US20060256539A1 - Universal serial bus hub and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

A universal serial bus hub (100, 700) includes a housing (110) having a top portion (111), a bottom portion (211) opposite the top portion, a first side (112) between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a first universal serial bus port (120) at the top portion. Various embodiments include a second side (113) between the top portion and the bottom portion, a second universal serial bus port (210) at the second side, as many as six or more universal serial bus ports at a side, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, ports are arranged in a line or horizontally, a seventh port is provided, a status indicator, translucent material, or rubberized material are provided, or a combination thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation application of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 10/649,997 filed on Aug. 26, 2003, and entitled “Universal Serial Bus Hub and Method of Manufacturing Same”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Another continuation application with different claims is also being filed concurrently which claims priority to the same parent application. This other continuation is also incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to universal serial bus ports, and relates more particularly to hubs incorporating multiple universal serial bus ports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Universal serial bus technology has provided computer users with enhanced connectivity capabilities between computers and an increasingly wider range of peripheral devices. Universal serial bus hubs incorporating multiple universal serial bus ports into a single housing offer the ability to connect multiple peripheral devices to each other or to a computer via a universal serial bus connection. Although connecting a peripheral device using a universal serial bus hub can be as easy as simply plugging a peripheral device's universal serial bus cable into a universal serial bus port on the universal serial bus hub, existing universal serial bus hubs tend to place their ports in places that can be difficult to access. For example, existing universal serial bus hubs typically have ports located at a single side
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings in which:
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 4 is a different side elevational view of the universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 5 is a still different side elevational view of the universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of two universal serial bus hubs in a stacked configuration according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention.
• For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
• The terms “first,” “second” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
• The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In one embodiment of the invention, a universal serial bus hub comprises a housing having a top portion, a bottom portion opposite the top portion, a first side between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a second side between the top portion and the bottom portion. The universal serial bus hub further comprises a first universal serial bus port at the top portion and a second universal serial bus port at the second side. As it is used herein, the word “side” can mean a region or area along the perimeter of a rectangle, square, or other shape with straight sides, and can also mean a region or area along the perimeter of an oval, a circle, or other shape with curved or non-straight sides.
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2 is an elevational view of aside113 of universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, universalserial bus hub100 comprises ahousing110, a universalserial bus port120, and a universalserial bus port210. In one embodiment, universalserial bus port210 is oriented with its longer axis substantially parallel totop portion111 andbottom portion211 so as to reduce a height of universalserial bus hub100, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In another embodiment, universalserial bus port210 can be oriented with its long axis substantially perpendicular totop portion111 andbottom portion211 so as to decrease a width of universalserial bus hub100.
• Housing110 comprises atop portion111, abottom portion211opposite top portion111, aside112 betweentop portion111 andbottom portion211, andside113 betweentop portion111 andbottom portion211.Side112 comprises aportion150, which can comprise a translucent material. In one embodiment,side112 is located oppositeside113. Universalserial bus port120 is attop portion111, and universalserial bus port210 is atside113. Universalserial bus hub100 can further comprise apower port220 atside113. In one embodiment, universalserial bus hub100 further comprises a universalserial bus port230 atside113. In one embodiment, universalserial bus port210, universalserial bus port230, andpower port220 are located in arecess218. At least a portion ofhousing110 can be coated with a rubberized material.
• In one embodiment, universalserial bus ports120 and210 comprise downstream universal serial bus ports, meaning universalserial bus ports120 and210 are configured to receive a universal serial bus connection from a peripheral device such as a printer, a scanner, a light, a fan, or the like. In the same or another embodiment, universalserial bus port210 is one of a group of downstream universal serial bus ports. In one embodiment, the group of downstream universal serial bus ports consists of five downstream universal serial bus ports. In the same or another embodiment, universalserial bus port120 is one of a group of downstream universalserial bus ports120 located atregion114. In a particular embodiment, the group of downstream universal serial bus ports consists of two downstream universal serial bus ports atregion114. In the same or another embodiment, universalserial bus port230 can comprise an upstream universal serial bus port, meaning universalserial bus230 is configured to receive one end of a universal serial bus cable the other end of which is attached to a computer. As an example, universalserial bus port230 can be a mini B universal serial bus port.
• Universalserial bus ports120 are spaced apart by adistance130. As an example,distance130 can be such that multiple non-corded universal serial bus devices can be simultaneously inserted into universalserial bus ports120 without interference among the housings of such devices. In one embodiment,distance130 is larger than adistance235 between adjacent ones of universalserial bus ports210.
• In one embodiment,top portion111 comprises aregion114 and aregion115, whereregion114 is higher thanregion115. In that embodiment, universalserial bus port120 is atregion114. As an example,region114 can be an extension that rises aboveregion115, as illustrated inFIG. 1. As another example,region114 can be integral withtop portion111 ofhousing110. As a different example,region114 can be separate fromtop portion111, and can be integrated withhousing110 as a separate piece.
• Locating universalserial bus port120 atregion114 offers several advantages. For example, a user of universalserial bus hub100 can insert a universal serial bus cable into universalserial bus port120 with one hand without the need to secure universalserial bus hub100 in place with the other hand. Instead, universalserial bus hub100 tends to stay in place because the downward force created by pushing the universal serial bus cable or device into universalserial bus port120 is counterbalanced by an equal and opposite force pushing upward on universalserial bus hub100 from the desk or other surface on which universalserial bus hub100 is placed. As another example, universalserial bus port120 is easily accessible by virtue of its raised position aboveregion115.
• In one embodiment, ahole140 is located betweenside112 andside113 and extends fromtop portion111 tobottom portion211 of universalserial bus hub100.Hole140 can also be adjacent toregions114 and115.
• FIGS. 3-6 show universalserial bus hub100 from additional perspectives beyond those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.FIG. 3 is a top view of universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 5 is a different side elevational view of universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 6 is a bottom view of universalserial bus hub100 according to an embodiment of the invention.FIGS. 4 and 5 show different sides of universalserial bus hub100 than doesFIG. 2. The side of universalserial bus hub100 substantially opposite the side illustrated inFIG. 4 is, in one embodiment, substantially similar to the side illustrated inFIG. 4. As illustrated inFIG. 6, universalserial bus hub100 further comprisesfeet610 atbottom portion211. As an example, when universalserial bus hub100 is placed on a work surface,feet610 can supporthousing110 above the work surface.
• Universalserial bus hub100 is stackable with a universalserial bus hub700, as illustrated inFIG. 7, which is an isometric view of two universal serial bus hubs in a stacked configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. Universalserial bus hub700 is identical, or at least substantially similar to universalserial bus hub100, and each of the reference numerals used herein to identify elements of universalserial bus hub100 should be understood to also refer to corresponding elements of universalserial bus hub700.FIG. 7 illustrates aperipheral device720 and aperipheral device730 plugged into each of two universalserial bus ports120 located atregion114 of universalserial bus hub700.
• Referring toFIG. 7, it may be seen thatregion114 of universalserial bus hub100 extends intohole140 of universalserial bus hub700 when universalserial bus hub700 is stacked on top of universalserial bus hub100. As further illustrated inFIG. 7, universalserial bus port120 of universalserial bus hub100 is accessible throughhole140 of universalserial bus hub700 when universalserial bus hub700 is stacked on top of universalserial bus hub100. Because of the manner in whichregion114 of universalserial bus hub100 extends intohole140 of universalserial bus hub700, universalserial bus hubs100 and700 are self-aligned when universalserial bus hub100 is stacked with universalserial bus hub700. Universalserial bus hubs100 and700 can also be stacked such that universalserial bus hub100 is stacked on top of universalserial bus hub700 and whereregion114 of universalserial bus hub700 extends intohole140 of universalserial bus hub100. In one embodiment,region114 of universalserial bus hub100 or700 extends partially intohole140 of the other one of universalserial bus hub100 or700, but does not extend all the way throughhole140 of the other one of universalserial bus hub100 or700, as illustrated inFIG. 7.
• Referring still toFIG. 7, universalserial bus hub100 further comprises astatus indicator710 atside112.Status indicator710 indicates a status of at least one ofpower port220, universalserial bus port120, universalserial bus port210, or universalserial bus port230. As an example,status indicator710 can light up to indicate that adequate power is being provided to universalserial bus hub100, that one or more ofpower port220, universalserial bus port120, universalserial bus port210, or universalserial bus port230 are functioning properly, or the like. As a further example,status indicator710 can be a light emitting diode. In one embodiment,status indicator710 is visible throughportion150 ofside112, for example, through the translucent material ofportion150. In the same or another embodiment,status indicator710 is one of a group of status indicators.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating amethod800 of manufacturing a universal serial bus hub according to an embodiment of the invention. Astep810 ofmethod800 is to provide a housing comprising a top portion having a first region higher than a second region, a bottom portion opposite the top portion, a first side between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a second side between the top portion and the bottom portion. As an example, the housing can be similar tohousing110, first shown inFIG. 1. As another example, the top portion can be similar totop portion111, first shown inFIG. 1, and the bottom portion can be similar tobottom portion211, first shown inFIG. 2. As a further example, the first region can be similar toregion114, first shown inFIG. 1, and the second region can be similar toregion115, first shown inFIG. 1. As yet another example, the first side can be similar toside112, first shown inFIG. 1, and the second side can be similar toside113, first shown inFIG. 2.
• Step810 or another step can further comprise providing a hole between the first side and the second side and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion. As an example, the hole can be similar tohole140, first shown inFIG. 1.
• Astep820 ofmethod800 is to provide a first universal serial bus port. As an example, the first universal serial bus port can be similar to universalserial bus port120, first shown inFIG. 1.
• Astep830 ofmethod800 is to provide a second universal serial bus port. As an example, the second universal serial bus port can be similar to universalserial bus port210, first shown inFIG. 2.
• Astep840 ofmethod800 is to assemble the universal serial bus hub such that the first universal serial bus port is located at the first region of the top portion and the second universal serial bus port is located at the second side.
• Astep850 ofmethod800 is to provide at least a portion of the first side to comprise a translucent material. As an example, the portion of the first side can be similar toportion150, first shown inFIG. 1. In a different embodiment, step850 can be performed simultaneously with, or as a part of,step810.
• Astep860 ofmethod800 is to provide a status indicator at the first side. As an example, the status indicator can be similar tostatus indicator710, first shown inFIG. 7. Step860 or another step can further comprise one or more of: providing the status indicator to be visible through the portion of the first side; and providing the status indicator to indicate a status of at least one of the first universal serial bus port and the second universal serial bus port. In a different embodiment, the status indicator can be assembled in the universal serial bus hub atstep840 such that the status indicator is visible through the portion of the first side.
• Astep870 ofmethod800 is to coat at least a portion of the housing with a rubberized material. In a different embodiment, step870 can be performed simultaneously with, or as a part of,step810.
• Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Various examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the universal serial bus hub discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.
• All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the invention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
• Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A universal serial bus hub comprising:

a housing comprising:

a top portion;

a bottom portion opposite the top portion;

a first side between the top portion and the bottom portion; and

a second side between the top portion and the bottom portion;

a first universal serial bus port at the top portion;

a second universal serial bus port at the second side; and

a power port at the second side.

2. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 1 further comprising a third universal serial bus port at the second side and a fourth universal serial bus port at the second side.

3. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 2 wherein the second universal serial bus port, the third universal serial bus port and the fourth universal serial bus port are all arranged in substantially a straight line when viewed in a side elevational view.

4. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 3 wherein the line is substantially parallel to the bottom portion.

5. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 2 further comprising a fifth universal serial bus port at the second side.

6. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 3 further comprising a sixth universal serial bus port at the second side.

7. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 6 further comprising a seventh universal serial bus port.

8. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 7 wherein the seventh universal serial bus port is located at the top portion.

9. A universal serial bus hub comprising:

a housing comprising:

a top portion;

a bottom portion opposite the top portion;

a curved or flat side; and

a universal serial bus port at the top portion;

a second universal serial bus port at the side;

a third universal serial bus port at the side;

a fourth universal serial bus port at the side;

a fifth universal serial bus port at the side; and

a sixth universal serial bus port at the side.

10. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 9 wherein the second universal serial bus port, the third universal serial bus port, the fourth universal serial bus port, the fifth universal serial bus port, and the sixth universal serial bus port are all arranged in a substantially straight line when viewed in a side elevational view.

11. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 9 wherein the second universal serial bus port, the third universal serial bus port, the fourth universal serial bus port, the fifth universal serial bus port, and the sixth universal serial bus port are all arranged in a substantially horizontal plane.

12. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 9 further comprising a seventh universal serial bus port.

13. The universal serial bus hub ofclaim 12 wherein the seventh universal serial bus port is located at the top portion.

14. A method of manufacturing a universal serial bus hub, the method comprising:

providing a housing comprising:

a top portion having a first region higher than a second region;

a bottom portion opposite the top portion;

a first side between the top portion and the bottom portion; and

a second side between the top portion and the bottom portion;

providing a first universal serial bus port;

providing a second universal serial bus port; and

assembling the universal serial bus hub such that the first universal serial bus port is located at the first region of the and the second universal serial bus port is located at the second side.

15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein:

providing the housing further comprises:

providing a hole between the first side and the second side and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion.

16. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising:

providing at least a portion of the first side to comprise a translucent material.

17. The method ofclaim 16 further comprising:

providing a status indicator at the first side;

providing the status indicator to be visible through the portion of the first side; and

providing the status indicator to indicate a status of at least one of the first universal serial bus port and the second universal serial bus port.

18. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising:

coating at least a portion of the housing with a rubberized material.

19. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising:

providing a third universal serial bus port;

providing a fourth universal serial bus port;

providing a fifth universal serial bus port;

providing a sixth universal serial bus port; and

assembling the universal serial bus hub such that the third universal serial bus port, the fourth universal serial bus port, the fifth universal serial bus port, and the sixth universal serial bus port are located at the second side.

20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising:

assembling the universal serial bus hub such that the second universal serial bus port, the third universal serial bus port, the fourth universal serial bus port, the fifth universal serial bus port, and the sixth universal serial bus port are arranged in a substantially straight line when viewed in a side elevational view.

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