WO2013140180A2

WO2013140180A2 - Port replicator

Info

Publication number: WO2013140180A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Stefan SAPPER
Original assignee: Sapper Jan Stefan
Priority date: 2012-03-22
Filing date: 2013-03-22
Publication date: 2013-09-26
Also published as: WO2013140180A3; GB201205057D0

Abstract

A port replicator (1) for a mobile computing device, comprises a first unit (10) having a plurality of connectors (11) positioned for simultaneous connection to corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device, a second unit (20) comprising connection ports (21) for replicating the corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device and a connection means (18) for communicating connection port signals between the first (10) and second (20) units so that, in use, the second unit (20) is locatable remote to the first unit (10).

Description

PORT REPLICATOR

[001] The present invention concerns a port replicator for a mobile computing device, such as a laptop, and particularly a device for connecting the ports of a mobile computing device with various peripherals.

[002] Many people use their mobile computing devices both at home or work and while on the move. However, when working in fixed locations, such as their home or office, it is common for users to need to connect their mobile computing device to non-portable peripheral devices at each location, such as a local printer, a larger monitor, keyboard, or mouse, etc. Furthermore, a user will often have to plug their mobile computing device into the mains and/or a wired network connection. Making these connections each time the mobile computing device is moved can therefore be time consuming. Moreover, it often results in a considerable number of wires being trailed over a user's desk space, which is undesirable. Figure 5B illustrates such a scenario in which a number of external connections have been made into a laptop.

[003] To address the above issues, conventionally, a user may consider installing a docking station at their home or office. Such docking stations provide a platform into which a mobile computing device is removably insertable and, when inserted, allows the mobile computing device to interface with a number of fixed ports provided on the docking station itself. This thereby allows external connections and peripherals to be left permanently connected to the ports provided on the docking station, whilst retaining the mobile computing device's portability.

[004] However, a problem with docking stations is that because they are designed to provide a platform into which the mobile computing device can be inserted, they are typically big and bulky. At the same time, they also need to be positioned so that the mobile computing device can be easily accessed and therefore often need to be placed on a user's desk. As such, whilst they may allow a user to connect their mobile computing device to various connections more quickly, they can still occupy a large proportion of a user's desk space. [005] More recently, a small number of laptop manufacturers have produced port replicators for their laptops. Port replicators are similar to docking stations, but do not include any additional slots for adding expansion boards and the like. Typically, such port replicators also do not provide a platform for receiving the mobile computing device. As such, conventional port replicators merely provide a unit with a connector which plugs into a specialised port provided on the laptop and then, using this, replicates the laptop's ports in a number of ports provided on the unit's body. As such, the external connections can be left permanently connected to the port replicator, which can be connected to the laptop via the specialised port and connector, as and when required. [006] However, a major disadvantage of such port replicators is that they require a specialised connection to be provided on the laptop device. As such, these are typically proprietary connectors and are only used when connecting the laptop to a port replicator (or a docking station) . Accordingly, these connectors are redundant when the port replicator is not in use, and hence may be of no benefit to many users. As they also occupy space and increase the laptop's complexity and cost, many laptop manufacturers therefore choose not to include such ports. [007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to seek to overcome the above problems associated with prior art . [008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a port replicator for a mobile computing device, comprising: a first unit having a plurality of connectors positioned for simultaneous connection to corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device; a second unit comprising connection ports for replicating the corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device; and a connection means for communicating connection port signals between the first and second units so that, in use, the second unit is locatable remote to the first unit.

[009] Accordingly, with the present invention, a port replicator is provided which is able to connect simultaneously to a plurality of conventional mobile computing device connection ports and replicate those ports in a separate second unit which can be located at a remote position. As such, no specialised connection ports are required on the laptop device. Furthermore, because the first unit houses a plurality of separate connectors which are all able to insert into the mobile computing device's ports as a unit, a more robust and secure connection is achieved with the computing device, as compared with the specialised connector arrangements associated with conventional port replicators. At the same time, this improved stability is achieved without requiring the bulk of a supporting platform associated with conventional docking stations. Consequently this, and the ability to remotely locate the external connectors into the second unit, means the first unit can be provided with a very lightweight and compact construction, which does not compromise the mobile computing device's mobility .

[0010] Preferably, the connection means comprises a wired connection extending between the first and second units. In this way, the first and second units are connected in a simplified way to replicate the mobile computing device's ports. Furthermore, this can also be used to provide a direct electrical connection between the mobile computing device's ports and the replicated ports provided on the second unit. As such, it is not necessary to provide a separate power source or associated processing in the second unit in order to replicate the port signals. In this sense, the port replicator can function essentially as an extension lead between the original and replicated ports.

[0011] Preferably, the wired connection comprises a USB cable detachably connectable to the first and/or second units. In this way, a standard cable can be used to connect the first and second units. This can reduce cost as such connectors are widely available. Furthermore, it also allows for greater flexibility because the distances spanned between the first and second ports can be adjusted simply by connecting USB cables of different lengths. Embodiments which use other standard cables, such as ethernet or Fire Wire cables, for the wired connection are also envisaged.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the connection means comprises a wireless connection. In this way, no direct physical connection between the two units is required and therefore portability of the mobile computing device is improved. For example, no wires need trail over a user's desk and a user would still be able to access the various external connections and/or peripherals from a wider area. [0013] Preferably, the first and second units are connectable together for storage when not in use. Accordingly, this provides for the easy transport of the port replicator . [0014] Preferably, one or more of the second unit's connection ports are configured to receive one or more of the first unit's connectors when the first and second units are connected together. In this way, connection between the two units is simplified whilst, at the same time, the connectors themselves are protected from damage during transport.

[0015] Preferably, the first unit further comprises a power connector receiving formation for receiving a power connector and seating it in a position for connection to the mobile computing device' s power connection port when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device. This allows the mobile computing device's power connector to be optionally fitted into the first unit for providing power, as and when is necessary. This allows the computing device manufacturer's proprietary power connector (and associated transformer system) to be used. Furthermore, this arrangement also means that the high voltage power supply can be provided separately from the low voltage replicated port signals, thereby simplifying the connections between the units.

[0016] Preferably, the power connector receiving formation comprises a cavity profiled for guiding the power connector into the seated position as it is inserted into the cavity. In this way, the cavity wall acts to locate the power connector, thereby simplifying its connection and positioning .

[0017] Preferably, the power connector receiving formation comprises a gripping formation for gripping the power connector once it is in the seated position. This acts to securably hold the power connector in the required position for connection to the mobile computing device's power port.

[0018] Preferably, the first and second units each comprise a housing.

[0019] Preferably, the first unit's housing is profiled to be substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the mobile computing device when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device. In this way, once attached, the first unit provides a substantially continuous form with the mobile computing device. This helps to prevent inadvertent detachment of the first unit, as well as improving aesthetics. In addition, it also allows the first unit to fulfill an additional functional role of enlarging the mobile computing device's foot print. For example, where the first unit connects onto the side of a laptop mobile computing device, additional space is provided in the keyboard area for use as a palm rest.

[0020] Preferably, the first unit's housing comprises an access recess for permitting access to a further connection port provided on the mobile computing device when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device. In this way, additional devices can be connected directly to the mobile computing device as and when required, without having to disconnect the port replicator. For example, the access recess may provide access to an SD Card slot for allowing the insertion of an SD card directly into the computing device, rather than having to disconnect the port replicator. Alternatively, it could be used to provide access to a USB port for allowing a flash drive or camera to be directly connected to the computing device. [0021] Preferably, the first unit's plurality of connectors comprise an audio plug. This thereby facilitates connection to external audio devices such as speakers or headphones.

[0022] Preferably, the audio plug is rotatable between a first position for presenting conductive contacts to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port, and a second position where no conductive contacts are presented to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port. In this way, a user can selectively activate/deactivate the connection of the computing device to external speakers/headphones without having to remove the port replicator's first unit from the mobile computing device. [0023] In an embodiment, the audio plug comprises non- conductive surface, the audio plug presenting the non- conductive surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position. In an alternative embodiment, the audio plug comprises recessed surface, the audio plug aligning the recessed surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

[0024] Preferably, the first or second unit comprises a disengagement mechanism, the disengagement mechanism comprising actuating means being movable for forcing the units apart when they are connected together. This allows an easier way to separate the first unit from the second unit when they are connected. [0025] Preferably, the actuating means comprises a first member being moveably outwardly for engaging an opposing surface of a connected unit for forcing the units apart.

[0026] Preferably, the actuating means comprises a second member being moveably outwardly for engaging an opposing surface of a connected unit for forcing the units apart. Accordingly, the units are separated at two points of contact . [0027] Preferably, the first and second members are positioned for delivering a substantially even separating force across the length of the respective unit. In this way, the force of separation is distributed between the units, thereby avoiding bending forces being applied to the connectors as the units separate.

[0028] Preferably, the first unit comprises the disengagement mechanism. With such an arrangement, the disengagement mechanism can be used to separate the first unit from both the second unit and mobile computing device itself .

[0029] Preferably, the second unit comprises a USB hub. This provides additional USB connections.

[0030] Preferably, the mobile computing device is a laptop.

[0031] According to the second aspect of the present invention there is provided a device comprising: a first unit comprising a plurality of connectors arranged for alignment with a plurality of corresponding connection ports provided on a mobile computing device, the first unit being connectable to the mobile computing device by inserting the plurality of connectors into the mobile computing device's corresponding connection ports; a second unit comprising a plurality of connection ports corresponding to the plurality of connectors provided on the first unit; connection means for communicating signals between the first unit's plurality of connectors and the second unit's corresponding connection ports. [0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for connection to an audio port comprising: an audio plug rotatable between a first position for presenting conductive contacts to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port, and a second position where no conductive contacts are presented to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port.

[0033] In an embodiment, the audio plug comprises non- conductive surface, the audio plug presenting the non- conductive surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position. In an alternative embodiment, the audio plug comprises recessed surface, the audio plug aligning the recessed surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for connection to a second device, the device comprising: a connector receiving formation for receiving a connector and seating it in a position for connection to a corresponding port provided in the second device when the device is connected to the second device.

[0035] Preferably, the connector receiving formation comprises a cavity profiled for guiding the connector into the seated position as it is inserted into the cavity. [0036] Preferably, the connector receiving formation comprises a gripping formation for gripping the connector once it is in the seated position.

[0037] Preferably, the connector is a power connector. In alternative embodiments, the connector could be other connectors, such as an audio plug/jack.

[0038] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; [0040] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3A shows cross-sectional plan view of the first unit shown in Figure 2, where the disengagement mechanism is in an initial position;

[0042] Figure 3B shows cross-sectional plan view of the first unit shown in Figure 2, where the disengagement mechanism is in a disengagement position;

[0043] Figure 4 shows the audio plug section of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5A shows a laptop connected to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 5B shows a laptop directly connected to a plurality of connectors. [0046] Hereinafter, specific details and embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a port replicator 1 for a laptop according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The port replicator 1 comprises two physically separate units, the first unit 10 being for connection to a laptop and the second unit 20 being for connection to the external connectors. The units are connected by connection 18 for sending port signals there between.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connection 18 is provided by a detachable wired USB connection 18 between the first and second units 10 and 20. However, in alternative embodiments, other wired and wireless connections are also envisaged.

[0049] The first unit 10 comprises a plurality of connectors 11 positioned for simultaneous connection to corresponding connection ports provided on the laptop. That is, the plurality of connectors are fixably positioned relative to one another such that they protrude from the first unit's housing in the same order and location as their corresponding ports provided on the laptop itself. [0050] It will be understood that the type and order of the first unit's connectors 11 may vary depending the particular laptop or other mobile computing device it is intended for. In this embodiment, the connectors 11 include Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, Thunderbolt, USB, and audio connections in the order suitable for connection to a MacBook (RTM) .

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the first unit's housing also comprises an access recess 19 for permitting local access to a further connection port provided on the laptop. That is when the first unit is connected to the laptop, the recess 19 leaves a port on the laptop exposed so that a user can directly connect a connector to the port if necessary. This can be useful, for example, if the user wishes to connect an SD Card into an SD card slot on the laptop exposed by the recess 19. Alternatively, it could be used for allowing a user to connect mobile peripherals, such as a flash drive or a digital camera, to the laptop using one of the laptop's USB ports exposed by the recess 19. [0052] The first unit 10 further comprises a power connector receiving formation 12 for receiving a power connector and seating it in a position for connection to the mobile computing device's corresponding power port. As shown in Figure 1, the power connector receiving formation 12 is provided as a cavity with two open sides and a curved rear wall. The curved rear wall acts to guide the power connector into the seated position as it is inserted into the cavity through the larger open side, at the bottom of the first unit 10. The cavity 12 is further formed with a gripping formation adjacent to its thinner side opening for gripping the upper and lower surfaces of the power connector once it is in the seated position to hold it in place. The narrowing at the thinner side opening also prevents the power connector from being detached laterally.

[0053] The second unit 20 comprises connection ports 21 for replicating the corresponding connection ports provided on the laptop. As such, port signals are transmitted, via the wired connection 18, between the connection ports 21 on the second unit 20 and the connectors 11 provided on the first unit 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connection ports 21 are provided within the second unit's housing in the same order and location as their corresponding ports provided on the laptop. As a consequence, the connection ports 21 are also in the same order and location as the corresponding connectors 11 provided on the first unit 10. As such, the connectors 11 provided on the first unit 10 can be inserted into the ports on both the laptop itself and those on second unit 20. This allows the first and second units 10 and 20 to be connected together via their respective ports and connectors when not in use. This can be used to protect the connectors during storage or transport.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second unit 20 also comprises two additional USB connection ports. As such, it provides USB hub functionality allowing two or more devices to be connected to a single port on the laptop. In other embodiments, different numbers of additional USB port could also be provided (e.g. one or more) .

[0056] As shown in Figure 5A, in use, the connectors 11 of the first unit 10 can be inserted into a side of the laptop such that the connectors 11 are simultaneously received by the corresponding ports provided on the laptop body. The second unit 20 can then be placed remotely from the first unit 10, in a position which facilitates its easy connection to the external connectors associated with peripherals, such as a printer or monitor, or a network connection and the like. Accordingly, the associated external cables of the external connectors are kept separate from the laptop itself, with the associated signals being transferred between the respective ports and connectors of the first and second unit using wired connection 18. As such, the laptop is fed by a single wired connection, rather than directly by each individual external connector. This leaves the working area around the laptop more manageable, as compared to the prior art scenario shown in Figure 5B.

[0057] When a user wishes to move the laptop, they simply need to detach the first unit 10 from the laptop's body. The external connectors can remain connected to the second unit 20 to facilitate the easy re connection of the laptop when it is returned. [0058] For transport or storage, the external connectors can be unplugged from the second unit 20, and the first unit 10 and second unit 20 can be connected together via their corresponding ports and connectors.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 5A, the first unit's 10 housing is profiled to be, once connected, substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the laptop itself. As such, the upper surface of the first unit's housing and the adjacent surface of the laptop lies on substantially the same plane .

[0060] Figures 2 and 3 show a first unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment, except for the first unit 10 being provided with the additional feature of the disengagement mechanism 13. [0061] The disengagement mechanism 13 comprises a first member 13a and a second member 13b which move outwardly, in a direction parallel to the projection of the connectors, when actuator 13c is pressed. In this embodiment, the actuator 13c is formed as a bar which extends through the interior of the first unit and engages with the first and second members 13a and 13b. When the actuator 13c is pressed, wedge formations provided on its surface act to force the first and second members 13a and 13b outwardly. As such, when the first unit 10 is connected to either the laptop or the second unit 20, pressing actuator 13c acts force the first and second members 13a and 13b into engagement with the opposing surface, thereby forcing the first unit 10 to begin to separate. This overcomes the initial resilience in the connectors and thereby makes it easer to remove the connectors from the corresponding ports of the laptop or second unit. As will be noted, the members 13a and 13b are positioned for delivering a substantially even separating force across the length of the first unit, to avoid twisting as the connectors separate. A spring mechanism is also provided for returning the disengagement mechanism 13 to its original position.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the audio plug section of a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment, except for the first unit 10 being provided with the additional feature of a selectable audio plug 14.

[0063] In this connection, in this embodiment the circumferential surface of the audio plug 14 is divided into a conductive portion 44 and a non-conductive portion 42. The conductive portion 42 generally corresponds to a conventional 3.5mm TRS plug, but rather than the contacts extending round the entire circumferential surface, the non-conductive portion 42 with no electrical contacts is provided over a region of the circumferential surface. Switch 15 acts to mechanically rotate the audio plug 14 between a first position for presenting the contacts of conductive portion 44 to the corresponding contacts provided within the laptop's audio port, and a second position for presenting the non- conductive portion 42 to the contacts.

[0064] In this way, rotation of the audio plug 14 allows the selective activation or deactivation of the connection of the laptop to external speakers/headphones without having to remove the port replicator's first unit 10 from the laptop. That is, most modern laptops automatically detect the presence of an audio plug in the associated audio port/socket, and use this to control whether to deliver audio signals to their internal speakers or to the audio socket. For this, the audio port is typically provided with an additional contact connected to a jack-sensing switch. When a conventional audio plug (jack) is inserted into the port, its conductive surface connects the contact, opening the jack-sensing switch, and thereby activating the audio port and deactivating the laptop's internal speakers. However, such circuits cannot normally determine whether external speakers or headphones are actually turned on. Consequently, a situation could otherwise arise where the mere presence of the first unit's audio plug 14 in the audio port causes the deactivation of the laptop's internal speakers, even when the user still wishes to use these speakers. To address this, the above arrangement allows a user to selectively present a non- conductive surface to the audio port's contacts, thereby effectively tricking it into functioning as if no audio plug is present to thereby maintain operation of the internal speakers. To then activate the audio port for using external speakers or headphones, a user can simply rotate the audio plug, which connects the contacts as normal. This can be effected without disconnecting the first unit 10 by using control switch 15 provided on the exterior of the first unit 10.

[0065] In alternative embodiments, the above effect could also be achieved by providing the non-conductive portion as a dimple or void such that no connection is made with the audio port's electrical contacts when the audio plug is in the second position. Such embodiments would provide the additional benefit of also functioning in situations where the jack-sensing switch employs a mechanical sensor rather than an electrical contact sensor. In such a scenario, the dimple or void can be aligned with the audio port's electrical contacts so that the mechanical sensor switch is able to open as if no plug/jack is present in the socket. [0066] It will be understood that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings show applications of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

Claims

1. A port replicator for a mobile computing device, comprising:

a first unit having a plurality of connectors positioned for simultaneous connection to corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device;

a second unit comprising connection ports for replicating the corresponding connection ports provided on the mobile computing device; and

a connection means for communicating connection port signals between the first and second units so that, in use, the second unit is locatable remote to the first unit.

2. A port replicator according to claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a wired connection extending between the first and second units.

3. A port replicator according to claim 2, wherein the wired connection comprises a USB cable detachably connectable to the first and/or second units.

4. A port replicator according to claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a wireless connection.

5. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second units are connectable together for storage when not in use.

6. A port replicator according to claim 5, wherein one or more of the second unit's connection ports are configured to receive one or more of the first unit's connectors when the first and second units are connected together.

7. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first unit further comprises a power connector receiving formation for receiving a power connector and seating it in a position for connection to the mobile computing device's power connection port when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device.

8. A port replicator according to claim 7, wherein the power connector receiving formation comprises a cavity profiled for guiding the power connector into the seated position as it is inserted into the cavity.

9. A port replicator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the power connector receiving formation comprises a gripping formation for gripping the power connector once it is in the seated position.

10. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second units each comprise a housing.

11. A port replicator according to claim 10, wherein the first unit's housing is profiled to be substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the mobile computing device when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device.

12. A port replicator according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first unit's housing comprises an access recess for permitting access to a further connection port provided on the mobile computing device when the first unit is connected to the mobile computing device.

13. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first unit's plurality of connectors comprises an audio plug.

14. A port replicator according to claim 13, wherein the audio plug is rotatable between a first position for presenting conductive contacts to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port, and

5 a second position where no conductive contacts are presented to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port.

15. A port replicator according to claim 14, wherein the 10 audio plug comprises non-conductive surface, the audio plug presenting the non-conductive surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

16. A port replicator according to claim 14, wherein the 15 audio plug comprises recessed surface, the audio plug aligning the recessed surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

17. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, 20 wherein the first or second unit comprises a disengagement mechanism, the disengagement mechanism comprising actuating means being movable for forcing the units apart when they are connected together.

25 18. A port replicator according to claim 17, wherein the actuating means comprises a first member being moveably outwardly for engaging an opposing surface of a connected unit for forcing the units apart.

30 19. A port replicator according to claim 18, wherein the actuating means comprises a second member being moveably outwardly for engaging an opposing surface of a connected unit for forcing the units apart.

35 20. A port replicator according to claim 19, wherein the first and second members are positioned for delivering a substantially even separating force across the length of the respective unit.

21. A port replicator according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the first unit comprises the disengagement mechanism.

22. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the second unit comprises a USB hub.

23. A port replicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile computing device is a laptop.

24. A device comprising:

a first unit comprising a plurality of connectors arranged for alignment with a plurality of corresponding connection ports provided on a mobile computing device, the first unit being connectable to the mobile computing device by inserting the plurality of connectors into the mobile computing device's corresponding connection ports;

a second unit comprising a plurality of connection ports corresponding to the plurality of connectors provided on the first unit;

connection means for communicating signals between the first unit's plurality of connectors and the second unit's corresponding connection ports.

25. A device for connection to an audio port comprising:

an audio plug rotatable between a first position for presenting conductive contacts to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port, and a second position where no conductive contacts are presented to the corresponding contacts provided within the mobile computing device's audio port.

26. A device according to claim 25, wherein the audio plug comprises non-conductive surface, the audio plug presenting the non-conductive surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

5

27. A device according to claim 25, wherein the audio plug comprises recessed surface, the audio plug aligning the recessed surface to the corresponding contacts when in the second position.

10

28. A device for connection to a second device, the device comprising :

a connector receiving formation for receiving a connector and seating it in a position for connection to a 15 corresponding port provided in the second device when the device is connected to the second device.

29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the connector receiving formation comprises a cavity profiled for guiding

20 the connector into the seated position as it is inserted into the cavity.

30. A device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the connector receiving formation comprises a gripping formation

25 for gripping the connector once it is in the seated position.

31. A device according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein the connector is a power connector.

30 32. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figure 1 to 5A.