Computer Device With Retractable Connector

• US 20090035972A1
• Filed: 10/13/2008
• Published: 02/05/2009
• 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 R., Doczy, Paul J., Lev, Jeffrey A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,909,629 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/159
• 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 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.

2. The method of claim 1, 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.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism to position the connector flush with the opening of the housing in the extended position.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the retracted position.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the extended position.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a plunger assembly configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

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

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism configured to position the connector flush with a surface of the housing in the extended position.

9. The method of claim 1, 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.

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

providing a connector couplable to an external device; and

configuring the connector to be disposed substantially 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, the connector including a moveable latch that includes at least one rib disposed on the moveable latch for releasably securing the connector in the retracted position.

11. The method of claim 10, 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.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism to position the connector flush with the opening of the housing in the extended position.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the retracted position.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a locking mechanism to releasably secure the connector in the extended position.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a plunger assembly configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a stop member configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connector.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a biasing mechanism configured to position the connector flush with a surface of the housing in the extended position.

18. The method of claim 10, 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.

19. A method, comprising:

configuring a connector to be couplable to an external device; and

configuring the connector to be disposed within an opening in a housing of a computer device in an extended position, the connector configured to retract away from the opening in a retracted position, the connector including a moveable latch that includes at least one rib disposed on the moveable latch for securing the connector in the retracted position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one rib is disposed on the moveable latch for removably securing the connector in the retracted position.