Portable computer with detachable cartridge type interface device

• US 5,139,439 A
• Filed: 07/16/1991
• Issued: 08/18/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Veridata Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Veridata Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Shie, Alen
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Application Number:
  US07/730,648
• Time in Patent Office: 399 Days
• Field of Search: 439/55, 439/61, 439/76, 439/374, 439/377, 439/359, 439/638, 439/923, 439/483, 439/928, 364/708, 361/380, 361/391, 361/393, 361/394, 361/395, 361/399
• US Class Current: 439/359
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/928 Modular electrically interengaging parts, e.g. stove with replaceable heating elements formed on coupling parts

Abstract

The portable computer has a computer casing provided with a rectangular receiving space accessible from one side thereof, and a socket connector projecting inwardly into the receiving space from an innermost end of the receiving space and being electrically connected to the internal circuitry confined by the computer casing. A detachable cartridge type interface device has a rectangular casing detachably provided in the receiving space of the computer casing, and an interface card confined inside the rectangular casing. The rectangular casing has a rear end provided with a rectangular opening to access one end of the interface card. The socket connector extends into the rectangular opening to engage the interface card so as to electrically connect the same to the internal circuitry. The front end of the rectangular casing is provided with a socket to permit electrical connection of the portable compute with an external device.

Claims

1. A portable computer comprising a computer casing, a socket connector being provided on said computer casing and being electrically connected to internal circuitry confined by said computer casing, a rectangular receiving space in said computer casing accessible from one side thereof, said socket connector projecting inwardly into said receiving space from an innermost end of said receiving space, said portable computer further comprising a detachable interface device having a rectangular casing, said rectangular casing having a size corresponding to that of said receiving space and a rear end provided with a rectangular opening, said rectangular casing confining an interface card therein, said interface card having one end aligned with said rectangular opening, said socket connector extending into said rectangular opening to engage said one end of said interface card so as to electrically connect said interface device and said internal circuitry, a base plate disposed on a bottom side of said receiving space and having a rectangular notch opening on an outermost end of said receiving space, said rectangular casing having a bottom wall with a downwardly extending projection slidingly received in said rectangular notch and said base plate and said bottom wall of said rectangular casing are provided with aligned threaded holes when said interface device inserted into said receiving space whereby a threaded member can be threaded into said aligned holes to lock said interface device into said computer casing, the front end of said rectangular casing being provided with socket means to permit electrical connection of said portable computer with an external device.