Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes flanges 23A, 23B, and a swivel mechanism includes swiveling shaft 25. Spring 26 energizes the swiveling mechanism. Resilient repulsion of spring 26 energizes the swiveling mechanism to swivel toward either end of a swivelable range from a neutral position.

Abstract: A support frame structures for supporting a portable electronic device. The device includes a support frame and a lifting frame that are connected by hinges and supporting a revolving axis on a base. The supporting frame and the lifting frame are assembled onto the base, and are connected by the hinges. When the supporting frame rotates upwards and moves the hinges, and the hinges further move the lifting frame to slide along a sliding track groove to a fixed angle and secure the lifting frame and the supporting frame, which uplifts the supporting frame and allows the portable device to be placed on the base at an upright angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable wireless terminal which includes a main body and a folder which is rotatably connected to the main body, and a method for using the same. The portable wireless terminal further comprises a housing of the main body which is coated with an electrically conductive material on the inner surface in order to provide a ground for an electric circuit device mounted in the main body, a housing of the folder which is coated with an electrically conductive material on the inner surface in order to provide a ground for an electric circuit device mounted in the folder, and a hinge module which is received within the folder and rotatably connects the folder to the main body. The hinge module also electrically interconnecting the ground of the main body and the ground of the folder.

Abstract: A connector hub assembly having universal joint comprises a housing including at least a first connector having its mating portion accessible from a surface of the housing. A joint device is universally attached to the housing such that the housing is moveable along a first plane. A second connector is attached to the joint device. The joint device includes a socket defined in a recessed portion of the housing and a ball joint swivelably received in the socket. Wherein the joint device further includes a pin shaft located on an end of supporting arm of the ball joint, wherein the second connector is pivotally mounted on the pin shaft.

Abstract: An electrical adapter includes a first electrical connector unit, and a second electrical connector unit coupled electrically to the first electrical connector unit. A foldable housing includes first and second housing parts. The first electrical connector unit is mounted in the first housing part, whereas the second electrical connector unit is mounted in the second housing part. The foldable housing further includes a pivot joint that interconnects the first and second housing parts and that permits relative rotation between the first and second housing parts about a pivot axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides a pen-based computing system. The system comprises a tablet unit including a display screen and an input port; a base unit including first and second generally planar members connected via a hinge, a keyboard supported on the first planar member, a socket connector disposed on the second planar member, electrical lines to carry signals from the keyboard to the socket connector; and a releasable locking mechanism to releaseably lock the socket connector to the input port.

Abstract: A foldable expansion digital structure includes a digital card body and a periphery for a computer. The digital card body provides a conducting plate at a lateral side thereof and a support shaft at another lateral side thereof. The support shaft has a plurality of connecting pins to be joined to the conducting plate and has a projecting spot at two ends thereof respectively. The periphery provides a shaft groove at the bottom thereof corresponding to the support shaft. The shaft groove at two lateral sides thereof has a locating recess respectively for fitting with the projecting spot. A plurality of spring strips are provided on the shaft groove as terminals for keep contact with the connecting pins. Hence, the periphery can be rotated a suitable angle with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a ribbon structure which may be used as part of a micro-assembly including a micro-device formed on or in a device layer of a single crystal silicon substrate. The ribbon structure is also formed in the device layer, where the ribbon structure is thinned to a thickness less than the thickness of the micro-device. The ribbon structure has an electrical conductive material deposited on its surface. When implemented as part of the micro-assembly, a first end of the micro-device and a first end of a ribbon structure are interconnected, wherein the ribbon structure and out-of-plane device are formed as a single piece.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (2100) includes a hinge body (2102) made of two hinge body halves (900). Each hinge body half is identical so that only one part need be manufactured, and two of them used to form the hinge body. Each hinge body half has a first leg (902) that is longer than a second leg (904). The first leg has a retaining lip (912) at the end which forms a retaining feature. Each leg of the hinge body defines an axis of rotation for the body elements (104, 106). A portion (1508) of a flexible circuit board (1506) is captured between the hinge body halves so as to electrically interconnect circuitry placed in each body element. A detent mechanism is provided to hold the body element in preselected positions with respect to each other, and includes a spring (2106), a cam (2108) and a cap (2110) having cam follower features (2118). The cam is held in place with respect to the body element housing, while the cap is fixed in position with respect to the hinge body.

Abstract: A multi-plane adjustable connector facilitates electromechanical connection between armature bar ends in a generator. The connector includes opposing end sections positionable in multiple orientations, and a plurality of interim sections coupled between the opposing end sections. The opposing end sections and interim sections are connected in a series via a plurality of hinges, respectively, where at least one of the plurality of hinges is angled relative to the others.

Abstract: A cradle device of a portable terminal such as a PDA (personal digital assistance). The cradle device of the portable terminal has a cradle body on which the portable terminal is placed; and a holder to embrace the portable terminal settled on the cradle body. The holder is rotatable with respect to the cradle body within a predetermined angular range. A bracket hinge is settled at the cradle body, and a bracket shaft is settled at the holder. A friction member is disposed between the bracket hinge and the bracket shaft with a predetermined friction force. Accordingly, an angle of the holder can be freely adjusted when the portable terminal is embraced by the holder.

Abstract: An electric plug is constructed to include a front housing, the front housing having a plurality of notches aligned in a rear side thereof, a set of conducting blades mounted in the front housing and perpendicularly extended out of a front side of the front housing for inserting into an electric outlet, the conducting blades each having a rear end respectively suspended in the notches of the front housing, a rear housing pivoted to the front housing, and a set of metal terminals mounted in the rear housing and respectively pivoted to the rear ends of the conducting blades for enabling the rear housing to be turned relative to the front housing between two positions within 90.

Abstract: An electric plug is constructed to include a front housing having a plurality of notches formed in aligned manner along a rear side thereof. A set of conducting blades are mounted in the front housing such that they extend outward in a direction perpendicular to a front side of the front housing for insert into an electric outlet. The conducting blades are formed with rear ends which respectively extend into the notches of the front housing. A rear housing is pivotally coupled to the front housing, and a set of metal terminals are mounted in the rear housing and respectively pivoted to the rear ends of the conducting blades for enabling the rear housing to be turned relative to the front housing between two positions within 90 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a space-saving rotary structure for relaying signals which can relay a large number of signal lines without causing a disconnection of the signal lines. The rotary structure for relaying signals comprising a fixed frame which is supported and fixed in the inside of first and second casings, a rotary sleeve which is rotatably inserted into a through hole of the fixed frame and has a distal end thereof projected to the outside of the first and the second casing, a rotary frame which is arranged outside the first and second casings and is fixed to the distal end of the rotary sleeve such that the rotary frame is integrally rotatable with the rotary sleeve, and a flexible printed wiring film which has a distal end thereof pulled out to the outside of the first and second casings along the rotary sleeve and is wound around a winding tongue of the rotary sleeve which is positioned in the inside of the first and the second casings.

Abstract: A plug, particularly for connecting a musical instrument, a microphone, or the like, to an amplifier, a recording device, or the like, the plug includes a central rod-shaped conductor, a mushroom-shaped part at an end of the rod-shaped conductor, a sleeve of electrically conductive material surrounding the rod-shaped conductor at a radial distance, and an insulating material separating the rod-shaped conductor and the sleeve. A cylindrical bolt is mounted at another end of the rod-shaped conductor and has two bolt portions with different diameters extending transversely of the rod-shaped conductor. The sleeve has electrically conductively connected thereto a surface portion which at least partially surrounds at a radial distance and is electrically insulated from the bolt portion having a smaller diameter.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical connector (2) and a second electrical connector (3). Each of the first and the second electrical connector has an insulative housing (22), (32) and a number of electrical contacts (21), (31). Each insulative housing has a base portion (221), (321) and a number of tongues (222), (322) extending laterally from the base portion and spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction of the base portion. Each electrical contact (21), (31) includes a mounting portion (212), (312) extending beyond the base portion and a contact portion (211), (311) extending from the mounting portion and exposed to the tongue. The tongues of the second electrical connector extend between the tongues of the first electrical connector and the contact portions of the electrical contacts of first and the second electrical connectors electrically contact with each other, respectively.

Abstract: A display connection structure of an electronic appliance is disclosed. The display connection structure includes a main body; a display for receiving an image signal from the main body and displaying an image; a connection unit including hinge pins rotatably installed at the main body, and housing provided at the display so as to be connected to the hinge pins and to pivot together with the hinge pins for detachably connecting the display to the main body; and an optical connector having portions provided at the main body and the display to correspond to each other for transmitting an image signal by light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover connecting mechanism which is used for connecting the cover to the main body of an electronic product, including: at least one FPC used for communication data amission; a connector made of elastically deformable material which partially wraps the FPC while exposing its two ends. The two exposed FPC ends are connected to the cover and the printed circuit board in the main body to enable the transmission of communication data.

Abstract: A connector and a connecting structure of circuit boards therewith is provided, which includes: a first circuit board; a second circuit board orthogonally arranged relative to the first circuit board; a terminal having first and second contact portions for the respective first and second circuit boards; and a housing to accommodate the terminal. An engaging member for attaching the housing to the first circuit board projects from the housing, and the first contact portion projects in a same direction as the engaging member. The engaging member is longitudinally movable at an engaging portion provided on the first circuit board. The engaging member is pivotable. The housing consists of a pair of housings turnable about a hinge, and a second contact portion of the terminal is accommodated between the housings. A groove as a positioning portion for a housing is provided.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical connection between a base unit and a panel display in a portable computer wherein the base unit and the panel display are pivotably secured to each other about a hinge axis, includes a flexible high voltage electrical conductor extending from the base unit to the panel display. A portion of the electrical conductor extends along the hinge axis such that pivoting of the panel display relative to the base unit causes said portion of the flexible conductor to twist about the hinge axis rather than actively bend.

Abstract: A portable data storage device includes a main circuit board, a stack of memory circuit boards mounted on the main circuit board, and a USB port pivoted to one end of the main circuit board and adapted to electrically connect the main circuit board to, for example, the USB port of a personal computer at one of a series of angular positions.

Abstract: In order to prevent damage to an electroconductive member during an assembly process or when using electronic equipment, a hinge connector is constituted primarily by a main unit connector assembly to be connected to a connector of a computer main unit, an LCD connector assembly to which an FPC from an LCD is connected, and an electroconductive member to be installed in these connector assemblies. The electroconductive member is comprised of connections provided at both ends and a flexible portion located between the connections. The flexible portion has a plurality of slits that extend in a direction for connecting the connections so that the flexible portion is contractible in the foregoing direction.

Abstract: A connecting shaft assembly used between first and second halves of an electronic device, comprises a bracket defining first and second end portions opposite to each other. A pair of first shaft members spaced from one another extends outward from the first end portion; and a pair of second shaft members spaced from one another extends from the second end portion. An electrical device configured by first and second halves pivotally and electrically coupled by the connecting shaft assembly.

Abstract: An extension plug-in unit comprising a female connector (2) coupled to a first cable (1) and a male connector (4) coupled to a second cable (3), which connectors (2, 4) comprise contacts (7, 8) arranged to establish an electrical connection, the connectors forming a hinge joint when connected together. The extension plug-in unit is characterized in that the hinge joint (11) enables the coupling of the contacts by means of a lateral turning movement that makes the connectors parallel to one another, the connectors comprising stepped inner surfaces (9) whose opposite mating surfaces are provided with the contacts (7, 8), so that during the turning movement the flexibly supported wedge-shaped contact pins (7) of the male connector (4) press into the contact recesses (8) of the female connector (2) to establish an electrical connection.

Abstract: A connector system. In one embodiment, the connector system includes a receptacle housing with a plurality of receptacle electrical contacts fixedly attached thereto, and a plug housing comprising a plurality of plug electrical contacts fixedly attached thereto. Each of the plug electrical contacts comprises a proximal end that includes a blade in a first plane. The proximal end is connectable to a first electronic component. Each of the plug electrical contacts further comprises a distal end that includes a blade substantially in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane. When the plug housing is inserted in the receptacle housing, the distal end is in contact with a respective one of the plug electrical contacts, and the plug housing and the receptacle housing are rotatable with respect to each other in the second plane.

Abstract: An adapter for connector of hard disk drive/CD-ROM drive attached to board connector of main board is provided equally spaced first plates are protruded in front of adapter corresponding to the holes of drive connector of hard disk drive/CD-ROM drive in the rear. Two identical first terminals in a stack configuration are received in the spacing of two adjacent first plates. First terminal has a protruded insertion portion. Board connector of main board has open sides to form an L-shaped section. Equally spaced second plates corresponding to first plates are provided in the recessed portion of board connector of main board. Adapter can attach to board connector of main board and move in a range of 90 degrees with respect to board connector of main board after attached. This facilitates the convenience of assembly.

Abstract: A plug connector with a hollow, cylindrical, metallic housing (1), within which is centrically disposed an inside contact pin (8, 9, 10) extending at least approximately over the entire axial length of the housing (1). In order to make contact with the reciprocal plug connector, the inside contact pin (8, 9, 10) is accessible at a first front side of the housing (1). The first front side is open toward the plug side of the plug connector, such that a latch interlock (6, 7) and a contact basket (5), which extends out of the open front side of the housing (1) and which is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis of the housing (1), are disposed co-axially with the inside contact pin (8, 9, 10). The contact basket (5) makes permanent electrical contact with the metallic housing.

Abstract: A computer has a base and a speaker pivotably attached to the base via a hinge assembly. A cable extends through the hinge assembly to electrically connect the base and the speaker. The hinge assembly includes a pair of bushings fixed to the base, a sleeve fixed to the speaker and a pair of shafts. The pair of shafts is retained in opposite ends of the sleeve and is rotatably received in the bushings for pivotably attaching the speaker to the base. An aperture is defined in one of the bushings, a notch is defined in the sleeve, and a bore is defined through the shaft for providing access to the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terminal including at least two terminal bodies each having a plurality of wire receiving holes, and a plurality of hinge shafts rotatably supported by each of the bodies, a plurality of wire connecting engagement members respectively coupled to the hinge shafts so that they are rotated in accordance with the rotation of the hinge shafts, separation walls formed inside of each of the bodies and adapted to limit the rotation of associated ones of the wire connecting engagement members, a link strip adapted to come into contact with wires received in the wire receiving holes, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the wires together, a plurality of springs each arranged between an associated one of the wire connecting engagement members and the body associated with the wire connecting engagement member and adapted to urge the associated wire connecting engagement member toward the link strip, wherein the link strip comprises a plurality of inverted U-shaped bent portions maintained to be i

Abstract: It is shown an electric connector for enabling galvanic contact between a contact pad of a first electric device and a contact pad of a second electric device. The connector is mechanically attachable to and detachable from at least the first electric device and comprises a first resilient contact pin connected to a second resilient contact pin. When mechanically attached to at least the first electric device, the first resilient contact pin is in abutment with the contact pad of the first electric device and the second resilient contact pin is in abutment with the contact pad of the second electric device.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection device comprises a first connector member having a first mating end and a second connector member having a second mating end. The first connector member may be a printed circuit card I/O connector, and the second connector member may be a telecommunications adapter connector such as a modular jack. The first and second connector members are pivotally linked to permit relative angular movement therebetween.

Abstract: A signal adaptation plug has a stage to which a rotatable connector is hinged on one side to be plugged into a socket at any angle. The stage has at least one accommodation groove. A rotatable cover plate is hinged to one side of the accommodation groove. A terminal assembly, composed of several pin terminals, is installed inside the stage. In use, the cover plate is angularly erected with respect to the stage, and the plug is plugged angularly between the accommodation groove and the cover plate. The connector of the signal adaptation plug is then plugged into a respective socket.

Abstract: A signal communication structure for communicating signals between a base and a display of an electronic device, the base and display being connected in an axially hinged connection includes an axial member formed from a flexible material and includes a communication line for signal communication with the axial member adapted to flex about the axially hinged connection between the base and the display. The axial member also includes a plurality of appendage members connected to and extending from the axial member. The appendage members include a communication line coupled to the communication line of the axial member for signal communication between the plurality of appendage members via the axial member.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a first housing (2) and a second housing (4) which is mounted on the first housing (2) by way of a hinge assembly (12). The hinge assembly comprises first and second cooperating parts (121, 122) attached to the first and second housings respectively. The second part (122) is rotatably and slidably engaged with the first part (121), such that the second housing (4) is rotatable with respect to the first part (2), about an axis from the closed position to a first open position of the device, and such that the second housing is linearly movable, with respect to the first housing, in a direction parallel to the axis, with respect to the first housing, from a closed position of the device to a second open position of the device.

Abstract: A surge suppression module is provided for connection to a wall receptacle and interconnection with other modules. Each module includes a top portion rotatably connected to a bottom portion. A male electrical plug extends from a top surface, and a female plug from a bottom surface. The top and bottom surfaces of the top and bottom portions, respectively, form opposing top and bottom surfaces of the module when the module is in an in-line orientation with an in-line axis through the module passing through the female and male plugs. The top and bottom portions are rotatable about an axis of rotation angled at 45.degree. to the in-line axis, and rotate from the in-line orientation to a wall mounting orientation, wherein the male plug extends from a side of the module and is perpendicular to in-line axis. Surge suppression and filtering circuitry is carried within the bottom portion along with connectors for connection of electrical equipment used with the surge suppression module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable connector board which is mounted with interface connectors for its peripheral devices. The board prevents the user from inconvenience of connecting devices on the back of the computer. The connector board is movable to a usage position where the peripheral devices can be easily connected to or disconnected from the computer without rotating, turning or moving the computer.

Abstract: An electrically conductive hinge includes an electrically conductive first plate with a plurality of knuckles having openings. An electrically conductive second plate of the hinge also includes a plurality of knuckles having openings. The pluralities of knuckles are alternatively interlaced, and a hinge pin is inserted into the openings. One or more electrically conductive tabs are provided on the first hinge plate and frictionally engaged against one or more of the knuckles of the second hinge plate. Also, one or more electrically conductive tabs may be provided on the second hinge plate and frictionally engaged against one or more of the knuckles of the first hinge plate. The conductive tabs are resilient and provide good electrical conductivity between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. The hinge is particularly advantageous in grounding an electrically conductive cover to an electrical conductive housing.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus having a first and a second casing part, when the casing parts are rotated relative to each other about a hinge structure, a first and a second sleeve constituting a connector are also rotated relative to each other. A flexible conductive member is received in the sleeves so as to set up electrical connection between circuit portions built in the casing parts. The connector is removable from the circuit portions of the casing parts. In the event of assembly, the electrical connection is set up only if the connector is connected to the circuit portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting two electrical circuits (2,17;15,16) by a connection which permits that the two circuits easily can be separated and reunited again at the same time as interference and scratching noise in the connection mechanism are avoided. A first carrier (14, 28) is movable around a shaft (1), which is fastened onto a second carrier (7, 29). The first carrier (14, 28) can easily be removed from the shaft (1) and refitted again. The first carrier (14, 28) has a projecting part (8, 23, 30), which presses against an electrically conducting elastomer (4,18a-l, 21, 33) localized on the second carrier (7, 29). On the projecting part (8, 23, 30) there is an electrically conducting part (9, 20a-l, 24a-h), which is connected to a first electrical circuit (2,17) localized on the first carrier (14, 28). The electrically conducting elastomer (4,18a-l, 21, 33) is connected to a second electrical circuit (15,16) localized on the second carrier (7, 29).

Abstract: A connector having capable of pivotal movement comprises a first member constituted by a shaft made of an insulating material and having a convex rounded or arcuate portion. One end of the shaft is secured. A second member is mounted for pivotal movement about the periphery of a rounded portion of the shaft adjacent the other end thereof. A plurality of electrodes, which may comprise parallel thin strip-like conductors concentric with the pivot axis, are provided on the periphery of the rounded portion of the shaft. The second member supports a plurality of spring-biased electrical contacts each having an element thereof urged into contact with one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A pivotable connector assembly includes first and second matable connectors (20, 20) adapted to be brought into mated engagement by rotating the connectors in a first angular direction about a center of pivoting, and adapted to be disengaged by rotating the connectors in an opposite second angular direction about the center of pivoting. Each connector (20) includes a housing (22) having at least one contact having an arcuate section mounted therein. One of the contacts (96) is rigidly mounted within its respective connector housing and the other of the contacts (60) is resiliently mounted within its respective connector housing such that upon mating of the first and second connectors (20, 20) the arcuate section of the resiliently mounted contact (60) is engaged by the arcuate section of the rigidly mounted contact (96) along an elongate mating path and laterally deflected therefrom under bias.

Abstract: An LCD display unit is provided with enhanced brightness and a widened viewing cone angle and is removably connected to the base portion of a notebook computer via an LVDS connector. The notebook computer is used as a portion of a desktop computing system that further includes a docking station and a specially designed pivot arm type display support structure. To incorporate the notebook computer into the desktop system, the LCD display unit is removed from its associated base portion, and the removed LCD display unit is plugged into a complementary LVDS connector portion on the support structure which is connected via LVDS cabling to an appropriate interface portion linked to the inserted notebook computer base portion in the docking station.

Abstract: A hinged adapter provides for the connection of input/output (I/O) cards to a communication connector, such as an RJ-type connector for example, for data processing systems. The hinged adapter has a first connector configured to mate with a connector at the end of an I/O card inserted in a receptacle of a data processing system. The hinged adapter also has a second connector configured to mate with the communication connector. The second connector is mounted to the first connector with a hinge. The second connector may be positioned in an operational position for mating with the communication connector. When not in use, the second connector may be rotated or folded about the hinge relative to the first connector into a stored position. The data processing system, I/O card, and hinged adapter may then be transported as an integral unit.

Abstract: An electrical plug is disclosed in which the plug body having the electrically conductive pins is pivotally attached to an attachment body such that the plug body and attachment body may pivot with respect to each other about a pivot axis. The attachment body is connected to an electrical wire and the electrical conductors in the wire are connected to each of the conductive pins at the pivot axis so as not to interfere with the pivoting motion between the plug body and the attachment body. Such pivoting movement enables the plug body to be oriented in substantially any fashion with respect to the electric wire. The wire may extend from a side of the plug body, or outwardly from the plug body opposite the electrically conductive pins. Such pivoting movement enables the electrical device to which the wire is connected to be located virtually anywhere with respect to an electrical outlet.

Abstract: An adapter for a plug receptacle provided with a pair of plug terminals is capable of being fitted in various kinds of plug receptacles. A pair of adapter bodies made of an insulating material are pivotally connected at a lower portion thereof to each other. The adapter bodies each have a plug terminal provided on a front end surface of a corresponding one thereof and adapted to be inserted into a corresponding one of power terminal holes of a plug receptacle. Also, one of the adapter bodies is provided with a pair of power terminal holes having terminal contacts for a plug receptacle received therein to permit plug terminals of an electrical appliance to be inserted therein. The adapter bodies are kept open to form a V-shape by an elastic force.

Abstract: An electrical locking socket and multiple position swivel plug in which the socket has gripping members for holding the blades of a plug inserted into the socket, and the swivel plug is pivotally connected to the socket and latched at a desired angular position relative to the socket. These features prevent the inadvertent separation of socket and plug assemblies.

Abstract: A hinge connector includes a pair of tubular members. Each of the tubular members has a tubular section formed with a hollow portion, and a fitting section formed with a receiving space for receiving a counterpart connector. The tubular members are coupled with each other so as to be turnable relative to each other. The hinge connector further includes a flexible conductor. The flexible conductor has connect portions at its both ends and a flexible intermediate portion connecting the connect portions. The flexible intermediate portion of the conductor is turned and arranged in the hollow portions of the tubular sections, while the connect portions thereof are disposed in the corresponding receiving spaces of the fitting sections so as to be connected to the corresponding counterpart connectors, respectively.

Abstract: A multiple pin cable connector for mating with a receptacle is disclosed, in which the connector has housing defining a turning hollow, and a head, the lower body portion of which is inserted in the hollow of the housing. The head includes an engagement portion for mating with the receptacle. The attachment of the head to the housing enables pivoting of the head in first and second directions. Wires connected to a signal cable and contained in the housing are separated and threaded through openings formed along the central axis to contact the corresponding pins for enabling electrical continuity between the cable and the receptacle. The housing and head are coupled by means a pivotable coupling along a central axis, enabling the respective part to pivot in a limited angle.

Abstract: A swivel plug is provided which has male and female plug portions which pivot 180.degree. with respect to one another about a common pivot axis between first and second positions. A plurality of male and female electrical contact pairs slidably engage one another and pivot about the common pivot axis. Male and female bodies, which receive the electrical contact pairs, also pivot with respect to one another about the common pivot axis. The male and female bodies and the male and female electrical contact pairs are arranged in a novel relationship to mutually retain one other for the pivotal movement. The swivel plug eliminates the need for an electrical cord between an adapter of a laptop computer and a wall receptacle which has a downwardly located ground receptacle or a wall receptacle which has an upwardly located ground receptacle. The swivel plug also enables plugging a computer adapter or a typical extension cord into a receptacle where there is a rigid space constraint.

Abstract: The invention is a modular cross-connect system which has a connector block having an array of connector jacks therein and which is mountable on a panel. The block has pivot pins for pivotally mounting it in an aperture in the panel, and the rear of the block has connectors thereon for connecting wires or other signal carriers to the connector jacks. The block can be pivoted to give access to the connectors from in front of the panel so that connections can be made, after which the block can be pivoted back to its operative position and latched in place. In a second embodiment of the invention, the block is supported by retaining clips extending from the front of the panel so that it can be supported in front of the panel during wiring after which it is inserted into an aperture in the panel and pivotally supported therein, with means on the block for latching it in place.