Cable structures with localized foam strain reliefs and systems and methods for making the same
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsDerek C. Krass, Joseph I. Briskey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cable structures with localized foam strain reliefs and systems and methods for making the same are provided. In some embodiments, at least one localized foam strain relief may be incorporated into or positioned underneath a cover of a cable structure. For example, the ratio of base material to foam material may be varied during the manufacture of the cover, such that distinct portions of the cover may include more foam than other portions of the cover. This may provide localized strain relief properties to the cable structure while also obviating the need for additional strain relief components to be provided adjacent to or over specific portions of the cover.
Claims20
A method for forming a cable structure, the method comprising:
- disposing an extrudable material in a processing space of a system, wherein the extrudable material comprises a base material and a foam material;
- extruding the extrudable material through a die of the system;
- and
- during the extruding, changing a relationship between the base material and the foam material in the extrudable material.
A cable structure comprising:
- a conductor arrangement extending along a length of the cable structure;
- and
- a cover surrounding the conductor arrangement along the length of the cable structure, wherein the density of the cover varies along the length of the cable structure.
A cable structure comprising:
- a conductor arrangement extending along a longitudinal axis of a length of the cable structure;
- and
- a cover disposed about the conductor arrangement along the longitudinal axis, wherein:
- at a first cross-section of the cable structure that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the cover comprises a first amount of foam;
- and
- at a second cross-section of the cable structure that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the cover comprises a second amount of foam that is less than the first amount of foam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.