Lighted accessory connector

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors for connecting electrical devices to voltage sources, and more specifically to such connectors incorporating a light source at one end.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mobile electrical devices such as cellular telephones, notebook computers, electronic entertainment devices and the like are well-known in the art. Some such devices include one or more on-board batteries which are, in some cases, rechargeable via a wired connection to a suitable voltage source. Others do not include on-board batteries, and therefore require a wired connection to a voltage source to provide electrical power thereto. In either case, the mobile device typically includes an electrical connection port configured to receive one end of an accessory connector having an opposite end configured for connection to a suitable voltage source.

[0003] While connection of such an accessory connector to an electrical device is a relatively simple task under well-lighted conditions, it is considerably more difficult under dark ambient conditions such as may occur in a motor vehicle at night or within an unlit house or business. What is therefore needed is an accessory connector incorporating a light source to aid in locating the device connecting end of the accessory connector and facilitate connection of the accessory connector to the electrical connection port of an electrical device. The present invention provides for such a lighted accessory connector.

[0004] These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of one preferred embodiment of a lighted accessory connector, in accordance with the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the voltage source-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1, configured for connection to a vehicle lighter socket, in accordance with the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternate embodiment of the voltage source-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1, configured for connection to a standard AC voltage panel through an AC-DC converter, in accordance with the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic illustration of another alternate embodiment of the voltage source-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1, configured for connection to a lighter socket that is itself configured for connection to a standard AC voltage panel through an AC-DC converter, in accordance with the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of the device-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1, configured to illuminate a connection port of the electrical device in accordance with the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating electrical connection of the components of FIG. 3.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the device-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the device-connecting end of the accessory connector of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, one preferred embodiment of a lighted accessory connector <b>10</b>, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Connector <b>10</b> includes an electrical cable <b>12</b> having a first end <b>14</b> configured for connection to a voltage source <b>16</b> and a second end <b>18</b> configured for connection to, and illumination of, a voltage supply port <b>20</b> of an electrical device <b>22</b>. Electrical device <b>22</b> may be any device requiring connection to voltage source <b>16</b>, either as a primary source of electrical power or as a charging source for one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown) carried by electrical device <b>22</b>. Examples of electrical device <b>22</b> include, but are not limited to, cellular and land line telephones, laptop and notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable voice recorders, cameras, portable video recorders, portable audio recorders, portable video and audio playback devices, portable televisions, video games units, portable food coolers/heaters, fax machines, two-way radios, pagers, flashlights, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, and the like.

[0015] The first end <b>14</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> of the present invention may be configured for connection to any known DC voltage source, and some example configurations of connector end <b>14</b> and voltage source combinations are illustrated in FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>C. Referring to FIG. 2A, a first example voltage source arrangement <b>16</b>′ is illustrated, wherein the first end <b>14</b> of cable <b>12</b> is connected to a terminal structure <b>14</b>′ configured for electrical connection to a conventional cigarette lighter socket <b>32</b>. Terminal structure <b>14</b>′ includes a first electrical terminal <b>34</b> electrically connected to a first electrical conductor of cable <b>12</b> (not shown), and a second electrical terminal, defined by terminal elements <b>42</b>, electrically connected to a second electrical conductor of cable <b>12</b> (not shown). Complementarily configured lighter socket <b>32</b> includes a first electrical terminal <b>36</b> electrically connected to a positive terminal of a battery <b>38</b> via conductor <b>40</b>, and a second electrical terminal, defined by the housing <b>44</b> of lighter socket <b>32</b>, electrically connected to a negative terminal of the battery <b>38</b> via conductor <b>46</b>. Terminal structure <b>14</b>′ is configured to be engagingly received within lighter socket <b>32</b> such that the first electrical terminal <b>34</b> of structure <b>14</b>′ electrically contacts the first electrical terminal <b>36</b> of socket <b>32</b> and the second terminal elements <b>42</b> electrically contact the socket housing <b>44</b>, thereby supplying a DC voltage defined by battery <b>38</b> to the first and second conductors of cable <b>12</b> (not shown). In one embodiment, the lighter socket <b>32</b> and battery <b>38</b> are carried by a motor vehicle, wherein the lighter socket <b>32</b> is typically located in the dash area or other convenient location of the vehicle. Alternatively, battery <b>38</b> and lighter socket <b>32</b> may be provided as a portable voltage source.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2B, a second example voltage source arrangement <b>16</b>″ is illustrated, wherein the first end <b>14</b> of cable <b>12</b> is connected to a terminal structure <b>14</b>″ configured for electrical connection to an AC voltage source via a wall socket <b>56</b>. Terminal structure <b>14</b>″ includes an AC-to-DC converter of known construction having a DC output end electrically connected to the first end <b>14</b> of cable <b>12</b>, and an AC input end electrically connected to a conventional two (or three) prong plug <b>54</b> via conductor cable <b>52</b>, wherein plug <b>54</b> is configured for electrical engagement with a conventional wall socket <b>56</b>. Wall socket <b>56</b> is connected to an AC voltage source (not shown) via wiring <b>58</b>, wherein the AC voltage source may typically be a conventional 120 volt or 240 volt electrical panel. In any case, AC voltage supplied to wall socket <b>56</b> is provided by plug <b>54</b> to the AC input of the AC-to-DC converter <b>50</b>, which is operable to convert the AC voltage to a suitable DC voltage (e.g., 5, 7, 9 or 12 volts, or any other voltage required by the particular application of connector <b>10</b>), and to provide this DC voltage to the electrical conductors carried by cable <b>12</b>.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2C, a third example voltage source arrangement <b>16</b>′″ is illustrated, wherein the first end <b>14</b> of cable <b>12</b> is connected to the terminal structure <b>14</b>′ described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, a lighter socket <b>32</b> is electrically connected to a DC output of an AC-to-DC converter unit <b>60</b> of known construction having an AC input electrically connected to a conventional two (or three) prong plug <b>62</b>, wherein plug <b>62</b> is configured for electrical engagement with a conventional wall socket <b>56</b>. Wall socket <b>56</b> is connected to an AC voltage source (not shown) via wiring <b>58</b>, as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 2B, wherein the AC voltage source may typically be a conventional 120 volt or 240 volt electrical panel. In any case, AC voltage supplied to wall socket <b>56</b> is provided by plug <b>62</b> to the AC input of the AC-to-DC converter <b>60</b>, which is operable to convert the AC voltage to a suitable DC voltage (e.g., 5, 7, 9 or 12, volts or any other voltage required by the particular application of connector <b>10</b>), and to provide this DC voltage to lighter socket <b>32</b>. The terminal structure <b>14</b>′ may be received within lighter socket <b>32</b>, as described hereinabove with respect to FIG. 2A, to supply the DC voltage provided by converter <b>60</b> to the electrical conductors carried by cable <b>12</b>.

[0018] It is to be understood that the connector end <b>14</b> and voltage source configurations shown and described with respect to FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>C are provided only by way of example. Those skilled in the art will recognize other voltage source configurations and techniques for supplying a suitable DC voltage to the first end <b>14</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> of the present invention, and such other voltage source configurations and techniques are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, the second end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> is configured to cast light away therefrom in a manner that illuminates an area directly in front and to the side of the electrical terminal structure of end <b>18</b>. The second end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> may accordingly be used as a light source to illuminate the electrical connection port <b>20</b> of electrical device <b>22</b> and thereby facilitate guiding of the end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> into electrical engagement with port <b>20</b>. Furthermore, the light emanating from the front and sides of the second end <b>18</b> of connector <b>10</b> serves as an aid in locating end <b>18</b> in an otherwise dark environment.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment <b>18</b>′ of the second end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Embodiment <b>18</b>′ includes a housing <b>100</b> receiving the conductor cable <b>12</b> at one end and defining a terminal structure <b>114</b> at an opposite end. In one embodiment, housing <b>100</b> is molded from a conventional plastic material having electrically insulative properties, although the present invention contemplates forming housing <b>100</b> from other known materials or combination of other known materials. In any case, housing <b>100</b> defines a well <b>102</b> therein terminating at a well bottom <b>104</b>. A circuit board <b>106</b> is disposed at or near the bottom of well <b>104</b>. A light source <b>108</b> and resistor <b>110</b> of are mounted to circuit board <b>106</b> in a known manner, such that light generated by light source <b>108</b> is directed generally toward terminal structure <b>114</b> and away from the bottom <b>104</b> of well <b>102</b>. Light source <b>108</b>, in one embodiment, includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) of known construction and operable to emit light of a suitable color when energized. The number and intensities of LEDs used to form light source <b>108</b> will generally be dictated by the light intensity requirements of the lighted accessory connector <b>10</b> of the present invention, taking into consideration any thermal and/or power dissipation requirements, as well as space restrictions within housing <b>100</b>. Resistor <b>110</b> is also of known construction and may be provided in the form of a conventional discrete resistor having wire terminals extending therefrom, in the form of a conventional chip resistor suitable for surface mounting to circuit board <b>106</b>, or in any other known form. The value of resistor <b>110</b> will generally be dictated by the light emission intensity requirement for light source <b>108</b>, as well as the DC voltage level supplied by conductor cable <b>12</b>. Alternatively, the wire leads of light source <b>108</b> and a leaded embodiment of resistor <b>110</b> may be directly soldered or welded to wires <b>122</b> and <b>124</b> to form an electrical circuit for illuminating light source <b>108</b> without using circuit board <b>106</b>.

[0021] Terminal structure <b>114</b>, in the embodiment shown, includes an outer, hollow cylindrical conductor <b>118</b> surrounding an inner cylinder conductor <b>116</b> with an electrical insulator <b>120</b> disposed therebetween. Conductors, or terminals, <b>116</b> and <b>118</b> are formed of conventional electrically conductive materials, and insulator <b>120</b> is formed of a conventional electrically insulating material. In any case, terminal structure <b>114</b> extends at least partially into well <b>102</b>, as shown. A light transmissive material <b>112</b> is disposed within well <b>104</b> and defines a connector end <b>126</b> having one end of terminal structure <b>114</b> extending therefrom. Light transmissive material <b>112</b> may be any known material operable to maintain the circuit board <b>106</b>, if provided, the light source <b>108</b>, the resistor <b>110</b> and terminal structure <b>114</b> in fixed positions, as shown, and to permit transmission of light therethrough. Light transmissive material <b>112</b> may be transparent, translucent, or at least partially opaque, and the choice of any such light transmission capability of material <b>112</b> will generally be dictated by the light intensity requirements of the particular application of the lighted accessory connector <b>10</b>, taking into consideration the color and intensity of light source <b>108</b> as well as the configuration of housing <b>100</b>.

[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the conductor cable <b>12</b> includes two wires <b>122</b> and <b>124</b> carrying a DC voltage supplied by voltage source <b>16</b>. Wires <b>122</b> and <b>124</b> are connected to circuit board <b>106</b>, to light source <b>108</b>, resistor <b>110</b> and terminal structure <b>114</b> as illustrated in FIG. 4. Wire <b>122</b> is connected to the positive connection of voltage source <b>16</b>, and wire <b>124</b> is connected to the negative connection thereto. Wire <b>122</b> is connected either indirectly via circuit board <b>106</b> or directly to the anode of LED <b>108</b> and to terminal <b>116</b> of terminal structure <b>114</b>, and wire <b>124</b> is connected either indirectly via circuit board <b>106</b> or directly to one end of the resistor <b>110</b> and to terminal <b>118</b> of terminal structure <b>114</b>. The opposite end of the resistor <b>110</b> is connected to the cathode of the LED <b>108</b>. In operation, light source <b>108</b> is automatically illuminated upon connection of end <b>14</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> to voltage source <b>16</b>, and remains illuminated until end <b>14</b> of connector <b>10</b> is disengaged from voltage source <b>16</b>. While illuminated, light source <b>108</b> is operable to cast light through the light transmissive material <b>112</b> and outwardly away from end <b>126</b> about the terminal structure <b>114</b>. Light emitted laterally from the end <b>126</b> of connector end <b>18</b>′ thus illuminates an area outside of housing <b>110</b> in front of and beyond terminal structure <b>114</b>, and may accordingly be used to illuminate the electrical port <b>20</b> of electrical device <b>22</b> to facilitate insertion of end <b>18</b> of connector <b>10</b> within port <b>20</b> in an otherwise dark environment. Furthermore, light emitted radially from the light transmissive material <b>112</b> adjacent to end <b>126</b> illuminates an area about housing <b>100</b> perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of terminal structure <b>114</b>, which services as an aid in locating the connector end <b>18</b> of accessory connector <b>10</b> in an otherwise dark environment.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment <b>18</b>″ of the second end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Embodiment <b>18</b>″ is identical in some respects to embodiment <b>18</b>′ illustrated in FIG. 3, and like numbers are therefore used to identify like elements. Embodiment <b>18</b>″ includes a housing <b>150</b> receiving the conductor cable <b>12</b> at one end <b>152</b> and defining the terminal structure <b>114</b> at an opposite end <b>154</b>. In one embodiment, housing <b>150</b> is molded from a conventional plastic material having electrically insulative properties, although the present invention contemplates forming housing <b>150</b> from other known materials or combination of other known materials. In any case, terminal structure <b>114</b> extends into the end <b>154</b> of housing <b>150</b>, and wire <b>122</b> of cable <b>12</b> is connected to terminal <b>116</b>, and wire <b>124</b> is connected to terminal <b>118</b>.

[0024] Unlike embodiment <b>18</b>′ illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source <b>108</b> is positioned above terminal structure <b>114</b> and oriented to cast light outward laterally, and to a lesser extent radially, from housing <b>154</b> and beyond terminal structure <b>114</b> as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, a portion <b>156</b> of housing <b>150</b> surrounds and encapsulates at least a portion of light source <b>108</b> so as to properly align light source <b>108</b> relative to end <b>154</b> of housing <b>150</b> and terminal structure <b>114</b>, and also to seal the interior of housing <b>150</b> from the outside environment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, light source <b>108</b> and resistor <b>110</b> are mounted to circuit board <b>106</b>, wherein light source <b>108</b> and resistor <b>110</b> are electrically connected as illustrated in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that circuit board <b>106</b> may be located elsewhere within housing <b>150</b>, or eliminated altogether, without detracting from the scope of the present invention. The operation of embodiment <b>18</b>″ is identical to that described with respect to embodiment <b>18</b>′ of FIG. 3 in that light source <b>108</b> is automatically illuminated upon connection of end <b>14</b> of accessory connector <b>10</b> to voltage source <b>16</b>, and remains illuminated until end <b>14</b> of connector <b>10</b> is disengaged from voltage source <b>16</b>. Light source <b>108</b> is positioned relative to housing <b>150</b> such that light emitted from light source <b>108</b> illuminates an area outside of housing <b>110</b> beyond terminal structure <b>114</b>, and may accordingly be used to illuminate the electrical port <b>20</b> of electrical device <b>22</b> to facilitate insertion of end <b>18</b> of connector <b>10</b> within port <b>20</b>, and to serve as an aid in locating the connector end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b>, in an otherwise dark environment.

[0025] While embodiment <b>18</b>″ is illustrated in FIG. 5 as including light source <b>108</b> on the top portion of housing <b>150</b>, the present invention contemplates that light source <b>108</b> may alternatively be located on the side or bottom of housing <b>150</b> adjacent to end <b>154</b>. In any such alternative location, however, it is desirable to position light source <b>108</b> such that it casts light both laterally and radially away from housing <b>150</b> beyond terminal structure <b>114</b>.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 6, a partial front perspective view of another alternate embodiment <b>18</b>′″ of the second end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Embodiment <b>18</b>′″ includes a housing <b>200</b> receiving the conductor cable <b>12</b> at one end (not shown) and defining a terminal structure <b>206</b> at an opposite end <b>202</b>. In one embodiment, housing <b>200</b> is molded from a conventional plastic material having electrically insulative properties, although the present invention contemplates forming housing <b>200</b> from other known materials or combination of other known materials. A pair of arms <b>208</b><i>a </i>and <b>208</b><i>b </i>extend outwardly away from housing <b>200</b> in a direction parallel with terminal structure <b>206</b>. While arms <b>208</b><i>a </i>and <b>208</b><i>b </i>may include structure for locking housing <b>200</b> to port <b>20</b> of accessory <b>202</b>, such structure does not form part of the present invention and is accordingly not included in FIG. 6.

[0027] Embodiment <b>18</b>′″ is similar in some respects to embodiment <b>18</b>′ illustrated in FIG. 3 in that housing <b>200</b> defines a well therein, between arms <b>208</b><i>a </i>and <b>208</b><i>b</i>, with light source <b>108</b> and resistor <b>110</b> (with or without circuit board <b>106</b>) positioned in the bottom thereof and filled with a light transmissive material <b>204</b>. Alternatively, light transmissive material <b>204</b> may be molded in a block surrounding terminal structure <b>206</b> and such assembly positioned in front of light source <b>108</b> (with or without circuit board <b>106</b>) such that light from light source <b>108</b> illuminates light transmissive material <b>204</b>. In any case, light transmissive material <b>204</b> may be any known material operable to maintain the circuit board <b>106</b> and terminal structure <b>206</b> in fixed positions, and to permit transmission of light therethrough. Light transmissive material <b>206</b> may be transparent, translucent, or at least partially opaque, and the choice of any such light transmission capability will generally be dictated by the light intensity requirements of the particular application of the lighted accessory connector <b>10</b>, taking into consideration the color and intensity of light source <b>108</b> as well as the configuration of housing <b>200</b>. The operation of embodiment <b>18</b>′″ is identical to that described with respect to embodiment <b>18</b>′ of FIG. 3 in that light source <b>108</b> is automatically illuminated upon connection of end <b>14</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b> to voltage source <b>16</b>, and remains illuminated until end <b>14</b> of connector <b>10</b> is disengaged from voltage source <b>16</b>. While illuminated, light source <b>108</b> is operable to cast light through the light transmissive material <b>204</b> and outwardly away from end <b>202</b> of housing <b>200</b> about the terminal structure <b>206</b>. Light emitted from the end <b>202</b> of connector end <b>18</b>′″ thus illuminates an area outside of housing <b>200</b> about and beyond terminal structure <b>206</b>, and may accordingly be used to illuminate the electrical port <b>20</b> of electrical device <b>22</b> to facilitate insertion of end <b>18</b> of connector <b>10</b> within port <b>20</b>, and to serve as an aid in locating the connector end <b>18</b> of the accessory connector <b>10</b>, in an otherwise dark environment.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, housing <b>200</b> may include a light source <b>108</b> mounted within a protruded portion <b>210</b> of housing <b>200</b>, as shown in phantom in FIG. 6. Protruded portion <b>210</b> may extend from a side of housing <b>200</b> as illustrated in FIG. 6, or may alternatively extend from a top, bottom or opposite side of housing <b>200</b>. In any case, the light source <b>108</b> is oriented to cast light outward laterally, and to a lesser extent radially, from housing <b>200</b> and beyond terminal structure <b>206</b>.

[0029] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.