Power adapter cord having locking connector
First Claim
1. A power adapter cord for electrically coupling an electronic item of merchandise to an external source of electrical power, comprising:
- a cable containing at least one conductor for providing an electrical power signal to the electronic item of merchandise from the external source of power, the cable having a first connector at one end configured to engage a corresponding connector of a power input port provided on the electronic item of merchandise in a mechanical and electrical connection;
wherein the first connector defines a mechanical and electrical connection with the corresponding connector having a connector extraction force that is greater than about 26 N (5.85 lbs-force) and less than about 40 N (9.0 lbs-force).
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power adapter cord for providing electrical power to an electronic item of merchandise from an external source of electrical power includes a cable containing at least one conductor and having a connector at one end configured to lock into a corresponding connector of a power input port provided on the item of merchandise. The connector and the corresponding connector define a mechanical and electrical connection having a connector extraction force greater than the connector extraction force of a standard connector of the same type. Accordingly, the connector prevents accidental or malicious removal of the connector from the power input port and/or discourages theft of the item of merchandise because the connector cannot be forcibly removed without damaging the corresponding connector and thereby rendering the item of merchandise inoperable. In exemplary embodiments, the connector is a modified micro-USB plug.
154 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A power adapter cord for electrically coupling an electronic item of merchandise to an external source of electrical power, comprising:
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a cable containing at least one conductor for providing an electrical power signal to the electronic item of merchandise from the external source of power, the cable having a first connector at one end configured to engage a corresponding connector of a power input port provided on the electronic item of merchandise in a mechanical and electrical connection; wherein the first connector defines a mechanical and electrical connection with the corresponding connector having a connector extraction force that is greater than about 26 N (5.85 lbs-force) and less than about 40 N (9.0 lbs-force). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A power adapter cord for electrically coupling an electronic item of merchandise to an external source of electrical power, comprising:
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a cable containing at least one conductor for providing an electrical power signal to the electronic item of merchandise from the external source of power, the cable having a first connector at one end configured to engage a corresponding connector of a power input port provided on the electronic item of merchandise in a mechanical and electrical connection; wherein the first connector comprises a male conducting portion having a pair of longitudinally-extending slots formed therein and a corresponding pair of flexible locking latches disposed within the pair of slots and biased outwardly from a surface of the male conducting portion, wherein the male conducting portion has a pair of openings formed therein configured to receive a special tool to depress the locking latches inwardly so that the first connector can be readily removed from the corresponding connector. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for electrically coupling an electronic item of merchandise to an external source of electrical power, comprising:
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providing a cable containing at least one conductor for providing an electrical power signal to the electronic item of merchandise from the external source of power, the cable having a first connector at one end configured to engage a corresponding connector of a power input port provided on the electronic item of merchandise in a mechanical and electrical connection; and connecting the first connector to the power input port such that the first connector has an extraction force that is greater than about 26 N (5.85 lbs-force) and less than about 40 N (9.0 lbs-force).
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Specification