Methods and apparatus for magnetically connecting electronic devices at a plurality of surfaces
First Claim
1. A connector for a mobile communications device with a housing having a front surface, an end surface and a side surface, the connector comprising:
- a recess proximate a corner of said housing;
a magnet coupling received in said recess and operable to form connections for communication with a control unit of the mobile communications device, by magnetic attraction with a plurality of other electronic devices, each adjacent one of said front surface, said end surface and said side surface, such that said magnetic attraction holds said mobile communications device and said plurality of other electronic devices in abutment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.
50 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A connector for a mobile communications device with a housing having a front surface, an end surface and a side surface, the connector comprising:
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a recess proximate a corner of said housing; a magnet coupling received in said recess and operable to form connections for communication with a control unit of the mobile communications device, by magnetic attraction with a plurality of other electronic devices, each adjacent one of said front surface, said end surface and said side surface, such that said magnetic attraction holds said mobile communications device and said plurality of other electronic devices in abutment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22)
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12. A method of connecting a mobile communication device with a first electronic device, comprising:
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positioning said mobile communication device and said first electronic device in a first configuration with side surfaces facing and adjacent one another, with a magnetic connector of said first electronic device proximate a magnetic connector of said mobile communication device; holding said first electronic device and said mobile communication device in said first configuration by magnetic attraction of said magnetic connectors; positioning said first electronic device and said mobile communication device in a second configuration with front or rear surfaces facing and adjacent one another with said magnetic connector of said first electronic device proximate said magnetic connector of said mobile communication device; and holding said first electronic device and said mobile communication device in said second configuration by magnetic attraction of said magnetic connectors. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification