Patent Application
20140206224
The present invention relates generally to a cable retention apparatus and more particularly to a cable retention apparatus for plug and jack connector system utilized in with a portable communication device.
Communication devices, such as portable radios, are often utilized in conjunction with accessory devices, such as audio accessory devices. The interface between radio and accessory devices or between accessory to accessory devices oftentimes includes a cable having a plug which connects to a jack of the radio or accessory, referred to as a plug and jack interface. However, in some interface systems the cable associated with the plug may inadvertently become disconnected from the jack in response to an axial force component being applied to the cable. Cable based plug and jack systems may become disconnected as a result the cable getting caught on objects in the user's environment. For applications in which a cable based plug and jack system is being used for audio transmit and receive, the resulting loss of audio communication incurred upon disengagement of the plug from the jack can be problematic.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved plug and jack system for use with communication devices.
The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in an improved cord retention apparatus for jack and plug interconnect systems. Accordingly, the components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
Briefly, there is provided herein a cable retention apparatus for plug and jack connectors. For the purposes of this application the term plug is defined as a female audio connector, and the term jack is defined as the mating male connector. The male mating connector provides a socket within which to insert the plug. The apparatus comprises a jack housing having a plurality of cable retention hooks. The cable retention hooks prevent inadvertent disengagement of a cabled accessory from another device as well as overall cable management.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
The communication device housing 102 may comprise a radio or other accessory device and the cabled accessory 120 comprises an audio accessory device. The cabled accessory 120 may be any type of cabled audio device that couples to a communication device or another accessory. For example, the communication device housing 102 may comprise a first accessory providing a remote push-to-talk (PTT) 104 device with volume control 108, and the second accessory may comprise cabled ear buds, cabled headset, cabled microphone, cabled speaker or the like.
The jack housing portion 110 may be removable from the communication device housing 102 or may be integrated as part of the communication device housing 102. When formed as a unitary part, the jack housing portion 110 and the communication device housing 102 are molded as a single piece part.
In this embodiment, the jack housing portion 110 shows the opening of the jack 116 and the plurality of integrated cable retention hooks 114 disposed about the jack 116. The integrated cable retention hooks 114 are formed to have a predetermined distance 111 between the hook and the main adapter body and also a predetermined diameter 113 of the hook opening to enable the attachment and retention of a plurality of cable diameters.
When utilized as an individual piece part, the jack housing portion 110 may be implemented into legacy products that have a jack and plug audio interface without having to redesign the cabled accessory 120 nor the communication device housing 102.
Accordingly, there has been provided an improved cable retention apparatus. The user controllable apparatus avoids inadvertent disconnection of a plug from a jack. The jack housing 110 having integrated cable retention hooks 114 is beneficial to users of cabled accessory products, particularly the management of different devices worn about the body. Portable handheld radio products, especially body worn type devices, which may utilize several accessories can benefit from the cable management and improved robustness and safety through the minimization of loose or dangling cords. The jack housing 110 may be implemented into legacy products that utilize a jack and plug audio interface without having to redesign the communication device housing 102 or cable accessory 120.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
