`{12} INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHER UNDER THE PATENT COMIPERATION TREATY (FIT)
`
`(38) World futellectaal Property Organization a
`UM
`frcoational Bureau
`
`(20) fniernalional PabRcation Number
`PCT
`(45) Entermatinnal Pabiieation Tkete
`
`13daly 2006 (13.07.2008)
`> 2000/O74348 Al
`
`
`
`ACE
`
`iM
`
`fSi) International Patent Chassificalion:
`FON FRG2F CORT}
`
`(2h)
`
`.
`.
`.
`,
`.
`(22) Internstionaf Piling Date:
`
`/
`;
`international Application Skonbers ces
`POEAUS2001/0082?
`—
`& January 2O05 46.01 2008)
`
`
`
`
`Califorsyia Oene (3s
`
`3386 Brita Avecue,
`
`US).
`OS
`Apert: Si.U VN, foseph, APO ROX 700640, San Jose,
`CA Ga CROGO CESS,
`
`
`
`{28} Biting Language:
`
`(26) Fablication Language:
`
`C3}
`
`
`for eeery
`
`CN Priority Datas
`
`ary DEKH (O7 OL 298353
`US
`
`
`
`/
`oat NE
`
`CLIMPUTER Y RE
`Capertina, Ualdifiae
`:
`
`
`CSE |inventorss3aBa
`
`C Fo
`me
`neler
`1“Rincet, » San Franci
`e atherwive
`
`
`
`
`fadivated, fe
`A). ZORBEBEORR R, Bice ORAS
`
`
`
`(84) ‘Mle: UNIVERSAL SHHIAL GUS CONNECDOR AND SOOURNT CONTPLING ARRANGHME
`
`
`Serial Hus
`& WUnstverssl
`iS?) Abstract:
`
`
`GUSH SHAY
`souks
`rapes
`arrige
`nent
`
`
`
`
`io for misting whh a Uebrversal Seria!
`wna
`
`Rus GUSG) plug having a plug metal housing and
`
`
`ag aperture disposed in Uae oclug metal housing.
`
`
`inet
`
`Inclides
`a
`plug-recehving
`
`“Phe
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`honing: of the LISR ping when the USB plus
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`veeeefanncnnnnnnnrrranennnees
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`the TSR prue
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`

`

`WO WGI
`
`
`
`POTASHOGRE27
`
`UNIVERSAL SERIALBUS CONNECTOR AND SOCKET COUPLING
`
`ARRANGEMENTS
`
`
`BACKOROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`slancdard for commranicatian
`Universal Serial Bus (LIS) provides an intorthee
`{Para i]
`between a host and external devices. USE has enjoyed success in the marketplace due to the
`
`relatively small form faotor ofits oomnectors and Us relatively high data throughout rates
`
`
`{partionlariy for TISH v2.0). Further, USB ts highly usertitendiy, allowing Sor plag-~and-
`x
`play connections and hol-swapsing capability (.o., allowing the LISS devicets be phigged
`
`into and removed frama boatwithoutveciictthehost to be rebooted,
`
`Para t
`‘
`
`As discussed herein, a USS host typically bas a
`#
`‘et
`e
`
`USB socket for coupling with
`a
`$
`
`an eleotronic devier Ge. s LISB device) havingavontespondiig USB plug, Hosts may
`eneinchade, but are net Hnited to deskion unils, keptop units, personal digital asselants (PDAs),
`TTR
`sdSB devices mayinchade, but
`
`gameconsoles, clectronic entertainment devioga, andhobs.
`are not Liiedto keyboards, mics, displays, printers, soannars, camera, alectronic
`
`entertalumeant devices such as digttal audio devices, removable drives, ete.
`
`Vox
`An esternal device with USB capability has at rast one USB plug. Generally,
`Pare J]
`the USB plugis configured to mate with the host via a host-eide USB socket (.c., receptacie)
`naing frotion foree, To facilitate discussion, Pig. | shows an exunpls of a USSplug and
`vacker. OnaUSS pine 100, a rectangular metal housing (02 has holes 104 located om the
`wide side of matel howsing 102.
`Located inside metal housing 102 are plug pine LNs, which
`
`reside a surface af substrate 108 G.c., tre dewwmward-facing surface due io the orientation o
`oa
`
`the USB plig in Fig, 2)
`
`On a USB socket 110, receptacle shell 112has leaf springs 114 located on the
`Fare d]
`wide side ofa rectangolar receptacle shall 112. Atthe end ofeach leafspring 104 is a tip
`yy
`2
`11S, whichis desieoned to engage with a hole 104 when plug 10is fully inserted Inte sock
`
`Lid. The contact point may also be elsewhere, suck ag on a bend on the loafspring. Inmide
`
`receptacle hell 112 are socket pins 118 residing on a substrate 120. Socket ping 119 are
`aahKr
`x
`configured to suce with plug pins 106 when LYSE plig 100 is mserted inte LISB sacket 170.
`
`Rene
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`{Para 5}
`
`Frictionfaree allows USB plig IN} to staymeted with USB socket 110.
`
`Prietionforosis created when socket ping 118 make contact with plug pins 106, Prictlon
`Sores is alsa pradaced when leaf springs Li4¢ slides along metal houging 102. Yet another
`
`source of Metion force oecurs whentips 116are lodged inside holes 104.
`
`
`A USSplus caay he protected frora axvirerenental damage by capping H with
`{Pars 6)
`a OSB cap. A USB cap may be made of plastic or rather or a similarly smitable material,
`
`typically witheat ametallic receptacle shell. The LIScap generally relies on fiction ta keep
`
`the cap engaged with the USB plug tip,
`
` tumected fot
`
`been foundthat friction Torce aloneis Insuificient In keeping some USB
`hiLhas
`{Para 7}
`devices cannostedte thelr OSB hosts or USA caps. ifthe USB devicefa rersecurely
`BR devirs may be easily cdaconnectad unintentionally, ag,
`
`whan the LSB host arel OSS devices combinetion is acckhientally bumped. Hithe USB device
`~
`isamended to be a portable dewice, the OSB device may be inadvertently separated fromHs
`%
`USB cap or from its USB host whensubjected ta movement, for oxamuie.
`
`In clther ofthe
`
`above examples, the result is an unintended and undesirable separation and/or possible loss
`
`amor damageto the USB host, the USB dovice, ar both.
`
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`{Pare 8)
`
`The invention relades, in an embodiment, to a Universal Serial Bus socket-
`SifieyaoEa oSged.gS ypfaoe roeSage?‘ane
`
`equipped arrangement (USB-SEA} configured for mating with a Universal
`lug having a phug metal housing and an aperture diapesed inthe plug metal housing.
`‘The
`x
`arrangement! inchules a phag-rocelving cavity confthenred to receive the LSB plug. The
`
`arrangement further includes 9 spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-reneiving
`os
`cavity, The spring-loaded mechanismis biased toward an interior region of the pls.ne
`receiving cavity, The apring-leadedmechanismis alse configuredta slide along the
`Ty
`comiector metal housing of the USKplugwhen the USS clue is inserted Into the plug
`receiving cavity andte movably mate with the aneriare disposed in the plug metal
`housingesoS
`in 4 terminal mating position with tive LIAR socket assembly.
`‘Ixyté
`
`AS
` anism represents aneofa spring-loaded ball and a gorinp-loadedpin
`ues oy
`inyet another embodiracnt, the Invention relates to.a Universal Serial Bus
`SH) coupling arrangement. The arrangement includes a portable UAB devices having a
`
`ih
`
`RD
`
`

`

` t
`
`Ws BRUGES
`
`USBplug. The USS shig hea thorein.a pheality of plug pins. TheSB plug alse inchades a
`nlug metal housing surundingthe plurality of plag pins, at least one surfkos af the plug
`motal housing having therein an aperture, The arrangement further inchades a USB sacket-
`iN
`equipyed srraugerent (ISB-SEA) havingthercin a plag-receivingcavity, Theplug-
`oe
`recoiving cavity includes a spring-loaded mechanismconfiguredte bias agamet fhe plag
`
`motal housme, The sprin,<3gloaded mochanismrepresents one of a spring-loaded ball and a
`spring-loaded pin. Porther, the sgring-loaded mechanismis configaredto slide alongthe
`higmetal housing when the USB plugis insested inte the phig-receiving cavity and to
`roovably mate with the anerture disposed In the plug metal housing when the USS pag is in
`
`a terminal mating position with the phig-receiving cavity,
`
`In yet another embodiment, the imwunion relates fo a Universal Serial Bas
`[Para 19}
`(USE) cousling axrangement. The arrangementdudes a USS phig having theorem a
`plurality ofpleg pins. The USB aag Includes a plug metal housing surrounding the plurality
`of phug ging, The plug mouctal housing inchuides a pair of first parallel surfaces and a pair of
`second paraiiel surfaces disposed perperuiicular to the first parallel surfaces. The surface of
`the poly of secome! parallel surfkees is grealler thom a surface of the pair af first paralls!
`surfaces. Atleast one surface afthe pair ofsecard parallel surikces haz theorem ansponte:
`‘fhe arrangement firther Inchedes a USB sacket-acuipge
`thercin a pluwreceiving cavity. The phig-reesiving cavity Inchides at least aHirst ponerally
`.
`aea feos S eeSooocooe omitu Was against the plug metal housing. The first
`curved protrusion that is spring-loe
`x3
`4
`generally crtvedd protrusion is coafigaredte slide along the plug metal housing when tus
`VSB plug is inserted inte the plug-receiving cavity arc to movably mate with the aperture
`
` ugrrtesivingcavity.
`
`T housing when the USB phig is in a termine! mating position wih
`
`is vet another embodinuay, the invertion relates to a portable electronic
`{Para 11}
`system. There js included a portable slectranic devices having & fest plug, the fst plug
`having therein a phuality af phig mins. “Phe fest phic inchales phig housing sarroumding tho
`*
`yiurality ofplug ping, at boast one surface of the plug housing having thersinan aperture.
`‘Phere ds further inchided 2 first savket-oquipped arrangement (SRA) havingtherein a plug~
`
`Ths plug-reselving cavity includes a spring-loaded mechanism configured
`
` reoviving cavity.
`
`te
`
`and
`
`The spring-loadedmechanism is ane of a spring-loaded ball
`
`ting-loaded methbanian is configured to side along the plug
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`*
`.
`Cae
`housing whenthe first plug is inserted ints the plaug-recelving aavity and te revally mate
`with the aperture disposed in the phig housing when the Sret plug fs in a terminal mating
`
`position with the phag-receiving cavity,
`
`eb
`These and other features of the present byvention will be described in mors
`(Para 12]
`datas! belowin the detalled deserystion of various ambodiroents the invention and in
`st
`nenjunction withthe following figures,
`
`RRIEP DESCRIFIYON OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`iPars 13)
`
`The present invention is Wnstrrted by way af exanple, andnot by way of
`
`Nentlation, in the figures ofthe accompanying drawings and in which Hke referencemamerais
`
`as
`
`rexamople of a priar art Wriversal Serial Bus (USB) phve and
`
`Pig. 2 showa, in accardance with an embodiment ofthe preserd Invention, &
`{Fare iS]
`USS cap. nqusenting ane type of USB sacket equipped arranger
`t USE -SEA} song
`with @ modified USE plus configured fo movably mate with a coupling mechanism in the
`
`a 1s}
`
`
`
`sel balls of fis detent assemblies of the USER-SEA eigage apertures in the LISS phaig
`
`Pig. 3 shows, inaccordance withan ambodiment ofthe invention, hawthe
`
`bousun:
`
`iPara 17]
`
`Fig. 4 shows, in accordanos with an onrbadiment of the inverr iam, Okanyile
`
`iyq 8 phig, ncladingthe ball-+recsiving aperture.
`
`iPara 18]
`
`%
`
`Mig. 3 shows, ia aocardanos withan ambodiment of the invention, a viewof
`
`the phus-raceiving cavity of a cap 500, meymesenting ay examples a LISE-SEA,
`
`fPara 19]
`
`Mig. 8 shewa, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, an inventive
`>
`S
`electromc systemthat Includes a host having 9 socket and a devine having 6 plug, the host
`
`having a sackel being coupled with the device having a phig using the generally curved
`iad
`detent mechanism and the plug aperturedisclosed herein,
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`DSTATLED DESCRIPTIONOF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
`
`Para 20]
`The present invention will mew be deseribed in detail with referencesto various
`embodimentstheres?ag Ubustraicd inthe sonomnpenying drawings. In the feliowing
`
`deseription, numerous epecitic details are set forth in order to providesa tharough
`
`understanding ofthe present byveniion. Ho will be apparent, however, lo ons ekilled im the art,
`&
`thet the present invention may be practiced without same or all afthese specific details, fn
`x
`other instances, well known process steps and/or stractures have not been described in detail
`
`in order to mot unnecessarily mbseure the preseniaventions
`
`
`Varios ainiboadiments are desorbed harainbelow, usclucing methods and
`iFara 21]
`ischnigues. ifsheule be keptin mindthai the ivsrtion might also cover articles of
`manafactare that meleles a computer readable medium on which compier-readable
`
`inetractions for orrying aad corbodiraoats ofthe lavertive technique are stored. The
`
`cormguier ssadabie snedium ory include, for example, gernionnductor, magnetic, apio-
`formsof computer readable redinrmfor storing computer readable
`
` yparatuses for practicing embodiments of the
`invention. Such apparatus may incladeciroutis, dedicated and/or programmable, in carry out
`
`tasks pertainingio embodiments of the Invention. Examples of such apparatus Inchide&
`general purpose computer arcd/or a dedicated computing device
`when appropriately
`programmed ard mey inclads a combination of a ceurgaiterfeompating device and
`dedicated/‘programmahls cironite adapted for the varicustasks pertainingto embodiments of
`
`Yu accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, there are provided
`(Pars 22)
`Mane scours coupling arrangements hetesen a Undversal Serial Ros (OSB) plug aml a USB
`socket-equimmed arrangement (ISB-SEA). The HAR plug is provided with at least onc
`ch Is conligeresl to uti with a generadly carvedprotrusion located in the plug-
`
`receiving cavity afths USR-SEA,
`
`[Pars 23]
`
`
`mS
`§ the term. is employed herein, a USBsocket-oquipped arrangement (USB~
`
`oN
`SEAY may inchule any USShost that oan save, mcall, trans ey, arubfior process data. Beside
`
`electronic Systorr
`
`tofas a USB host,a USB device stay be phiggerl info ether USB sooket—peal arrangements (UISB-SEAs}, Por example, abattery pack, winks
`
`rer typleelly thouwht of as a LISDhost, may nevertheless have a LSE socket fo allow a USh
`
`§
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`devicesto obtain battery energytherefram. As anther example, a TSR bettery charger, while
`nat typloallytheght
`crofas a USB host, muy nevertheless have a USS socket to suymely
`elenirical chatye fo a rechargesable battery within the USE device,
`Para 24]
`As aurther oxanypie, a disylay (suchas a portable or stalionary disslay
`smyploying Hanid orystal display technology or other display techuningies} my have a USB
`sachetto enable te: display to display datareceived fromthe USB desios. As another
`sy
`xaninis, a atotage device (such as a portableor stationary slovage Sevice employing hand
`
`disks or other storage technologies) may have a USB socket to enable the storagedevice to
`Sty
`
`store data received from the LAB device or to enable the storage deviceto furnish data te the
`
`
`
`QUISdevice. As another oxanrple, a remote contro] arrangement may inchudle a first portion
`
`having a USB socketformating with dhe USB phig afthe USA devices. Te ramote iteel?
`
`may commmimnicate with this first portion usinga signal-carryimg wire or vid a wireless
`
`agproach. In these.cages, ponvor and/or slants(«sg, control, audio, video, data, etc} are
`communicated between theUSB-SEAand the USB device vie one ar snare of the sncket pins
`4
`sul ane or more of the plug pins.
`
`Para 25)
`
`~
`ag another example, a cap having a UISh-lke socket may be employedto
`
`prefect the plug and fhe olag pins from environmenial cdaunege. Thus, a LSR-SEA may
`
`include ali the above examples and other arrangsraenty having a plug-receivingcavity
`
`configured to mechanically and/ar clectronicaliy mate with o LISB plap.
`
`Para 28}
`
`
`A USS-SEA maybe etter stationary or portable(c.2., capable af being&
`tS
`carried or worn by the hurmanuser). Given the rising popularity of portable LISR
`
`omertainment acd/or Genmmunication devices
`
`(aach as the popular (PODS devices, available
`
`romAppice. Computer, Inc, of Cupertine, CA}, aUSESEA, suck as a USE
`
`£ f
`
`
`inohudes aees te allow the userto weer the USS device when the USE|
`
`into the LISR-SEA.
`
`
`
`iPara 27]
`
`he
`et
`The phiuz-recciving cavity ofthe USB-SEA may represent a LISE socket
`SS
`x
`xD
`$
`are
`Bites
`heaving @ rectangular metalic housing and a socket nin-heerme substrate, The phigroosiving
`oevity afthe USE-SEA mayalso represent, for oxsregle, the recesg in a LIST cainte which
`ancy socket pins as called far bythe Industry-slanderd USB electrical and mechanical
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`{Para 28]
`
`The generally carved protrasion is designed to sasily accemenadate the intial
`
`insertion ofthe USS plug tp anditoabidealong the metal housingof the LSB pingpriorto
`
`positively engaging with the aperture, Further, the generally curved protrasion is based
`mt
`againal the metal housing of die LSB secket by a biasing mana, such as a coll sa
`ESE.
`Sagywee
`oe
`cbHerent coll springs can be mannufkehired with diff eat biasing Porers. i ig passible for a
`-
`y
`2
`USB socket to sccommeadate different LIAR devices simply by replacing ane coil spring sith
`
`anther coi spring fo achieve a higher or lower engaging/diseng
`
`Bet,
`sdoeoncouple:
`
`with the aperture in the mootal housing af the USE
`
`©, A positive
`
`VAs filly engaged ead the geserally curved protrusion
`
`{Para 30)
`
`In an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the USE plug
`
`aperinre that accepis the generally curvedprotrusion of the USB-SEA anel thestart of the
`
`glug overmoldportionG.c., the rabber or plastic molding that cam be grasped by the user} is
`
`watched with the distance bepween the generally curved protrusion of iho USE-SEA and
`
`openingofthe plig-receiving cavity oftheISB-SEAsothat when fhe USSeee is fidly
`uiserted Inia the LISB-SEAarxi the* aperture ia the LSB plug engages the gonorlly curved
`protrusion. in the USB-SEA, there
`is visually substantially no gan between the start af the
`
`phage overmotd portion ofthe USR pingand the openingof the phig-receiving cavity atthe
`~
`@
`USKE-SEA, The closing of this gap provides @ visual confirmation thatthe USB phiis
`
`az
`
`couroly mated with the USR-SEA,
`
`ee 3a}
`
`{han ambodiment, no external collar arrangement is required on or near the
`
`%oket to retract the generally eurved protrusion in cisier to facilitate insertion and fall
`engagement ofthe LISS plug and the USS-SEA. This feature enhances aser-filendliness
`
`there is spunea, auch a collar may betees small and umcomforiehle for users with lange
`
`
`HAGETS. In an embodiment, the retraction ofthe generally carved protrusion fe.g., steel ball)
`g automatic upon insertion ofthe
`USSplug ints the USB-ABAand suchautresenatic retraction
`is safficient fo allowthe fall angegement of the USB phig and the USB-SEA when the USB
`a
`glug is in He f
`nel coupling position. Purther, the retraction of the generally curved
`
`protrasion “en.steel ball} fromthe aperture on the phig is gutematic upon pallingthe LSB
`
`

`

`BER FROGTERS
`
`
`
`
`
`The featires and advantages of embodiments ofthe invention may bo better
`{Pars 32]
`understoodwith referenceto the figures and discussions that follow. Fie. 2 shows, mn
`
`3
`we. repebee
`acounlance with an coibodiment af the present brvention, a USD plug and a TSB cap, wit
`
`
` SD plus 200, ametal housing 202 & first pair af paralic! surfaces 204 is
`
`
`36 20S, Toocated oratleast one side of the
`perpendiculas' to a second pair of
`
`secured pair af parallel gurdces 206is an aperture U.e., retarmtion kale} 208. Preferably, thers
`
`
`tures 208, one on each of the two parallel surfaves 206. Laveted inside metal
`
`housing 202 are plug pine 210, which reside on top ofa substrate 212.
`
`{Para 33}
`
`On a USB cap 220, inner eap 222 has a cavity 226. A ball detent assembly
`
`224 houses a onl seuing anc a stecd ball, with tee coil spring biasing the stee] ball ox the
`
`direction inte the plug-roceiving oavily ofthe UBB-SEHA. Ball detent assembly 224 is
`
`essentially a tube with one closed end and a constricted open end that is designedto smugly
`
`captore the sies! ball in. a position suchthat at least
`
`a portion of fie steel ball protrudes from
`
`the apen end of the ball detent assembly. This arrangement is shown fi greederdetanl in Pig.
`
`3 herein.
`
`iPara 34]
`
`x
`ae
`x‘
`In a preferred embodiment, there are hwo ball detent
`heatproceasad, heat-sinked, ec.
`
`
`assemblies 224 one on each sie ofpmercap 223. Pig
`ineention, howthe steel balls of the detent assenibhes engage apertures in the TASB phip
`housing, In Fis. 3, a. steel ball 360 is disposed inaide a detent assembly JDb2. Detent
` y 302 includes a coll spring 304 thed pushes against a ball 306. In the embodiment of
`Big. 3, steel ball 3G represe ris 4 penorally onrved protrusionfor engaging with &
`
`anembodiment ofthe
`
`The cod! spring ig disposed insicix the tube, Sincethe comsteicted ondis
`
`
`
`
`dimenelaned to. smugly capture the steel ball. the steel ball may be presenie’:
`. Ball detent assermbl daringn
`
`‘There¢ are other ways that ball detent assembly 224 may be cougied
` These methods may inchide, fal are net Hetied to, ghied tn, preased im,
`7s
`
`

`

`BER FROGTERS
`
`
`
`ye
`corresponding aperture in the ISB plughousing, arel coll spring 304represents a biasing
`
`mechaniomfor INesing the generally curved protrusion against the ©.
`
`ing cavity in the USB-SEA.
`the TSE phos is inserted Into the plug-recet
`{Pare SS]
`Generally» Spring:Joaded ball 300 is configuredta bias towardthe Interior
`cavity and against a plug metal housing HIS whenthe UAB plig
`
`iving cavity ofthe USE-SEA. Thas, when the USB lug is
`
`
`
`
`«lagmotal housing 308 causes ball M6to travel outward (¢.¢
`retracts} andcornpress against coll ‘prings:364. The amcnut ofpressure that ball MkS oxerts
`3G306 from a siikiingmotion along the mot
`
`oS
`apainat coil spring 304 lessens when be
`ofthe TISB phus. “The tn
`surface of the plug fo a snapping motion as bell 306 engages with the aperture in the plug
`ors
`saatal Boag creaics 8 hamea-parceptiate tactile sensation or human-percepiible sound.
`
`Tiss bume-perceveptible tactile sensation or sound advantageously confirms, inapositive
`
`a
`samen, i the user thet a defloltive engagement between theLUSH plug and the USHA
`
`
`
`RA
`
`has boen achieved,
`
`Most advantageously, onee ball 300 snaps inte aperture 370 of the USE plug
`[Para 36]
`
` y, ASignificant arnountof forcefe requiredte disengage the USS plug fromthe USS-
`SEA since the dlsengaging foros must conyoress the spring sufficientlyto allow ball 300 te
`
`“slide out™ of fs rested position inside aperture 370. Reshould be appreciated that the amount
`
`of dsengagement force is configurable bysiroply selecting the appropriate biasing device
`
`fe.g., the coll spring} that provides the desired biasimgforce.
`
`ing oavity of the substantially no gap betweenthe
`
`3
`3 alse shows that ance the USBplug is in the terminal mating position
`
`a
`£
`rec
`ag cavity of the TIRE
`overrmold portion ofthe USB phig and the
`oe
`SEA. The dlosure ofthe gap (shown in Fig. 3 by reference punkber 322) is achieved by
`designing the LISH slug Gp, the USE‘Bing oyernohl, the aperture ix tho USE plugmetal
`
`herasing, thedepth ofthe stgtoe ving cavity aftie USE-S \, and iocation ofthe biasing
`
`
`
`
`
`ball with the appropriate dimensions. This closure advantageously provides a passive visual
`
`feedbackto the user that positive cngagement bas taken place.
`
`
`
`whment of the
`
`invention, ball 300 maybe located on cackside of
`
`hie USB-SEA. Farther, aperture 310 may be located on each side of
`A
`tras, when the USB ping is inserted inte the plue-recelving cavity
`
`atws,
`ars
`
`

`

`BER FROGTERS
`
`
`
`ofthe UISR-SEA, the ball an each of the plug-recelving cavity of theUSE-SEA mates with
`the aperture located on cach side ofthe plug retal housing,
`[Para 39}
`
`fdtacra ssSjt re,weee
`Us Inthe plog-receiving cavity af the LUISE
`
`ecrrespanding apertures in the LIAR plug housingare allernatives to, or preferably additions
`to, the price art leaf aprings‘tips and onrre
`
`ieSey leaf =
`
`corresponding holes 104 of Pos. ag the faresreqpoires te <
`
`gage the USS trom its LISB-ABA.
`
`USBE-SEA does nat have a ouctal housing (auch as ina USE oan, for exanypie), the biasing
`
`balcorrespondingapertore combination net only replaces theprior art loaf soringtip and
`
`
`corresponding hols fui iether allows the plag-reasiving cavity af LS}
`
`any material, oven reailiant materials such as seit plastic or hard ma
`positively engagingthe apertures in the phys metal housing is provicleedl by the Masing bal
`2
`and not bylos? spriztip mualdedfrom: the sure muiterial that formesthe phig-recaiving cavity
`
`ofthe USB-SEA. Suil firther, the nse af'a removable (Le.
`
`not integrally molded} biasing
`
`arrangeman, such as coil spring 304 allows the manutkehurer to erapley different call springs
`
`
`ty achieves differen. biast
`
`{Para 40]
`
`Ascordingly, iis posstble to tailor thetactile/audible feedbackte¢
`
`gustomter’s speciiisatinnzs wall as to teller the amount of force required to enga
`
`
`
`also would not have o
`
`the USB phie Than the TISB-SEA aimply
`x. the PgHeReNNG vity of the gambosainments ofthe present ive
`
`cumendiis of Masing force, This customization ability would not have been possible had the
`bigsingncobanism beer infagral G.e., henos nom-custondzabie) with the phuereceiving
`2
`a
`~
` wing of the LAS socket, This caster
`the case when the prior art leaf snring/dp is formed integral
`d the biasing mechanism beennoenepleesble, such as the cage with au
`at LISB devicesby simglyselecting different speiies during thenowhas the abilityte comfigere the same
`
`
`
`.
`
`.
`
`ebm
`
`ston
`
`ae
`
`“ritee
`
`ape
`
`.
`
`The next two figures provide the dimensions for the new LSE plug and LSB
`(Para 4h]
`
`sooket. Fig.shows, in an embodiment of theinvention, example dimensions of ihe USB
`plug, including the ballweceiving aperturs. Distance Ni, which is the Hatanoefrom start of
`
`the overmund partion of the USB pinete the center ofthe anertuns,
`
`j
`
`is about $9.96 allMinieter
`
`BG
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`with a tolerance of about O4)8 millimeter. [Hetance 404, which is the diarseter of the
`
`aperture, ig about 1a) millimeter with a tolerance of about G10 olflimeter. Distance406,
`whichis the thickness ofthe USB plug (.c., the distance between the twa wider paralfeal
`4.
`‘fh ent abeom foopew.onae @e
`Bs
`oe
`bad
`surfhoes ofthe plug metal housing), is ala 4.30
`:
`rmoulimeter. Distance 408, which is the distance from the canter ofthe aperture to ane ofthe
`3
`xX.
`2
`x.
`vides parallel surfaces of the LISHplugmetal housing, is about 2.25 millimeter with a
`
`rvith a tolerance of about 0.05
`wae
`
`toleranes of about GS millimeter.
`
`Pare a2
`
`gavity of a cap SOQ, representing an oxanmple
`
`Rory
`>
`?
`3
`AS
`<<
`Wis, J shenws, by an craboclliment af the tvention, 4 viewof the plig-recetving
`
`
`cS
`the plug-ecelvirus cavity, fore the direction of LISKpluginseriion. Phig-receiving cavity
`S02 mayhe formedofarty suitablematerial andis dimensioned to snugly ftthe USEBPE
`
`metel houging. Ball S04 is about 2 millimeter in diarneter with a OS millimeter 9
`
`inside the ping-receivingcavity. The ball 304 may be made afhighty pohshed stainless steel
`
`ancdvor may have a differant dimension depending on applications.
`
`{Prera, H3]
`‘There are many weys to apphy the coupling arrangements disclosed in
`embodiments ofthe hivestion. For an oxarage, a an embodinrent ofthe inventian, the USE
`oh.Co zre
`oeeemSos ksttos She%
`plag may be part of an clectromic
`ioe, Which is conligured to play
`oleotronically stored measic
`(.c.,MP33playes) The LISR plig may mate with aUSB capthat
`
`é8
`
`suey be coupled to a lanyard. This coupling arrangement allows the user to wear the US
`ee
`ieeemS
`ectronic entertainment device araund his neck, via the lanvard cap, without fear of
`
`Wenpected disengagement,
`
`{Para 44]
`Tn an embodiment of the invention, the electronic entertainment devicesmay
`‘
`-
`mate with a phupreceiving favs that is cempied to a human attilunent arrangement. The
`tauman atiachment arrangement (ic. armband) is eanfigured ta be worn ny the aser. Thos,
`
`the user may insert the clectronic entertainment device intc the arraband and proceed to eniay
`
`the electronic entertairunent device without fearing that the electronic ertertainment devices
`
`become disengaged from the armband throughnormal activities. For
`sample, a nunner can enjoy listening te his favorite songs playing onan MPS plever, which
`o
`
`to an armband, withoal worrying that the MP3 plaver may accidentally become
`
`disengaged,
`
`iPara 3 in an embodiment of the nrvention, the USB plug may be part of an clectronic
`image-capturing devios (La, pan scarmer}, Sinollar to theelectronic entertainment device, the
`&
`
`il
`
`

`

`BER FROGTERS
`
`
`
`
`
`Slestronie fmege-caphiring Jovice may be connected to a USB socket, which may be part of a
`lamyard cays or a Inmanattachmentarrangement (Le., armband), In either ores, the nesr may
`insert the electronic bys
`capturing device inte the LISS socket witheut fearing that the
`elootrante lmage-captering device may Wwnine ie
`e fromthe LISS aooket.
`a
`Para 46]
`Fig. & shows, in secordance with an embodinnnt ofthe invention,
`an mventive
`
`
`alsciranic ayetamthet iuchudes a host having & socks! amd a sdlevice having « plug, thehost
`heavinga socket being coupled with the device having a phig using the generally carved
`&
`detent mechanismand the plug aperture disclosed herein. The host having a socket mayak.
`represent anyelectronic or electrical aub-syst
`a display, an external hard disk, an
`
` 2: devine, a buttery puck, a charger, ote.) The devics having a plog mayvt
`representany electronic or electrical enb-system (e.g, a portable audio player, a portable
`
`video player, a portable memory device, ete.) that is configered ty be coupled te the hast via
`x
`a
`=
`oD
`the plug and the socket. As mentioned, the plug and the socket ere endowed with aperture
`4
`and detert mechaniams in the manner diseuased herein, Note that although the preferred or
`
`>z
`
`ne
`tHecinsed embodiment refers to the ISB plug and the LISB socket, itis possible that the phig
`PRES
`
`arc socket may be confignred for use withoffer protacals,
`
`Advantages offkred include a more secure method af keeping the USB plug
`iFara #7
`mated with the USB-SEA and improved tactile/visual feedback of the positive sngugernent
`2
`AS motioned, essbadbnents of the Invention offer more secure nating arrangements and
`
`requires a greater disenpapementforce to disengaue the LISB plegfromthe plug-receiving
`2
`cavity ofthe USB-SEA. Sincethe blasing mechanism(e.g., the coll spring) may beselected
`
`ta suitthe biasing and disengagement force requirernents of a particular application,
`i.o8yetPAstnge oo
`erahodiments of the present Invention allows the mancfkaotuer to efficiently cus
`
`USR-SEA to a variety of USB devices. Adlibionally, the postive“snapping”
`
`ball inte tis corresponding aperture as the USB oles is fully inserted Into the phis-receiving
`oO
`ft
`sporture offers a positivetactile arcl/ar audible feedbackto the user, giving the user 2
`x
` ve engagement has taken place. SHH further, th
`
`s that
`heightened senseof confiches
`
`%
`
`closure of dhe gap between the plag overmold and the opening af the plug-reneiving cavityof
`Fer)
`the USB-SEA provides 8| we visual feedback to the user thal positive engagement has
`
`taken place,
`
`While ibisvention has been described in terme of several embodiments,
`[Fara 48|
`there are alterations, pormetations, and eqivalents, which fall within the exe
`
`

`

`WEY BGT 388
`
`
`
`Bas
`mivention, For exarple, although the oanerally curved protrusion is disclosed in the specific
`
`cXampin as agisel ball, such generally curved protrusion may be formed af any suitably hard
`
`material, inchidingvarious Mictals snd plestics. Further, tho generally curved pratrusion. may
`
`not be balls at all, As longas the mechanismthat engages the gperiure has a sloped surlace
`#
`(which may be concave or comves} to allowe force pulling the USBplug and the USR-SEA
`apart ic “slidethe meckanisra out of the sperfare, positive
`in accordance with principles ofthe present invention are achieved, For oxanyple, a pin with
`
`arauuded ond tuny be enyoicnred in place af tie ball.
`
`{Para 4o)
`
`Asafarther example, the biasing mechaniorn can be ary alternative fo a coll
`
`apring, such as a removableleaf spring, diel provides a biasing Gace io the generally curved
`
`protrusion, Aga Auther sxamople, the biasing nuechanism does not need to be disposed In the
`
`detent mechanism of Pix, 3. Aslons as the biasing mechanism and the generally curved
`
`protrusion are atiached to the USS-SEA in somewy to allowthe seneraliv curved
`
`protrusion to aneage with the aperture in the LYSE glug housing, positive sngagement art
`
`disehgagement mr sccordance with principles of the present invention are achieved.
`
`
`As a Rather exanpis, the generally curvedprolrusion maybe made ofa
`Pars 50]
`suliahls nonmetallic material fi desired. Aa another exzarple, the metal housing SuRrowuding
`the plug pias mucy. be veplaced by another aanteble non-nudtallic housing, As a firther
`
`exanyple, the mechanismfor positively couglingte: plug to the ancket [