Computer device with retractable connector

• US 20070093093A1
• Filed: 10/20/2005
• Published: 04/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Harris, Jonathan, Doczy, Paul, Lev, Jeffrey
• Granted Patent: US 7,452,225 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/131
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/4538 Covers sliding or withdrawing in the direction of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/945 Holders with built-in electrical component
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/975 Holders with resilient means for protecting apparatus against vibrations or shocks

Abstract

A computer device comprising a connector configured to be coupled to an external device, the connector configured to be disposed flush with an opening in a housing of the computer device in an extended position, the connector configured to retract from the opening in a retracted position.

Claims

1. A computer device comprising:

a connector configured to be coupled to an external device, the connector configured to be disposed flush with an opening in a housing of the computer device in an extended position, the connector configured to retract from the opening in a retracted position.

2. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the external device within the housing in the retracted position.

3. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to facilitate positioning of the external device flush with a surface of the housing in the retracted position.

4. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism to position the connector in the extended position.

5. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to position the connector flush with a surface of the housing in the extended position.

6. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a stop member configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

7. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the connector in the retracted position.

8. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the connector in the extended position.

9. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises portable computer housing.

10. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to bias the connector toward the opening on a surface of the housing.

15. The computer device of claim 11, further comprising means for facilitating disengagement of the external device from the connecting means.

11. A computer device comprising:

a housing means; and

a means for connecting an external device to the computer device, the connecting means configured to be disposed flush with an opening in the housing means in an extended position, the connecting means configured to retract away from the opening in a retracted position.

12. The computer device of claim 11, wherein the connecting means is configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the external device within the housing means in the retracted position.

13. The computer device of claim 11, further comprising a means for releasably securing the connecting means in the retracted position.

14. The computer device of claim 11, further comprising means for biasing the connecting means toward the opening.

16. A method of manufacturing a computer device, comprising:

providing a connector couplable to an external device; and

configuring the connector to be disposed flush within an opening in a housing of the computer device in an extended position, the connector configured to retract away from the opening in a retracted position.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein configuring the connector comprises configuring the connector to be retractable into the housing to facilitate disposing at least a portion of the external device within the housing.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism to position the connector flush with the opening of the housing in the extended position.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the retracted position.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the extended position.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a plunger assembly configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a stop member configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism configured to position the connector flush with a surface of the housing in the extended position.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein configuring the connector comprises configuring the connector to facilitate positioning of the external device within the housing and flush with the opening in the retracted position.