Data and charging cable that can be converted into a necklace

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data cable (1) with two opposing ends (2, 3), each end being provided with a data connector plug, such as USB-C or Lightning. Each end is protected by a cylindrical, hollow cap (4) that is open at the bottom (4.1) and topped by a ring (4.2). The rings of each cap can be connected by a removable hoop (5) that joins the ends and converts the cable into a necklace. The cap (4) is secured to the plug by pins (6) that fit into a slot (4.3) and can be released by turning after being pressed towards the cable. This solution protects the connectors, makes storage easier and provides the device with a decorative purpose.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Data cable convertible into a necklace

[0003] Technology sector

[0004] The present invention relates to a data cable that, outside of its natural use as a data transmission cable, can be used as a necklace or pendant, in addition to facilitating its collection and storage.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The prior art includes protective covers for cable connections, as exemplified by German patent DE102016002752A1. The invention relates to a protective cable cover specifically designed to protect mobile phone chargers and headphones from premature failure due to cable breakage. This is achieved, essentially, by improving the transition between the various cable components. The aim is to increase the lifespan of manufactured cables, reduce costs for consumers, and protect the environment from unnecessary cable waste.

[0007] Another document reflecting the current state of the art is US10777955B2. This document relates to a twist-resistant device for prefabricated cables comprising a first and a second sleeve that fit around a portion of the cable or a plug connector adapted to be mounted in different relative positions. Each of the two sleeves is generally designed as a straight tube section with a longitudinal axis. One end of the first sleeve has two integral projections in the shape of two regular octagons with the same keyway width, arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis, with their rotational symmetry axes coinciding and intersecting perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis. One end of the second sleeve has four elongated extensions that are rotationally symmetrically distributed around the longitudinal axis, each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.Two adjacent extensions form a wrench jaw with a jaw width that corresponds to the key width of the octagon.

[0008] Document JP2010161049A describes a protective cover for the modular plug

[0009] The RJ45 connector is attached to one end of the RJ45 LAN modular plug. The cap can be easily released by pressing down on a locking claw on the end of the RJ45 LAN modular plug. Although cap 1 can be lost since it is not used when the RJ45 modular plug cable is connected to a device, loss can be prevented by attaching a lanyard-like strap to the cable, similar to a cowhide, to secure the cap to the cable.

[0010] Finally, document CN102354853A describes a glass plug comprising a glass head and a sleeve body, wherein the glass head is disposed at one end of a cable and is permanently provided with a spring; and a recess for holding the glass head is disposed in the sleeve body. The glass plug can prevent a metal pin from getting wet, oxidizing, and becoming dusty when the glass plug is not plugged into an interface.

[0011] In short, data cable protectors exist, but they are more focused on preventing breakage from twisting at the points where the plug joins the cord than on protecting the data connection itself. There are also protectors for sockets or plugs, but none of the known prior art products possess the characteristics described in the claims accompanying this specification.

[0012] Explanation of the invention

[0013] The present invention describes a data cable characterized in that it comprises a protective cap for each of the data end connectors, said cap being removable. Furthermore, the caps at both ends can be connected together by a ring to facilitate twisting the two ends of the cable. The technical effect of the invention is to protect the data connections at the ends of the cable, as well as to connect both ends to form a cord for easier storage and use as a necklace.

[0014] This object is achieved with the data cable convertible into a collar of claim 1.

[0015] Throughout the description and claims, the word "comprises" and its variations are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent partly from the invention and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to restrict the present invention. Furthermore, the invention covers all possible combinations of the particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

[0016] Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Next, a series of drawings are briefly described that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention, which is illustrated as a non-limiting example thereof.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a partial view of the cable of the invention with its two ends joined. Figure 2 shows a partial view of the cable with one end covered.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a sequence of four views illustrating the use of the invention

[0020] Detailed explanation of a practical implementation of the invention

[0021] As shown in the accompanying figures, the convertible data cable / necklace of the invention conventionally comprises a cord or cable (1) with two opposite ends (2,3), each of which has a plug with a data connector. This data connector, for example, can be a USB Type-C connector or a standard Lightning connector from Apple® products.

[0022] The ends (2,3) of the cord (1) are protected by a plug or closure (4) that can be inserted onto the pin at each end (2,3) of the cable (1). The plug or closure (4) consists of a hollow, cylindrical body, open at its bottom (4.1) and topped at its top with a ring (4.2). This upper ring (4.2) is configured to be joined to a second ring (4.2) of another plug or closure (4) by means of, for example, a ring (5) that is also removable.

[0023] The plug or closure (4) is linked to each end pin (2,3) by means of two studs (6) that engage with a groove (4.3) extending from the lower part (4.1) of the plug or closure (4). This groove is shaped to allow the studs (6) to be fixed in the operating position (Figure 3, image “A”). To release the closure or plug (4), it is first gently pressed downwards, towards the cable (1), as shown in image “B” of Figure 3. Once in this position, the closure or plug (4) is rotated upwards and released, away from the cable (1), as shown in images “C” and “D” of Figure 3. Thanks to the present invention, it is very easy to protect the cable's data connections when it is not in use. Furthermore, the cable can be enclosed in a secure collar using the ring, thus facilitating its storage.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- A data cable convertible into a collar, a cord or cable (1) with two opposite ends (2,3) each of which has a plug with a data connector, characterized in that the ends (2,3) of the cord (1) are protected by a cap or closure (4) insertable over the plug of each end (2,3) of the cable (1); and where the cap or closure (4) consists of a hollow cylindrical body, open at its lower part (4.1) and crowned at its upper part with a ring (4.2), where this upper ring (4.2) is configured to be joined with a second ring (4.2) of a second cap or closure (4) by means of a removable ring (5).

2. The data cable according to claim 1, wherein the cap or closure (4) is connectable to each pin at each end (2,3) by means of studs (6) that connect to a slot (4.3) emanating from the lower part (4.1) of the cap or closure (4) and which has a shape such that it enables the studs (6) to be fixed on the pin at each end (2,3) of the cable (1).

3. The cable according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the data connectors are a USB Type-C connector, or a Lightning connector.

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