6-in-1 universal cable
View Patent ↗A universal cable, equipped with selectively alterable connection types at both ends, enhancing compatibility and facilitating seamless electrical signal transmission across varied devices with diverse connection requirements. The ergonomic design ensures adaptability to confined spaces. The first end of the cable can alternate between two connection types, enabled by a unique extendable slide mechanism that allows rotational adjustments of the distal portion. The second end offers selection amongst three connection types, mirroring the functional characteristics of the first end. Connection types, inclusive of USB-A, USB-C, Lightning Cable, and Micro USB, among others, underscore the cable's universal applicability. Magnetic or ferromagnetic portions within both ends ensure stable, secure, and easily detachable connections. The design prioritizes structural integrity with rotational limits and potential for secure locking mechanisms contributing to reliable and consistent connectivity solutions in diverse contexts and applications.
1 . A cable comprising:
a first end having at least a first connection type; and
a second end opposite the first end selectively alterable among a second connection type, a third connection type, and a fourth connection type via a connection-type selection mechanism;
wherein the second end comprises:
a proximal portion providing the second connection type;
a distal portion providing the third and fourth connection types; and
an extendable mechanism operatively coupling the distal portion to the proximal portion;
wherein the extendable mechanism allows the distal portion to extend away from the proximal portion to expose the second connection type for use; and
wherein the distal portion is rotationally coupled to the extendable mechanism such that rotation of the distal portion about an axis alternates between at least the third and fourth connection types.
2 . The cable of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion is rotatable about a first axis fixed relative to the proximal portion.
3 . The cable of claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises a magnetic coupling element configured to removably attach to a complementary magnetic or ferromagnetic element of the second end.
4 . The cable of claim 1 , wherein each of the first, second, third, and, fourth connection types is independently selected from the group consisting of USB Type-A, USB Type-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB.
5 . The cable of claim 1 , wherein the extendable mechanism comprises a slide mechanism including a spring-loaded slider.
6 . The cable of claim 1 , wherein the extendable mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism configured to retain the distal portion and the proximal portion in a fixed relative position.
7 . The cable of claim 2 , wherein the distal portion is limited to a rotation of no more than 180 degrees relative to the first axis, and has rotational freedom about a second axis at its connection to the extendable mechanism.