AU2021201395B2 - USB cable and method for producing the same - Google Patents
USB cable and method for producing the same Download PDFInfo
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- AU2021201395B2 AU2021201395B2 AU2021201395A AU2021201395A AU2021201395B2 AU 2021201395 B2 AU2021201395 B2 AU 2021201395B2 AU 2021201395 A AU2021201395 A AU 2021201395A AU 2021201395 A AU2021201395 A AU 2021201395A AU 2021201395 B2 AU2021201395 B2 AU 2021201395B2
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- cable
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- data wires
- shield
- housing
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Abstract
USB CABLE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
ABSTRACT
A cord reel apparatus comprising a cable assembly (30), the cable (10) comprising a)
first and second data wires (12, 14) adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at a lay
of multiple twists per inch; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent the first and second
data wires (12, 14); and c) an electrical shield (48) enclosing the additional conductors and first
and second data wires (12, 14), wherein the electrical shield (48) has sufficient coverage to
reduce electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires (12, 14); a connector (38)
at each end of the cable assembly (30); a housing (40); and a retractable reel (34) attached to and
rotatable with respect to the housing (40) for accepting the cable assembly (30).
Description
This is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2019201378, filed on 27 February 2019. The entire content of Australian Patent Application No. 2019201378 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
The present invention relates generally to a USB cord, and more specifically to a USB cord coupled to a retractable reel.
Universal Serial Bus, or "USB" is a commonly used term that refers to a standard for connecting two electronic devices or for connecting a device and a host computer. Using USB technology, a plurality of peripherals can be connected using a single standardized interface socket. Plug-and-play capabilities may also be improved by permitting hot swapping - that is, by permitting devices to be connected and disconnected without rebooting the computer or turning off the device. Other features of USB technology include providing power to low-consumption devices, eliminating the need for an external power supply, and allowing many devices to be used without requiring manufacturer-specific device drivers to be installed.
In certain scenarios, it may be desirable to have a USB cord on a retractable reel, such that the cord can be extended and retracted into a reel depending on how and when it is being used.
It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to at least substantially satisfy the above desire.
The present invention relates to one or more of the following features, elements or combinations thereof.
An aspect of the present invention provides a universal serial bus cord reel apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a cable, the cable comprising a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch; b) a first braided shield surrounding the first and second data wires to prevent electromagnetic or radio frequency interference; c) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first braided shield surrounding the first and second data wires, the additional wires being twisted about the first braided shield at approximately two twists per inch; d) an electrical insulator cover enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and e) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms; a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable; a spring mounted between the housing and the reel for biasing the rotation of the reel in one direction for retracting the cable; a ratchet attached to the housing for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable assembly may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and wound on the reel.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a universal serial bus cord reel apparatus comprising: a cable, the cable comprising a substantially round profile comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch and enclosed by a first shield; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first shield surrounding the first and second data wires, the additional wires being twisted about the shield at approximately two twists per inch; c) an electrical insulator cover enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and d) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms; a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable; a ratchet attached to the housing for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable assembly may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and wound on the reel.
One aspect of the present invention provides a universal serial bus cord reel apparatus comprising: a cable assembly, the cable comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at a lay of multiple twists per inch, and a first shield surrounding the first and second data wires; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent the first shield surrounding the first and second data wires; and c) an electrical insulator cover enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires, wherein the electrical shield has sufficient coverage to reduce electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires; d) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms a connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; and a retractable reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly.
Yet a further aspect of the present invention provides a universal serial bus cord reel apparatus for detachably supplying at least data to an electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a cable assembly, the cable comprising a substantially round profile comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch;
3a
b) a first shield surrounding the first and second data wires to prevent electromagnetic or radio frequency interference; c) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first and second data wires, d) a second shield enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and e) a third shield enclosing the second shield; wherein the second and third shields reduce electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires; a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly; a ratchet attached to the housing whereby the cable assembly may be maintained, or retracted and wound on the reel.
There is disclosed herein a universal serial bus compliant cord reel apparatus comprising: a universal serial bus compliant cable assembly, the cable comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent the first and second data wires; and c) an electrical shield enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires, wherein the electrical shield has sufficient coverage to reduce electromagnetic interference; a universal serial bus compliant connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; and a retractable reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly.
There is disclosed herein a cord reel apparatus comprising: a cable assembly, the cable assembly comprising a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch;
3b
b) two or more additional conductors twisted around the first and second data wires; and c) a shield enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; whereby the first and second data wires of the cable assembly have an impedance of approximately 90 ohms; a connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; and a retractable reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly.
There is also disclosed herein a universal serial bus compliant cord reel apparatus comprising: a cable assembly, the cable comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch; b) a first shield surrounding the first and second data wires to prevent electromagnetic or radio frequency interference; c) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first and second data wires; d) a second shield enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and e) a third shield enclosing the second shield; wherein the second and third shields reduce electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires; a universal serial bus compliant connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly; and a ratchet attached to the housing for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable assembly may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and wound on the reel.
In one embodiment, a retractable USB reel includes a pair of data wires placed next to each other and overlaid with an EMI / RFI shield. The data wires may be twisted around each other. Conductors can also be placed and twisted around the data wires or put in parallel relationship with the data wires. The resulting conglomerate of wires and shields can then be covered with a low friction substance and then an EMI / RFI shield.
In another embodiment, a cord reel is provided with an electrically conductive material.
The cord reel is configured to carry a stationary USB coil and a movable USB coil, such that the two USB coils are in communication with each other.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a top view of a flat USB connecting cable according to one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a USB cord reel according to one embodiment of the invention, the USB cord reel showing the inner elements of the cord reel;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a USB cord reel; and
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention without a jacket.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, a flat USB cable 10 can include a first data wire 12 and a second
data wire 14. First and second data wires 12, 14 are illustratively positioned adjacent to each
other and twisted around each other. Other wires 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 may also be
positioned alongside first and second data wires 12, 14. In the illustrated example, other wires
16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 are arranged in a substantially parallel single row on either or both
sides of first and second data wires 12, 14. The various wires 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and
28 are held together with a threaded material.
The present invention comprises a cable management system for organizing and
managing a USB cable, and may optionally comprise other cables and / or wires coupled
therewith. Such a management system facilitates the use and storage of a USB cord in a variety
of environments, including passenger vehicles.
As can be seen in Fig. 2, the illustrative cable management system 30 comprises a cable
storage unit 32, a cable reel 34, a cable 36, and a USB connector 38. A second USB connector or
other electronic connector 40 may also be provided at the other end of cable management system
30. Additional connectors 39, 41 may also be provided. The cable storage unit 32 may have a
tension element disposed within and coupled to reel 34, the tension element functioning to resist
extraction of the cable 36 from the housing.
The cable storage unit 32 may be configured for mounting on a seat, a vehicle, or any
other type of structure. Similar disclosures of cable storage units and cable management systems
can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,094,396 to Burke, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0262185 to Burke, the subject matter of which is also hereby incorporated by reference.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-3, cable storage unit 32 includes a spool or reel 34
upon which a portion of the length of the cable 36 is wound. The cable storage unit 32 also
includes a base or housing 40. The housing 40 may include a plurality of circumferentially
spaced tabs 42 configured to enable reel 34 to be rotatable relative to housing 40. Additionally,
tabs 42 may be configured to retain the wound portion 44 of the cable against reel 34. The inside
surface of housing 40 may also be coated with an electrically conductive coating.
Housing 40 may also provide mounting holes 46 to facilitate mounting of the cable
storage unit 32 underneath a passenger seat or in some other location. It should be understood
that cable 36 may include multiple types of wires and / or connectors. For example, in the
embodiments shown in Figs. 2-3, two connectors 38, 39 and 40, 41 appear at each end of the
cable management system 30.
The manufacture and construction of cable 36 is illustratively as follows and can be seen
in Fig. 4. A pair of USB data wires is placed next to each other in such a way as to remain
substantially immobile relative to each other. For example, it is contemplated that the USB data
wires are twisted around each other at a rate of approximately four twists per inch. The USB data
wires can then be overlaid with a braided shield 48. Shield 48 functions to substantially remove
void spaces between the data wires and may further assist in protecting the USB data wires from
interference from any adjoining wires and appliances. In one embodiment, the shield is a
helically braided, served shield. Collectively, the USB data wires and the shield are referred to
herein as a "first construct."
Additional conductors / data wires are placed in close spatial relationship to the first
construct to create a second construct having a cross section defining a substantially circular
periphery. The additional conductors may be twisted or fluted helically about the first construct
at a lay rate of two twists per inch. Alternatively, the additional conductors may be positioned
alongside and parallel to the first construct, without twisting around the first construct. If
desirable, "core fillers" may also be used to create a cord that is substantially round in
construction. This "second construct" will ideally be formed to have a bend radius of 55 mm or
greater.
The second construct is then covered with a low friction substance such as PFE, followed
by second shield, such as an EMI / RFI shield. This process can ideally produce a USB cable
with a bend radius of 55 mm or greater, a length of at least five meters, and a signal rate of at
least 1.5 Mb.
It is also of interest to provide a USB cord that has sufficient impedance for the operation
of electronic devices and data components. A suggested nominal impedance for most data
applications is 90 Ohms. Accordingly, one of the goals of the disclosed embodiment is to
manufacture a USB cord that allows for approximately the illustrative 90 Ohms impedance.
It is observed that impedance is affected by physical and geometric properties of the
wires and the constructs. The spacing between the wires, as well as the wall thickness of the wire
insulation is significant. Bending the wires also affects impedance. Accordingly, it is significant
to hold the USB data wires in a substantially uniform manner regardless of how the USB cord is
positioned or bent.
Additional conductors / wires that are positioned along the USB wires can also affect
impedance. Therefore, the position of such additional conductors and the shield between the
conductors and the USB wires are considerations when constructing the USB cord. An additional
shield around the non-USB conductors may also be desirable. Finally, a braided nylon jacket
may be formed on top of entire bundle. This nylon jacket may affect impedance by putting
pressure on the underlying data wires. Furthermore, in a "double served shield" embodiment,
impedance may also be affected.
The following chart shows various impedances and the resulting decline in impedances in
selected "P3" embodiments. The term "no jacket" means no nylon jacket was used. The term
"jacket" refers to a nylon-braided jacket. Single serve and double serve refer to the number of
shields around the constructs inside the cord.
From the data shown above, it can be seen that a data wire with higher impedance must
be used in order to result in a 90 Ohm impedance. Additional notes relating to the construction of
the USB cord can be found in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings
and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is not
intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
scope of the disclosure.
Claims (11)
1. A universal serial bus cord reel apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a cable, the cable comprising a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch; b) a first braided shield surrounding the first and second data wires to prevent electromagnetic or radio frequency interference; c) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first braided shield surrounding the first and second data wires, the additional wires being twisted about the first braided shield at approximately two twists per inch; d) an electrical insulator cover enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and e) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms;
a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable; a spring mounted between the housing and the reel for biasing the rotation of the reel in one direction for retracting the cable; a ratchet attached to the housing for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable assembly may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and wound on the reel.
2. A universal serial bus cord reel apparatus comprising: a cable, the cable comprising a substantially round profile comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch and enclosed by a first shield; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first shield surrounding the first and second data wires, the additional wires being twisted about the shield at approximately two twists per inch; c) an electrical insulator cover
enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and d) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms; a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable; a ratchet attached to the housing for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable assembly may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and wound on the reel.
3. A universal serial bus (USB) cord reel apparatus for detachably supplying at least data to an electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a cable assembly, the cable comprising a substantially round profile comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at a lay of multiple twists per inch, and a first shield surrounding the first and second data wires; b) two or more additional conductors adjacent the first shield surrounding the first and second data wires, c) an electrical insulator cover enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; wherein the electrical shield reduces electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires; and
d) a second shield enclosing the electrical insulator cover; whereby the cable has an impedance of approximately 90 ohms; a connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; and a retractable reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly.
4. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, wherein the additional conductors are twisted about the first shield surrounding the first and second data wires.
5. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cable assembly has a nominal impedance sufficient for the operation of electronic devices and data components.
6. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connector is a Universal Serial Bus connector.
7. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, wherein the retractable reel is a self-retracting reel.
8. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a locking mechanism for selectively restraining rotation of the reel whereby the cable may be maintained in an extended position, or retracted and rewound on the retractable reel.
9. The USB cord reel apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second data wires are twisted around each other at a lay of approximately four twists per inch.
10. A universal serial bus cord (USB) reel apparatus for detachably supplying at least data to an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
a cable assembly, the cable comprising a substantially round profile comprising: a) first and second data wires adjacent to each other, and twisted around each other at approximately four twists per inch; b) a first shield surrounding the first and second data wires to prevent electromagnetic or radio frequency interference; c) two or more additional conductors adjacent to the first and second data wires, d) a second shield enclosing the additional conductors and first and second data wires; and e) a third shield enclosing the second shield; wherein the second and third shields reduce electromagnetic interference to the first and second data wires; a universal serial bus connector at each end of the cable assembly; a housing; a reel attached to and rotatable with respect to the housing for accepting the cable assembly; a ratchet attached to the housing whereby the cable assembly may be maintained, or retracted and wound on the reel.
11. The USB reel apparatus of claim 10, wherein the additional conductors and the
twisted first and second data wires are twisted about one another.
Astronics Connectivity Systems & Certification Corp.
Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person
SPRUSON&FERGUSON
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2021201395A AU2021201395B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2021-03-03 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16624809P | 2009-04-03 | 2009-04-03 | |
| US61/166,248 | 2009-04-03 | ||
| PCT/US2010/000972 WO2010114607A2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2010-04-01 | Usb cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2010232980A AU2010232980B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2010-04-01 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2015202376A AU2015202376B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2015-05-05 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2017201917A AU2017201917A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2017-03-21 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2019201378A AU2019201378A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2019-02-27 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2021201395A AU2021201395B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2021-03-03 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2019201378A Division AU2019201378A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2019-02-27 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2021201395A1 AU2021201395A1 (en) | 2021-03-18 |
| AU2021201395B2 true AU2021201395B2 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
Family
ID=53266705
Family Applications (4)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015202376A Ceased AU2015202376B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2015-05-05 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2017201917A Abandoned AU2017201917A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2017-03-21 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2019201378A Abandoned AU2019201378A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2019-02-27 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2021201395A Active AU2021201395B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2021-03-03 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
Family Applications Before (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015202376A Ceased AU2015202376B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2015-05-05 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2017201917A Abandoned AU2017201917A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2017-03-21 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
| AU2019201378A Abandoned AU2019201378A1 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2019-02-27 | USB cable and method for producing the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (4) | AU2015202376B2 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030207611A1 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2003-11-06 | Lin Chen Che | USB cable adapter with cable winding mechanism |
| US20050178871A1 (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2005-08-18 | Sheng Hsin Liao | Assembled windlass structure |
| JP2005259385A (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2005-09-22 | Toyo Service Kk | Communication cable |
-
2015
- 2015-05-05 AU AU2015202376A patent/AU2015202376B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2017
- 2017-03-21 AU AU2017201917A patent/AU2017201917A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-02-27 AU AU2019201378A patent/AU2019201378A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2021
- 2021-03-03 AU AU2021201395A patent/AU2021201395B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030207611A1 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2003-11-06 | Lin Chen Che | USB cable adapter with cable winding mechanism |
| US20050178871A1 (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2005-08-18 | Sheng Hsin Liao | Assembled windlass structure |
| JP2005259385A (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2005-09-22 | Toyo Service Kk | Communication cable |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2021201395A1 (en) | 2021-03-18 |
| AU2015202376A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
| AU2015202376B2 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
| AU2019201378A1 (en) | 2019-03-21 |
| AU2017201917A1 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |