening  101 , and/or first insulator cavity region  109 O. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , for example, jack contact  110 A may be deformed such that the size of the end of jack contact  110 A about its longitudinal axis L may be reduced. For example, jack contact  110  including an opening between ends G 1  and G 2  (see, e.g., opening  117  of jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C ) may be coiled to reduce its cross-sectional area (e.g., the cross-sectional area of jack contact  110  at least partially defined by cross-sectional length D at the end of jack contact  110  defined by edge N 2  and opening  117 ). As shown in  FIG. 4A , for example, edges G 1  and G 2  of contact  110 A may be further rolled past one another, such that they may overlap by a coil distance V about axis L. This coiling of jack contact  110 A may reduce the cross-sectional area of contact  110 A at edge N 2  to be less than the cross-sectional area of housing opening  191 , jack opening  101 , and/or first insulator cavity region  109 O, which may be defined by cross-sectional length IC (e.g., as shown in broken line in  FIG. 4A ). 
     This coiling of each jack contact  110  from its undeformed state of  FIG. 3C  to its deformed state of  FIGS. 4 and 4A  may be accomplished using any suitable approach. For example, a gripping mechanism (not shown) may grab jack contact  110  (e.g., about one or both end regions  113 ) and may deform jack contact  110  to its deformed state. The gripping mechanism may then insert deformed jack contact  110  in the direction of arrow I, through housing opening  191 , jack opening  101 , and at least first insulator cavity region  109 O, and into the jack cavity region  107  associated with that jack contact  110 . Axis L of the jack contact may be maintained in a parallel relationship with the insertion direction of arrow I. The gripping mechanism may then release jack contact  110 , thereby allowing jack contact  110  to attempt to return to its undeformed state within its appropriate jack cavity region  107 . 
     For example, deformed jack contact  110 A may be inserted in the direction of arrow I, past the edge of enclosure  104  separating first insulator cavity region  109 O and jack cavity region  107 A (e.g., enclosure edge  105 A shown in broken line in  FIG. 4A ), to the position within jack cavity region  107 A, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A . Then, jack contact  110 A may be allowed to uncoil and attempt to return to its undeformed state within jack cavity region  107 A (see, e.g., jack contact  110 A of  FIG. 2 ). Similarly, deformed jack contact  110 B may be inserted in the direction of arrow I, past the edge of enclosure  104  separating second insulator cavity region  109 A and jack cavity region  107 B (e.g., enclosure edge  105 B shown in broken line in  FIG. 4B ), to a position within jack cavity region  107 B that is similar to the position of jack contact  110 A within jack cavity  107 A of  FIGS. 4 and 4A . Then, jack contact  110 B may be allowed to uncoil and attempt to return to its undeformed state within jack cavity region  107 B (see, e.g., jack contact  110 B of  FIG. 2 ). Moreover, deformed jack contact  110 C may be inserted in the direction of arrow I, past the edge of enclosure  104  separating third insulator cavity region  109 B and jack cavity region  107 C (e.g., enclosure edge  105 C shown in broken line in  FIG. 4C ), to a position within jack cavity region  107 C that is similar to the position of jack contact  110 A within jack cavity  107 A of  FIGS. 4 and 4A . Then, jack contact  110 C may be allowed to uncoil and attempt to return to its undeformed state within jack cavity region  107 C (see, e.g., jack contact  110 C of  FIG. 2 ). 
     In some embodiments, rather than coiling a jack contact  110  including an opening between ends G 1  and G 2  such that the ends may overlap by a coil distance V about axis L, jack contact  110  may be deformed by simply moving ends G 1  and G 2  closer together (e.g., by reducing distance O of opening  117 ). Based on the size to which jack contact  110  must be deformed and based on the size of distance O of opening  117  in the undeformed state of the jack contact, the jack contact may be deformed for insertion into cavity  106  by further rolling edges G 1  and G 2  of the jack contact towards one another about axis L, and not necessarily by rolling edges G 1  and G 2  past one another in a coiling fashion. 
     Once a deformed jack contact  110  is allowed to attempt to return to its undeformed state within a jack cavity region  107 , jack contact  110  may first uncoil to an “intermediate” state, such that edges G 1  and G 2  may be substantially adjacent one another, and such that coil distance V and distance O of opening  117  may each be substantially reduced and/or non-existent. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4B , jack contact  110 B may be in such an intermediate state. In some embodiments, this intermediate state of jack contact  110 B may provide jack contact  110 B with a cross-sectional area at edge N 2  that may be at least equal to, if not greater than, the cross-sectional area of second insulator cavity region  109 A, which may be defined by cross-sectional length IC (e.g., as shown in broken line in  FIG. 4B ). This uncoiling or expansion of jack contact  110 B from its deformed state to its intermediate state away from axis L may allow jack contact  110 B to extend past enclosure edge  105 B and, thus, further into jack cavity region  107 B. 
     Finally, when a jack contact  110  may further be allowed to change from its intermediate state to a “cavity undeformed” state within a jack cavity region  107 , jack contact  110  may further uncoil, such that edges G 1  and G 2  may separate from one another. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4C , jack contact  110 C may expand from its intermediate state to a cavity undeformed state, such that edges G 1  and G 2  may be separated from one another by an opening  119  having a distance OO. In some embodiments, this cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C may provide jack contact  110 C with a cross-sectional area at edge N 2  that may be greater than the cross-sectional area of third insulator cavity region  109 B, which may be defined by cross-sectional length IC (e.g., as shown in broken line in  FIG. 4C ). Moreover, in some embodiments, this cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C may provide jack contact  110 C with a cross-sectional area at edge N 2  that may be substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of third jack cavity region  107 C, which may be defined by cross-sectional length CC (e.g., as shown in broken line in  FIG. 4C ). 
     For example, the cross-sectional area at edge N 2  of jack contact  110 C in its cavity undeformed state may be determined by distance OO of opening  119  between edges G 1  and G 2 . In some embodiments, if cross-sectional length CC of third jack cavity  107 C is greater than or at least equal to cross-sectional length D of undeformed jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C , then the cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C of  FIG. 4C  may be equal to the fully undeformed state of jack contact  110   FIG. 3C . Therefore, distance OO of opening  119  of the cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C of  FIG. 4C  may be equal to distance O of opening  117  of the undeformed state of jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C . In such embodiments, jack cavity region  107 C may allow jack contact  110 C to expand away from longitudinal axis L to its fully undeformed state. 
     However, if cross-sectional length CC of third jack cavity  107 C is less than cross-sectional length D of undeformed jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C , for example, then the cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C of  FIG. 4C  may not be equal to the fully undeformed state of jack contact  110   FIG. 3C . Therefore, distance OO of opening  119  of the cavity undeformed state of jack contact  110 C of  FIG. 4C  may be smaller than distance O of opening  117  of the fully undeformed state of jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C . In such embodiments, jack cavity region  107 C may prevent jack contact  110 C from expanding away from longitudinal axis L to its fully undeformed state. 
     As mentioned, in some embodiments, a jack contact  110  in its cavity undeformed state may not be expanded to its fully undeformed state. Therefore, an expansion force may be exerted by at least a portion of the jack contact  110 . For example, an expansion force may be exerted by jack contact  110  in a direction away from longitudinal axis L when the deformed state of jack contact  110  reduces the distance between portions of jack contact  110  and longitudinal axis L (e.g., as described with respect to the deformed state of jack contact  110 A of  FIG. 4A ). This expansion force may hold at least one portion of jack contact  110  against another component of jack assembly  102 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 C, an expansion force in the direction of arrows FS away from longitudinal axis L may hold at least one end region  113 C of jack contact  110 C in its cavity undeformed state against side enclosure wall  103 C of jack cavity region  107 C and, thus, against at least one jack pad  120 C. 
     In other embodiments, the expansion force may be exerted by jack contact  110  in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis L when the deformed state reduces the distance of width HR of jack contact  110 , for example. Such an expansion force may also hold at least one portion of jack contact  110  against another component of jack assembly  102 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , an expansion force in the direction of arrows FU parallel to longitudinal axis L may hold at least one end region  113 A of jack contact  110 A in its cavity undeformed state against at least one of top enclosure wall  108 B and bottom enclosure wall  108 A of jack cavity region  107 A. 
     In some embodiments, the expansion force exerted by a jack contact  110  in its cavity deformed state may maintain jack contact  110  in a fixed position with respect to enclosure  103 . This may obviate the need to physically attach jack contact  110  to enclosure  104  or any other component of jack assembly  102 , for example, despite plug  94  being inserted into and removed from cavity  106 . In other embodiments, the cavity undeformed state of a jack contact may be its fully undeformed state, such that the jack contact may not exert an expansion force. In such embodiments, the jack contact may be contained, perhaps loosely, within its jack cavity region  107 . For example, enclosure edge  105  may define a lower enclosure ledge on which a jack contact may rest in its cavity undeformed state. 
     Once a jack contact  110  has been positioned within a jack cavity region  107  and has reached its cavity undeformed state, at least a portion of jack contact  110  may be electrically coupled to at least one jack pad  120 . In some embodiments, one or more jack pads  120  may be flush with an enclosure wall extending along a portion of a jack cavity region  107 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 C, a jack pad  120 C may be flush with enclosure wall  103 C of jack cavity region  107 C. Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 C, and as mentioned, an expansion force of jack contact  110 C in the direction of arrows FS may hold at least a portion of jack contact  110 C (e.g., at least one end region  113 C) in physical contact with enclosure wall  103 C of jack cavity region  107 C, and thus jack pad  120 C. This physical contact between end region  113 C of jack contact  110 C and jack pad  120 C may also electrically couple jack pad  120 C with jack contact  110 C. In some embodiments, more than one jack pad  120 C may be positioned with respect to enclosure  104  for electrically coupling with jack contact  110 C. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 C, a first jack pad  120 C may be provided flush with a portion of side wall  103 C adjacent electronic device component  175 , and a second jack pad  120 C′ may be provided flush with a portion of side wall  103 C opposite first jack pad  120 C. Both jack pads  120 C may be coupled by wire  125 C to device component  175 . 
     In other embodiments, one or more jack pads  120  may extend through an enclosure wall and by a distance into a jack cavity region  107 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 B, a jack pad  120 B may extend through enclosure  104  (e.g., through enclosure side wall  103 B of jack cavity region  107 B) and into jack cavity region  107 B. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the cavity deformed state of jack contact  110 B may hold at least a portion of jack contact  110 B (e.g., at least one end region  113 B) in physical contact with jack pad  120 B extending through enclosure side wall  103 B of jack cavity region  107 B. This physical contact between end region  113 B of jack contact  110 B and jack pad  120 B may also electrically couple jack pad  120 B with jack contact  110 B. In some embodiments, more than one jack pad  120 B may be positioned with respect to enclosure  104  for electrically coupling with jack contact  110 B. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a first jack pad  120 B may be provided through a portion of side wall  103 B adjacent electronic device component  175 , and a second jack pad  120 B′ may be provided through a portion of bottom wall  108 B′ adjacent first jack pad  120 B. Both jack pads  120 B may be coupled by wire  125 B to device component  175 . 
     An additional component may be provided between a portion of jack contact  110 B and enclosure  104  to physically couple jack contact  110 B to enclosure  104 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a physical connection component  124 B may be coupled to both a portion of side wall  103 B and a portion of jack contact  110 B. Physical connection component  124 B may be any suitable component and may be provided using any suitable process. For example, physical connection component  124 B may be an adhesive, a screw, or any other mechanical element that may be provided before or after jack contact  110 B has been inserted into jack cavity region  107 B. 
     In some embodiments, the cavity deformed state of a jack contact  110  within a jack cavity region  107  may not directly position a portion of that jack contact  110  in contact with a jack pad  120  so as to be electrically coupled to that jack pad. Rather, an additional electrically conductive component may be positioned between a jack pad and a jack contact in its cavity deformed state. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  4 A, a jack pad  120 A may be flush with enclosure wall  103 A of jack cavity region  107 A. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 2 , and as mentioned, an expansion force of jack contact  110 A in the direction of arrows FU may hold at least a portion of jack contact  110 A (e.g., an end region  113 A) in its cavity deformed state in physical contact with enclosure wall  108 A of jack cavity region  107 A. However, jack contact  110 A in its cavity deformed state may not be held in physical contact with jack pad  120 A. Therefore, an electrically conductive component  122 A may be provided between jack pad  120 A and jack contact  110 A in its cavity deformed state such that jack pad  120 A may be electrically coupled to jack contact  110 A. 
     Electrically conductive component  122 A may be any suitable conductive component and may be provided using any suitable process. For example, electrically conductive component  122 A may be solder provided during a solder reflow process before or after jack contact  110 A has been inserted into jack cavity region  107 A. In some embodiments, more than one jack pad  120 A may be positioned with respect to enclosure  104  for electrically coupling with jack contact  110 A. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a second jack pad  120 A′ may be provided to extend through enclosure wall  103 A of jack cavity region  107 A. Both jack pads  120 A may be coupled by wire  125 A to device component  175 . However, jack contact  110 A in its cavity deformed state may not be held in physical contact with jack pad  120 A′. Therefore, a second electrically conductive component  122 A′ may be provided between jack pad  120 A′ and jack contact  110 A in its cavity deformed state such that jack pad  120 A′ may be electrically coupled to jack contact  110 A. 
     As mentioned, when a jack contact  110  may change from its intermediate state to its cavity undeformed state within a jack cavity region  107 , jack contact  110  may further uncoil, such that edges G 1  and G 2  may separate from one another. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4C , jack contact  110 C may expand to its cavity undeformed state, such that edges G 1  and G 2  may be separated from one another by opening  119  having distance OO. Opening  119  of jack contact  110 C may be oriented with respect to enclosure  104  such that opening  119  may not align with a jack pad  120 , because opening  119  may not be able to electrically couple with a jack pad  120  like a material portion of jack contact  110 C (e.g., end region  113 C of jack contact  110 C). Therefore, enclosure  104  may be provided with one or more orientation tabs  135  for properly aligning each jack contact  110  within its jack cavity region  107  with one or more jack pads  120 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4C , an orientation tab  135 C may extend from enclosure side wall  103 C into jack cavity region  107 C. Orientation tab  135 C may be sized and positioned such that, when jack contact  110 C may change from its intermediate state to its cavity undeformed state within jack cavity region  107 C, at least a portion of orientation tab  135 C may fit into opening  119  between edges G 1  and G 2  of jack contact  110 C. This may orient at least one conductive material portion of jack contact  110 C in its cavity undeformed state in a specific orientation with respect to at least one portion of jack assembly  102 , such as with respect to one or more jack pads  120 C. Each jack cavity region may be provided with one or more orientations tabs  135  (see, e.g., orientation tab  135 B of jack cavity region  107 B of  FIG. 4B  and orientation tab  135 A of jack cavity region  107 A of  FIG. 4A ). 
     As mentioned, each jack contact  110  of jack assembly  102  may be positioned in its cavity undeformed state within a jack cavity region  107  of enclosure  104  and may be electrically coupled to at least one jack pad  120  when a plug  94  is inserted into cavity  106  of jack assembly  102 . Thus, at least one plug electrical contact region  91  of plug  94  may electrically couple with at least one portion of a jack contact  110  for transferring signals therebetween. However, in some embodiments, jack contact  110  may electrically couple with a plug electrical contact region  91  at multiple regions about the plug. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, multiple points or portions of deflected region  112 C of jack contact  110 C may contact and electrically couple with respective points or portions of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94 . If jack contact  110 C is similar to jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D  including no slots  115 , then deflected region  112 C may be a substantially continuous wall portion that may contact and electrically couple with a respective continuous portion of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94  that may extend about some or all of plug contact region  91 C (e.g., about axis L). Alternatively, if jack contact  110 C is similar to jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C  including one or more slots  115 , as shown in  FIG. 2A , for example, then deflected region  112 C may include one or more distinct bands  114 , each of which may be positioned about axis L and may contact and electrically couple with a respective distinct portion of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94 . 
     Moreover, each deflected region  112  may extend away from an end region  113  towards axis L and may exert a tension force against a plug contact region  91  when plug  94  is inserted into jack assembly  102  through that jack contact  110 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , when plug contact region  91 C is positioned within the hollow of jack contact  110 C, jack contact  110 C may be shaped such that at least a portion of deflected region  112 C may be deflected away from longitudinal axis L and towards enclosure side wall  103 C for accommodating plug  94 . As shown, this deflection may reduce the deflection distance E of deflected region  112 C to a shorter deflection distance EE. Consequently, deflected region  112 C may exert a tension force on plug contact region  91 C (e.g., towards axis L), which may maintain plug  94  in its functional position within jack assembly  102 . 
     In some embodiments, only a first end region  113  and a portion of deflected region  112  extending therefrom and towards axis L may be provided as a jack  110  in assembly  102 . For example, only the portion of jack  110 B above or below line Z of  FIG. 4  may be provided as a jack contact  110 . In such embodiments, only one end region  113  may be provided about at least a portion of axis L and a deflected region  112  having a free end  112 F may extend therefrom towards axis L. At least a portion of the deflected region  112  (e.g., its free end  112 F) may contact plug  94  as it is inserted through the jack contact. 
     Although  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A, and  4 - 4 C are generally described with reference to jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C , it is to be understood that jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D  may also be deformed and inserted into a jack cavity region  107  of enclosure  104 . For example, each end of jack contact  110 ′ (e.g., the first end defined by edge N 1  and the second end defined by edge N 2 ) may each be may be twisted, folded in on itself, or otherwise deformed to reduce the cross-sectional area of each end for positioning within a jack cavity  107 . 
     Jack contacts having various configurations other than those described with respect to  FIGS. 2-4C  may be provided with substantially cylindrical contact portions for electrically coupling with a plug at multiple positions. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5-5D , jack contacts  510  may be provided to include an end region  513  coupled to a deflectable region  512  having a free end. In some embodiments, like jack  110 , jack contact  510  may be initially formed from a substantially flat sheet of material. The sheet of material may be embossed or otherwise provided with a curved or otherwise deflectable region. Then, the deflectable region may be bent towards an end region. The sheet may then be rolled about an axis such that it may form an annular or partially annular tube or cylindrical structure that may be defined about and along the axis by the end region that also surrounds the deflectable region. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , jack contact  510  may be formed from a sheet  511  having a length C 5 , a width H 5 , and a thickness T 5 . Sheet  511  may be substantially flat and may be made from a single material or a combination of multiple materials. 
     Next, a portion of sheet  511  may be embossed or otherwise provided with a curved or deflected region along width H 5  between a first edge N 1  and a second edge N 2  of sheet  511 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5B , sheet  511  may be provided with a deflected region  512  extending between edge N 1  and an end region  513 . Deflected region  512  may be formed to have a deflection distance E 5  (e.g., a deflection distance E 5  out of the plane of original sheet  511 ), which may thereby reduce the physical width of sheet  511  to reduced width HRS. 
     Next, sheet  511  may be bent or hemmed substantially at the intersection of deflected region  512  and end region  513  (e.g., edge N 3  of  FIG. 5C ). For example, edge N 1  and edge N 2  of sheet  511  may be bent or otherwise folded towards one another about an axis CL, which may be parallel to edges N 1  and N 2 , as shown in  FIG. 5B , to form a substantially doubled-over structure, as shown in  FIG. 5C , which may have a hemmed height HH 5  between edge N 3  and edge N 1  and/or edge N 2 . 
     Next, sheet  511  may be rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical or tubular shape. For example, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  511  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about an axis L, which may be parallel to edges G 1  and G 2 , as shown in  FIG. 5C , to form a substantially cylindrical or tubular jack  510  defined by an outer structure provided by end region  513  and an inner structure provided by deflected region  512 . 
     In some embodiments, similar to jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D , edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  511  may actually be joined to one another (not shown). Alternatively, and similarly to jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C , edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  511  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about axis L, as shown in  FIG. 5D , to form only a partially annular jack  510 . For example, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  511  may not be joined to one another, such that the actual structure may be that of jack contact  510  of  FIG. 5D . Edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  511  may remain spaced from one another by an opening  517  defined by a distance O 5 . In such embodiments, jack contact  510  may also form a hollow tube along and about axis L between a first end defined by edge N 1  and/or edge N 2 , and a second end defined by edge N 3 . However, when edges G 1  and G 2  are not coupled to one another, the ends of jack contact  510 , which may be defined at one end by edges N 1  and N 2  and at the other end by edge N 3 , may each be C-shaped or any other suitable broken or non-continuous shape provided with an opening. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5D , an end of jack contact  510  (e.g., the end defined by edge N 3  and opening  517 ) may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length D 5 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than creating deflected region  512  before folding edge N 1  and edge N 2  of sheet  511  towards one another, deflected region  512  may be formed after sheet  511  has been shaped into a doubled-over structure. Moreover, in some embodiments, rather than creating deflected region  512  before folding edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  511  towards one another, deflected region  512  may be formed after sheet  511  has been shaped into a cylindrical structure. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, rather than providing a tubular jack contact  510  with at least substantially continuous walls along deflected region  512 , one or more slots may be formed through sheet  511 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , one or more slots  515  may be formed through thickness  5 T of sheet  511 . Each slot  515  may be provided at least partially along or through deflected region  512  between first edge N 1  and third edge N 3 . The remaining sheet material between two adjacent slots  515  or between a slot  515  and edge G 1  or edge G 2  may create a band portion  514  of jack contact  510  having a free end  514 F. 
     Each slot  515  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of other slots  515 . For example, a slot  515  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width S 5  and a length A 5 . Moreover, each band  514  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of other bands  514 . For example, a band  514  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width W 5  and a length A 5 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , for example, sheet  511  may be provided with seven slots  515  and, therefore, eight bands  514 , although any other suitable number of bands  514  and slots  515  may be provided. In some embodiments, each slot  515  may be equally spaced from one another along length C 5  between edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  511 . Moreover, each slot  515  may be spaced from edge N 2  by a distance B 5 , which may define the length of end region  513  along width H 5 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  515  before forming deflected region  512 , deflected region  512  may be formed after one or more slots  515  have been formed through sheet  511 . Moreover, in other embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  515  before hemming sheet  511  into a doubled-over structure, sheet  511  may be hemmed before forming one or more slots  515 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  515  before rolling sheet  511  into a tubular structure, sheet  511  may be rolled before forming one or more slots  515 . It is to be understood that, although slots  515  are illustrated and described with respect to jack contact  510  of  FIGS. 5A-5D , in some embodiments, deflected region  512  of jack contact  510  of  FIGS. 5A-5D  may not include any slots  515 . Moreover, it is to be understood that, although end region  513  is illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5D  to not include any slots  515 , in some embodiments, end region  513  of jack contact  510  of  FIGS. 5A-5D  may include one or more slots  515 . 
     Jack contact  510  may be inserted into a jack cavity region  107  of plug assembly  102  in substantially the same way as jack contacts  110  described with respect to  FIGS. 2-4C . Moreover, like jack contacts  110 , jack contact  510  may electrically couple with a plug electrical contact region  91  of plug  94  at multiple regions about the plug. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , multiple points or portions of deflected region  512  of jack contact  510  may contact and electrically couple with respective points or portions of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94 . If jack contact  510  is similar to jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D  including no slots  515 , then deflected region  512  may be a substantially continuous wall portion that may contact and electrically couple with a respective continuous portion of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94  that may extend about some or all of plug contact region  91 C. Alternatively, if jack contact  510  is similar to jack contact  510  of  FIGS. 5A-5D  including one or more slots  515 , for example, then deflected region  512  may include one or more distinct bands  514 , each of which may contact and electrically couple with a respective distinct portion of plug contact region  91 C of plug  94 . 
     Moreover, each deflected region  512  may exert a tension force against a plug contact region  91  when plug  94  is inserted into jack assembly  102  through each jack contact  510 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , when plug contact region  91 C is positioned within the hollow of jack contact  510 , jack contact  510  may be shaped such that at least a portion of deflected region  512  may be deflected away from longitudinal axis L and towards enclosure side wall  103  for accommodating plug  94 . As shown, this deflection may reduce the deflection distance E 5  of deflected region  512  to a shorter deflection distance EE 5 . Consequently, deflected region  512  may exert a tension force on plug contact region  91 C (e.g., in a direction towards axis L), which may maintain plug  94  in its position within jack assembly  102 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, when plug contact region  91 B is positioned within the hollow of jack contact  510 , jack contact  510  may be shaped such that at least a portion of deflected region  512 , such as free end  514 F of a band  514 , may be deflected away from longitudinal axis L and towards end region  513  of jack contact  510 . In some embodiments, this deflection may bring free end  514 F of band  514  into electrical contact with end region  513 , which may reinforce the electrical connection between plug  94 , band  514 , end region  513 , and thus a jack pad  120  (see, e.g., jack pad  120 A′ of  FIG. 5 ). 
     As another example, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , a jack contact  610  may be provided to include a cylindrical tube region  612  extending between a first edge N 1  and a second edge N 2 . In some embodiments, like jack  110 , jack contact  610  may be initially formed from a substantially flat sheet of material. The sheet of material may then be rolled about an axis such that it may form an annular or partially annular tube or cylindrical structure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , jack contact  610  may be formed from a sheet  611  having a length C 6 , a width H 6 , and a thickness T 6 . Sheet  611  may be substantially flat and may be made from a single material or a combination of multiple materials. 
     Next, sheet  611  may be rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical or tubular shape. For example, edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  611  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about an axis L, which may be parallel to edges G 1  and G 2 , as shown in  FIG. 6A , to form a substantially cylindrical or tubular jack  610  extending between ends N 1  and N 2 . 
     In some embodiments, similar to jack contact  110 ′ of  FIG. 3D , edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  611  may actually be joined to one another, as shown in  FIG. 6B . Alternatively, and similarly to jack contact  110  of  FIG. 3C , edge G 1  and edge G 2  of sheet  611  may be rolled or otherwise folded towards one another about axis L, but not joined to one another, to form only a partially annular jack  610  (not shown). However, when edges G 1  and G 2  are coupled to one another, the ends of jack contact  610 , which may be defined at one end by edge N 1  and at the other end by edge N 2 , may each be circular or any other continuous shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6B , an end of jack contact  610  (e.g., the end defined by edge N 2 ) may have a cross-sectional area that may be at least partially defined by a cross-sectional length D 6 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than providing a tubular jack contact  610  with at least substantially continuous walls along tube region  612 , one or more slots may be formed through sheet  611 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , one or more slots  615  may be formed through thickness  6 T of sheet  611 . Each slot  615  may be provided along a portion of width H 6  between first edge N 1  and second edge N 2 . The remaining sheet material between two adjacent slots  615  or between a slot  615  and edge G 1  or edge G 2  may create a band portion  614  of jack contact  610 . 
     Each slot  615  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of other slots  615 . For example, a slot  615  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width S 6  and a length A 6 . Moreover, each band  614  may have any suitable shape and size and may differ from the shape and size of other bands  614 . For example, a band  614  may be substantially rectangular and may include a width W 6  and a length A 6 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , for example, sheet  611  may be provided with fifteen slots  615  and, therefore, sixteen bands  614 , although any other suitable number of bands  614  and slots  615  may be provided. In some embodiments, each slot  615  may be equally spaced from one another along length C 6  between edges G 1  and G 2  of sheet  611 . Moreover, each slot  615  may be spaced from edges N 1  and N 2  by respective distances B 1  and B 2 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than creating one or more slots  615  before rolling sheet  611  into a tubular structure, sheet  611  may be rolled before forming one or more slots  615 . In some embodiments, rather than forming a jack contact  610  from a sheet  611 , a jack contact  610  may be produced by starting with a single, unitary tube of material, and then removing selected material until only the material shown in  FIG. 6B  may remain. For example, laser cutting or any other suitable process may be used to remove material from a single, unitary starting tube in order to produce jack contact  610  of  FIG. 6B . 
     Jack contact  610  may be inserted into a jack cavity region  107  of plug assembly  102  in substantially the same way as jack contacts  110  described with respect to  FIGS. 2-4C . Moreover, like jack contacts  110 , jack contact  610  may electrically couple with a plug electrical contact region  91  of plug  94  at multiple regions about the plug. However, in some embodiments, ends N 1  and N 2  of jack contact  610  of  FIG. 6B  may be twisted in opposite directions (e.g., about axis L) with respect to one another in order to collapse the hollow defined by tube region  612  of contact  610 . For example, end N 1  may be twisted in the direction of arrow X 1  of  FIG. 6B  and end N 2  may be twisted in the direction of arrow X 2  of  FIG. 6B , such that the hollow of the tube defined by tube region  612  of jack contact  610  may be at least partially collapsed about axis L, as shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D , for example. 
     This twisting of the ends of jack contact  610  may reduce the length of jack contact  610  from length H 6  to a length HR 6 . This twisted configuration of jack contact  610  may then be inserted into a jack cavity region  107  of jack assembly  102  for receiving a plug. This may provide a jack contact with an at least partially closed or reduced tube hollow passageway when no plug is inserted therein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6D , the cross-sectional area of the hollow tube created by twisted tube portion  612  may be defined by a reduced cross-sectional length DR 6 . This reduced hollow opening may prevent debris from entering the jack assembly when not in use. Moreover, this collapsed configuration of jack contact  610  may bias jack contact  610  to exert a tension force on a plug when the plug is inserted through the narrowed hollow tube opening of jack contact  610 , which may hold the plug within the jack assembly. 
     In some embodiments, a jack contact may be formed by placing electrically conductive material onto a sheet of deformable foam. For example, each one of sheets  111 ,  511 , and  611  may include a layer of foam material. Then electrically conductive material (e.g., metallic leads) may be formed (e.g., electroformed) onto a surface of the foam material. Next, excess conductive material may be removed (e.g., etched) from the foam surface. The remaining conductive material may form a pattern similar to that of sheet  111  of  FIG. 3A , sheet  511  of  FIG. 5A , and/or sheet  611  of  FIG. 6A . A portion or the entirety of the foam layer adorned with this conductive structure may then be deflected, rolled, folded, and/or otherwise structurally manipulated to form a hollow jack contact having multiple contact regions for receiving and electrically coupling with a plug as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6D . The foam may be any suitable compliant and/or expandable foam material that may create a hollow jack contact with a hollow opening that can close or narrow when no plug is inserted therein. 
     Additionally or alternatively, one or more compliant and/or expandable foam portions may be molded or otherwise provided around one or more portions of jack contacts  110 ,  510 , and/or  610 . Such foam portions may provide one or more compliant and/or expandable portions of a jack contact while also allowing other portions of the jack contact to be exposed for electrically coupling with a plug. 
     While there have been described jack assemblies having cylindrical contacts, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “front” and “back,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “above” and “under,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the jack assemblies of the invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that, although electronic devices are described as including connector jack assemblies and accessory devices are described as including connector plug assemblies, any other suitable configuration may be possible. For example, electronic devices may include connector plug assemblies and accessory devices may include connector jack assemblies of the invention. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120206
Publication Date: 20130219
Grant Date: 20130219
Priority Date: 20090930
Inventors: JOL ERIC S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2105/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2105/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49185", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49185", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43780885