Multifunction connector for hand-held terminal docks
First Claim
1. An assembly of terminal docks, comprising:
- a first terminal dock connectable to a source that provides power and data to the first terminal dock;
a second terminal dock;
a first connection member spanning between the first and second terminal docks and mechanically retaining the first and second terminal docks adjacent to each other, the first connection member having a first pathway that carries the power and data between first or second terminal docks;
a third terminal dock; and
a second connection member separate from the first connection member and spanning between the second and third terminal docks, the second connection member mechanically retaining the third terminal dock adjacent to the second terminal dock, the second connect member having a second pathway that carries at least a portion of the power and data the second terminal dock received from the first terminal dock to the third terminal dock.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An assembly of terminal docks connectable to a power or data source and interconnected by a jumper connector adapted to transfer power, data, or both between adjacent terminal docks. The terminal docks are configured to carry power or data to or from a hand-held electronic device. A first terminal dock is connectable to a power source and has a first receptacle with a connector therein electrically connectable to the power source. A second terminal dock has a second receptacle and a second connector therein. A connector chip mechanically retains the first and second terminal docks immediately adjacent to each other. The connector chip also has first and second engagement members and an electromagnetic pathway extending therebetween. The first engagement member is positionable in the first receptacle of the first terminal dock so the electromagnetic pathway is connected to the first connector, and the second engagement member is positionable in the second receptacle of the second terminal dock, so the electromagnetic pathway is connected to the second connector to transfer power or data between the first and second terminal docks.
63 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An assembly of terminal docks, comprising:
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a first terminal dock connectable to a source that provides power and data to the first terminal dock; a second terminal dock; a first connection member spanning between the first and second terminal docks and mechanically retaining the first and second terminal docks adjacent to each other, the first connection member having a first pathway that carries the power and data between first or second terminal docks; a third terminal dock; and a second connection member separate from the first connection member and spanning between the second and third terminal docks, the second connection member mechanically retaining the third terminal dock adjacent to the second terminal dock, the second connect member having a second pathway that carries at least a portion of the power and data the second terminal dock received from the first terminal dock to the third terminal dock. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An assembly of terminal docks connectable to a power source and a data source, comprising:
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a first terminal dock connectable to the power source and the data source; a second terminal dock adjacent to the first terminal dock; a connection member releasably retaining the first and second terminal docks adjacent to each other, the connector being in electromagnetic engagement with the first and second terminal docks and being configured to transfer power and data signals therebetween, the connection member having a receptacle therein sized to releasably retain a selected line therein adjacent to the first and second terminal docks. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A ganging connector connectable to first and second terminal docks to hold the terminal docks adjacent to each other and to provide power and data between the first and second terminal docks, comprising:
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a first engagement member releasably connectable to the first terminal dock; a second engagement member connected to the first engagement member and connectable to the second terminal dock, the second engagement member being positioned to mechanically retain the second terminal dock immediately adjacent to the first terminal dock; and an electromagnetic pathway through and between the first and second engagement members, the electromagnetic pathway being configured to receive the power and data from one of the first and second terminal docks and provide the power and data to the other of the first or second terminal docks. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification