Movable About Axis Patents (Class 439/142)
  • Patent number: 9190785
    Abstract: An outlet type versatile adapter that can plug into a standard outlet, such as a wall outlet, power-strip outlet, extension cord outlet, etc. The versatile adapter includes the ability to rotate as much as 360 degrees even while plugged into an outlet. Further, the versatile adapter includes at least two adapters that can be removed and replaced with different types of interfaces. The at least two adapters can swivel between an expanded position and a closed or contacted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Gene Rogero
  • Patent number: 9184532
    Abstract: A socket comprising a body having an opening in which a contact-holder is housed, a cover articulated to the body and movable between a closed position in which it closes said opening and an open position in which it is raised from said opening, a yoke articulated to the body and movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the yoke having two arms which, in the lowered position, are intended to cooperate with a shoulder of a plug to retain the plug inserted into the socket, and a latch member articulated to the yoke and movable with respect to the yoke between a locked position and an unlocked position, the latch member having at least one pawl which, in the locked position, engages a corresponding seat of the body and which, in the unlocked position, is disengaged from said seat, and a cover-lock element articulated to the body and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the latch member has at least one cam portion that cooperates with the cover-lock element for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Menber's S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Crovetti, Tiziano Bianchin
  • Patent number: 9150113
    Abstract: A vehicle externally chargeable includes a power storage device, an AC/DC converter, an inlet, a first power line, at least one connector inserted in the first power line, and a second power line. To the inlet, a charging cable can be connected to transfer electric power from an external power source. The first power line is connected to the inlet and the AC/DC converter. The second power line is branched from a path that is located on the first power line and that connects the connector and the AC/DC converter to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9147960
    Abstract: To provide a connector of which cover is easily opened even when the cover is firmly fixed to a housing due to freezing, and cannot be opened by only biasing force of a spring. A connector 1 includes: a housing 2; a cover 3 pivotally supported by the housing 2, and opening and closing openings 21a, 22a of the housing 2; and a lock 4 pivotally supported by the housing 2 and keeping the cover 3 covering the openings 21a, 22a by hooking on an edge 33 of the cover 3 covering the openings 21a, 22a. The lock 4 is provided with a base 40, a pushing claw 42, and a projection 43. The connector 1 is formed so that the edge 33 of the cover 3 positioned between the pushing claw 42 and the projection 43 is overlapped with a rotation track of the projection 43.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Tsutomu Sawada
  • Patent number: 9148003
    Abstract: A housing having three side walls and a cover is provided, wherein an opening for introducing a pipe is formed in one of the side walls. The side walls are arranged in a U-shape, with the opening being provided in the side wall forming the first side thereof, and with a pipe section that aligns with the opening being connectable to the second side forming the opposite side wall thereof. The cross-section of the pipe section, in particular its diameter, is larger or smaller than the cross-section of the pipe. As a result, the pipe and the pipe section can be slid one inside the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Adensis GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Beck, Sebastian Bachmann, Ge Xiong
  • Patent number: 9126489
    Abstract: A vehicle charging arrangement includes a charging station outside of a vehicle, a charging cable, and an electric charging unit of the vehicle. The charging station can be supplied with electric power from an external alternating-current network. The charging cable is electrically connected to the charging station or can be electrically connected to the charging station. The charging cable can be electrically connected to the electric charging unit by way of a plug-and-socket connection. The charging station has six electric taps, and the charging cable has six electric lines. In order to charge the electric energy storage device, the six electric taps of the charging station are connected in the same configuration with the six electric lines of the charging cable, and the six electric lines of the charging cable are connected in the same configuration with at least four electric contacts of the electric charging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Torsten Herzog
  • Patent number: 9093777
    Abstract: Provided is a connector in which a cover is readily closed when ice is induced between a pair of shaft attachment plates by such snowfall. A connector mounted in an electric vehicle and connected to a connector of a charge cable is provided with a housing, a cover rotatably pivoted by the housing and covering an opening of the housing, a latch, and shafts. The cover is provided with a pair of shaft attachment plates and a rib arranged between the pair of shaft attachment plates. The rib extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the pair of shaft attachment plates being opposed to each other, and formed such that its tip is peaked. In the connector, even when ice is induced, rotation of the cover in closing direction allows the ice to be broken by the rib so as to readily close the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 9078348
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing utility receptacles and VGA cables at a selected location of a workstation. The apparatus has a receptacle enclosure housing and a component housing that is movably attached to the receptacle enclosure housing. The component housing can be pivoted to a horizontal position or vertical position. An elongate member is removably inserted into a first combination of through-holes to maintain the component housing in a horizontal position under the work surface of a work station. In order to orient the component housing in a vertical position, the elongate member is removed from the first combination of through-holes and the component housing is pivoted to a vertical position. The elongate member is then reinserted into a second combination of through-holes in order to maintain the component housing in the vertical position. The apparatus provides a plurality of utility receptacles and has a cable retractor and VGA switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Grandin, David Black, Michael O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 9070993
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having an insertion portion an upper part of which is opened so as to insert a connection end portion of a connection target having a plurality of contact portions, and at least one confirmation groove for viewing a tip end position of the connection end portion of the connection target inserted into the insertion portion from above, an actuator rotatably attached to the housing between an open position where the upper part of the insertion portion is opened and a closed position where the upper part of the insertion portion is covered, and a portion of the actuator which is located right above the confirmation groove of the housing when the actuator is located at the open position is cut out, and a plurality of contacts fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Yosuke Honda
  • Patent number: 9054444
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a system connector accessible at an external surface of the housing, and a hinged door to selectively expose or cover the system connector. The electronic device may also include a mechanism coupled to the hinged door that pivotally biases the door from an open position, in which the system connector can receive an external connector, to a partially closed position in which the hinged door at least partially covers said system connector. The hinged door is to slide along the housing if the hinged door is moved from the partially closed position to a fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark D. Senatori
  • Publication number: 20150140843
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly (100, 100?) includes a first cable end (1, 1?), a second cable end (2, 2?), and a cable (3, 3?) connecting between the first cable end and the second cable end. The first cable end has a first insulative body (11, 11?) and a first connecting tongue (12, 12?) extending beyond the first insulative body. The second cable end has a second insulative body (211, 211?), a third insulative body (212, 212?) extending from the second insulative body, a second connecting tongue (23, 23?) extending beyond the second insulative body, and a third connecting tongue (24, 24?) extending beyond the third insulative body. The cable connector assembly has a cover (25, 25?) covering the second cable end along a first direction. The cover is moveable with respect to the second cable end in a second, perpendicular direction to cover one of the two connecting tongues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: XIAO-GANG WU, DUO YANG, CHENG-PANG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150132978
    Abstract: The electrical connection box includes a block and a frame which accommodates the block. The block is configured to include a terminal support section which supports a relief terminal section of a bus bar in a state in which the relief terminal section of a bus bar is protruded, and a first cover support section which is provided in the vicinity of the terminal support section. The frame is configured to include an insertion hole into which the relief terminal section is inserted when the block is accommodated, and a second cover support section which is provided in the vicinity of the insertion hole. A terminal cover is rotatably supported around a shaft section, with the shaft section being interposed between the first cover support section and the second cover support section in an accommodation state in which the block is accommodated in the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki TASHIRO, Hideki KAWAMURA, Yuki KOMIYA
  • Publication number: 20150124384
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a case and a connector mechanism. The case comprises a bottom plate, a lateral plate and a pivoting base. The lateral plate is connected to the bottom plate, the lateral plate has an opening and the pivoting base is connected to the lateral plate. The connector mechanism comprises an electrical connector, a cover member and an elasticity-adjusting member. The electrical connector comprises an insulating base and a plurality of conductive terminals installed in the insulating base. A slot is formed in the insulating base and exposed to the opening. The cover member comprises a cover portion, a pivoting portion and an elastic portion all connected together, wherein the pivoting portion is positioned between the elastic portion and the cover portion while being disposed on the pivoting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Tien-Chung TSENG, Chih-Sheng CHOU
  • Patent number: 9025320
    Abstract: A housing for a computer system which can be opened at least on a first housing wall for access into the housing and wherein, on a second housing wall, an opening for an external connector plug is arranged, the housing having a covering fixture to cover the opening for the connector plug, wherein the covering fixture is operable by the first housing wall such that the opening for the external connector plug is covered at least partially when the housing is opened, and the opening for the external connector plug is not covered when the housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Technology Solutions Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Neukam
  • Publication number: 20150118875
    Abstract: A bus bar module includes: a bus bar module body section formed of an insulating material, and including an output terminal installation section on which to install an output terminal, a part of the output terminal installation section projecting, and a cover latching section provided to a tip end side of the projecting output terminal installation section; and an output terminal cover configured to cover the output terminal on the output terminal installation section, provided to the bus bar module body section using a hinge section which is provided to a base end side of the output terminal installation section, and including a cover latch section provided to a tip end side of the output terminal cover, the cover latch section being fastened to the cover latching section of the bus bar module body section when the output terminal cover covers the output terminal on the output terminal installation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Haifeng LIU, Yukihisa KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150104961
    Abstract: A motor vehicle charging inlet structure includes: a first charging socket disposed in a recess portion of a vehicle body and connected to an electricity storage unit of a motor vehicle, the first charging socket being configured to be connected to a charging connector which supplies electric power from an external power supply to the electricity storage unit; a lid configured to open and close the recess portion; and a lock member configured to, when the lid is closed, come into engagement with the lid to fix the lid in a closed state and configured to, when the charging connector is connected to the first charging socket in a state in which the engagement of the lock member with the lid is released, come into press-contact with the charging connector to fix the charging connector in a connected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Terutoshi BITO
  • Patent number: 8961204
    Abstract: An object is to provide a charge connector that can close an inner lid section and an outer lid section by one action to reliably avoid forgetting to close the inner lid section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Hara
  • Patent number: 8961203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety connector which can prevent “latch-up” of a battery management system (BMS) for managing a battery in a hybrid electric vehicle. The BMS connector requires that connectors be inserted into a connector base in a specific order. In particular, a first connector must first be inserted into a first connector insertion port to unlock a locking module disposed between the first connector insertion port and a second connector insertion port before any connector can be inserted into the second connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Wan Lee
  • Publication number: 20150037990
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base with a number of contacts, a cover pivotally mounted to the base, a pair of supporting components for mating with the cover and a pair of rail brackets for mating with the base. Each supporting component is pivotal between an opening status and a closed status relative to the base. The base is slidable relative to the rail brackets along a front-to-back direction. The cover and the pair of supporting components are mateable with each other in condition that one of the cover and the pair of supporting components pivots clockwise while a remaining one of the cover and the pair of supporting components pivots anticlockwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: ALLTOP ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) LTD.
    Inventors: Wang-I YU, Siu-Mien YANG
  • Patent number: 8926345
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting/extracting an insert type card for an electronic device using a card cover includes: a card insert slot formed in the electronic device; a card cover installed in the card insert slot; and at least one card inserting/extracting portion formed at a circumference of the card insert slot, wherein the card inserting/extracting portion includes a groove that allows an end of the card cover to be used to push the insert type card into the card insert slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyeon Kim, Jong-Yoon Lim
  • Patent number: 8921695
    Abstract: An electrical floor box cover includes a frame having a lower surface disposable on a flooring surface and a beveled upper surface. The frame defines an access opening to permit access to an electrical box. A lid is securable to the frame and movable between a fully open position in which the access opening is substantially uncovered and a closed position. A lid lifting device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid lifting device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and includes an actuating member movable by a user between a latched and unlatched position without the use of a tool. When the actuating member is moved to the unlatched position, the lid lifting device lifts at least a portion of the lid above the frame to an initial open position wherein the lid substantially covers the access opening. Movement of the lid by the user from the initial open position to the fully open position is unassisted by the lid lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20140370732
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an assembly includes at least one of a plug or a receptacle. The plug includes a first electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of first electrical contacts. The first electrical insulator includes two separable halves. The receptacle includes a second electrical insulator that isolates a plurality of second electrical contacts. The second electrical insulator may also include two separable halves. The plurality of first electrical contacts are engageable with the plurality of second electrical contacts to electrically couple the plug and receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Dale Curtis, Shawn Norton, Tom Akers, John Houston
  • Patent number: 8901419
    Abstract: A rising receptacle box assembly includes a receptacle assembly for housing receptacles and jacks. The receptacle assembly can move between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, the receptacle assembly is substantially level with a work surface on which the rising receptacle box assembly is supported, so that the receptacles and jacks are easily accessible. In the lowered position, the receptacle assembly is lowered beneath the work surface so that inserted plugs and connectors are stowed away in a recess below the work surface. Raising and lowering of the receptacle assembly can be coupled to the opening and closing of a lid of the rising receptacle box assembly. The lid may include one or more cutouts so that cables associated with inserted plugs and connectors can pass through when the receptacle assembly moves to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Marc Galasso
  • Patent number: 8894427
    Abstract: An electronic device, which may be a USB device, includes a body part that is removably connected to a cap. The body part includes a connector for plugging the device into a host computing device. The cap includes a lever part and a main part. The lever part of the cap is attached to the main part and pivots at least partially around a pivot axis. The lever part includes an anchor part on one side of the pivot axis and an unlock part on the other side of the pivot axis. The anchor part includes a hook that engages a cavity in the body part when the cap is connected to the body part. Depressing the unlock part of the cap causes the lever to pivot around the pivot axis thereby disengaging the hook from the first cavity, and thereby releasing the cap from the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vasco Data Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Maya Agreda de Ro, Rudy Waltniel
  • Publication number: 20140342589
    Abstract: A General Power Outlet (GPO) is provided having a hinged cover and integrally formed side walls forming a moisture drip line. Waterproof and electrically insulated seals protect rocker switches. Located behind pin apertures is a waterproof and electrically insulated elastomeric body having self-closing pin slots. Without inserting a plug, the elastomeric body still seals the apertures completely like a gasket. The pivot structure of the lid bevels and rounds the top of the back of the lid. This allows the top of lid to be level with the wall and the base of the body when it is fully opened at horizontal position. A wall gasket serves as a weatherproof sealer between the GPO and the wall when the invention is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: KOLEX PTY LTD
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Patent number: 8888515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket for connecting a plug in the external region of a motor vehicle, comprising a socket housing, in which a plug-receiving opening having electric contacts for plugging in a plug and establishing an electric connection is formed, and comprising a cover, which is hinge-mounted on the socket housing and closes the plug-receiving opening in the closed position of the cover and which is preloaded in the closing direction, wherein a hold-closed mechanism that increases the holding force of the cover in the closed position thereof is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Erich Jaeger GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Gary Hachadorian
  • Patent number: 8882519
    Abstract: A dust cap (100) for covering a jack recess (206) in a telecommunications jack (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dust cap (100) includes a cover portion (110) attached to a hinge base (150). The cover portion (110) is rotatable from a closed position, wherein the cover portion (110) covers the jack recess (206), to an open position, wherein the jack recess (206) is exposed. The cover portion (110) may include a securing feature (114, 116) configured to engage with the jack recess (206) to retain the cover portion (110) in the closed position. The front face (110a) of the cover portion (110) may also include a handle (112). The dust cap (100) may also include an adhesive (156) located on a rear face (150b) of the hinge base (150) that is configured to engage with a front face (204) of the telecommunications jack (200) to secure the dust cap (100) to the telecommunications jack (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon John White
  • Patent number: 8827725
    Abstract: A card reader is disposed in a case body of an electronic device for connecting an electronic card. The card reader includes an electrical connection socket, at least one guiding member, at least one guiding rail and a cover. The electrical connection socket is disposed in the case body for inserting an electrical connector of the electronic card thereinto. The guiding member is disposed in the case body and provides a guiding slot extending along a guiding direction. The guiding direction is parallel to a direction in which the electrical connector is inserted into the electrical connection socket. The guiding rail includes a sliding portion sliding in the guiding slot and a lower support portion extending from the sliding portion for guiding the electronic card to pass through the insertion hole of the case body. The cover is pivoted to the guiding rail and for closing the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 8790131
    Abstract: A utility receptacle apparatus for use with an article of furniture having a work surface and an opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral portion and an opening. The bottom side has a structure that fits into an opening in the work surface. The peripheral portion contacts the work surface when the structure is disposed within the opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle base member that is configured to be attached to the underside of a work surface of the article of furniture. A utility receptacle is located on the receptacle base member at a predetermined location so that the utility receptacle is accessible through the openings in the work surface and grommet member when the receptacle base member is attached to the underside of the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Black, Robert A. Love
  • Publication number: 20140206211
    Abstract: Coupling system housings including a receptacle housing with a domed protective door and a male coupler housing that may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door are disclosed. The receptacle housing may be mounted in a receiving structure. The receptacle housing is configured with a dome-shaped door that conceals and protects the connectors of an assembled receptacle when in the closed position. The receptacle housing also includes a biasing mechanism that urges the door to a closed position and maintains the door in its closed position when a male coupler is not mated to the receptacle. The male coupler housing is configured with an ergonomic handle suitable for one handed operation of the male coupler. The male coupler housing may be used to actuate the receptacle housing door during insertion and mating of and assembled male coupler to an assembled receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Hypertronics Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Coughlan, David E. Salomon, Arkady Shinder-Lerner, Eric R. Stauble
  • Patent number: 8770860
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes: a plug (10) including a body (11), an insert (12) and contacts (13) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a first closure valve (15) positioned radially on the plug, a socket (20) including a body (21), a spacer (27), an insert (22) and contacts (23) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a second closure valve (25) positioned radially on the socket, the body (11) of the plug being capable of getting inserted into the body (21) of the socket during a coupling, providing for a connection of the contacts (13) of the plug with the contacts of the socket, the first and second closure valves being capable of pivoting simultaneously and getting housed inside the plug and the socket during the coupling of the plug and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Souriau
    Inventors: Ronan Affre De Saint Rome, Alain Philippe
  • Patent number: 8760857
    Abstract: An exemplary USB device includes a base including a body and a pair of arms extending from the body, a head rotatably positioned between the pair of arms, and a pair of wheels fixed to the head. When the base is gripped by a user and oriented at an oblique angle relative to an external surface, with the at least one wheel contacting the surface, and the base is moved by the user in a direction generally parallel to the surface, the head is capable of rotating relative to the base by reason of friction between the wheels and the surface, and the head is opened out from the base and is secured in position at a desired angle with respect to the base when the user ceases moving the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Lin, Tzu-Hsiu Hung
  • Publication number: 20140162480
    Abstract: An outlet cover for an electrical outlet. The outlet cover includes a plate having at least one opening sized and positioned to receive an electrical outlet, a lid hingedly attached to the plate so that the lid can be moved between an open position that allows access to the electrical outlet and a closed position wherein the lid is in a locked position covering the electrical outlet, and a locking assembly having a locking pin. The lid includes a latch which cooperates with the locking pin in order to lock the lid in a closed position or release the lid for opening it for access to the electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Schutte, Richard W. Turner
  • Publication number: 20140113467
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a system connector accessible at an external surface of the housing, and a hinged door to selectively expose or cover the system connector. The electronic device may also include a mechanism coupled to the hinged door that pivotally biases the door from an open position, in which the system connector can receive an external connector, to a partially closed position in which the hinged door at least partially covers said system connector. The hinged door is to slide along the housing if the hinged door is moved from the partially closed position to a fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Mark D. Senatori
  • Publication number: 20140094044
    Abstract: A protective device is described for retrofitting to a wall-mounted electrical socket outlet of the kind comprising an open-fronted housing containing at least one electrical socket and a removable front plate screw-fitted to the open front of the housing and having an opening exposing said socket terminals. The protective device comprises a housing which is screw-fittable to the open-fronted socket housing in place of the original front plate and has socket terminals exposed at a front surface. The device includes a hinged flap which can be swung over the exposed socket terminals and there releasably held in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Atreus Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ward
  • Publication number: 20140080335
    Abstract: A card reader is disposed in a case body of an electronic device for connecting an electronic card. The card reader includes an electrical connection socket, at least one guiding member, at least one guiding rail and a cover. The electrical connection socket is disposed in the case body for inserting an electrical connector of the electronic card thereinto. The guiding member is disposed in the case body and provides a guiding slot extending along a guiding direction. The guiding direction is parallel to a direction in which the electrical connector is inserted into the electrical connection socket. The guiding rail includes a sliding portion sliding in the guiding slot and a lower support portion extending from the sliding portion for guiding the electronic card to pass through the insertion hole of the case body. The cover is pivoted to the guiding rail and for closing the insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung CHANG
  • Patent number: 8662905
    Abstract: A card reader is disposed in a case body of an electronic device for connecting an electronic card. The card reader includes an electrical connection socket, at least one guiding member, at least one guiding rail and a cover. The electrical connection socket is disposed in the case body for inserting an electrical connector of the electronic card thereinto. The guiding member is disposed in the case body and provides a guiding slot extending along a guiding direction. The guiding direction is parallel to a direction in which the electrical connector is inserted into the electrical connection socket. The guiding rail includes a sliding portion sliding in the guiding slot and a lower support portion extending from the sliding portion for guiding the electronic card to pass through the insertion hole of the case body. The cover is pivoted to the guiding rail and for closing the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 8512072
    Abstract: A utility receptacle apparatus for use with an article of furniture having a work surface and an opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral portion and an opening. The bottom side has a structure that fits into an opening in the work surface. The peripheral portion contacts the work surface when the structure is disposed within the opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle base member that is configured to be attached to the underside of a work surface of the article of furniture. A utility receptacle is located on the receptacle base member at a predetermined location so that the utility receptacle is accessible through the openings in the work surface and grommet member when the receptacle base member is attached to the underside of the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Black, Robert A. Love
  • Patent number: 8500467
    Abstract: A swivel-type portable flash device includes a C-shaped swivel cover that rotates (swivels) relative to a housing between an open position in which a plug connector is exposed for insertion in a host system, and a closed position in which the plug connector is covered and protected by the swivel cover. The swivel cover is permanently rotatably connected to the housing by ring-shaped protrusions that are movably engaged inside corresponding recessed ring-shaped grooves formed in upper/lower walls of the housing, whereby the swivel cover is manually rotatable relative to the housing between the opened and closed positions. The swivel cover includes locking structures (e.g., locking notches) disposed on the ring-shaped protrusions, and the housing includes second locking structures disposed in the recessed ring-shaped grooves, where the first and second locking structures prevent rotation of the swivel cover when the plug connector is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Chin-Nan Ni, Abraham C. Ma
  • Patent number: 8503171
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting expansion cards to expansion slots set on a circuit board includes a bracket and a number of mounting members. The bracket includes two racks opposite to each other and fixed to the circuit board. A number of spaced bars extend from the mounting piece. Each mounting member includes a fixing plate fixed to a corresponding bar, a locking portion extending from a top of the fixing portion. Two parallel raised portions protrude on an inner surface of the fixing plate to sandwich a corresponding end of the corresponding expansion card. The locking portion abuts against the top of the corresponding expansion card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai-Qing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130130524
    Abstract: An electrical device includes an upper shell facing a user, a lower shell engaged with the upper shell to commonly define a mounting space, a mother board mounted in the mounting space, a receptacle portion and a rotating cover rotating about the receptacle portion. The upper shell defines a first opening for an insertion of a mating plug. The mother board defines a notch, wherein the receptacle portion is holding conductive terminals therein, the receptacle portion is assembled in the notch of the mother board and between the mother board and the upper shell. Wherein the lower shell defines a second opening, the rotating cover is received in the second opening and a front portion of the rotating cover is actuated in to the first opening of the receptacle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: JI-CHENG WANG
  • Publication number: 20130130525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket for connecting a plug in the external region of a motor vehicle, comprising a socket housing, in which a plug-receiving opening having electric contacts for plugging in a plug and establishing an electric connection is formed, and comprising a cover, which is hinge-mounted on the socket housing and closes the plug-receiving opening in the closed position of the cover and which is preloaded in the closing direction, wherein a hold-closed mechanism that increases the holding force of the cover in the closed position thereof is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Hachadorian
  • Patent number: 8435041
    Abstract: An electrical socket comprising an electrical receptacle, a cover for the receptacle, a hinge coupling the cover to the receptacle so that the cover can pivot toward and away from an opening in the receptacle to allow insertion of an electrical plug into the receptacle. A paired combination is provided comprising a magnet and a magnet attractive region on ones of the cover and receptacle causing the cover to be attracted to the receptacle when the cover gets to a predetermined distance from the receptacle thereby causing the cover to be closed on the receptacle by magnetic attraction when the plug is not inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Casco Products Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Holland
  • Patent number: 8435054
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, a connector, a connector cover, and a resisting member. The enclosure defines at least one opening. The connector is disposed in the enclosure and corresponding to the at least one opening of the enclosure. The connector cover covers the opening to protect the connector and includes pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is rotatably connected to the enclosure. The resisting member elastically resists against the connector cover. The resisting member may be formed by a spring biased block that presses in an end of the pivot shaft to maintain the cover in open or closed position. A restricting member may be located in the opening to limit cover rotation in both open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Ambit Microsystems (Shanghai) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei Liu
  • Patent number: 8425243
    Abstract: A magnetically activated connector port cover or door that provides access through a connector port for a corresponding connector to mate with a receptacle connector behind the door, and closes the door when the connector is not presently proximate to or intending to mate with the receptacle connector. The connector port includes a magnetic element that works in tandem with an actuator to respond to the position of the corresponding connector and bias as well as move the door in an open or closed position accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Felix J. Alvarez Rivera
  • Publication number: 20130072042
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a network connector and a connector main body of the network connector. The connector main body includes an insulating body and a terminal set installed in the insulating body. The insulating body includes a first accommodating cavity formed with a front opening and a bottom opening, a plug holding portion is integrally formed with a casing of an electronic device, a second accommodating cavity is formed in the plug holding portion, and the first accommodating cavity of the insulating body and the second accommodating cavity of the plug holding portion are vertically communicated to form a plug-connection port for a plug. By disposing the position of the plug holding portion on the casing, partial of the thickness of the bottom wall of the initial insulating body can be eliminated, so that the network connector can be minimized and more suitable for the thin electronic products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Hung Chang Liao
  • Patent number: 8363386
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and an interface shielding cover. A recess is defined in the main body by a vertical wall and a bottom. Two openings are defined in the rear cover between the vertical wall and the bottom wall, two stop walls adjacent to the openings include a first engaging side and a second engaging side. The interface shielding cover includes a pair of elastic arms rotatably connected to the rear cover. Each elastic arm includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion distinctly oriented from the first protrusion. The interface shielding cover is rotatable relative to the rear cover between a closed position where the first protrusion abuts against the first engaging side to retain the cover in the closed position, and an open position where the second protrusion abuts against the second engaging side to retain the cover in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuang-Lao Cheng, Feng Dai, Shou-Ji Liu, Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen
  • Patent number: 8357852
    Abstract: An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20130017696
    Abstract: A magnetically activated connector port cover or door that provides access through a connector port for a corresponding connector to mate with a receptacle connector behind the door, and closes the door when the connector is not presently proximate to or intending to mate with the receptacle connector. The connector port includes a magnetic element that works in tandem with an actuator to respond to the position of the corresponding connector and bias as well as move the door in an open or closed position accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Felix J. Alvarez Rivera
  • Patent number: 8323814
    Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly for a battery powered electronic device provides intrinsic safety features with a battery safety interlock element serving as both a physical and electrical barrier to prevent potential sparking at the battery and connecting terminal interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bruce Forrest Milton, George Yee-ho Chao, Todd David Mawhinney