GB2521818A

GB2521818A - Connector for an electrical device

Info

Publication number: GB2521818A
Application number: GB1320566.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Judkins; Min-Kyu Choi
Original assignee: Made in Mind Ltd
Current assignee: Made in Mind Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-21
Filing date: 2013-11-21
Publication date: 2015-07-08
Also published as: WO2015075017A1; GB201320566D0

Abstract

A connector 1 for an electrical device, the connector comprising a first interface 3 for connection to an electrical device and a second interface 5 for connection to a source of electrical power or a second electrical device. An elongate ribbon-like cable 7 physically and electrically interconnects the first and second interfaces and the cable is bendable around at least part of the periphery of said electrical device for storage on said device when the connector is not in use. A protective cover for a mobile telephone is also disclosed, wherein the connector functions as a bumper for the telephone.

Description

CONNECTOR FOR AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to connectors for electrical devices. In one illustrative implementation the invention relates to a connector for an electrical device, where the connector can be wrapped around the device, for example when the connector is not in use, to protect that device.

Background to the Invention

Electrical devices, such as smartphones like the iPhoneTM for example, are typically sold with an electrical connector that allows that device to be connected to a computer for data transfer or to a mains adaptor for power transfer. In the particular case of the iPhone'TM, the connector typically supplied with the phone comprises a cable with a universal serial bus (USB) connector at one end that can be plugged into a three pin plug (with a complementary USB connector) or a computer, and a proprietary iPhoneT connector at the other that can be plugged into the iPhoneTM.

Whilst such connectors are clearly very portable, most users tend to leave their chargers at home as it can be inconvenient to carry such a connector in a bag, for example, as the cable can easily become tangled with other items in the bag. A user who chooses to leave their connector at home cannot then connect their iPhoneTM to another computer without first procuring another connector.

It is also the case that many models of modern smartphone, like the iPhonelM or Samsung Galaxy 52TM for example, are relatively fragile items. The screens of such devices, in particular, are prone to being damaged if the phone should be dropped onto a hard surface. For this reason, many smartphone users have purchased so-called "bumpers" which fit around the periphery of the phone and protect the phone if dropped.

An illustrative bumper for the iPhoneTM can be viewed here: http: //storeaolacom/us/roduct/MC839ZM/B/aople-phone-4-bumoer-black?fnode=47.

Clearly it would be advantageous if these disadvantages could be mitigated, and the present invention has been devised with just such an aim in mind.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a connector for an electrical device, the connector comprising a first interface for connection to an electrical device, a second connector for connection to a source of electrical power or another electrical device, and an elongate ribbon-like cable physically and electrically interconnecting the first and second interfaces; wherein the cable is configured to be wrappable around the periphery of said electrical device for storage.

In another implementation there is provided a connector for an electiical device, the connector comprising: a first interface for connection to an electrical device, a second interface for connection to a source of electrical power or a second electrical device, and an elongate ribbon-like cable physically and electrically interconnecting the first and second interfaces; wherein the cable is fittable around at least part of the periphery of said electrical device for storage on said device when the connector is not in use.

Preferably, the cable is dimensioned so as to be wider than the electrical device about which it is fittable. In one implementation the cable comprises first and second peripheial regions that are spaced laterally from one another by a web of material. The first and second peripheral regions may be thicker than said web of material.

The web of material may include one or more apertures through which said device can be accessed when the connectol is fitted around the electiical device. The apertures may be configured to enable the device to operated when the connector is fitted around the device.

In one arrangement, wiring electrically inteiconnecting said first and second interfaces runs through one or both of said peripheral regions. The cable may be dimensioned so that said first and second peripheral regions at least partly project beyond the periphery of the electrical device when the connector is fitted around the peripheiy of the device.

In one implementation! the connector is configured to co-operate with a cover plate fittable to a major face of said electrical device.

The first interface may be securable to said second interface. The connector may comprise a coupler for coupling the first interface to the second interface. The coupler may be operable as an adaptor. In one arrangement, one of said interfaces includes a first type of connector and a second different type of connector.

The connectoi may comprise a store for data and/or logic.

The cable may be split into a first branch and a second bianch, and said second interface may comprise a first part coupled to said fiist bianch and a second part coupled to said second branch.

The first and second interface parts cooperate to form an interface that is connectable to a source of power or another electrical device. The first and second interface pads may be configured to interconnect with one another.

The first and second branches may extend around opposite sides of said device when the connector is stoied on the device.

The cable may include a plurality of sections of bistable sprung metal.

The first interface may be selected from the group consisting of: a USB interface, a micro-USB interface, or a Lightning'TM interface. The second interface may be selected from the group consisting of: a USB interface, a micro-USB interface, or a Lightning'TM interface.

Another aspect of the invention provides a protective cover for a portable electronic device having a front face and a rear face, the rear face being spaced from the front face by a peripheral wall, the cover comprising: a protective plate fittable to the device so as to at least partly cover the rear face of the device; and a connector fittable about substantially all the peripheral wall of the device, wherein the connector comprises: a first interface for connection to said telephone, a second interface for connection to a source of electrical power or an electrical device, and an elongate ribbon-like cable physically and electrically interconnecting the first and second interfaces; wherein the protective plate protects at least part of the rear face of the device and the connector functions as a bumper for the device when the plate and connector are fitted to said device. The connector may be configured to be engageable with the protective plate.

Other aspects, features and advantages are described elsewhere in the present application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative connector embodying the teachings of the present invention; Fig. 2 depicts the connector of Fig. 1 and an iPhone'TM; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part of the connector depicted in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the connector of Fig. 1 in use with an iPhone'TM; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the connector depicted in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of part of the connector shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of another part of the connector shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of another part of the connector shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the connector and iPhonetm depicted in Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of cover for use with a connector that embodies the teachings of the present invention; Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the cover depicted in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cover depicted in Fig. 10 and a connector that embodies the teachings of the present invention; F, and the igs. 13 and 14 are schematic representations of an illustrative arrangement for securing the connector about the periphery of an electrical device; Figs. 15 and 16 are alternative arrangements for securing the connector about the periphery of an electrical device; Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an interface for a connector embodying the teachings of the present invention; Figs. 18 and 19 are a perspective view and a side elevation, respectively, of a connector embodying the teachings of the invention in use with an electrical device; Fig. 20 is a plan view of an illustrative connector for securing around the periphery of the electrical device depicted in Figs. 18 and 19; Figs. 21 and 22 are perspective views of an adaptor for use with the connector described herein; Figs. 23 to 26 are perspective views of alternative adaptors for use with the connectors described herein; Figs. 27 and 28 are perspective views of another connector; and Figs. 29 to 36 are schematic representations of another connector that embodies the teachings of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

In the following detailed description specific reference will be made to a connector that is configured for use with an iPhone'TM, and it should not be inferred from this that the teachings of the present invention are only applicable to iPhoneTM devices or even only to smartphones. Rather, the teachings of the present invention may be employed with many different electrical devices, and the scope of the present invention should be construed accordingly.

With the above caveat in mind, reference will now be made to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings in which there is depicted a schematic representation of a connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The connector comprises a first interface 3 at one end of the connector 1, and a second interface 5 at the other end of the connector. The first and second interfaces are connected, physically and electrically, by means of a cable 7 that runs between them.

In this particular example the first connector comprises a Lightning'TM connector (the Lightning'TM connector being a proprietary AppleTM connector), and the second connector comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, for example a USB 2.0 connector. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the first connector can be plugged into a compatible iPhonelM or iPodTM, and the second connector can be plugged into a power adaptor (that plugs into a socket outlet) for charging the iPhonelM or iPodTM or into a computer, for example so that the device can be synched with and charged by a computer.

It will be appreciated, however, that the format of the first and second interfaces is not an essential element of the present invention, and that the connector can comprise any two types of interface. For example, both the first and second interfaces could comprise USB interfaces, for example a micro-USB connector and a larger conventional USB connector.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cable 7 interconnecting the first and second interfaces is both elongate and ribbon-like. By "ribbon-like" we mean that the cable 7 is larger in a transverse dimension than it is in a lateral dimension (i.e. wider than it is thick) so that it forms a generally planar elongate body.

In a particularly preferred implementation depicted schematically in Fig. 7, the cable 7 includes enlarged peripheral regions 8 through which wiring 9 that electrically interconnects the first and second interfaces 3, 5 runs. The enlarged peripheral regions 8 extend along respective peripheral edges of the cable 7 so that the cable 7 is generally I-shaped in cross section. In this configuiation each enlarged region is separated by a web of material 11, and it is preferred for the distance between the enlarged regions to be roughly equivalent to the thickness of the electrical device (for example, a smartphone such as the iPhoneTM) with which the connector is to be used. In this way at least pad of those pads of the cable that house the wiring extend beyond the periphery of the electrical device so that the connector as a whole can function as a so-called bumper when it is fitted around the periphery of the electrical device. Figs. 2 and 4 illustrate this aspect of the connector.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, in circumstances where only one run of wiring interconnects the first and second interfaces 3, 5 or multiple runs of wiring are provided in one enlarged region 8, the remaining enlarged region may be devoid of wiring.

Referring again to Figs. 3, 5, 6 and 7, in a particularly preferred implementation, the web of material 11 may include a number of apertures so that control button(s) of a device around which the connector is wrapped can be operated without removing the connector from the device. In another implementation, the control buttons may be operable through the web of material, and the web of material could be locally thinned to facilitate this.

In the particular example shown in Figs 6 and 7, the connector is configured for use with an iPhoneTM 5, and to this end the web of material defines a first aperture 13 shaped somewhat like a keyhole, a second aperture 15 shaped as a rectangle with curved ends, and a third aperture 17 in between the first and second apertures. In this configuration when the connector depicted is wrapped around an iPhoneTM 5, the first aperture 13 lines up with the headphone (line out) jack and one loudspeaker, the second aperture 15 lines up with the other loudspeaker, and the third aperture 17 lines up with the Lightning'TM socket. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the connector may also comprise fourth and fifth generally circular apertures 19, 21 that align with the volume buttons (increase and decrease) buttons of the iPhoneTM 5, a sixth aperture 23 that aligns with the ring/silent switch of the iPhonelM 5, and a seventh aperture 25 that aligns with the sleep/wake button of the iPhoneTM 5.

As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 8 and 9, in one envisaged implementation the first and second interfaces 3, 5 may simple lie adjacent one another when the connector is fitted round the periphery of an electrical device. In another envisaged implementation, the first and second interfaces may be connected together to secure the connector around the electrical device. For example, in the implementation depicted in Figs. 13 and 14, a coupler 27 is provided. The coupler 27 comprises a body with a first recess 29 at one end into which the first interface 3 can be fitted, and at the other end a second recess 31 into which the second interface 5 can be fitted. In the particular example illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, the first recess is configured to accept a LightningTM connector and the second recess is configured to accept a USB connector. It will be appreciated, however that depending on the type of interfaces on the connector, differently shaped recesses may instead be provided. As shown in Fig. 14, once the interfaces have been fifted into the recesses of the coupler 27, the connector is secured about the periphery of the electrical device -which in the particular example illustrated is a smartphone.

In another envisaged implementation, illustrated schematically in Figs. 15 and 16, one interface 3, 5 may be configured to couple to the other interface. In the particular example illustrated in Fig. 15, one interface (in this instance the second interface 5) includes formations 29 on one face between which the other interface can be fitted and secured. In another implementation depicted schematically in Fig. 16, one interface may carry one or more projections 31 (in this example, two projections) that fit into co-operating recesses (not shown) in the other interface. In another implementation, the interfaces could be magnetically coupled together or coupled together by means of a two-part mechanical hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro'TM).

In preferred implementations of the teachings of the invention, the connector, in particular the cable, may be formed from a resilient material! for example a rubber or plastics material. In one particular example, at least the cable part of the connector may be of an impact resistant material -for example, an impact resistant material embodying the lmpactologyTM technology offered by Tech2l Ltd (as used in the device described in UK Patent Application No. 2463712).

As shown in Fig. 1, the connector can be laid out flat on a surface and in one envisaged implementation all of the connector is readily flexible so that the connector as a whole can be manipulated into any desired shape. In another envisaged implementation depicted schematically in Fig. 6, corner regions 6 of the cable 7 may include -for example, embedded within the cable -a section of bistable spring metal that exists in two stales, a first elongate substantially flat state and a second curved state. In this arrangement, wrapping of the connector around an electronic device can be facilitated as the corner regions with the internal bistable spring metal section will automatically curve around the corners of the electrical device that the connector is to be used with when the spring metal section is switched between the first and second states.

In another arrangement depicted schematically in Figs. 10 to 12, the connector disclosed herein may be employed with a cover plate 33 that provides scratch protection for the back face of an electrical device such as a smartphone. In this particular example, the cover plate 33 includes an aperture 35 that aligns with the camera and flash of an iPhoneTM 5 when the plate 33 is fitted to the rear of the iPhoneTM 5. The plate 33 includes an upstanding curved tab 37 at each corner, and each tab bears an outwardly extending projection 39 that mates with a co-operating aperture 41 in the web of material 11 that forms part of the cable 7 when the connector is wrapped around the plate 33 (and any electrical device that the plate is fitted to).

Referring now to Fig. 17 of the drawings, in envisaged implementations one or both (typically one) of the interfaces 1, 3 may comprise a plurality of different types of interface. In the particular example illustrated in Fig. 17, the interface 1, 3 comprises a micro-USB interface 43 (suitable for use with a BlackberryTM smartphone, for example) and a Lightning1M connector 45. The two interfaces 43, 45 are each coupled to a connector body 47 by means of a resiliently flexible coupling 49, 51 so that one interface 43, 45 can be moved out of the way when the other interface is in use.

Referring now to Figs. 18 to 20, there is depicted a connector for use with a different type of electrical device -specifically a folding electrical outlet plug 52 known as "the Mu" (see wwwthernucouk). In the arrangement depicted in Figs. 18 and 19 the connector includes a LightningTM interface 44 and a USB interface 46, and the two interfaces are configured to be coupled together in the manner depicted in Fig. 15. In Fig. 20, the Lightning interface has been replaced with a dual interface of the type depicted in Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 20, the connector of Figs. 18 to 20 includes two apertures 53, and 55 through which pins of the folding plug pioject when the connector is wrapped around the periphery of the folding plug.

Referring now to Figs. 21 of the drawings, there is depicted a schematic representation of an adaptor 57 that includes a first port 58 into which an interface of one type has been plugged, and a second port 59 into which an interface of a second different type can be plugged. In the particular example illustrated in Fig. 21 the adaptor 57 includes a first port into which a Lightning'TM interface 3 has been plugged, and a second port 59 that comprises a thirty pin dock interface (suitable for interfacing with older iPhonelM and iPadTM devices).

Referring to Fig. 22, in this arrangement the adaptor 57 expands on the functionality of the adaptor shown in Fig. 21 by providing a third pod 60 on one side of the adaptor and a fourth port 61 on the opposite side of the adaptor 57. In this arrangement the adaptor 57 can function as a coupler similar in function to that depicted in Figs 13 and 14. The third and fourth pods may comprise recesses into which the respective interfaces at opposite ends of the connector can be plugged, or in another implementation the adaptor could be configured to magnetically couple to each of the interfaces. The third and fourth ports could be "dumb" ports, in the sense that they merely function as a storage receptacle for an interface, or they could be active ports in the sense that data or power transfer is enabled between these and another port or ports of the adaptor.

Referring now to Figs. 23 to 26 of the drawings, it is proposed that the adaptor of Figs. 21 or 22 could be provided with one or more hinges 63 so that the adaptor 57 can be folded up to reduce its size.

Figs. 27 and 28 are schematic representations of another connector 65. The connector in Fig. 27 is shown coupled to an adaptor of the type depicted in Fig. 21 or Fig. 22. The connector 65 comprises an interface 67 at one end (in this example, a Lightning'TM interface) and a multi-functional interface 69 at the other. In the particular example shown, the multi-functional interface 69 is configured to be plugged into a USB pod, for example a USB port of a desktop or laptop computer, and hence includes a USB interface 71. The multi-functional interface 69 includes logic (of the type that can easily be constructed by a person of ordinary skill in the art) that is operable to detect when the interface 71 has been plugged into a source of electrical power such as the aforementioned folding plug, whereupon the logic configures the multi-functional interface to pass electrical power to the other interface 67.

The multi-functional interface 69 also includes storage (such as one or more RAM chips) and the logic is configured to enable access to that storage when it is detected that only one of the interfaces 67, 71 is plugged into an electrical device. In this way the connector can function (optionally in conjunction with software running on the electrical device to which it is connected) as a memory stick for data storage purposes. In another envisaged implementation the logic may include software that is automatically downloaded and executed by the electrical device into which the connector is plugged.

In another envisaged mode of operation, the connector may be simultaneously operable in a pass-through mode -where power is transferred from one device to which the connector is connected to another -and in a data storage/retrieval mode where data can be stored in or retrieved from memory incorporated into the multifunctional interface 69.

As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the aforementioned logic can be configured to determine whether the interfaces are plugged into a source of electrical power, such as the aforementioned Mu folding plug, or another electrical device such as a computer by monitoring voltage levels at one or more of the interfaces 67, 71.

In this implementation the connector may be configured to be wrappable around the periphery of an electronic device, as with previously described connectors. In another implementation the connector need not be configured for wrapping round an electrical device. It will also be appreciated that the aforementioned logic need not necessarily be integrated into one of the interfaces, but could instead lie between the two interfaces.

Referring now to Figs. 29 to 33 of the drawings, there is depicted another connector 71 that embodies the teachings of the present invention. The connector 71 of this implementation is configured to be usable as a bumper when not in use to connect one electrical device to another.

The connector 71 comprises a first interface 73 and a second interface 75 that is coupled, in this instance, to the first interface 73 by a split cable that has a first branch 79 and a second branch 81. In this arrangement, the second interface 75 is split (as shown in Fig. 29) into a first part 83 and a second part 85, and the two pads can be reassembled (as depicted in Figs. 32 and 33) to form an interface (in this particular example, a USB interface) for plugging into an electrical device such as a charger or a computer.

In an envisaged implementation, the first interface 73 is intended to remain plugged into the device (in this instance a smartphone 80) irrespective of whether the connector is in use as a bumper or as a means to connect the device to another device.

In one arrangement respective branches 79 and 81 of the split cable 77 are rotationally coupled to a cable section 87 from which the first interface 73 extends so that each branch can be rotated from the position shown in Fig. 31 to the position shown in Fig. 32. In another implementation the split cable may simply be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be manipulated into the position shown in Fig. 32.

In a preferred arrangement, the first 83 and second 85 parts of the second interface 75 are capable of being coupled to another when the respective branches of the split cable 77 have been wrapped around an electrical device and the interface parts lie adjacent to one another as shown in Fig. 31. For example, the first and second parts 83, 85 of the second interface could be magnetically coupled to one another, or could physically interconnect with one another (for example, by means of a peg that extends from one part and fits into the other part.

In one implementation, (illustrated schematically in Fig. 29) the first and second parts 83, 85 of the second interface 75 could have complementary shapes that enable them to fit together without interconnecting. In this particular example, abutting faces of the first and second parts 83, 85 are generally L-shaped, but it will be appreciated that they could instead be differently shaped. For example, one face could be concave and the other could be convex.

In other envisaged arrangements the first and second parts 83, 85 of the second interface 75 could be configured to engage with one another. For example, as depicted in Fig. 34, each part could comprise a projecting tooth or rib 89 that fits over the tooth or rib on the other part and locates in a groove 91 provided behind the tooth 89. In another implementation shown schematically in Fig. 35, the two parts 83, 85 could be slidably engageable. For example, one part could include a shaped projection 93 that can be slid into a complementary recess 95 on the other part. In another envisaged implementation, one part may include one or more projecting pins or pegs 97 that can be located in a complementary recess 99 in the other part. In another envisaged implementation the first and second parts 83, 85 could be magnetically coupled to one another.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

It should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connector for an electrical device, the connector comprising: a first interface for connection to an electrical device, a second interface for connection to a source of electrical power or a second electrical device, and an elongate ribbon-like cable physically and electrically interconnecting the first and second interfaces; wherein the cable is fittable around at least part of the periphery of said electrical device for storage on said device when the connector is not in use.
2 A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable is dimensioned so as to be wider than the electrical device about which it is fittable.
3 A connector according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said cable comprises first and second peripheral regions that are spaced laterally from one another by a web of material.
4 A connector according to Claim 3, wherein said first and second peripheral regions are thicker than said web of material.
A connector according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein said web of material includes one or more apertures through which said device can be accessed when the connector is fitted around the electrical device.
6 A connector according to Claim 5, wherein said apertures are configured to enable the device to operated when the connector is tilled around the device.
7 A connector according to any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein wiring electrically interconnecting said first and second interfaces runs through one or both of said peripheral regions.
B A connector according to any of Claims 3 to 7. wherein said cable is dimensioned so that said first and second peripheral regions at least partly project beyond the periphery of the electrical device when the connector is filled around the periphery of the device.
9. A connector according to any of Claims to 1 to 8, wherein the connector is configured to co-operate with a cover plate fiftable to a major face of said electrical device.
A connector according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the first interface is securable to said second interface.
11 A connector according to any preceding claim, comprising a coupler for coupling the first interface to the second interface.
12. A connector according to Claim 11, wherein said coupler is operable as an adaptor.
13. A connector according to any preceding claim wherein one of said interfaces includes a first type of connector and a second different type of connector.
14. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising a store for data.
15. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising logic.
16 A connector according to Claim 1, wherein said cable is split into a first branch and a second branch, and said second interface comprises a first part coupled to said first branch and a second part coupled to said second branch.
17 A connector according to Claim 16, wherein said first and second interface parts cooperate to form an interface that is connectable to a source of power or another electrical device.
18 A connector according to Claim 17, wherein said first and second interface pads are configured to interconnect with one another.
19 A connector according to any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein said first and second branches extend around opposite sides of said device when the connector is stored on the device.
A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said cable includes a plurality of sections of bistable sprung metal.
21 A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first interface is selected from the group consisting of: a USB interface, a micro-USB interface, or a Lightning'TM interface.
22 A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second interface is selected from the group consisting of: a USB interface, a micro-USB interface, or a Lightning'TM interface.
23 A protective cover for a mobile telephone having a front face and a rear face, the rear face being spaced from the front face by a peripheral wall, the cover comprising: a protective plate fittable to the mobile telephone so as to at least partly cover the rear face of the telephone; and a connector fittable about substantially all the peripheral wall of the mobile telephone, wherein the connector comprises: a first interface for connection to said telephone, a second interface for connection to a source of electrical power or an electrical device, and an elongate ribbon-like cable physically and electrically interconnecting the first and second interfaces; wherein the protective plate protects at least part of the rear face of the telephone and the connector functions as a bumper for the telephone when the plate and connector are fitted to said telephone.
24 A protective cover according to Claim 23, wherein the connector is configured to be engageable with the protective plate.
25. A coupler for coupling together a first interface and a second interface of a connector according to any preceding claim; the coupler comprising a first port configured to couple with said first interface and a second port configured to coupled with said second interface.
26. A coupler according to Claim 25, further comprising a third port and a fourth port, said third port being configured to accept one of the first or second interfaces of the connector, and the fourth port being provided to convert the interface plugged into said third port into a different type of interface.
27. A couple according to Claim 26, comprising one or more hinges.

28 A connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.