U.S. patent application number 12/029104 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for universal serial bus hub attachably stackable in multiple orientations, and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belkin International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth Mori, Ernesto Quinteros, John Wadsworth.
Application Number | 20080133813 12/029104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34549767 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080133813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mori; Kenneth ; et
al. |
June 5, 2008 |
Universal Serial Bus Hub Attachably Stackable In Multiple
Orientations, And Method
Abstract
Universal serial bus (USB) hubs that are attachably stackable in
at least two orientations with another identical hub so that a user
may select the orientation of multiple USB ports. Embodiments
include a housing having a first side region containing downstream
USB ports and an upstream USB port or cable, and hubs may be
stackable in a manner in which hubs align and interlock in first
and second orientations with different side regions of the upper
hub above a particular side region of the lower hub. Some
embodiments have a translucent cover, an LED status indicator, feet
or tabs, and slots.
Inventors: |
Mori; Kenneth; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Wadsworth; John; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
Quinteros; Ernesto; (Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIC LINCOLN
2405 ELIZABETH STREET
METAIRIE
LA
70003
US
|
Assignee: |
Belkin International, Inc.
Compton
CA
|
Family ID: |
34549767 |
Appl. No.: |
12/029104 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10649148 |
Aug 26, 2003 |
7329152 |
|
|
12029104 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
710/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 438/928 20130101;
G06F 3/0227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
710/303 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/00 20060101
G06F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method of managing at least one of USB ports and USB cables,
the method comprising the step of: obtaining or providing a
plurality of at least substantially similar hubs, each hub having
multiple universal serial bus (USB) ports on at least one side
wherein the hubs are attachably stackable in at least two
orientations; wherein each hub has a first region and a second
region and wherein any two hubs are attachably stackable in a first
orientation wherein the first region of a first hub is above the
first region of a second hub and the second region of the first hub
is above the second region of the second hub and wherein the two
hubs are attachably stackable in a second orientation wherein the
first region of the first hub is above the second region of the
second hub and the second region of the first hub is above the
first region of the second hub.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of obtaining or providing
a plurality of at least substantially similar hubs comprises
providing hubs having all of the USB ports on one side of the
hub.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of obtaining or providing
a plurality of at least substantially similar hubs comprises
providing hubs having all of the USB ports within the first
region.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the substantially similar hubs
include a first hub and a second hub, and wherein the at least two
orientations include a first orientation and a second orientation,
and wherein the first hub is on top of the second hub in the first
orientation, and the first hub is on top of the second hub in the
second orientation.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein, in the first orientation, all of
the USB ports of the first hub and all of the USB ports of the
second hub are on the same side, and wherein, in the second
orientation, all of the USB ports of the first hub are on an
opposite side from all of the USB ports of the second hub.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein each hub has at least two slots
and each hub has at least two tabs and wherein any two hubs are
attachably stackable by inserting the tabs of a first hub into the
slots of a second hub.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the substantially similar hubs are
identical.
8. A first hub for connecting peripheral devices to a multipurpose
computer, the first hub comprising: a housing having at least a
first side region and a second side region; at least one of an
upstream universal serial bus port and a universal serial bus cable
electrically connected to the hub and configured to connect to the
computer; multiple downstream universal serial bus ports located in
the first side region of the housing; wherein the first hub is
stackable with an identical second hub in a mariner in which the
first hub aligns with and interlocks with the second hub in a first
orientation, wherein, in the first orientation, the first side
region of the first hub is above the first side region of the
second hub and the second side region of the first hub is above the
second side region of the second hub; and wherein the first hub is
stackable with an identical second hub in a manner in which the
first hub aligns with and interlocks with the second hub in a
second orientation, wherein, in the second orientation, the first
side region of the first hub is above the second side region of the
second hub.
9. The first hub of claim 8 wherein, in the second orientation, the
second side region of the first hub is above the first side region
of the second hub.
10. The first hub of claim 8 wherein, in each hub, the second side
region is opposite to the first side region.
11. The first hub of claim 8 wherein, in each hub, all of the
downstream universal serial bus ports are located within the first
side region.
12. The first hub of claim 11 wherein, in each hub, the first side
region consists essentially of one side of the hub.
13. The first hub of claim 8 further comprising a top portion
comprising a translucent cover over at least one light-emitting
diode serving as a status indicator.
14. The first hub of claim 8 further comprising a bottom portion
comprising feet, wherein the feet are configured to support the hub
above a work surface when the hub is placed on the work
surface.
15. The first hub of claim 14 further comprising a top portion
comprising multiple slots configured to receive the feet when the
first and second hubs are stacked in the first orientation, and
wherein the slots are configured to receive the feet when the first
and second hubs are stacked in the second orientation.
16. The first hub of claim 15 wherein the multiple slots are
symmetric with each other and substantially similar to each
other.
17. The first hub of claim 14 wherein the feet are symmetric, are
substantially similar, and are located at opposite ends of the
bottom portion.
18. A method of managing at least one of USB ports and USB cables,
the method comprising the steps of: obtaining or providing a
plurality of at least substantially similar hubs, each hub having
multiple universal serial bus (USB) ports on at least one side
wherein the hubs are attachably stackable in at least two
orientations; and stacking the hubs in the at least two
orientations.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein each hub has a first region and
a second region and wherein any two hubs are attachably stackable
in a first orientation wherein the first region of a first hub is
above the first region of a second hub and the second region of the
first hub is above the second region of the second hub and wherein
the two hubs are attachably stackable in a second orientation
wherein the first region of the first hub is above the second
region of the second hub and the second region of the first hub is
above the first region of the second hub.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein each hub has at least two slots
and each hub has at least two tabs and wherein any two hubs are
attachably stackable by inserting the tabs of a first hub into the
slots of a second hub.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims priority to, and is a
continuing application of, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/649,148, which was filed on Aug. 26, 2003, named the same
inventors, and had the title: UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS HUB AND METHOD
OF MANUFACTURING SAME.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to universal serial bus
ports, and relates more particularly to hubs incorporating multiple
universal serial bus ports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Universal serial bus technology has provided computer users
with enhanced connectivity capabilities between computers and an
increasingly wider range of peripheral devices. Universal serial
bus hubs incorporating multiple universal serial bus ports into a
single housing offer the ability to connect multiple peripheral
devices to each other or to a computer via a universal serial bus
connection. Some existing universal serial bus hubs are stackable.
Although connecting a peripheral device using a universal serial
bus hub can be as easy as simply plugging a universal serial bus
cable into a universal serial bus port, existing universal serial
bus hubs tend to place their ports in places that can be difficult
to access. Additionally, existing universal serial bus hubs do not
lend themselves to good cable management, leading instead to
unsightly and inefficient cable arrangement. Accordingly, a need
exists for a universal serial bus hub capable of being oriented in
a direction chosen by the user. A further need exists for a
universal serial bus hub configured to allow cables to exit from
the universal serial bus hub in any direction, or in a single
direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The invention will be better understood from a reading of
the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures in the drawings in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal serial bus hub
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side view of the universal serial bus hub
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a different side view of the universal serial bus
hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of the universal
serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the universal serial bus hub
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a different side view of the universal serial bus
hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 7 is another different side view of the universal
serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the universal serial bus hub
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of two universal serial bus hubs
in a stacked configuration according to an embodiment of the
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of
manufacturing a universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0015] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0016] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the
invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described
herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," and
any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those
elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0017] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term
"coupled," as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly
connected in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, a universal serial bus
hub includes a housing, a power port, a first universal serial bus
port, and a second universal serial bus port. The housing includes
a middle portion, a top portion coupled to the middle portion, and
a bottom portion coupled to the middle portion opposite the top
portion. The middle portion has a first region, a second region
substantially opposite the first region, and a third region, where
the third region is between the first region and the second region.
The power port is located at the first region, the first universal
serial bus port is located at the second region, and the second
universal serial bus port is located at the third region.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal serial bus hub
100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side
view of universal serial bus hub 100 according to an embodiment of
the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, universal serial bus hub
100 comprises a housing 110, a power port 210, a universal serial
bus port 120, a universal serial bus port 220, and a foot 240.
Housing 110 comprises a middle portion 112, a top portion 111
coupled to middle portion 111, and a bottom portion 113 coupled to
middle portion 112 and opposite top portion 111. In one embodiment,
at least a portion of housing 110 is coated with a rubberized
material. Top portion 111 comprises a portion 151. Middle portion
112 comprises a region 161, a region 162, a region 163, and a
recess 118. In one embodiment, regions 161, 162, and 163 are in
recess 118. Power port 210 is at region 163, universal serial bus
port 120 is at region 161, and universal serial bus port 220 is at
region 162.
[0020] In one embodiment, universal serial bus port 120 comprises
an upstream universal serial bus port, meaning universal serial bus
port 120 is configured to receive one end of a universal serial bus
cable whose other end is attached to a computer. As an example,
universal serial bus port 120 can be a mini B universal serial bus
port. In the same or another embodiment, universal serial bus port
220 is one of a group of downstream universal serial bus ports. In
one embodiment, the group of downstream universal serial bus ports
consists of four downstream universal serial bus ports.
[0021] Universal serial bus 100 can be oriented in any
configuration with respect to the computer to which it is attached.
Furthermore, each of universal serial bus port 120 and power port
210 can be used with cables having right angle plugs. Accordingly,
each of the cables attached to universal serial bus hub 100 can be
guided away from universal serial bus hub 100 in a single
direction, if desired, thus increasing aesthetic value of the work
space as well as increasing efficiency in terms of the amount of
work space used.
[0022] As an example, consider a case where a user chooses to
orient universal serial bus hub 100 such that region 162 faces away
from the user. Right angle plugs on the cables used with universal
serial bus port 120 and power port 210 can then be rotated such
that the cables exit both universal serial bus port 120 and power
port 210 in a direction away from the user, as would the cables
coming from universal serial bus port 220. Alternatively, consider
a case where a user chooses to orient universal serial bus hub 100
such that region 162 faces the user. Right angle plugs on the
cables used with universal serial bus port 120 and power port 210
can then be rotated such that the cables exit both universal serial
bus port 120 and power port 210 in a direction toward the user, as
would the cables coming from universal serial bus port 220. In both
such cases, universal serial bus hub 100 lends itself to
advantageous cable management in that all of the cables exiting the
universal serial bus ports and the power port of universal serial
bus hub 100 can be arranged such that they are all oriented in a
single direction.
[0023] In one embodiment, portion 151 of top portion 111 comprises
a translucent material. In the same or another embodiment,
universal serial bus hub 100 further comprises a status indicator
130 at top portion 111. Status indicator 130 indicates a status of
at least one of power port 210, universal serial bus port 120, or
universal serial bus port 220. As an example, status indicator 130
can light up to indicate that adequate power is being provided to
universal serial bus hub 100, that one or more of power port 210,
universal serial bus port 120, or universal serial bus port 220 are
functioning properly, and/or the like. As a further example, status
indicator 130 can be a light emitting diode. In one embodiment,
status indicator 130 is visible through portion 151 or the
translucent material. In the same or another embodiment, status
indicator 130 is one of a group of status indicators. As an
example, each one of the group of status indicators can indicate a
status of one of the group of downstream ports.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a different side view of universal serial bus hub
100 according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, universal serial bus hub 100 comprises a foot 340 in
addition to foot 240 introduced in connection with FIG. 2. Both
foot 240 and foot 340 are visible in FIG. 3. Foot 240 is at bottom
portion 113 and below region 163, as shown in FIG. 2. Foot 340 is
at bottom portion 113 and below region 161, as shown in FIG. 3.
Accordingly, foot 240 and foot 340 are at opposite ends of bottom
portion 113. In one embodiment, foot 240 and foot 340 are symmetric
with and/or substantially similar to each other.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of universal serial bus hub 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG.
4, universal serial bus hub 100 further comprises a slot 410 at top
portion 111 and above region 161 (FIG. 1) and foot 340. Another
slot is located at top portion 111 and above region 163 and foot
240, as illustrated in FIG. 9 (described below) as slot 910.
Accordingly, slot 410 and slot 910 are located at opposite ends of
top portion 111. In one embodiment, slots 410 and 910 are symmetric
with and/or substantially similar to each other. When universal
serial bus hub 100 is placed on a work surface, foot 240 and foot
340 can support housing 110 above the work surface.
[0026] FIGS. 5-8 show universal serial bus hub 100 from additional
perspectives beyond those shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 is a top view
of universal serial bus hub 100 according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of universal serial bus hub 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a different
side view of universal serial bus hub 100 according to an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of universal
serial bus hub 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show different sides of universal serial bus hub 100
than do FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 8, foot 240 and foot 340 comprise
tabs 810. In one embodiment, slot 410 (FIG. 4) and slot 910 (FIG.
9) are configured to receive tab 810 from one of foot 240 and foot
340. In the same or another embodiment, feet 240 and 340, including
tabs 810, are flexible such that at least a portion of feet 240 and
340 flex when being inserted into or withdrawn from slots 410 and
910. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that
in general, it is known to use flexible tabs on a first piece that
deflect or flex to insert into slots on a second piece in order to
connect the first piece to the second piece.
[0028] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of universal serial bus hub 100
stacked with a universal serial bus hub 900 according to an
embodiment of the invention. Universal serial bus hub 100 is
further stackable with additional universal serial bus hubs such
that three or more universal serial bus hubs can be stacked on top
of each other. Universal serial bus hub 900 is identical or at
least substantially similar to universal serial bus hub 100, and
each of the reference numerals used herein to identify elements of
universal serial bus hub 100 should be understood to also refer to
corresponding elements of universal serial bus hub 900. Universal
serial bus hubs 100 and 900 can be oriented such that region 161 of
universal serial bus 100 is above region 161 of universal serial
bus 900. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 9, universal serial
bus hubs 100 and 900 can be oriented such that region 161 of
universal serial bus 100 is above region 163 of universal serial
bus 900. The ability to orient a first universal serial bus hub in
a direction that is different from or the same as an orientation
direction of another universal serial bus hub that is stacked with
the first universal serial bus hub greatly enhances the cable
management options available to the user of the universal serial
bus hubs. Use of right angle plugs, as discussed above, further
enhances these cable management options.
[0029] Slot 410 of universal serial bus hub 900 is configured to
receive at least a portion of foot 240 of universal serial bus hub
100, and slot 910 of universal serial bus hub 900 is configured to
receive at least a portion of foot 340 of universal serial bus hub
100 when universal serial bus hub 100 is stacked on top of
universal serial bus hub 900, as shown in FIG. 9. Slot 410 of
universal serial bus hub 900 is also configured to receive at least
a portion of foot 340 of universal serial bus hub 100, and slot 910
of universal serial bus hub 900 is also configured to receive at
least a portion of foot 240 of universal serial bus hub 100.
Furthermore, slot 410 of universal serial bus hub 100 is configured
to receive at least a portion of foot 240 and/or foot 340 of
universal serial bus hub 900, and slot 910 of universal serial bus
hub 900 is configured to receive at least a portion of the other
one of foot 240 and/or foot 340 of universal serial bus hub 900. In
one embodiment, universal serial bus hub 100 and universal serial
bus hub 900 are self-aligning and/or self-interlocking when
universal serial bus hubs 100 and 900 are stacked with each
other.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 of
manufacturing a universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment
of the invention. A step 1010 of method 1000 is to provide a
housing comprising a middle portion having a first region, a second
region substantially opposite the first region, and a third region
located between the first region and the second region; a top
portion coupled to the middle portion; and a bottom portion coupled
to the middle portion opposite the top portion. As an example, the
housing can be similar to housing 110, first shown in FIG. 1. As
another example, the middle portion can be similar to middle
portion 112, first shown in FIG. 1, the top portion can be similar
to top portion 111, first shown in FIG. 1, and the bottom portion
can be similar to bottom portion 113, first shown in FIG. 1. As a
further example, the first region can be similar to region 163, the
second region can be similar to region 161, and the third region
can be similar to region 162, all three of which are first shown in
FIG. 1.
[0031] In one embodiment, step 1010 or another step further
comprises providing at least a portion of the top portion to
comprise a translucent material. As an example, the portion of the
top portion can be similar to portion 151, first shown in FIG. 1.
In the same or another embodiment, step 1010 or another step
further comprises one or more of providing a status indicator at
the top portion and providing the status indicator to be visible
through the portion of the top portion. As an example, the status
indicator can be similar to status indicator 130, first shown in
FIG. 1.
[0032] A step 1020 of method 1000 is to provide a power port. As an
example, the power port can be similar to power port 210, first
shown in FIG. 2.
[0033] A step 1030 of method 1000 is to provide a first universal
serial bus port. As an example, the first universal serial bus port
can be similar to universal serial bus port 120, first shown in
FIG. 1.
[0034] A step 1040 of method 1000 is to provide a second universal
serial bus port. As an example, the second universal serial bus
port can be similar to universal serial bus port 220, first shown
in FIG. 2.
[0035] A step 1050 of method 1000 is to assemble the universal
serial bus hub such that the power port is at the first region, the
first universal serial bus port is at the second region, and the
second universal serial bus port is at the third region.
[0036] A step 1060 of method 1000 is to coat at least a portion of
the housing with a rubberized material. In a different embodiment,
step 1060 can be performed before step 1050 and/or simultaneously
with, or as a part of, step 1010.
[0037] A step 1070 of method 1000 is to provide the bottom portion
to have a first foot located below the first region and a second
foot located below the second region. As an example, the first foot
can be similar to foot 240, first shown in FIG. 2, and the second
foot can be similar to foot 340, first shown in FIG. 3. In a
different embodiment, step 1070 can be performed simultaneously
with, or as a part of, step 1010.
[0038] A step 1080 of method 1000 is to provide the top portion to
have a first slot located above the first region and a second slot
located above the second region. As an example, the first slot can
be similar to slot 410, first shown in FIG. 4, and the second slot
can be similar to slot 910, first shown in FIG. 9. In a different
embodiment, step 1080 can be performed simultaneously with, or as a
part of, step 1010.
[0039] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Various examples of such changes
have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the
disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall
be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For
example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily
apparent that the universal serial bus hub discussed herein may be
implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing
discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily
represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.
[0040] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the invention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
[0041] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *