Magnetic connectors

Abstract

There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A connector for an electronic device having a housing, the connector comprising;
 a moveable magnet received in the housing and moveable between at least:   an engaged position proximate an outer surface of the housing, wherein the moveable magnet engages another connector to form a connection therewith; and   a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is disengaged from the other connector;   wherein the moveable magnet is magnetically biased to the disengaged position, and is drawn to the engaged position by magnetic attraction between the moveable magnet and a connector of an adjacent electronic device, to form a connection with the connector of the adjacent electronic device.   
     
     
         40 . The connector of  claim 39 , wherein the connection comprises a data connection. 
     
     
         41 . The connector of  claim 40 , wherein the connection comprises a universal serial bus (USB) connection. 
     
     
         42 . The connector of  claim 39  wherein the connection comprises a mechanical connection. 
     
     
         43 . The connector of  claim 39 , further comprising a magnetic element disposed proximate the disengaged position, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic element. 
     
     
         44 . The connector of  claim 39 , wherein the moveable magnet is a first moveable magnet and the connector further comprises a second moveable magnet,
 each of the moveable magnets moveable between at least:   a respective engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector, wherein the moveable magnet engages another connector to form a connection therewith; and   a respective position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is disengaged from the other connector;   wherein each of the moveable magnets is biased to the respective disengaged position, and is drawn to the respective engaged position by magnetic attraction between the respective moveable magnet and the other connector when the other connector is proximate.   
     
     
         45 . The connector of  claim 44 , further comprising a first channel defining a path in which the first moveable magnet moves, and a second channel defining a path in which the second moveable magnet moves, and wherein each of the moveable magnet is biased to the respective disengaged position by convergence of the paths when the moveable magnets move towards the respective disengaged positions. 
     
     
         46 . The connector of  claim 39 , comprising a curved outer surface proximate said movable magnet, and said movable magnet is configured to hold the connector of the adjacent device against said curved surface, such that the electronic device is pivotable relative to the adjacent device about said curved surface without breaking the connection. 
     
     
         47 . The connector of  claim 46 , wherein said curved outer surface is cylindrical. 
     
     
         48 . The connector of  claim 39 , wherein said magnet is cylindrical. 
     
     
         49 . A method of connecting electronic devices, comprising:
 positioning a connectors of a first electronic device adjacent a connector of a second electronic device;   magnetically drawing a magnet of said second electronic device toward a corresponding magnet of said first electronic device, from a disengaged position to an engaged position, thereby overcoming a magnetic bias of said magnet of said second electronic device toward said disengaged position; and   holding said first and second electronic devices in contact by magnetic attraction.   
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising forming an electrical connection between said connectors of said first and second devices. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , further comprising connecting said magnets in electrical communication. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein forming an electrical connection comprises forming a data connection. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein forming an electrical connection comprises forming a USB connection. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein each of said first and second electronic devices comprise first and second magnets, and wherein said method comprises magnetically drawing said first and second magnets of said second electronic device toward said first and second magnets of said first electronic device, from disengaged positions to engaged positions. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising pivoting said first electronic device relative to said second device about said connection. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein said pivoting comprises pivoting about a cylindrical lateral surface. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein said pivoting comprises rotating at least one of said magnets by magnetic attraction. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 49  comprising connecting the two devices by way of the respective connectors in a first mechanical configuration; and
 connecting the two devices by way of the respective connectors in a second mechanical configuration different from the first mechanical configuration.