Device for providing enhanced connectivity between a single pair ethernet cable and a connection element at a variable angle during operation

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation. The device may include a single pair ethernet connector assembly. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may include a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion, which may comprise a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion, a connection portion structured to be connected at a first end at variable rotation angles to the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion and to be connected at a second end to a connection element during operation, and a circuit portion, which may comprise a printed circuit board. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to the connection element while the connection portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN A SINGLE PAIR ETHERNET CABLE AND A CONNECTION ELEMENT AT A VARIABLE ANGLE DURING OPERATIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 764,824, filed February 28, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a device for providing enhanced connectivity during operation, for instance a device for providing enhanced connectivity between a cable and a connection element at a variable angle during operation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Growing demand for data transfer reliability, speed, and capacity has emphasized the capabilities of a distributed network. As more users of a distributed network utilize signal carrying components to transfer data, such network expansion and improvement may include the installation of wired cables that provide robust environmental resistance and reliable signal carrying performance.

[0004] With more cables being utilized in distributed networks, cables of different sizes, types, and capabilities have been developed to accommodate diverse installation environments, such as residential, commercial, and industrial sites. In many instances the physical location where such cables must be installed may be hard to reach or disposed at a location which is difficult to access. For example, a panel where a cable is to be connected may be disposed within a narrow space or behind other objects within the environment which may present a challenge for a user. Angled cable connections exist and are used in wall applications. However, current designs and offerings have set or default angles that are determined at the time of manufacture and due to the diversity of cables and cable connections that may be employed to form a distributed network, a connector may require more flexibility in terms of angle selection beyond what may be provided by the manufacturer.

[0005] Thus, it may be desirable to provide the assorted embodiments of the present disclosure, which are generally directed to cable connectors that employ a means for selectively adjusting an angle of the connector to promote secure physical engagement and stable electrical pathways.SUMMARY

[0006] According to certain embodiments, a device may be provided for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation. The device may include a single pair ethernet connector assembly. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may include a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion structured to be electrically connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation, a housing portion structured to be connected to the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion at variable rotational angles during operation, the housing portion comprising a port portion, and a printed circuit board structured to be electrically connected to the port portion during operation. The port portion may be structured to be adjusted at variable angles relative to the housing portion and / or to the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion during operation. The single pair ethernet cable connecting portion may include a single pair ethernet cable termination portion that may be structured to be connected to a contact portion on the printed circuit board during operation. The port portion may be structured to be connected to a connection element allow the port portion to be selectively adjusted when the port portion is disposed in at least a portion of the connection element during operation. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may be physically structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to the connection element while the port portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the port portion may be rotatingly adjusted at variable angles up to a 180-degree connection angle between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet cable termination portion may be structured to be selectively coupled to the printed circuit board during operation.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the printed circuit board may include a flexible portion structured to maintain contact with the contact portion of the port portion as the port portion is rotatingly adjusted relative to the housing portion and / or the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation may be provided. The device may include a single pair ethernet connector assembly. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may include a single pair ethernet cable termination portion structured to be electrically connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation, a housing portion structured to be connected to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion during operation, the housing portion comprising a port portion having a contact portion, and a circuit portion structured to be electrically connected to the contact portion of the port portion during operation. The port portion may be structured to be adjusted at variable rotation angles relative to the housing portion and / or to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion. The single pair ethernet connector assembly may be physically structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to a connection element while the port portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may include a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of notches and wherein the single pair ethernet cable termination portion may be structured to be selectively connected to at least one of the plurality of notches of the printed circuit board during operation.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may include a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially about the printed circuit board and may be structured to prevent an incorrect engagement between the single pair ethernet cable termination portion and the printed circuit board during operation.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may be structured to be rotatingly adjusted relative to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion during operation.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the housing portion may be structured to concurrently rotate the circuit portion when the housing portion is rotated during operation.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet cable termination portion may include a contact portion structured to be selectively electrically connected to the circuit portion during operation.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the port portion may include an end portion structured to be engaged with a single pair ethernet cable input portion of the connection element when an orientation of the end portion matches an inner surface of the single pair ethernet cable input portion during operation.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the end portion may include at least one protrusion structured to prevent rotation of the end portion past at least one stop disposed on the inner surface of the single pair ethernet cable input portion during operation.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation may be provided. The device may include a cable connecting circuit assembly. The cable connecting circuit assembly may include a cable connecting portion structured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation, a connection portion structured to be connected at a first end at a variable rotation angle relative to the cable connecting portion and to be connected at a second end to a connection element during operation, and a circuit portion structured to form an electrical pathway between the cable connecting portion and the connection portion during operation. The cable connecting circuit assembly may be physically structured and adapted to provide enhanced electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to the connection element while the connection portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may include a printed circuit board that includes a plurality of notches. The connection portion may be structured to be selectively connected to at least one of the plurality of notches of the printed circuit board during operation.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may include a printed circuit board may include a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially about the printed circuit board and may be structured to prevent an incorrect engagement between the connection portion and the printed circuit board during operation.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, the circuit portion may include a printed circuit board may be structured to be rotatingly adjusted relative to the connection portion during operation.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion may be structured to concurrently rotate the circuit portion when the connection portion is rotated during operation.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion may include a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion, a single pair ethernet cable termination portion structured to be selectively electrically connected to the circuit portion during operation.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion may include an end portion structured to be engaged with an input portion of the connection element when an orientation of the end portion matches an inner surface of the input portion during operation.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the end portion may include at least one protrusion structured to prevent rotation of the end portion past at least one stop disposed on the inner surface of the input portion during operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0028] FIG. 2 represents portions of a wired cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly having a connection portion, according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3B illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the connector assembly seen in FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative partially transparent view of the connector assembly seen in FIG. 3B, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 4A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a printed circuit board with a plurality of selective positions, a connection portion being disposed at a perpendicular position relative to a cable portion, according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4B illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the connector assembly seen in FIG. 4A, a connection portion being disposed at a parallel position relative to a cable portion, according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a vertically orientated printed circuit board with a plurality of selective positions, a connection portion being disposed at a perpendicular position relative to a cable portion, according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative partially transparent perspective view of the connector assembly seen in FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a vertically orientated printed circuit board with a plurality of selective positions, a cable connecting portion being disengaged from the printed circuit board, according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 6B illustrates a simplified perspective view of the vertically orientated printed circuit board and a cable termination portion seen in FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 7A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a vertically orientated printed circuit board with a plurality of selective positions, a cable connecting portion being engaged to the printed circuit board, according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 7B illustrates a simplified perspective view of the vertically orientated printed circuit board and a cable termination portion seen in FIG. 7A, according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 8A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a vertically orientated printed circuit board with a plurality of selectivepositions, a cable connecting portion being misaligned with the printed circuit board, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8B illustrates a simplified perspective view of the vertically orientated printed circuit board and a cable termination portion seen in FIG. 8A, according to an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly having a cable portion that may be adjusted relative to a static jack portion, according to an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 10A illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of a connector assembly having a threaded portion that is structured to allow rotation of a connection portion disposed therein, according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view the connector assembly seen in FIG. 10Afrom outside of a panel, according to an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of the connector assembly seen in FIG. 10Afrom inside of a panel, according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a magnified cross sectional view of a connection portion of a connector assembly being coupled to a cable input, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the current invention is directed to angled cable connectors which provide more installation flexibility with enhanced connectivity. Certain embodiments may allow a user to determine or select a connection angle of the connector while in the field. In certain embodiments, the angled connectors have a greater range of motion than traditional angled connectors which may include set default selections, such as at each 90 degree quadrant relative to a wall panel. By allowing determination of a connection angle in the field, various embodiments allow a user to carry less parts, less cable slack to loop, better installation flexibility, and better strain relief.

[0048] 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, specificdetails 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The assorted embodiments of a cable connector may be practiced in a distributed network or other environments. FIG. 1 is a block representation of a distributed network environment 100 that may employ one or more cable connectors to form signal pathways 110 between one or more sources 120 and one or more destinations 130. The distributed network 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal pathway 110 to supply one-way or two-way signal transmission.

[0051] In some embodiments, a wireless signal pathway 112 is utilized to transmit data while other embodiments employ a wired signal pathway 114. It is noted that the wired signal pathway 114 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. As such, the wired signal pathway 114 may transfer signals with fiber optic aspects or conductive wires packaged in an environmentally protected jacket. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 112 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without physical aspects of wired signal pathway 114, transmitting data via a wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0052] While wired signal pathways 114 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 112, the presence of a physical cable to house, guide, and protect signal carrying aspects may present operational challenges. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes. Multiple wired cables may form a stable wired signal pathway 116 with the incorporation of an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter. The use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physical delivery, and electrical capabilities, provided to a destination 130. However, physical conditionssuch as the destination 130 being disposed at an angel may be present at the installation site which may provide additional installation and / or operational challenges.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a wired cable connection 200 that may be present in the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to establish a stable signal pathway 114. A first wired cable 210 is physically and electrically connected to a second wired cable 220 via a connector or coupling interconnect 230. The respective wired cables 210 / 220 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each wired cable 210 / 220 is structured as an ethernet cable that presents a single pair of signal conducting wires 240. Such cable construction may be characterized as a single pair ethernet (SPE) cable that may provide a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems.

[0054] The connector 230, in some embodiments, may include conducting portions 232 that provide a transition between wires 240 of the respective cables 210 / 220. However, the physical attachment of a cable 210 / 220 to the connector 230 may present an electrical connection that has limited capabilities. Even with an ideal installation of the cables 210 / 220 on the connector 230, environmental conditions, such as movement and vibrations over time, may degrade the physical and electrical connections from cable 210 to cable 220.

[0055] These installation and operational concerns for a cable connection may be addressed by various embodiments of a connector assembly that may employ a selectively adjusted cable connector. FIGS. 3A-C respectively illustrate perspective views of portions of a connector assembly 300 that may be employed in the cable connection 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to provide enhanced installation and operational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. Specifically, the perspective views of FIGS. 3A and 3B convey a first view and a partially transparent view of the connector assembly 300, respectively, while FIG. 3C conveys a partially transparent view of an opposing second side of the connector assembly 300.

[0056] The connector assembly 300 may be structured to connect a cable portion 310, that terminates with a connector or connection portion 320 to a connectionelement. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly 300 may be structured and adapted to connect the cable portion 310 to the connection element while a port portion of the connector assembly 300 may be structured and adapted to be rotatingly adjusted at variable angles relative to the cable portion 310 to provide enhanced connectivity between the cable portion 310 and the connection element, for example at a relative connection angle of up to 180 degrees between the cable portion 310 and the connection element during use. The cable portion 310 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the connection portion 320 may terminate any number of signal carrying wires present in the cable portion 310 by providing contact means that are structured to physically engage aspects of a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable portion 310 may be an SPE cable (or another type of cable) providing signal carrying wires packaged within a jacket 316, which may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0057] While not required or limiting, the connection portion 320 may have a receiving portion 350 with a cable connecting portion 318 enclosed therein as seen in the partially transparent views of FIGS. 3B and 30 that partially, or completely, surround aspects of the transition between the cable portion 310 to the connection portion 320. A cable connecting portion 318 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the connection portion 320 as well as attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the connection portion 320 with a receiving aspect of an electrical connection.

[0058] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 320 may include a port portion 322 rotatingly coupled to a housing portion 324. The port portion 322 may be coupled to the housing portion 324 so that the port portion 322 may freely rotate with respect to the housing portion 324 along a common longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the housing portion 324 may in turn be rotatingly adjusted relative to the cable connecting portion 318, namely wherein the housing portion 324 may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cable connecting portion 318. The connection portion 320 may include electrical contacts 326, which in some embodiments may be a pair of electrical contacts. For instance, a distal end 328 of the port portion 322 may physically mate with a matching end portion of a connectionelement (not shown), for example, another or opposing cable or, in some embodiments, a port of an electronic device, network element or network interconnect, while a proximal end 330 of the port portion 322 comprising the pair of electrical contacts 326 may be inserted into the housing portion 324 as best seen in FIG. 3B. The port portion 322 as seen in the figures may include a jack, however in certain embodiments, the port portion 322 may include a plug or any other receptacle structured to connect to an outside or additional connection element.

[0059] According to certain embodiments, the cable connecting portion 318 may include a distal end 332 with a contact portion 334. The cable connecting portion 318 may include or otherwise be structured to accommodate a cable termination portion 340 therein, the cable termination portion 340 including at least one contact pad thereon. The contact portion 334 may be structured to house or accommodate a distal end of the cable termination portion 340 so that it may physically engage with a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. In certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 3B and 30, a printed circuit board (PCB) 336 may be coupled to the cable termination portion 340 within the cable connecting portion 318 at one end, and to the electrical contacts 326 of the port portion 322 at an opposing end. In certain embodiments, the PCB 336 may be coupled directly to a contact pad disposed on the contact portion 334 of the cable connecting portion 318. In some embodiments, the PCB 336 may be a flexible PCB. The PCB 336 may be sufficiently flexible or pliable so as to bend to accommodate the relative positions between the port portion 322 and the cable connecting portion 318. In certain embodiments, the PCB 336 may be sufficiently adjusted so as to twist in order to accommodate for the relative rotation angle between the port portion 322 and the housing portion 324. In certain embodiments, the housing portion 324 may rotate vertically relative to the cable connecting portion 318 so that the PCB 336 may substantially operate as a ball point within the housing portion 324 and thereby allowing a certain amount of three dimensional rotational movement between the port portion 322, the housing portion 324, and the cable connecting portion 318. In certain embodiments, a series of conductors or other cables may be used instead or in place of the PCB 336 in order to provide the flexbility required for the connector assembly 300. In certain embodiments, connection pins for the port portion 322 can be directly soldered onto the PCB 336, or a hard or hybrid PCB that in turn connects to the flexiblePCB 336 or equivalent flexible connection media. The flexible PCB 336 may serve as a bridge to change the point of connection axis from the initial connection point and may flex to accommodate different angles between the cable portion 310 and the connection 320.

[0060] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 4A-8B, the connector assembly 400 includes a cable portion 410 that terminates with a connector or connection portion 420. The cable portion 410 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the connection portion 420 may terminate any number of signal carrying wires present in the cable portion 410 by providing contact means that are structured to physically engage aspects of a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable portion 410 may be an SPE cable providing signal carrying wires packaged within a jacket 316, which may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the connector assembly 400 may be structured and adapted to connect the cable portion 410 to the connection element while a port portion of the connector assembly 400 may be structured and adapted to be rotatingly adjusted at variable angles relative to the cable portion 410 to provide enhanced connectivity between the cable portion 410 and the connection element during use. In certain embodiments, enhanced connectivity may include maintaining a reliable, robust electrical pathway between the cable portion 410 and the connector assembly 400 as the connector assembly 400 is rotatingly adjusted to a relative connection angle of up to 180-degrees between the cable portion 410 and the connector assembly 400 during use.

[0062] While not required or limiting, the connection portion 420 may have a receiving portion 450 with a cable connecting portion 418 enclosed therein as seen in the partially transparent views of FIGS. 4A-6A, 7A, and 8A that partially, or completely, surround aspects of the transition between the cable portion 410 to the connection portion 420. A cable connecting portion 418 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the connection portion 420 as well as attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the connection portion 420 with a receiving aspect of an electrical connection.

[0063] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may include a port portion 422 disposed therein as seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B and be directly rotated or adjusted relative to the cable portion 410. As further seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connection portion 420 may rotate about the receiving portion 450 at a fixed position or pivot point 416. In certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may be rotatingly coupled or adjusted relative to a housing portion 424 disposed on a distal end of the receiving portion 450 as seen FIGS. 5A-8A. The connection portion 420 may be coupled to the housing portion 424 so that the connection portion 420 and the port portion 422 disposed therein may freely rotate with respect to the housing portion 424 along a common longitudinal axis as seen in FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A, 7A, and 8A.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may include a pair of electrical contacts 426. For instance, a distal end 428 of the port portion 422 may physically mate with a matching end portion of a separate cable or, in some embodiments, with a port of an electronic device or network interconnect, while a proximal end 430 of the port portion 422 includes the pair of electrical contacts 426 which may be inserted through the connection portion 420 and into the receiving portion 450 as best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In certain embodiments, the electrical contacts 426 may be inserted through the connection portion 420 and into the housing portion 424 as seen FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A.

[0065] According to certain embodiments, the cable connecting portion 418 includes a distal end 432 with a contact portion 434. The contact portion 434 may include or otherwise be structured to accommodate a cable termination portion 440 therein, the cable termination portion 440 including at least one contact pad 452 thereon as seen in FIGS. 6B, 7B, and 8B. The contact portion 434 may be structured to house or accommodate a distal end of the cable termination portion 440 so that it may physically engage with a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination.

[0066] In certain embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) 436 may be selectively coupled to the cable termination portion 440 within the cable connecting portion 418 at a first position, and to the electrical contacts 426 of the port portion 422 at a second position. In certain embodiments, the electrical contacts 426 may be soldered or coupled to the PCB 436, thereby creating a fixed right-angle point of connection.In certain embodiments, the PCB 436 may be selectively coupled directly to a contact means disposed on the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418. The PCB 436 may be substantially circular shaped with a contact pad 442 disposed in a central portion of a surface of the PCB 436. In certain embodiments, the contact pad 442 may be disposed on both sides of the circular PCB 436 to transmit a signal or power therethrough. The substantially circular shape of the contact pad 442 allows for multiple radial connection points since the contact only has to be made on a top and bottom of the PCB 436. Addditionally, the circle shape of the contact pad 442 can allow for 360 degrees of radial possibilities of rotation. In certain embodiments, the PCB 436 may be substantially dome or ball shaped to provide a rotation or change beyond what is possible with a substantially flat 360 degree circle. The PCB 436 may also include a plurality of teeth 444 with a plurality of notches 446 defined therebetween. In certain embodiments, the teeth 444 may extend radially outward from the PCB 436. Each of the notches 446 may be structured to accommodate the cable termination portion 440 therein, thereby providing a corresponding plurality of connection positions between the connection portion 420 and the receiving portion 450. In certain embodiments, the notches 446 may be defined in the PCB 436 so as to provide defined or predetermined positions about the PCB 436, for example including but not limited to 0 degrees, +45 degrees, +90 degrees, +135 degrees, +180 degrees, +225 degrees, -45 degrees, etc. Any number of notches 446 may be used allowing for an increased number of rotational positions.

[0067] In certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cable connecting portion 418 may be sufficiently adjusted about the circumference of the PCB 436 so as to change a relative rotation angle between the connection portion 420 and the cable portion 410. The PCB 436 may be disposed in a substantially horizontal structural configuration, namely with a central axis of the PCB 436 being perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of both the connection portion 420 and the cable connecting portion 418. The electrical contacts 426 leading from the port portion 422 may be coupled to the PCB 436 at a fixed position about the circumference of the PCB 436. The contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 may be selectively electrically coupled to the PCB 436 by being inserted or slid into a notch 446 defined in the PCB 436, the contact pad 452 of the cable termination portion 440 making either direct or indirect contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436 via any number ofcontact leads. With the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 in surface contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436, an electrical connection may be established which may originate in a separate cable, an electronic device, or network interconnect, pass through the electrical contacts 426 of the port portion 422, enter the PCB 436 and then into the cable termination portion 440 via the interface between the contact potion 434 and the contact pad 452 of the cable termination portion 440, and then finally enter and be transmitted through the receiving portion 450.

[0068] According to certain embodiments, to adjust the relative angle between the cable connecting portion 418 to the connection portion 420, a clip portion 448 may be actuated which releases or unlocks the contact potion 434 from its position on the PCB 436, thereby disengaging the cable termination portion 440 from the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436. The connection portion 420 may then be rotated relative to the cable connecting portion 418 about the pivot point 416 which in turn rotates the PCB 436. The PCB 436 may continually be rotated until a different or alternative notch 446 defined between the teeth 444 of the PCB 436 is adjacently disposed to the contact portion 434. For example, the connection portion 420 seen at a substantially right angle relative to the cable portion 410 in FIG. 4A may be rotated to be in a substantially straight or colinear position relative to the receiving portion 450 and / or the cable portion 410 in FIG. 4B. The clip portion 448 may then be actuated to reengage or lock the contact portion 434 into place, with the cable termination portion 430 once again in electrical contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436. According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may be repeatedly adjusted until a desired relative angle relative to the receiving portion 450 is obtained, namely with each notch 446 representing a possible or selected angular position. It should be noted that the specific size or number of notches 446 defined in the PCB 436 may be different from what is explicitly shown in the figures and that additional or alternative notches 446 may be included. For example, in certain embodiments the PCB 436 may comprise a large plurality of notches 446 defined therein, thereby providing a user with a multitude of different options for angled adjustment of the connector assembly 400.

[0069] In certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 5A-8B, the cable connecting portion 418 may be sufficiently adjusted about the circumference of the PCB 436 so as to change a relative rotation angle between the connection portion 420 and thereceiving portion 450. The PCB 436 may be disposed in a substantially vertical structural configuration, namely with a central axis of the PCB 436 being perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the cable connecting portion 418 and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connection portion 420. The electrical contacts 426 leading from the port portion 422 may be coupled or in contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436.

[0070] In certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 6A-8B, the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 may be selectively electrically coupled to the PCB 436 by being inserted or slid into a notch 446 defined in the PCB 436, the contact pad 452 of the cable termination portion 440 making either direct or indirect contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436 via any number of contact leads. With the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 in surface contact with the contact pad 442, an electrical connection may be established which may originate in a separate cable, an electronic device, or network interconnect, pass through the electrical contacts 426 of the port portion 422, enter the PCB 436 and then into the cable termination portion 440 via the interface between the contact potion 434 and the contact pad 452, and then finally enter and be transmitted through the cable portion 410 disposed within the receiving portion 450.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, to adjust the relative angle between the cable connecting portion 418 to the connection portion 420, a clip portion 448 may be actuated which releases or unlocks the contact potion 434 from its position on the PCB 436, thereby disengaging the cable termination portion 440 from the contact pad 442 as seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The connection portion 420 may then be rotated relative to the cable connecting portion 418 about the pivot point 416 which in turn rotates the PCB 436. The PCB 436 may continually be rotated until a different or alternative notch 446 defined between the teeth 444 of the PCB 436 is adjacently disposed to the contact portion 434. For example, the connection portion 420 seen at a substantially right angle relative to the receiving portion 450 in FIG. 4A may be rotated to be in a substantially straight or colinear position relative to the cable portion 410 in FIG. 4B. The clip portion 448 may then be actuated to reengage or lock the contact portion 434 into place, with the cable termination portion 440 once again in electrical contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436. According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may be repeatedly adjusted until a desired relative anglerelative to the receiving portion 450 is obtained, namely with each notch 446 representing a possible or selected angular position. It should be noted that the specific size or number of notches 446 defined in the PCB 436 may be different from what is explicitly shown in the figures and that additional or alternative notches 446 may be included. For example, in certain embodiments the PCB 436 may comprise a large plurality of notches 446 defined therein, thereby providing a user with a multitude of different options for angled adjustment of the connector assembly 400.

[0072] In certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connection portion 420 may be sufficiently adjusted about the circumference of the PCB 436 so as to change a relative rotation angle between the connection portion 420 and the receiving portion 450. The PCB 436 may be disposed in a substantially horizontal structural configuration, namely with a central axis of the PCB 436 being perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of both the connection portion 422 and the cable connecting portion 418. The electrical contacts 426 leading from the port portion 422 may be coupled to the PCB 436 at a fixed position about the circumference of the PCB 436. The contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 may be selectively electrically coupled to the PCB 436 by being inserted or slid into a notch 446 defined in the PCB 436, the contact pad 442 of the cable termination portion 440 making either direct or indirect contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436 via any number of contact leads. With the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 in surface contact with the contact pad 442, an electrical connection may be established which may originate in a separate cable, an electronic device, or network interconnect, pass through the electrical contacts 426 of the port portion 422, enter the PCB 436 and then into the cable termination portion 440 via the interface between the contact potion 434 and the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436, and then finally enter and be transmitted through the receiving portion 450 via the cable portion 410.

[0073] According to certain embodiments, to adjust the relative angle between the cable connecting portion 418 to the connection portion 420, a clip portion 448 may be actuated which releases or unlocks the contact potion 434 from its position on the PCB 436, thereby disengaging the cable termination portion 440 from the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436 as seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The connection portion 420 may then be rotated relative to the cable connecting portion 418 which in turn rotates the PCB 436 within the housing portion 424. The PCB 436 may continually be rotated until adifferent or alternative notch 446 defined between the teeth 444 of the PCB 436 is adjacently disposed to the contact portion 434. As further seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the clip portion 448 may then be actuated to reengage or lock the contact portion 434 into place, with the cable termination portion 440 once again in electrical contact with the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436. According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 420 may be repeatedly adjusted until a desired relative angle relative to the receiving portion 450 is obtained, namely with each notch 446 representing a possible or selected angular position. In certain embodiments, misalignment or incorrect engagement between the cable termination portion 440 and the PCB 436 may be prevented by the teeth 444 of the PCB 436 as seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B. For example, if the PCB 436 is rotated so that one of the teeth 444 is inserted or disposed in the contact portion 434 of the cable connecting portion 418 instead of a notch 446, electrical contact between the contact pad 452 of the cable termination portion 440 and the contact pad 442 of the PCB 436 is prevented. The connection portion 420 may then be further adjusted so that contact portion 434 may be properly inserted or seated within a selected notch 446 between adjacent teeth 444 of the PCB 436. In certain embodiments, the substantially circular shape of the PCB 436 along with its series of teeth 444 and notches 446 may allow for relative rotational movement between the receiving portion 450 and the connection portion 420 only when the cable connecting 418 is properly seated, the connection portion 420 otherwise being free to turn or rotate.

[0074] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIG. 9, the connector assembly 900 may include a receiving portion 926 the may be structured to receive a cable portion 910 that terminates with a connection portion 920. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly 900 may be structured and adapted to connect the cable portion 910 to the connection element while a port portion of the connector assembly 900 may be structured and adapted to be rotatingly adjusted at variable angles relative to the cable portion 910 to provide enhanced connectivity between the cable portion 910 and the connection element, for example at a relative connection angle of up to 180-degrees between the cable portion 910 and the connection element during use. The cable portion 910 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the connection portion 920 may terminate any number of signal carrying wires present in the cable portion 910 by providing contact means thatare structured to physically engage aspects of a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable portion 910 may be an SPE cable providing signal carrying wires packaged within a jacket 916, which may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0075] While not required or limiting, the connection portion 920 may have a cable connecting portion as seen in FIGS. 3A-8B enclosed therein that partially, or completely, surround aspects of the transition between the cable portion 910 to the connection portion 920. The cable connecting portion may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the connection portion 920 as well as attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the connection portion 920 with a receiving aspect of an electrical connection.

[0076] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 920 may include a port portion 922 that may be directly rotated or adjusted relative to a housing portion 924 disposed on a distal end of the receiving portion 926. As indicated by arrow 912, the receiving portion 926, the housing portion 924, and the cable portion 910 may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the connection portion 920 when the connection portion 920 is coupled to or otherwise engaged with a panel, another cable separate cable, or a port of an electronic device or network interconnect. In certain embodiments, the connection portion 920 may remain static or stationary while engaged, thereby allowing the cable portion 910 to be rotationally adjusted or manipulated as needed, the cable portion 910 being substantially orthogonal to the connection portion 920. The housing portion 924 may include a PCB such as the flexible PCB 336 of FIG. 3B, the substantially circular PCB 436 of FIGS. 4A or 5A, or other PCB that may be adjusted.

[0077] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 10A-10C, the connector assembly 1000 may include a receiving portion 1010 that terminates with a connection portion 1020. The receiving portion 1010 may be structured to receive any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the connection portion 1020 may terminate any number of signal carrying wires present in the receiving portion 1010 by providing contact means that are structured to physically engage aspects of a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or otherelectrical termination. For instance, the receiving portion 1010 may be structured to receive an SPE cable (or other type of cable) providing signal carrying wires packaged within a jacket, not shown, which may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly 1000 may be structured and adapted to connect the cable portion to the connection element while a port portion of the connector assembly 1000 may be structured and adapted to be rotatingly adjusted at variable angles relative to the cable portion to provide enhanced connectivity between the cable portion and the connection element, for example at a relative connection angle of up to 180-degrees between the cable portion and the connection element during use.

[0078] While not required or limiting, the connection portion 1020 may include a guide portion 1022 as seen in FIGS. 10A-10C that partially, or completely, surround aspects of the transition between the receiving portion 1010 to the connection portion 1020. The guide portion 1022 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the connection portion 1020 as well as attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the connection portion 1020 with a receiving aspect of an electrical connection. For example, in one embodiment, the guide portion 1022 may include or accommodate a threaded portion 1024 that is disposed around an outside surface of the guide portion 1022 to engage with a correspondingly threaded cable input portion 1040 that may be defined in a panel 1042, another cable, or a port of an electronic device or network interconnect.

[0079] According to certain embodiments, the connection portion 1020 may include a port portion 1026 that may be directly rotated or adjusted relative to the guide portion 1022. As best seen in FIG. 10A, the port portion 1026 is electrically communicated to a PCB 1028 by a plurality of electrical contacts 1030 which extend from the port portion 1026, through the guide portion 1022, and to the PCB 1028. In certain embodiments, the PCB 1028 is in turn electrically communicated to the signal carrying wires present within the receiving portion 1010. The PCB 1028 may be the flexible PCB 336 of FIG. 3B, the substantially circular PCB 436 of FIGS. 4A or 5A, or other PCB that may be adjusted. The port portion 1026 in certain embodiments may be rotatingly adjusted relative to both the guide portion 1022 and the threaded portion1024 which may remain static or stationary when the connection portion 1020 is coupled to a cable input 1040.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the connector assembly 1000 may be coupled to the cable input 1040 by inserting the connection portion 1020 therein. For example, the port portion 1026 may be inserted through the cable input 1040 and then mated with a corresponding connection therein. In certain embodiments, the cable input 1040 may include a specifically shaped cross section that is structured to allow only predetermined orientations for the incoming guide portion 1022. For example, as seen in FIG. 11, the cable input 1040 may include an inner surface 1044 that has a cross section that is substantially circular but which includes a substantially flattened or straight top portion 1046. A distal end of the guide portion 1022 in turn may include an outer surface 1032 with a cross section that is substantially circular but with flattened or straight top 1034 and bottom portions 1036. In certain embodiments therefore, as the guide portion 1022 is inserted into the cable input 1040, the port portion 1026 will only make electrical contact with the cable input 1040 if and when the cross sectional shape of the outer surface 1032 of the guide portion 1022 matches or is accommodated by the inner surface 1044 of the cable input 1040, namely when either the straight top portion 1034 or the straight bottom portion 1036 of the guide portion 1022 is aligned with the straight top portion 1046 of the cable input 1040. It should be noted that different or alternative structural configurations of the cable input 1040 and the guide portion 1022 may be used other than what is explicitly shown in the figures in order to provide set or predetermined engagement means therebetween. For example, in certain embodiments, the guide portion 1022 may be inserted into the panel 1042 then secured using nuts or other coupling means.

[0081] Once the guide portion 1022 has been correctly inserted into the cable input 1040, the threaded portion 1024 may then engage with the correspondingly threaded surface of the cable input 1040 by rotating the guide portion 1022 until a secure connection is made as seen in FIGS. 10B and 10C. In certain embodiments, the port portion 1026 is fixed relative to the receiving portion 1010 thereby allowing the port portion 1026 to rotate when the receiving portion 1010 is rotated while the guide portion 1022 and the threaded portion 1024 remain stationary or static within the cable input 1040. In certain embodiments, the port portion 1026 may include a series of protrusions 1038, for example a protrusion 1038 disposed on opposing sides of theport portion 1026 as seen in FIG. 11. The cable input 1040 may also include a corresponding plurality of stops 1048 that are positioned within the cable input 1040 to ensure that if the port portion 1026 is rotated too far in either rotational direction, a protrusion 1038 disposed on the port portion 1026 will make contact with a stop 1048 and prevent further rotational movement in that direction. In certain embodiments, the connection portion 1020 may remain static or stationary while engaged, thereby allowing the receiving portion 1010 to be rotationally adjusted or manipulated as needed, the receiving portion 1010 being substantially orthogonal to the connection portion 1020.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation comprising:a single pair ethernet connector assembly comprising:a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion structured to be electrically connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation;a housing portion structured to be connected to the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion at variable rotational angles during operation, the housing portion comprising a port portion;a printed circuit board structured to be electrically connected to the port portion during operation;wherein the port portion is structured to be adjusted at variable angles relative to the housing portion and / or to the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion during operation;wherein the single pair ethernet cable connecting portion includes a single pair ethernet cable termination portion structured to be connected to a contact portion on the printed circuit board during operation;wherein the port portion is structured to be connected to a connection element and allow the port portion to be selectively adjusted when the portion port is disposed in at least a portion of the connection element during operation; andwherein the single pair ethernet connector assembly is physically structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to the connection element while the port portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the port portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles up to a 180-degree connection angle between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the single pair ethernet cable termination portion is structured to be selectively coupled to the printed circuit board during operation.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a flexible portion structured to maintain contact with the contact portion of the port portion as the port portion is rotatingly adjusted relative to the housing portion and / or the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

5. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation, comprising:a single pair ethernet connector assembly comprising:a single pair ethernet cable termination portion structured to be electrically connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation;a housing portion structured to be connected to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion during operation, the housing portion comprising a port portion having a contact portion;a circuit portion structured to be electrically connected to the contact portion of the port portion during operation;wherein the port portion is structured to be adjusted at variable rotation angles relative to the housing portion and / or to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion; andwherein the single pair ethernet connector assembly is physically structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to a connection element while the port portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the circuit portion comprises a printed circuit board that comprises a plurality of notches and wherein the single pair ethernetcable termination portion is structured to be selectively connected to at least one of the plurality of notches of the printed circuit board during operation.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the circuit portion comprises a printed circuit board that comprises a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially about the printed circuit board and structured to prevent an incorrect engagement between the single pair ethernet cable termination portion and the printed circuit board during operation.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the circuit portion is structured to be rotatingly adjusted relative to the single pair ethernet cable termination portion during operation.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein the housing portion is structured to concurrently rotate the circuit portion when the housing portion is rotated during operation.

10. The device of claim 5, wherein the single pair ethernet cable termination portion comprises a contact portion structured to be selectively electrically connected to the circuit portion during operation.

11. The device of claim 5, wherein the port portion comprises an end portion structured to be engaged with a single pair ethernet cable input portion of the connection element when an orientation of the end portion matches an inner surface of the single pair ethernet cable input portion during operation.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the end portion comprises at least one protrusion structured to prevent rotation of the end portion past at least one stop disposed on the inner surface of the single pair ethernet cable input portion during operation.

13. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation, comprising:a cable connecting circuit assembly comprising:a cable connecting portion structured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable during operation;a connection portion structured to be connected at a first end at a variable rotation angle relative to the cable connecting portion and to be connected at a second end to a connection element during operation;a circuit portion structured to form an electrical pathway between the cable connecting portion and the connection portion during operation; andwherein the cable connecting circuit assembly is physically structured and adapted to provide enhanced electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by connecting the single pair ethernet cable to the connection element while the connection portion is rotatingly adjusted at variable angles between the single pair ethernet cable and the connection element during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the circuit portion comprises a printed circuit board that comprises a plurality of notches, and wherein the connection portion is structured to be selectively connected to at least one of the plurality of notches of the printed circuit board during operation.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the circuit portion comprises a printed circuit board comprises a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially about the printed circuit board and structured to prevent an incorrect engagement between the connection portion and the printed circuit board during operation.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the circuit portion comprises a printed circuit board is structured to be rotatingly adjusted relative to the connection portion during operation.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the connection portion is structured to concurrently rotate the circuit portion when the connection portion is rotated during operation.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein the connection portion comprises a single pair ethernet cable connecting portion, a single pair ethernet cable termination portion structured to be selectively electrically connected to the circuit portion during operation.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein the connection portion comprises an end portion structured to be engaged with a input portion of the connection element when an orientation of the end portion matches an inner surface of the input portion during operation.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the end portion comprises at least one protrusion structured to prevent rotation of the end portion past at least one stop disposed on the inner surface of the input portion during operation.

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