Cable connection device configured to provide enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance

Abstract

A connection device may have a first body portion that may be configured to be rotatingly coupled to a second body portion. The first body portion may have an electrically conductive protruding portion. The second body portion may have an electrically conductive receiving portion. The protruding portion may be received in at least a portion of the receiving portion. The protruding portion and receiving portion may be configured to pass electrical signals between the cable connection portions. The protruding portion may be configured to move in at least a portion of the receiving portion so as to allow rotation of the first cable relative to the second cable while minimizing stress exerted on the first cable and the second cable.

Description

CABLE CONNECTION DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE ENHANCED RELATIVE CABLE MOVEMENT AND CABLE STRESS MINIMIZATION PERFORMANCECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 723,983, filed November 22, 2024, pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a cable connection device and, more particularly, to a cable connection device configured to provide enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance.BACKGROUND

[0003] As computers and semiconductors have become more universally utilized, the amount of data being generated, transferred, and stored has drastically increased. While source and end devices to create and store data have advanced to meet the data needs of users, data transmission infrastructure has challenges that can inhibit peak data transfer reliability and / or performance.

[0004] In signal-carrying cabling that can provide data transmission capabilities, interconnections can be employed to provide distribution and connectivity to multiple different sites. Such interconnections can pose difficulties and inefficiencies during installation and thereafter. For instance, a connection, coupling, or splice can inadvertently take a long time to correctly install and endure mechanical and environmental stresses during and after installation that jeopardize the integrity and reliability of the interconnection and may cause issues with data transmission.

[0005] For these reasons, it is a continued goal for to provide cable interconnections configured with more robust resistance to mechanical and environmental stresses along with reduced susceptibility to installation delays and errors.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a rotating connection device may be structurally configured to connect cables so as to provide enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance. A first body portion may be attached to a door. A second body portion may be attached to a frame of the door. The first body portion may have a first backbone portion that may be configured to be rotatingly attached to a second backbone portion. The first backbone portion may have a first cable connection portion. The second backbone portion may have a second cable connection portion. The first backbone portion may have a plurality of support portions. The second backbone portion may have a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion. The first cable connection portion may be electrically connected to the second cable connection portion via the support portions engaging with the first and second bearing portions. The support portions may have a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion. Each bearing portion of the pair of bearing may have a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first and second protruding portions and the first and second receiving portions may be electrically conductive. The first and second protruding portions may be received within the respective first and second receiving portions. The first and second bearing portions may be positioned between two support portions of the plurality of support portions to provide a continuous pass-through electrical power pathway and data signal pathway between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion. The first and second protruding portions may move within the respective first and second receiving portions when the first backbone portion is moved relative to the second backbone portion to allow movement of the first cable relative to the second cable without stressing the first cable and the second cable.

[0007] A rotating connection device, in some embodiments, may be configured to connect cables so as to provide enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance. A first body portion may be configured to be rotatingly coupled to a second body portion. A first cable connection portion may be configure to be positioned on the first body portion that may connect to a first cable. A second cable connection portion may be configure to be positioned on the second body portion thatmay connect to a second cable. The first body portion may have a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion. The second body portion may have a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first body portion may have an aperture portion. The first body portion may be configured so that the first protruding portion is received within and contacts the first receiving portion. The second body portion may be configured so that the second protruding portion is received within and contacts the second receiving portion. The aperture portion may receive a pivot portion of the first body portion. The first protruding portion and second protruding portion may concurrently pass separate electrical signals between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion. The first and second protruding portions may move within the respective first and second receiving portions to allow rotation of the first cable relative to the second cable while minimizing stress exerted on the first cable and the second cable.

[0008] Embodiments of a cable connection device may connect cables so as to provide enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance. A first body portion may be rotatingly coupled to a second body portion. A first cable connection portion may be positioned on the first body portion that may connect to a first cable. A second cable connection portion may be positioned on the second body portion that may connect to a second cable. The first body portion may have a support portion that may have an electrically conductive protruding portion. The second body portion may have a bearing portion that may have an electrically conductive receiving portion. The protruding portion may be received within the receiving portion. The protruding portion and receiving portion may pass electrical signals between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion. The protruding portion may move within the receiving portion to allow rotation of the first cable relative to the second cable without stressing the first cable and the second cable.

[0009] Some aspects of a connection device may have the first protruding portion configured to rotate within the first receiving portion to establish an electrical connection between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion. Other embodiments may have the first receiving portion as a groove in a planar surface and the first bearing portion may contact the first protruding portion throughout the range ofmotion. The protruding portions, in some embodiments, may be physically separated on the first body portion. The connection device, in some aspects, may have the receiving portions physically separated on the second body portion.

[0010] Aspects of the connection device may have the first body portion and the second body portion as a cylindrical shape. The connection device, in other aspects, may have the aperture positioned centrally in the second body portion. Some aspects of a connection device have the second body portion attached to a door. The connection device, in some embodiments may have the first body portion attached to a frame. Embodiments of the connection device may have the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion connected to respective first and second single pair Ethernet cables.

[0011] In accordance with some embodiments, the connection device may have the first connection portion connected to a first wire of the first single pair Ethernet cable and the second connection connected to a second wire of the single pair Ethernet cable. The connection device, in some aspects, may have the first and second receiving portions each with a groove in the bearing portion. Aspects of the connection device may have the first and second receiving portions continuously extend about the bearing portion in a circular configuration. The connection device, in other aspects, may have the bearing portion receiving a pivot pin.

[0012] Embodiments of the connection device may have the pivot physically connected the first body portion to the second body portion. The connection device, in some aspects, may have the electrical connection between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion that may be maintained when a door is in an opened position. Aspects of the connection device may have the second cable connection portion connected to a latch portion that supplies electrical power and data signals. Other aspects of the connection device may have the second cable connection portion supplying a data signal pathway to the first cable connection portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a line representation of portions of a distributed network environment in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0015] FIG. 2 displays a line representation of aspects of a wired interconnection that may be part of the environment of FIG. 1 in various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a line representation of a wired interconnection structurally configured and operated in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 conveys a perspective line representation of portions of a motion interconnect arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a perspective line representation of aspects of a hinge that may be employed in assorted embodiments as part of a distributed network.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective line representation of portions of a hinge system configured and conducted in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 7 displays a line representation of aspects of a hinge system arranged in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments are generally directed to a rotating connection device that is structurally configured with pass-through electrical connectivity throughout a range of motion. Such connectivity may provide electrical power and data access to assorted environments with relatively minimal physical requirements.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0023] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0024] As greater volumes, and types, of electrical devices are utilized in increasing numbers of locations and environments, installation and maintenance may become more complex and prone to errors. While a variety of devices have wireless operational capabilities, via battery power and wireless data communications, such devices often fail and require greater amounts of maintenance than wired counterparts.

[0025] Some wired connectivity methods may utilize discrete, digital I / O (on / off signaling), or serial-based communications, such as RS-232 or RS-485, or analog signaling, such as 4-20 mA. Compared with ethernet technologies like single pair ethernet (SPE), these wired connectivity methods may have a reduced bandwidth capacity, a significantly inferior ability for building networks with large address domains, and a limited ability for integration with cross-functional configurations. Hence, various embodiments are directed to providing wire connectivity to devices placed distal to a rotating joint.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a line representation of a distributed network environment 100 in which assorted embodiments may be practiced. It is initially noted that the distributed network environment 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal sources and destinations that transmit data, and potentially electrical power, in two-waycommunication via one or more cable 110. It is contemplated that one or more wireless signal pathway may be utilized as part of the distributed network environment 100 independently, or concurrently, with the wired pathway provided by a cable 110.

[0027] While a single wire 110 may continuously extend from a source to a destination, such as physically separate components, devices, computers, or other circuitry, some embodiments employ a wire interconnect 120 to operationally join separate cables 112 / 114 to form a continuous signal pathway that allows for two-way signal communications. The construction of a cable 112 / 114 is not limited to a particular type or signal carrying capability, but some embodiments utilize multiple signal carrying conductors 116 / 118. That is, each cable 112 / 114 may have a pair of separate conductors 116 / 118 that may carry signals concurrently, and independently, which may be collectively characterized as an Ethernet cable or a single pair Ethernet (SPE) cable when two conductors 116 / 118 are present.

[0028] The use of an interconnect or connection device 120 may provide installation and operational capabilities that a single, continuous cable 110 may not efficiently provide. For instance, an interconnect 120 may split, reduce, amplify, or extend a cable 112 into one or more separate cables 114 on a site where greater numbers of signal destinations are present, relative to signal sources, such as an office building or apartment complex. Through the use of one or more interconnects 120, a wide range of operational wired configurations may be customized to cater to provide diverse installation, and performance, capabilities.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly 200 that may be present in the distributed network environment 100 of FIG. 1 . In accordance with assorted embodiments, a signal carrying cable 210 extends between a signal source 220 and a signal destination 230. The cable 210 may be installed with a range of different physical paths, which may include turns, loops, and bends. Any number, and type, of interconnects may also be installed to provide customization of the signal communication pathway between the source 220 and the destination 230.

[0030] A non-limiting embodiment installs the cable 210 along a longitudinal axis 240 that corresponds with an articulating plane. For instance, the source 220 and destination may be structurally configured to move relative to one another, which may cause the cable 210, and constituent signal carrying conductors 212 / 214, to articulate, such as rotate 252, tilt 254, and extend / contract 256. Such cable 210 motion may present physical stresses on the conductors 212 / 214 that jeopardize the operation, and performance, of the cable assembly 200 over time. Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to a cable 210 interconnect that allows for motion without increasing risk of cable 210 failure or degrading signal carrying capabilities.

[0031] FIG. 3 displays a line representation of portions of a wired interconnection 300 that may be utilized in the distributed network environment 100 of FIG. 1 to provide safe and efficient selected articulation over time. As shown, a motion interconnect 310 joins separate cables 322 / 324 that respectively include signal carrying conductors 326 / 328. The cables 322 / 324 may be any length, type, and configuration within a distributed network environment. For instance, the first cable 322 may be physically supported by a rigid member and arranged with a length and type of signal carrying wire that differs from the second cable 324 that is loosely attached between physical restraints.

[0032] While the respective cables 322 / 324 may remain stationary over time after installation, the motion interconnect 310 may be structurally arranged to allow articulation of one cable 322 / 324 relative to another connected cable during operation. For instance, the motion interconnect 310 may allow for rotation 330 about a single axis (X axis) and / or tilting along a single plane (X-Y axis). The structural configuration of the motion interconnect 310 may allow the signal carrying conductors 326 / 328 of the respective cables 322 / 324 to move independently as a group without risk of applied physical stress to the cable or the interconnect. That is, the motion interconnect 310 may rotate, or otherwise move, while maintaining signal carrying operation, but without causing one conductor 326 to move relative to another conductor 328 of the same cable 322. As such, the motion interconnect 310 may allow functional movement of one cable 322 relative to the other cable 324 without interrupting signal pathway operation or applying physical stress on one or more signal carrying conductors 326 / 328.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of aspects of a connection device (motion interconnect) 400 that may be employed in the distributed network environment 100 of FIG. 1 to provide continuous pass-through connectivity from a first cable through the connection device to a second cable and selected physical movement. The connection device 400 may be configured with a top housing portion 410 that physically and electrically engages a bottom housing portion 420. Each housing portion 410 / 420 has a cable port portion 430 that allows for separate wired cables, such as SPE cables, to be installed. It is noted that the respective port portions 430 may be similar, or dissimilar, and may allow for connection of raw cable conductors, such as conductors 326 / 328, or cable terminations, such as a female, or male, type connectors.

[0034] In the non-limiting structural configuration shown in FIG. 4, the respective housing portions 410 / 420 may be configured to connect within one another to position electrical post portions 440 in electrical groove portions 450. A pivot portion 460 also extends from the top housing portion 410 to engage an aperture 462 of the bottom housing portion 420 to allow rotation of the housing portions 410 / 420 relative to one another along a single plane (such as the X-Z plane shown in Fig. 4). The configuration of the post portions 440 and the pivot portion 460 as cantilevered protrusions from the top housing portion 410 allows for secure physical engagement to the bottom housing portion 420 while the structural arrangement of the separate groove portions 450 defines the allowable motion of the respective housing portions 410 / 420 relative to each other.

[0035] While not required, the respective groove portions 450 may be coated, lined, or otherwise capable of continual physical contact with a post portion 440 to allow continuous signal transmission between housing portions 410 / 420, and port portions 430, despite movement and different relative positions of the housing portions 410 / 420. It is noted that any number of cable wires may be concurrently accommodated in the motion interconnect 400 via separated groove and post aspects. That is, separate groove portions 450 respectively occupied by electrically conductive post portions 440 allows for two distinct signal pathways through the connection device 400, but such arrangement is not limiting as more than two grooves and posts may provide greater volumes of pass- through signal pathways.

[0036] In accordance with various embodiments, the connection device 400 may have separate signal pathways that continuously extend from a port portion 430 to the respective groove portions 450 and subsequently to the respective post portions 440 and onward through the top housing portion 410 to the opposite port portion 430. The structural configuration of the interface portion 460 may contribute to the movement capabilities of the respective housing portions 410 / 420. For instance, the planar configuration of the interface portion 460 dictates the plane (X-Z plane) in which the housing portions 410 / 420 may move relative to one another.

[0037] The connection device 400 of FIG. 4 may be configured as a “half-barrel hinge” that can be used for a diverse variety of doors or other elements that may utilize a hinge. For instance, the connection device 400 may be employed, generally, in doors that are meant to lift off, such as the cabinet doors, entry doors, and hinged panels. It is contemplated, but not required, that the interface portion 460 is occupied by a lubricant, bearings, or combination thereof with an orientation that provides movement along multiple different planes, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the respective housing portions 410 / 420.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another connection device 500 that may be employed as part of a distributed network in accordance with assorted embodiments. In contrast to the motion interconnect 400 of FIG. 4 that may be utilized in a variety of different practical applications, such as robotics, articulating devices, and mobile wired components, the connection device 500 may be structurally configured for door applications where a stationary base portion 510 interacts with an articulating portion 520.

[0039] In accordance with various embodiments, the connection device 500 may be configured with a half-barrel style that may be mounted vertically with an interface portion, such as a central pin pointed downwards, which may make certain applications impractical, such as a robot where the rotational axis is rarely aligned straight down. Yet, a variety of connection 500 implementations are possible, but may correspond with somecaptivating element, such as a bolt to hold halves together with the bolt positioned in the center of a bearing for higher speed, or higher duty cycle applications.

[0040] The base portion 510, as shown, may be configured with a rigid backbone portion 512 that continuously extends to support separate hinge portions 514 and a cable port portion 516. The articulating portion 520 also may have a backbone portion 522 that physically supports hinge portions 524 and a cable port portion 526. The structural configuration of the respective hinge portions 514 / 524 allow for electrically conductive post portions 532 to occupy and electrically engage groove portions 534 that provide multiple, separate signal pathways between the respective port portions 516 / 526. It is noted that FIG. 5 illustrates 3-&-2 configuration, but such configuration is not limiting and could be extended for additional 514 / 524 pairs to bring in additional channels, or to spread the hanging load. The post portions 532 may be configured to rotate within the groove portions 534 while maintaining electrical contact between the post portions 532 and the respective groove portions 540.

[0041] By physically mounting the respective backbone portions 512 / 522 to a stationary frame and a moving door, the connection device 500 may concurrently provide physical capabilities, such as secure support and selective rotation, along with supply of electrical power and data via connected cables to the port portion 516 / 526. Although the physical connection and capabilities of the connection device 500 are not limited to a particular configuration, various embodiments may employ a singular pivot pin portion 550 that continuously extends through each of one or more hinge portions 514 / 524 to promote retention of the assorted electrical contact post portions 532 with electrical groove portions 534 of the adjacent hinge portions 524. It is contemplated that the pin portion 550 is aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the respective hinge portions 514 / 524, which corresponds with a central aperture 552 of each hinge portion 514 / 524 and, in some embodiments, may be configured as an electrical ground.

[0042] The separate electrical connections provided by the post portions 532 and the groove portions 534 are not limited to a particular physical configuration that provides reliable electrical connectivity from one port portion 516 to the other port portion 526.However, some embodiments arrange the respective groove portions 534 with planar inserts, or coatings, that are each connected to the port portion 526 via wires, leads, adapters, connectors, or combinations thereof housed within the hinge portion 524. Other embodiments configure the respective groove portions 534 as grooves in which rigid post portions 532 occupy and continuously contact electrically conductive aspects of the groove portion 534.

[0043] While the groove portions 534 in FIG. 5 are shown with similar configurations, such arrangement is not required and separate hinge portions 524 may have differently configured groove portions 534 that are electrically conductive. Likewise, the single electrically conductive post portions 532 that are respectively connected to the port portion 516 are not required to be matching, or singular, in configuration. For instance, the hinge portions 514 may employ multiple separate electrically conductive protrusions to engage a single groove, or other connection, portion 534 or multiple different electrically conductive features, such as brushes, wires, or leads, that concurrently, or sequentially, form a stable electrical pathway from one port portion 516 to the other port portion 526.

[0044] The ability to customize the size, shape, position, and electrically conductive aspects of the assorted hinge portions 514 / 524 allows the connection device 500 to provide physical and electrical capabilities optimized for specific end purposes. For instance, a connection device 500 providing single wire pass-through connectivity may have redundant electrical connections to service relatively simple downstream connections, such as acoustic, optical, or mechanical sensors. Another non-limiting instance customizes the hinge portions 514 / 524 to provide reliable electrical power as well as data capabilities conducive to more robust downstream connected devices, such as computing devices, optical displays, and circuitry interacting with users.

[0045] FIG. 6 conveys aspects of a connection device 600 that may utilize various embodiments of the connection devices 400 / 500 to provide pass-through connectivity to components that articulate or rotate relative to one another. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 6, a door portion 610 is physically attached to a frame portion 620via a pair of connection devices 630. The connection devices 630 may, collectively, be configured to secure one side of the door portion 610 in place within the frame portion 620 and allow rotation of the door portion 610 along a range of motion about the respective connection devices 630.

[0046] It is noted that any number, and type, of electrical device 612 may be mounted onto the door portion 610 without a wired connection. For instance, a door lock, keypad, or peep hole camera may be physically attached to the door portion 610 and operating off battery power to transfer data via one or more wireless connections. As a result of the use of such electrical devices 612, no wires would be necessary for function, theoretically. However, in practice, the proper function of such wireless electrical devices 612 may be riddled with issues, such as replacing batteries, security risks, and intermittent wireless signal pathways. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein provide wired cables 632 for connectivity to electrical devices 612 via one or more connection devices 630 that may be configured to reduce the need for batteries as a primary power source or the establishment of secure wireless signal pathways.

[0047] With the use of multiple, separate connection devices 630 to attach the door portion 610 to the frame portion 620, a variety of different wired connections may be available. As such, the door portion 610, and any attached electrical devices 612, may utilize electrical power and / or data transmission pathways at will as part of a distributed network, such as an Internet of things (loT). Some embodiments utilize the separate connection devices 630 to provide redundant, and matching, connectivity for aspects of the door portion 610 while other embodiments configure the separate connection devices 630 with different pass-through connectivity capabilities, such as different types of wiring, levels of electrical power, or data bandwidths.

[0048] Another, non-limiting system 700 that may employ one or more connection devices 710 to provide reliable electrical power and signal pathways is generally illustrated in FIG. 7. As shown, a pair of rigid arms 720 are physically joined by a connection device 710 that allows selective movement of a distal device 730 while connected to electrical power and data transmission pathways via at least one cable 740.The pass-through connectivity allowed by the connection device 710, which may be configured as a live joint in the condition shown in FIG. 7 with rigid arms 720 extending from the interconnect 710.

[0049] In comparison to the connection devices 400 / 500 that present port portions that allow for wired cables to engage and connect through the respective rotating aspects, the live joint connection device 710 of FIG. 7 may be configured with a hard-wired connection to the downstream device 730 without a selectable port. Such an electrical / data connection without an intervening port portion may increase reliability and decrease system 700 cost as the risk of structure and / or connection failure of a port portion is eliminated.

[0050] The use of live joints, such as connection device 710, may allow some systems 700, such as robotics and other automated assemblies, to employ more sophisticated devices 730 downstream from an articulating joint. For instance, by providing electrical power and data pathways passing through the connection device 710, as opposed to supplying power and data cables to the device 730 external to the arms 720 and connecting joint, the device 730 may have greater reliability and range of movements. In addition, passing electrical / data wiring through the connection device 710 may provide environmental protection from assorted conditions over time, such as temperature, humidity, and external trauma.

[0051] The line representation of the connection device 710 in FIG. 7 does not limit the structural configurations or capabilities of the system 700. For instance, the connection device 710 may be configured to provide rotation, or motion, within a single plane (X-Y plane), as shown by arrow 750, or within a range of different planes, as illustrated by arrow 760, which may be characterized as twisting of the motion interconnect 710 to concurrently rotate and tilt one arm 720 relative to the other arm 720.

[0052] Through the assorted embodiments of a motion interconnect, pass-through electrical and data pathways may be reliably maintained. The ability to customize the structural configuration of a motion interconnect may provide a variety of physical, electrical, and data capabilities through physical thresholds where one structure movesrelative to another structure. As a result, electrical devices downstream of a rotating joint may operate with consistent and reliable electrical power and data pathways before, during, and after movement of portions of the joint due to the pass-through connectivity provided by a motion interconnect arranged and operated in accordance with various embodiments.

[0053] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0054] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A rotating connection device for providing enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance comprising: a first body portion configured to be attached to a door portion; a second body portion configured to be attached to a frame portion of the door portion; wherein the first body portion comprises a first backbone portion that is configured to be rotatingly attached to a second backbone portion; wherein the first backbone portion comprises a first cable connection portion; wherein the second backbone portion comprises a second cable connection portion; wherein the first backbone portion is configured with a plurality of support portions; wherein the second backbone portion is configured with a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion; wherein the first cable connection portion is configured to be electrically connected to the second cable connection portion via at least one of the support portions engaging with the first and second bearing portions; wherein the support portions are configured with a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion; wherein each bearing portion of the first and second bearing portions is configured with a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; wherein the first and second protruding portions and the first and second receiving portions are configured to be electrically conductive; wherein the first and second protruding portions are configured to be received within the respective first and second receiving portions; wherein the first and second bearing portions are positioned between two support portions of the plurality of support portions to provide a continuous pass-through electrical power pathway and data signal pathway between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion; and wherein the first and second protruding portions are structurally configured to move within the respective first and second receiving portions when the first backbone portion is moved relative to the second backbone portion so as to allow the first cable to move relative to the second cable while minimizing stress exerted on the first cable and the second cable.

2. The connection device of claim 1 , wherein the first protruding portion is structurally configured to rotate within the first receiving portion so as to establish an electrical connection between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion.

3. The connection device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first receiving portion is configured as a groove in a planar surface and the first bearing portion is structurally configured to contact the first protruding portion throughout a range of motion.

4. A connection device for providing enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance comprising: a first body portion rotatingly coupled to a second body portion; a first cable connection portion configured to be positioned on the first body portion so as to connect to a first cable; a second cable connection portion configured to be positioned on the second body portion so as to connect to a second cable; wherein the first body portion includes a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion; wherein the second body portion includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; wherein the first body portion includes an aperture portion;wherein the first body portion is configured so that the first protruding portion is received in at least a portion of the first receiving portion; wherein the second body portion is configured so that the second protruding portion is received in at least a portion the second receiving portion; wherein the aperture portion is configured to receive a pivot portion of the first body portion; wherein the first protruding portion and second protruding portion are configured to concurrently pass separate electrical signals between the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion; and wherein the first and second protruding portions are structurally configured to move within the respective first and second receiving portions so to allow rotation of the first cable relative to the second cable while minimizing stress exerted on the first cable and the second cable.

5. The connection device of claim 4, wherein the protruding portions are physically separated on the first body portion.

6. The connection device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the receiving portions are physically separated on the second body portion.

7. The connection device of claim 4, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to form a cylindrical shape.

8. The connection device of claim 4, wherein the aperture portion is configured to be positioned centrally in the second body portion.

9. A connection device for providing enhanced relative cable movement and cable stress minimization performance, comprising a first body portion rotatingly coupled to a second body portion; wherein the first body portion is configured with an electrically conductive protruding portion;wherein the second body portion is configured with an electrically conductive receiving portion; wherein the protruding portion is configured to be received in at least a portion of the receiving portion; wherein the protruding portion and receiving portion are configured to pass electrical signals between the first body portion and the second body portion; and wherein the protruding portion is physically configured to move in at least a portion of the receiving portion so to allow rotation of a first cable relative to a second cable while minimizing stress exerted on the first cable and the second cable.

10. The connection device of claim 9, further comprising a first cable connection portion positioned on the first body portion configured to connect to a first cable.11 . The connection device of claim 10, further comprising a second cable connection portion positioned on the second body portion configured to connect to a second cable .

12. The connection device of claim 11 , wherein the first cable connection portion and the second cable connection portion are configured to be connected to respective first and second single pair Ethernet cables.

13. The connection device of claim 12, wherein the first cable connection portion is configured to connect to a first wire of the first single pair Ethernet cable and the second cable connection portion is configured to be connected to a second wire of the single pair Ethernet cable.

14. The connection device of claim 12, wherein the second body portion is configured to attach to a door portion and the first body portion is configured to attach to a frame portion, and wherein the electrical connection between the first cableconnection portion and the second cable connection portion is maintained when a door is in an opened position.

15. The connection device of claim 11 , wherein the second cable connection portion is connected to a latch portion that supplies electrical power and data signals.

16. The connection device of claim 12, wherein the second cable connection portion is configured to supply a data signal pathway to the first cable connection portion.

17. The connection device of claim 9, wherein the receiving portion comprises a groove in a bearing portion.

18. The connection device of claim 17, wherein the receiving portion continuously extends about the bearing portion in a circular configuration.

19. The connection device of claim 17, wherein the bearing portion is configured to receive at least a portion of a pivot pin.

20. The connection device of claim 19, wherein the pivot pin is structurally configured to physically connect the first body portion to the second body portion.

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