Retainer for retaining accessory plug and cable to a portable communication device

Abstract

The retainer (10) includes a body (26) having a top wall (30), a first side wall (34), a second side wall (38) spaced opposite the first side wall (34), a front wall (42), and a rear wall (46) spaced opposite the front wall (42) along a longitudinal axis. The walls define an interior cavity (50) that is sized and shaped to receive an accessory plug (14). The front wall (42) defines a front opening (58) that extends into the interior cavity (50) and is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a cable (18). The front wall (42) also includes a first hook (62) and a second hook (66) both positioned below the front opening (58). The rear wall (46) includes a third hook (70) extending forward into the interior cavity (50). The retainer (10) moves linearly forward parallel to the longitudinal axis to retain the hook (62) to the portable communication device.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Accessory plugs and cables (e.g., audio jacks) are often attached to portable communication devices. Retainers may be used to retain the accessory plugs and cables in place on the portable communication device. Many such retainers use screws to facilitate retention. However, inadvertent pulling or tugging on the accessory plug and / or cable may exert significant forces on the retainer and / or screws. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views, and the accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, and are used to further illustrate embodiments of the concepts including the claimed inventions, and to explain the various principles and advantages of these embodiments, examples, and aspects.

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable communication device and a retainer coupled to an accessory plug and cable according to one example.

[0004] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a retainer illustrating the Ω-shaped front wall of the retainer.

[0005] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a side view of the retainer illustrating how the retainer is initially coupled to the accessory plug and cable.

[0006] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an accessory plug and a cable, and also illustrates a seal configured for coupling to the accessory plug.

[0007] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portable communication device illustrating a recess configured to receive the seal.

[0008] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A first step of coupling a retainer to a portable communication device is illustrated.

[0009] Fig.11 and Fig.12 A second step of coupling the retainer to the portable communication device is shown.

[0010] Fig.13 and Fig.14 A third step of coupling the retainer to the portable communication device is shown.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of embodiments, examples, aspects and features.

[0012] Components of apparatus and methods are represented in the drawings with conventional symbols where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] As described above, it is important that the retainer withstands the high forces exerted by pulling or tugging the accessory plug and cable and maintains the accessory plug and cable in place on the portable communication device. Therefore, there is a need for an improved retainer for retaining the accessory plug and cable to the portable communication device.

[0014] Therefore, in short, an improved retainer for fixing an accessory plug and a cable to a portable communication device is provided herein. According to one example, the retainer includes a body having a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall spaced relatively from the first side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall spaced relatively from the front wall along a longitudinal axis. The top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall define an internal cavity, and the internal cavity is sized and shaped to receive an accessory plug. The front wall defines a front opening, the front opening extends into the internal cavity, and the front opening is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a cable. The front wall includes a first hook and a second hook each positioned below the front opening. The rear wall includes a third hook, the third hook extending forward into the internal cavity. The retainer is configured to move linearly forward parallel to the longitudinal axis to fix the first hook, the second hook, and the third hook to the portable communication device.

[0015] Figures 1 to 14 A retainer 10 is illustrated for retaining an accessory plug 14 and a cable 18 to a portable communication device 22. In the example shown, the portable communication device 22 is a portable handheld radio, and the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 are integrally formed together as a single piece to be coupled to a headset (not shown). In other examples, the portable communication device 22 is a phone, tablet, or other portable communication device. Also, in other examples, the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 are connected to other devices other than a headset (e.g., other audio accessory devices). A system includes the retainer 10 and the portable communication device 22.

[0016] See also Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the retainer 10 includes a body 26 having a top wall 30, a first side wall 34, and a second side wall 38 spaced apart from the first side wall 34. The body 26 also includes a front wall 42 and a rear wall 46 spaced apart from the front wall 42 along the longitudinal axis A1. Figure 1 The top wall 30, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, the front wall 42 and the rear wall 46 define an internal cavity 50 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), the internal cavity 50 is sized and shaped to receive the accessory plug 14.

[0017] In the example shown, the first side wall 34 extends parallel to the second side wall 38, and the front wall 42 extends parallel to the rear wall 46. When viewed from above or from the side, the body 26 has a generally rectangular shape. The top wall 30 transitions to the first side wall 34 by beveled edges or rounded corners. Likewise, the top wall 30 transitions to the second side wall 38 by beveled edges or rounded corners. In other examples, the shape and / or size of the retainer 10 can be different than that shown, such as a more elongated shape, or a square shape, or a shape in which the front wall 42 is not parallel to the rear wall 46 and / or the first side wall 34 is not parallel to the second side wall 38.

[0018] Continue to see Figures 1 to 3 , the first side wall 34 and the second side wall 38 each include a set of ribs 54 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The ribs 54 facilitate gripping the retainer 10. In other examples, the retainer 10 does not include ribs 54, or includes ribs 54 in a number and arrangement different from that shown.

[0019] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the front wall 42 defines a front opening 58 that extends into the interior cavity 50 and is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the cable 18. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front wall 42 has an Ω-shaped shape (e.g., as in Figure 3 ), the Ω-shape defines a front opening 58. In the example shown, at least a portion of the front opening 58 has a circular shape.

[0020] Continue to see Figure 2 and Figure 3, the front wall 42 includes a first hook 62 positioned below the front opening 58, and a second hook 66 positioned below the front opening 58. The rear wall 46 includes a third hook 70 extending forward into the interior cavity 50, and a fourth hook 74 extending forward into the interior cavity 50. In the example shown, the third hook 70 and the fourth hook 74 are coupled to each other by a bridge 78. The first hook 62 and the second hook 66 are front hooks, and the third hook 70 and the fourth hook 74 are rear hooks. In some examples, only a single rear hook (e.g., the third hook 70) is provided, rather than providing multiple rear hooks.

[0021] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each of the first hook 62 and the second hook 66 includes an L-shaped arm having a first section 82 extending vertically downward and a second section 86 extending vertically away from the first section 82. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second section 86 of the first hook 62 and the second section 86 of the second hook 66 extend away from each other in the lateral direction and are spaced apart from each other by a gap G1. The front opening 58 has a diameter D1, and the gap G1 is smaller than the diameter D1. The first hook 62 and the second hook 66 are both flexible and can be flexed and separated from each other in the lateral direction.

[0022] Continue to see Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each of the third hook 70 and the fourth hook 74 also includes a first segment 82 extending downward in the vertical direction, and a second segment 86 extending vertically away from the first segment 82. The second segment 86 of the third hook 70 and the second segment 86 of the fourth hook 74 extend toward each other in the lateral direction. In some examples, the third hook 70 and / or the fourth hook 74 are flexible and can be, for example, about an axis A2 ( Figure 1 In some examples, the second segment 86 of the third hook 70 and the second segment 86 of the fourth hook 74 extend laterally away from each other.

[0023] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figures 9 to 14 The retainer 10 further includes a latch 90 coupled to the body 26 along the rear wall 46 and capable of being moved relative to the body 26 along an axis A3 ( Fig. 9 ) is moved. The latch 90 can be in an unlocked position (e.g., raised position, see Figure 1 and Figures 9 to 13 ) and locked positions (e.g. lowered position, see Figure 2 and Fig.14). In some examples, when the latch 90 is in the unlocked position, the latch 90 is vertically spaced apart from the third hook 70 and the fourth hook 74, and when the latch 90 is in the locked position, the latch 90 is in contact with the third hook 70 and the fourth hook 74. Fig.10 In the example shown, the latch 90 includes a pawl arm 94 having a notch 98 corresponding to a locked (e.g., lowered) state and an unlocked (e.g., raised) state. The rear wall 46 of the body 26 includes a stop 100, and a protrusion 102 positioned below the stop 100, the protrusion 102 being used to engage and disengage with the notch 98 to correspondingly lock and unlock the latch 90. In other examples, the rear wall 46 includes the pawl arm 94 and the notch 98, and the latch 90 includes the protrusion 102. Other examples include other types of pawl mechanisms different from those shown (e.g., for snap-fit ​​engagement between the latch 90 and the body 26). In some examples, a pawl mechanism is not provided. Instead, the latch 90 can be maintained in a locked position relative to the body 26 via a friction fit with the body 26, using fasteners, or using other structures. See Figure 1 In the example shown, the latch 90 also includes a latch arm 104 that slides into a corresponding recess 106 (e.g., a notch) on the portable communication device 22 when the latch 90 is locked to further inhibit or prevent the retainer 10 from sliding along the longitudinal axis A1.

[0024] See also Figures 3 to 6 , the retainer 10 is coupled to the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 such that the accessory plug 14 is positioned within the interior cavity 50 of the body 26 and the cable 18 extends out of the front opening 58. Figure 4 As shown, the cable 18 includes a first portion 108 having a first diameter, and a strain relief portion 110 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The strain relief portion 110 may have a tapered diameter that increases as it moves toward the accessory plug 14. The diameter of the first portion 108 is greater than the gap G1, but less than the diameter D1 of the front opening 58.

[0025] Continue to see Figure 4 , the retainer 10 is coupled to the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 by initially tilting the retainer 10 relative to the longitudinal axis A1. Then, the lower portion of the omega-shaped front wall 42 is clamped (e.g., snapped onto) the first portion 108 of the cable 18. During this initial attachment, the first hook 62 and the second hook 66 are flexed laterally outwardly away from each other to further open the gap G1 and allow the cable 18 to snap upward into the front opening 58. In some examples, the diameter of the first portion 108 is equal to or smaller than the gap G1.

[0026] See also Figure 5, the retainer 10 is then linearly moved (eg, slid) along the cable 18 (eg, along the longitudinal axis A1) until the body 26 is positioned generally above the accessory plug 14. During this movement, the retainer 10 remains tilted.

[0027] See also Figure 6 , the retainer 10 is then tilted downward onto the accessory plug 14 so that the accessory plug 14 is at least substantially enclosed by the walls of the body 26 and the rear wall 46 and the third and fourth hooks 70, 74 extend downwardly behind the accessory plug 14. In this position, a portion of the strain relief portion 110 extends through the front opening 58.

[0028] As described above, the diameter of the strain relief portion 110 is larger than the diameter of the first portion 108 of the cable 18. In some examples, the diameter of the strain relief portion 110 is large enough that the first hook 62 and the second hook 66 cannot flex far enough apart to accommodate the diameter of the strain relief portion 110. Therefore, once the retainer 10 is coupled to the accessory plug 14 ( Figure 6 ), the retainer 10 cannot be simply lifted vertically from the accessory plug 14. Instead, the retainer 10 can remain on the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18, and there is no need to remove or reattach the retainer 10 to the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 before each use of the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18.

[0029] See also Figures 7 to 14 Once the retainer 10 has been coupled to the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18, the retainer 10 can then be used to couple and secure the accessory plug 14 and the cable 18 to the portable communication device 22. For example, and as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one pin 114 (e.g., an electrical contact pin) extends from the underside of the accessory plug 14. In the example shown, two pins 114 extend from the accessory plug 14. The pins 114 are sized and shaped to be received within corresponding plug openings 118 in the outer wall 122 of the portable communication device 22. Inserting the pins 114 into the plug openings 118 may establish an electrical connection within the portable communication device 22 (e.g., with a printed circuit board).

[0030] Continue to see Figure 7 and Figure 8, the seal 126 includes an aperture 130 that receives the receiving pin 114. The seal 126 is sized and shaped to be coupled to the mating plug 14 and is at least partially positioned between the mating plug 14 and the outer wall 122 of the portable communication device 22. The outer wall 122 defines a recess 134 along the portable communication device 22, and the seal 126 is sized and shaped to be positioned within the recess 134. The seal 126 can provide a seal between the mating plug 14 and the portable communication device 22 and can inhibit or prevent water from entering the portable communication device 22.

[0031] See Figure 1 and Fig. 9 , the outer wall 122 further defines: a first slot 138 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the first hook 62 when the retainer 10 moves linearly forward along the longitudinal axis A1; a second slot 142 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the second hook 66 when the retainer 10 moves linearly forward along the longitudinal axis A1; a third slot 146 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the third hook 70 when the retainer 10 moves linearly forward along the longitudinal axis A1; and a fourth slot 150 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the fourth hook 74 when the retainer 10 moves linearly forward along the longitudinal axis A1. The plug opening 118 extends perpendicularly into the outer wall 122 and is positioned along the outer wall 122 between the first slot 138 and the third slot 146. As described above, the outer wall 122 further includes a recess 106 that receives the latch locking arm 104 of the latch 90. See Figure 2 and Figure 8 , in the illustrated example, the retainer 10 further includes a pawl notch 150 along one side of the retainer 10. The pawl notch 150 is sized and shaped to engage with a pawl projection 154 along the portable communication device 22.

[0032] See Figures 9 to 14 , in the illustrated example, the retainer 10 is coupled to the portable communication device 22 in three steps. As Fig. 9 and Fig.10 shown, in the first step, the retainer 10, the mating plug 14, and the pin 114 are moved (e.g., pressed downward) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 toward the outer wall 122 of the portable communication device 22 until the seal 126 is positioned within the recess 134 and the pin 114 extends into the plug opening 118.

[0033] See Fig.11 and Fig.12In the second step, the retainer 10 is then moved forward linearly parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 to engage the first hook 62, the second hook 66, the third hook 70, and the fourth hook 74 into the first slot 138, the second slot 142, the third slot 146, and the fourth slot 150 of the portable communication device 22, respectively. In the example shown, when the retainer 10 is moved forward linearly along the longitudinal axis A1, the first hook 62, the second hook 66, the third hook 70, and the fourth hook 74 simultaneously engage the first slot 138, the second slot 142, the third slot 146, and the fourth slot 150. In some examples, in this second step, the movement of the retainer 10 may make a "click" sound (see Fig.12 During this movement, in the example shown, the detent recess 150 engages with the detent projection 154 .

[0034] See also Fig.13 and Fig.14 In a third step, the latch 90 is then released from Fig.13 The unlocked (eg raised) position shown is moved (eg pressed downwardly) (eg along axis A3) to Fig.14 In some examples, the latch 90 may make a "click" sound when it moves to the locked position, such as when the protrusion 102 engages the recess 98 (see Fig.14 ). In this step, the latch arm 104 extends into the recess 106.

[0035] In summary, due to the arrangement of the hooks 62, 66, 70 and 74, the slots 138, 142, 146 and 150, and the latch 90 described above, the retainer 10 can be quickly and securely coupled to the portable communication device 22 and provide a strong cable pull retention, making it difficult to disengage the accessory plug 14 from the portable communication device 22 by simply pulling or tugging the cable 18. In addition, as described above, when the accessory plug 14 is disengaged from the portable communication device 22, the retainer 10 can remain on the cable 18, so that there is no need to reattach the retainer 10. In addition, the arrangement of the seal 126 between the accessory plug 14 and the portable communication device 22 can inhibit or prevent water from entering the portable communication device 22 after the retainer 10 is coupled to the portable communication device 22.

[0036] In the above description, specific examples have been described. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0037] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent are not to be construed as critical, essential, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The present invention is defined solely by the appended claims (including any amendments made during the pendency of this application) and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0038] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from other entities or actions, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "comprise, comprising," "has, having," "include, including," "contain, containing," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements includes not only these elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. An element beginning with "comprises," "has," or "includes," does not, without more limitations, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains the element. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other variations thereof, are defined as approximating what one of ordinary skill in the art understands, and in one non-limiting example, within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain manner is configured in at least that manner, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0039] The "Abstract of the Description" is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the "Detailed Description" above, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the innovative subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims are incorporated into the "Detailed Description" section, with each claim standing alone as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A retainer configured to retain an accessory plug and a cable to a portable communication device, the retainer include: a body having a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall spaced oppositely from the first side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall spaced oppositely from the front wall along a longitudinal axis, wherein the top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall define an interior cavity sized and shaped to receive the accessory plug; wherein the front wall defines a front opening extending into the interior cavity and sized and shaped to receive a portion of the cable; wherein the front wall comprises a first hook and a second hook each positioned below the front opening, wherein the rear wall comprises a third hook extending forward into the internal cavity, and wherein the retainer is configured to be able to move linearly forward parallel to the longitudinal axis to secure the first hook, the second hook and the third hook to the portable communication device.

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the front wall of the body has an omega shape when viewed along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a lower portion of the front wall is configured for clamping onto the cable.

3. The retainer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the front opening has a circular shape.

4. The retainer of claim 1 , wherein each of the first hook and the second hook comprises an L-shaped arm having a first segment extending vertically downward and a second segment extending vertically away from the first segment, wherein the second segment of the first hook and the second segment of the second hook extend laterally away from each other.

5. The retainer of claim 4, wherein the second segment of the first hook and the second segment of the second hook are separated from each other by a gap, wherein the front opening has a diameter, and wherein the gap is smaller than the diameter.

6. The retainer of claim 4, wherein the first hook and the second hook are both flexible and configured to flex and laterally separate from each other to clamp onto the cable.

7. The retainer of claim 1 wherein the rear wall includes a fourth hook extending forwardly into the interior cavity.

8. The retainer of claim 1, further comprising a detent notch configured to engage a detent projection along the portable communication device.

9. The retainer of claim 1, further comprising a latch coupled to the body, wherein the latch is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position.

10. The retainer of claim 9, wherein the latch includes a latch arm configured to engage a corresponding recess on the portable communication device.

11. The retainer of claim 9, wherein the latch includes a detent arm having a notch, and wherein the rear wall of the body includes a protrusion configured to engage and disengage with the notch.

12. The retainer of claim 9, wherein the latch is vertically movable along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

13. A system, include: The retainer according to claim 1; as well as A portable communication device, wherein the portable communication device includes an outer wall, the outer wall defining: a first slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of the first hook when the retainer is linearly moved forward along the longitudinal axis; a second slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of the second hook when the retainer is linearly moved forward along the longitudinal axis; and a third slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of the third hook when the retainer is linearly moved forward along the longitudinal axis.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first hook, the second hook, and the third hook are configured to simultaneously engage the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot, respectively, when the retainer is linearly moved forward along the longitudinal axis.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the retainer is configured to be first pressed downward in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis before the retainer is linearly moved forward along the longitudinal axis.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the outer wall of the portable communication device further comprises a plug opening sized and shaped to receive pins of the accessory plug when the retainer is first pressed downward.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plug opening extends vertically into the outer wall in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the plug opening is positioned along the outer wall between the first slot and the third slot.

19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a seal configured to be coupled to the accessory plug, and configured to be at least partially positioned between the accessory plug and the outer wall of the portable communication device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the outer wall defines a recess along the portable communication device, wherein the seal is configured to be positioned within the recess.

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