PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7374437-B2
Application Number: US-73647507-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connection system

Abstract:
A connection system. The connection system includes a connection receptacle comprising a first component coupled to a chassis and a second component coupled to the first component. The first and second components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. According to the system and method disclosed herein, implementing the receptacle as two separate components allows for a compact connection system.

Claims:
1. A method of providing connection system, the method comprising:
 providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts and includes a second component; 
 coupling the first component directly to a chassis; 
 coupling a connection system frame directly to the chassis; and 
 coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising positioning the first component and the second component to receive a plug when the connection system is in an open position. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising collapsing the first and second components into a compact configuration when the connection system is in a closed position. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  further comprising moving the second component towards the first component such that a cavity, which is adaptable to receive a plug, contracts. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second component moves away from the first component as the connection system swings towards an open position. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second component moves away from the first component such that a cavity expands to a shape such that the cavity is adapted to receive a plug. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the second component comprises side components that overlap the first second component, wherein the side components function as guides to center the first component relative to the second component as the second component moves toward or away from the first component. 
     
     
       8. A method of providing a connection system, the method comprising:
 providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts and includes a second component; 
 coupling the first component directly to a chassis; 
 coupling connection system frame directly to the chassis; 
 coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame; and 
 collapsing the first and second components into a compact configuration when the connection system is in a closed position, wherein the first component remains in a fixed position relative to the chassis, and wherein the second component pivots toward the first component as the first and second components collapse into the closed position. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8  further comprising positioning the first component and the second component to receive a plug when the connection system is in an open position. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 8  wherein the second component moves away from the first component as the connection system swings towards an open position. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8  wherein the second component moves away from the first component such that a cavity expands to a shape such that the cavity is adapted to receive a plug. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8  wherein the second component comprises side components that overlap the first second component, wherein the side components function as guides to center the first component relative to the second component as the second component moves toward or away from the first component. 
     
     
       13. A method of providing the connection system, the method comprising:
 providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts, and includes a second component and a third component; 
 coupling the first component having electrical contacts directly to a chassis; 
 coupling connection system frame directly to the chassis; 
 coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame; and 
 coupling the third component directly to one of the first component, the second component, and the chassis. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  wherein the third component is in a fixed position as the first and second components move toward a compact configuration. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13  wherein the third component floats as the first and second components move toward the compact configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Under 35 U.S.C. §120, this divisional application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/241,578 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,129, filed on Sep. 30, 2005, entitled “Connection System,” all of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to computers, and more particularly to a connection system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Connection systems are well known and include electrical contacts that enable devices to communicate with other devices. For example, connection systems may include Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, FireWire ports, RJ-11 ports, and RJ-45 ports. 
     Mobile devices such as notebook computers are becoming increasingly thinner. As a result, connections systems need to be reduced in size to accommodate smaller form factors. A problem when reducing the size of a connection system is that the reduction is limited by the size of the largest port. For example, RJ-45 ports are relatively large and thus may be a challenge to accommodate. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is an improved connection system. The present invention addresses such a need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connection system is disclosed. The connection system includes a connection receptacle comprising a first component coupled to a chassis and a second component coupled to the first component. The first and second components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. According to the system and method disclosed herein, implementing the receptacle as two separate components allows for a compact connection system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile device that is connected to another device, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective-view diagrams of a mobile device, which may be used to implement the mobile device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective-view diagram of a connection system, which may be used to implement the connection system of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  are perspective-view diagrams of a conventional RJ-45 port, a conventional USB port, and a conventional FireWire port, which may be used to implement the RJ-45, USB, and FireWire ports of  FIG. 3 , respectively. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection system, which may be used to implement the connection system of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection receptacle of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , where the connection receptacle is in an open position, and in a closed position, respectively, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective-view diagram of a connection receptacle of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a method of providing the connection receptacle of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection receptacle, which may be used in the implementation of the connection system of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection receptacle, which may be used in the implementation of the connection system of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to computers, and more particularly to a connection system. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     A connection system is disclosed. The connection system includes a connection receptacle that is implemented as two separate components. One of the components is fixed in that it is coupled to the chassis, and the other component is rotatable or coupled to a moving mechanism. The combination of the fixed and rotating components are adapted to receive a plug when the connection receptacle is in an open position, and the fixed and rotating components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. This collapsing function enables a substantial reduction in the size of the connection system and thereby enables a substantial reduction in the form factor of a device implementing the connection system. To more particularly describe the features of the present invention, refer now to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     Although the present invention disclosed herein is described in the context of notebook computers, the present invention may apply to other types of devices, and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile device  50  that is connected to another device  52 , in accordance with the present invention. The mobile device  50  includes a connection system  60  that couples to an external cable  62 , which couples to a connection system  70  of the device  52 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective-view diagrams of a mobile device  100 , which may be used to implement the mobile device  50  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention. The mobile device  100  includes a connection system  110  that has a stowed or closed position ( FIG. 2A ) and an open position ( FIG. 2B ). When in an open position, the connection system  110  is configured to couple one or more external cables (e.g., the external cable  62  of  FIG. 1 ) to an internal cable (not shown) and/or a printed circuit board (not shown). 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective-view diagram of a connection system  120 , which may be used to implement the connection system  110  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with the present invention. The connection system  120  includes multiple connector receptacles, or ports, such as an RJ-45 port  122 , a universal serial bus (USB) port  124 , a FireWire port  126  etc.  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  are perspective-view diagrams of a conventional RJ-45 port  132 , a conventional USB port  134 , and a conventional FireWire port  136 , which may be used to implement the RJ-45, USB, and FireWire ports  122 ,  124 , and  126  of  FIG. 3 , respectively. The specific number of ports and the specific types of port will vary, depending on the specific implementation. For example, another implementation may also include an RJ-11 port (not shown). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the ports maintain their original form whether the connection system  120  is in an open or in a closed position. When the connection system  110  swings to the closed or stowed position ( FIG. 2A ), the ports (e.g.,  122 - 126 ) also swing into a stowed position such that they are flush with the mobile device chassis. Although the present invention disclosed herein is described in the context of multiple ports integrated into the connection system  120 , the present invention may apply to other configurations, and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each port (e.g., the RJ-45 port  122 ) can be separate from other ports such that a single port can be moved into open and closed positions independent from other ports. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection system  140 , which may be used to implement the connection system  110  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, the connection system  140  includes a connector receptacle  142  that is implemented as two separate components: a fixed component  144  that is coupled to a portion of the mobile device chassis  145  and a rotating component  146  that is coupled to a connection system frame  148 . In this specific embodiment, the connector receptacle  142  is implemented as an RJ-45 port. The connector receptacle  142  is accessible to a user when the connection system  140  is in an open position ( FIG. 7A ) such that an external cable (i.e., a plug of a cable) may be inserted into the connector receptacle  142 . The connector receptacle  142  is in a closed or stowed position when the connection system  140  is in a closed position.  FIG. 7B  shows the connector receptacle  142  in a partially closed position to show the movement of the rotating component  146  relative to the fixed component  144 .  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective-view diagrams of the connection receptacle  142  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , where the connection receptacle  142  is in an open position, and in a closed position, respectively, in accordance with the present invention. 
     As described above, although the present invention disclosed herein is described in the context of multiple ports integrated into the connection system  140 , the present invention may apply to other configurations, and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each port (e.g., the RJ-45 port  142 , as well as the USB and FireWire ports described below) can be separate from other ports such that a single port can be moved into open and closed positions independent from other ports. 
     The fixed component  144  of the connector receptacle  142  houses electrical contacts  150 , which provide an interconnected electrical path into the mobile device, without any required service loop, since the electrical component of the connector receptacle  142  is static. In an alternative embodiment, the connector receptacle can be positioned such that the rotating component  146  houses the electrical contacts  150 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, as the connection receptacle  142  swings towards a closed position ( FIG. 8B ), the rotating component  146  folds into the fixed component  144 . More specifically, the rotating component  146  moves toward the fixed component  144  such that a cavity  160 , which is adaptable to receive a plug, contracts. As a result, when the connection receptacle  142  is in a closed position, the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  are collapsed into a compact configuration. Accordingly, the amount of space used by the connector receptacle  142  is substantially reduced. 
     In accordance with the present invention, as the connection receptacle  142  swings towards an open position ( FIG. 8A ), the rotating component  146  rotates away from the fixed component  144 . More specifically, the rotating component  146  moves away from the fixed component  144  such that the cavity  160  expands to a shape where the cavity  160  is adapted to receive a plug. As a result, the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  are adapted/positioned to receive a plug when the connection receptacle  142  is in an open position. 
     While conventional connection systems often have hatches that cover or hide the ports, typically for cosmetic reasons, the connection system has a valuable function of stowing the connector receptacle  142  and any other mounted ports. Because the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  of the connector receptacle  142  can collapse, less space inside the mobile device chassis is required when the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  are in a stowed position. By minimizing the space requirements of the stowed position, larger ports such as standard RJ-45 ports no longer limit the potential reduction in connection systems. Accordingly, this collapsing function enables a substantial reduction in the size of the connection system and thereby enables a substantial reduction in the form factor of a device implementing the connection system. For example, a notebook computer may have a highly tapered chassis shape. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , to compensate for tolerance, the rotating component  146  has side components  170  and  172  that continuously overlap components of the fixed component  144 . The side components  170  and  172  function as guides to center the rotating component  146  relative to the fixed component  144  as the rotating component  146  moves toward or away from the fixed component  144 . This ensures that the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  are properly aligned to receive a plug. The fixed component  144  is preferably not fully fastened until the side components  170  and  172  center the fixed component  144 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a method of providing the connection receptacle  142  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 9 ,  8 A, and  8 B, together, the process begins in a step  202  where the connector receptacle  142  is provided. The connector receptacle l 42  includes the fixed component  144  and the rotating component  146 . In a step  204 , the fixed component  144  is coupled to a mobile device chassis. In a step  206 , the rotating component  146  is coupled to the connection system frame. Alternatively, the rotating component is movably coupled to the chassis. The steps  204  and  206  are not order dependent. In a step  208 , the fixed component  144  and the rotating component  146  are positioned to receive a plug when the connection receptacle  142  is in an open position. In a step  210 , the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle  142  is in a closed position. The steps  208  and  210  are not order dependent. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the position of the fixed and rotating components  144  and  146  relative to a pivot point  250  of the connection receptacle  142  are such that when the connection receptacle  142  is in a closed position ( FIG. 8B ), the rotating component  146  is substantially parallel to exposed portions of the electrical contacts  150  of the fixed component  144 . This ensures that the electrical contacts  150 , being fragile, are not damaged by the rotating component  146  when the connection receptacle  142  closes. The specific position of the pivot point  250  may vary and will depend on the specific implementation. For example, the pivot point  250  may be positioned anywhere within the connector cavity  160  as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Alternatively, the pivot point  250  may be positioned elsewhere outside of the connector cavity  160 .  FIG. 8C  is a perspective-view diagram of a connection receptacle where the pivot point  250  is positioned outside of the connector cavity  160 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the connector system also includes an integral rejection component for rejecting certain types of plugs such as RJ-11 plugs. 
     Although the present invention disclosed herein is described in the context of an RJ-45 port, the present invention may apply to other types of ports, and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the connector receptacle  142  described above would also apply to an RJ-11 port such that when the connector receptacle is in an open position, the connector receptacle is configured to receive an RJ-11 plug. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection receptacle  260 , which may be used in the implementation of the connection system  110  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate the connection receptacle  260  in an open position and in a closed position, respectively. The connection receptacle  260  functions similarly to the connection receptacle  142  of  FIGS. 7A to 9  except that connection receptacle  260  is applied to a USB port instead of an RJ-45 port. Also, in this specific embodiment, the connection receptacle  260  is implemented as three separate components: a fixed component  262  that is coupled to a portion of a mobile device chassis, an insulator post  264 , and a rotating component  266  that is coupled to a connection system frame. In one embodiment, the insulator post  264  is also coupled to the mobile device chassis or alternately to the fixed component  262 . In another embodiment, the insulator post  264  is coupled to the connection system frame or alternatively to the rotating component  266 . The insulator post  264  preferably floats as the first and second components  262  and  266  move toward the compact configuration. Alternatively, the insulator post  264  may also be in a fixed position as the fixed and rotating components  262  and  266  move towards the compact configuration. Electrical contacts may be coupled to either the insulator post  264 , the fixed component  262 , or the rotating component  266 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective-view diagrams of a connection receptacle  270 , which may be used in the implementation of the connection system  110  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate the connection receptacle  270  in an open position and in a closed position, respectively. The connection receptacle  270  functions similarly to the connection receptacle  142  of  FIGS. 7A to 9  except that connection receptacle  270  is applied to a FireWire port instead of an RJ-45 port. Also, in this specific embodiment, the connection receptacle  270  is implemented as three separate components: a first component  272  that is coupled to a portion of the mobile device chassis, an electrical post  274  having electrical contacts  275 , and a second component  276  that is coupled to the connection system frame. In one embodiment, the electrical post  274  is also coupled to the mobile device chassis or alternatively to the first component  272 . In another embodiment, the electrical post  274  is coupled to the connection system frame or alternatively to the second component  276 . The electrical post  274  preferably floats as the first and second components move toward the compact configuration. The electrical post  274  may alternatively be in a fixed position as the first and second components move toward the compact configuration. If the electrical post  274  is fixed, both the first component  272  and the second component  276  preferable move toward the electrical post  274  as the first and second components  274  and  276  move toward the compact configuration. Alternatively, one of the first and second components  274  and  276  may remain in a fixed position as the first and second components  274  and  276  move toward the compact configuration. 
     According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention provides numerous benefits. For example, the collapsing function of the connection receptacle enables a substantial reduction in the size of a connection system and thereby enables a substantial reduction in the form factor of a device implementing the connection system. 
     A connection system has been disclosed. The connection system includes a connection receptacle that is implemented as two separate components. One of the components is fixed in that it is coupled to the chassis, and the other component is rotatable. The combination of the fixed and rotating components are adapted to receive a plug when the connection receptacle is in an open position, and the fixed and rotating components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. This collapsing function enables a substantial reduction in the size of the connection system and thereby enables a substantial reduction in the form factor of a device implementing the connection system. 
     The present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and that any variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070417
Publication Date: 20080520
Grant Date: 20080520
Priority Date: 20050930
Inventors: REID GAVIN
LIGTENBERG CHRIS
ANDRE BARTLEY K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/501", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R35/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/501", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R35/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R27/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 37902469