Rotating connector adapter with strain relief
US6612874B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R31/06
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A connector adapter that can be used to directly connect a peripheral device to a host device. The connector adapter is adjustable so as to allow selective reorientation of the peripheral with respect to the host device. The connector adapter includes a limiting mechanism that restricts the degree to which the adapter can be selectively rotated. In addition, the adapter includes an indexing mechanism that allows the position of the adapter to be locked in predetermined positions. In one embodiment, the connector adapter is partially formed from a compliant material so that the adapter can bend when submitted to an external force, and thereby resist breakage. The connector adapter may also have a physical geometry that provides additional strain relief, such as a plurality of serrations formed on the outer surface. An extension spring can be positioned within the connector adapter so as to return the adapter to substantially its original shape when the external force is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.