Socket Engaging Tether for Electronic Devices

Abstract

A tether for electronic devices employing a plug having a first end adapted for engagement to a tether and a second end formed of non conductive compressible material having an exterior surface defining an exterior circumference adapted for frictional engagement with the interior circumference of an electrical socket. The second end can be formed of compressible material having an exterior circumference slightly larger than the socket for a biased and frictional engagement. An axial void can also be provided to accommodate electrical conductors projecting into the socket.

1 . A tether for electronic devices housed within a casing, comprising:
 a plug having a first end and a second end;   said first end adapted for engagement to a tether;   said second end having an exterior surface having exterior surface defining an exterior circumference, said exterior circumference sized for a frictional engagement with a sidewall, said sidewall defining an interior circumference of an axial cavity of an electrical socket depending into said casing;   said cavity communicating at an entry aperture, with the exterior of said casing of said electronic device; and   said exterior surface being formed of non-conductive material;   said exterior surface providing a means for frictional engagement with said sidewall of said electrical socket; and   said exterior surface providing means for concurrent contact with both said sidewall and any electrical conductors located in said electrical socket, without forming an electrical connection therebetween, whereby said plug is engageable to a frictional engagement within said electrical socket to temporarily engage said tether to said electronic device.   
   
   
       2 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 1  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end formed of compressible material, said compressible material imparting a biasing force opposite a direction of compression when said compressible material is compressed;   said exterior circumference being slightly larger than said interior circumference; and   said biasing force providing means to enhance said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       3 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an axial void communicating with a tip of said second end; and   said axial void adapted to engage over an axial protrusion defining an electrical conductor within in said electrical socket.   
   
   
       4 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 2  further comprising:
 an axial void communicating with a tip of said second end; and   said axial void adapted to engage over an axial protrusion defining an electrical conductor within in said electrical socket.   
   
   
       5 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a bulbous portion of said exterior surface of said second end located at a distal end of said second end opposite said first end;   a recess located between said first end and said bulbous portion; and   said recess dimensioned to accommodate a translating member forming said electrical conductor in said electrical socket provide a means for said translating member to locate to a position adjacent to the center axis of said electrical socket.   
   
   
       6 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a bulbous portion of said exterior surface of said second end located at a distal end of said second end opposite said first end;   a recess located between said first end and said bulbous portion; and   said recess dimensioned to accommodate a translating member forming said electrical conductor in said electrical socket provide a means for said translating member to locate to a position adjacent to the center axis of said electrical socket.   
   
   
       7 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 1  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end having circumferential gaps between ridges formed by said gaps;   said gaps providing an area for portions of said ridges to deflect therein; and   said gaps and said ridges communicating against said sidewall providing means to increase said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       8 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 2  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end having circumferential gaps between ridges formed by said gaps;   said gaps providing an area for portions of said ridges to deflect therein; and   said gaps and said ridges communicating against said sidewall providing means to increase said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       9 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 3  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end having circumferential gaps between ridges formed by said gaps;   said gaps providing an area for portions of said ridges to deflect therein; and   said gaps and said ridges communicating against said sidewall providing means to increase said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       10 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 4  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end having circumferential gaps between ridges formed by said gaps;   said gaps providing an area for portions of said ridges to deflect therein; and   said gaps and said ridges communicating against said sidewall providing means to increase said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       11 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 5  further comprising:
 said exterior surface of said second end having circumferential gaps between ridges formed by said gaps;   said gaps providing an area for portions of said ridges to deflect therein; and   said gaps and said ridges communicating against said sidewall providing means to increase said frictional engagement with said sidewall.   
   
   
       12 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 1  further comprising:
 said first end removably engageable to said second end;   a plurality of individual second ends provided in a kit; and   each of said individual second ends adapted for frictional engagement within a different electrical socket.   
   
   
       13 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 2  further comprising:
 said first end removably engageable to said second end;   a plurality of individual second ends provided in a kit; and   each of said individual second ends adapted for frictional engagement within a different electrical socket.   
   
   
       14 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 3  further comprising:
 said first end removably engageable to said second end;   a plurality of individual second ends provided in a kit; and   each of said individual second ends adapted for frictional engagement within a different electrical socket.   
   
   
       15 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 4  further comprising:
 said first end removably engageable to said second end;   a plurality of individual second ends provided in a kit; and   each of said individual second ends adapted for frictional engagement within a different electrical socket.   
   
   
       16 . The tether for electronic devices of  claim 5  further comprising:
 said first end removably engageable to said second end;   a plurality of individual second ends provided in a kit; and   each of said individual second ends adapted for frictional engagement within a different electrical socket.