CARABINER UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS HUB

• US 20080239681A1
• Filed: 03/26/2007
• Published: 10/02/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Belkin International Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: IIDA, YOKO
• Granted Patent: US 7,909,624 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/752
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/387 for adaptation of different data processing systems to different peripheral devices, e.g. protocol converters for incompatible systems, open system

Abstract

A connector hub apparatus is provided that has a carabiner clip connected to one or more portions of the apparatus. The apparatus can utilize a locking or non-locking type carabiner clip to secure the hub to a bag, belt loop, etc. for quick and easy transport of the apparatus. The hub apparatus can also be clipped around a group of wires or cables to securely fasten the hub in a position off the user'"'"'s desktop, thus freeing up desk space. In one embodiment, the hub apparatus has an integrated upstream cable and plug that folds out from the apparatus, thereby eliminating the need to carry an upstream cable with the hub apparatus when traveling.

Claims

1. A connector hub system, comprising:

a first body with a plurality of downstream connectors accessible from a surface of the first body, at least one of the plurality of downstream connectors comprising a slot for receiving a universal serial bus connector;

a second body with an upstream connector operatively coupled to the plurality of downstream connectors, the upstream connector comprising a serial connector head; and

a carabiner clip integral with the first body, the clip comprising a selectively openable gate member adapted to pivot about a clip hinge from a closed position to at least one open position;

wherein the first and second bodies are configured to be folded into at least one compact shape while retaining accessibility of the downstream connectors.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the slot is adapted to receive a serial connector head.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second bodies are connected via a cable.

4. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the second body can be extended from and retracted into the first body.

5. A connector hub system, comprising:

a first body with at least one downstream connector;

a second body with at least one upstream connector operatively coupled to the at least one downstream connector; and

a carabiner clip engaged with the first body, the clip comprising a selectively openable gate member adapted to move between a closed position and at least one open position;

wherein the first and second bodies are configured to be placed into at least one compact shape.

6. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least one downstream connector comprises a universal serial bus connector.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the universal serial bus connector comprises a slot for receiving a serial connector head.

8. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least one upstream connector comprises a universal serial bus connector.

9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the universal serial bus connector comprises a serial connector head.

10. The system as recited in claim 5, wherein the first and second bodies are connected via a cable.

11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second body can be extended from and retracted into the first body.

12. A connector hub apparatus, comprising:

a first body with at least one downstream connector;

a second body with at least one upstream connector operatively coupled to the at least one downstream connector; and

a carabiner clip connected to at least one of the first and second bodies, the clip comprising a selectively openable gate member adapted to move between a closed position and at least one open position;

wherein the first and second bodies are connected via a cable.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one downstream connector comprises a universal serial bus connector.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one upstream connector comprises a universal serial bus connector.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the universal serial bus connector comprises a serial connector head.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the second body can be extended from and retracted into the first body.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second bodies are configured to be placed into at least one compact shape.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the first and second bodies are configured to be folded into at least one compact shape.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the universal serial bus connector comprises a slot for receiving a serial connector head.

20. A connector hub apparatus, comprising:

a first portion with a plurality of downstream connectors accessible from a surface of the apparatus, at least one of the plurality of downstream connectors comprising a first slot for receiving a first serial bus connector;

a second portion with an upstream connector operatively coupled to the plurality of downstream connectors, the upstream connector comprising a second slot for receiving a second serial bus connector; and

a carabiner clip engaged with at least one of the first and second portions, the clip comprising a selectively openable gate member adapted to move between a closed position and at least one open position.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the first slot is adapted to receive a type A universal serial bus connector plug.

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein the second slot is adapted to receive a type B universal serial bus connector plug.