Connection system

• US 7,374,437 B2
• Filed: 04/17/2007
• Issued: 05/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Andre, Bartley K., Ligtenberg, Chris, Reid, Gavin
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen; Gary F.
• Application Number:
  US11/736,475
• Publication Number:
  US 20070190862A1
• Time in Patent Office: 399 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/137, 439/138, 439/142, 439/660, 439/676
• US Class Current: 439/131
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/501 comprising an integral hinge or a frangible part
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• 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 connection system. The connection system includes a connection receptacle comprising a first component coupled to a chassis and a second component coupled to the first component. The first and second components are collapsed into a compact configuration when the connection receptacle is in a closed position. According to the system and method disclosed herein, implementing the receptacle as two separate components allows for a compact connection system.

Claims

1. A method of providing connection system, the method comprising:

providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts and includes a second component;

coupling the first component directly to a chassis;

coupling a connection system frame directly to the chassis; and

coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising positioning the first component and the second component to receive a plug when the connection system is in an open position.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising collapsing the first and second components into a compact configuration when the connection system is in a closed position.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising moving the second component towards the first component such that a cavity, which is adaptable to receive a plug, contracts.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the second component moves away from the first component as the connection system swings towards an open position.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second component moves away from the first component such that a cavity expands to a shape such that the cavity is adapted to receive a plug.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the second component comprises side components that overlap the first second component, wherein the side components function as guides to center the first component relative to the second component as the second component moves toward or away from the first component.

8. A method of providing a connection system, the method comprising:

providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts and includes a second component;

coupling the first component directly to a chassis;

coupling connection system frame directly to the chassis;

coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame; and

collapsing the first and second components into a compact configuration when the connection system is in a closed position, wherein the first component remains in a fixed position relative to the chassis, and wherein the second component pivots toward the first component as the first and second components collapse into the closed position.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising positioning the first component and the second component to receive a plug when the connection system is in an open position.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the second component moves away from the first component as the connection system swings towards an open position.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the second component moves away from the first component such that a cavity expands to a shape such that the cavity is adapted to receive a plug.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the second component comprises side components that overlap the first second component, wherein the side components function as guides to center the first component relative to the second component as the second component moves toward or away from the first component.

13. A method of providing the connection system, the method comprising:

providing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having electrical contacts, and includes a second component and a third component;

coupling the first component having electrical contacts directly to a chassis;

coupling connection system frame directly to the chassis;

coupling the second component directly to the connection system frame; and

coupling the third component directly to one of the first component, the second component, and the chassis.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the third component is in a fixed position as the first and second components move toward a compact configuration.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the third component floats as the first and second components move toward the compact configuration.