Rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors

• US 7,066,767 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2005
• Issued: 06/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sheng-Hsin Liao
• Original Assignee: Sheng-Hsin Liao
• Inventors: Liao, Sheng-Hsin
• Primary Examiner(s): HYEON, HAE M
• Application Number:
  US11/086,454
• Publication Number:
  US 20060073725A1
• Time in Patent Office: 461 Days
• Field of Search: 439/639, 439/13, 439/11, 439/25, 439/24, 439/640, 439/21, 439/23
• US Class Current: 439/639
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/04 for network, e.g. LAN connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 35/04 Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members

Abstract

A rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors includes a main body, a first electrical connector, a plurality of second electrical connectors and a conducting unit. The first electrical connector is disposed rotatably on the main body, the plurality of second electrical connectors are disposed fixedly on the main body and the conducting unit is electrically connected to the first electrical connector and at least one of the second electrical connectors. Therefore, it has a transforming function and is more convenient for a user. Moreover, its design avoids the signal lines becoming intertwined with each other when they are inserted into the adapter.

Claims

1. A rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors, comprising:

a main body;

a first electrical connector disposed rotatably on the main body;

a plurality of second electrical connectors disposed fixedly on the main body, at least one of the second electrical connectors being different in connector type from another; and

a conducting unit electrically coupling the first electrical connector to at least one second electrical connector in selective manner responsive to rotation of the first electrical connector.

2. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is integrally formed in one piece.

3. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is formed by combining a top casing and a bottom casing together.

4. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body has a circular assembly hole on a top portion thereof, the first electrical connector has a circular rotation seat under a bottom portion thereof, the circular rotation seat connects rotatably in the assembly hole of the top portion of the main body.

5. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body has a receiving space formed therein, the first electrical connector has a plurality of signal terminals;

the signal terminals are connected through a contacting portion respectively, the contacting portion is extended into the receiving space, the conducting unit is disposed in the receiving space and the conducting unit has a circuit board;

the circuit board has a plurality of lines, the lines have a plurality of first ends and second ends, the first ends of the lines are electrically connected to the second electrical connectors, the second ends of the lines are placed in a movement path of the contacting portion of the first electrical connector, when the first electrical connector is rotated, the contacting portion is selectively contacted and conducted to the lines of the circuit board, the first electrical connector is selectively electrically connected to the second electrical connectors.

6. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector is a socket, a plug or an electrical connector.

7. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector is disposed in a horizontal or a vertical manner.

8. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrical connectors are sockets, plugs or electrical connectors.

9. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body has a display light.

10. The rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector is connected to the conducting unit by a signal line.

11. A rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors, comprising:

a main body;

a first electrical connector disposed rotatably on the main body;

a plurality of second electrical connectors disposed fixedly on the main body, at least one of the second electrical connectors being different in connector type from another; and

a conducting unit electrically connected to the first electrical connector and to at least one second electrical connector;

wherein the main body has a receiving space formed therein, the first electrical connector has a plurality of signal terminals;

the signal terminals connect to a contacting portion respectively, the contacting portions are extended into the receiving space, the conducting unit is disposed in the receiving space, the conducting unit has a circuit board;

the circuit board has a plurality of lines, the lines have a plurality of first ends and second ends, the first ends of the lines are electrically connected to the second electrical connectors, the second ends of the lines are connected to a circular track of continuous annularity, the circular track is electrically connected to all of the second electrical connectors at the same time through the lines;

the circular track is placed in the movement path of the contacting portion of the first electrical connector,

the contacting portion being slidably displaceable along the circular track responsive to rotation of the first electrical connector to maintain electrical connection thereto, whereby the contacting portion of the first electrical connector is electrically connected to all of the second electrical connectors at the same time through the lines and the circular track of the circuit board.

12. A rotatable adapter device with multiple connectors, comprising:

a main body;

a first electrical connector disposed rotatably on the main body;

a plurality of second electrical connectors disposed fixedly on the main body, at least one of the second electrical connectors being different in connector type from another;

a conducting unit electrically coupling the first electrical connector to at least one second electrical connector in selective manner responsive to rotation of the first electrical connector; and

,

a display light actuable responsive to rotation of the first electrical connector to indicate a state of electrical coupling between a preselected one of the second electrical connectors and the first electrical connector.