Media connector interface for use with a PCMCIA-architecture communications card

• US 5,338,210 A
• Filed: 03/31/1993
• Issued: 08/16/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Megahertz Corporation
• Inventors: Henrie, James B., Beckham, D. Scott, Putnam, Greg A., Bolt, Lorraine, Dake, Guy M., Aldous, Stephen C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Application Number:
  US08/040,656
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 439/55, 439/131, 439/676, 439/329, 439/372, 439/344, 361/683, 361/684, 361/686
• US Class Current: 439/131
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1613 for portable computers cooling arrangements therefor G06F1/203; constructional details or arrangements for pocket calculators, electronic agendas or books G06F15/0216; constructional details of portable telephone sets: with several bodies H04M1/0202
• 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 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• 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: H01R 13/639 Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/928 Modular electrically interengaging parts, e.g. stove with replaceable heating elements formed on coupling parts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/946 Memory card cartridge

Abstract

A communications card cap of being mounted in electrical communication with a laptop computer has formed therethrough an aperture so sized and shaped as to be capable of receiving a physical/electrical media connector. In use, a media connector is inserted directly into the aperture in the communications card, the aperture being in contact with a plurality of contact wires fixed within the communications card. The communications card is divided into a retractable access portion of the communications card which can be directly accessed by manipulating an actuating mechanism releasing a retention means thereby allowing a spring to push the retractable access portion of the card outside of the computer housing. The retractable access portion of the communications card may be reinserted back into the computer housing to be carried internally when not in use.

Claims

1. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) a channel formed in the retractable access portion, the channel having a bottom and sides being so sized and configured so as to be capable of accepting a portion of the media connector; and

e) contact wires fixed into the bottom of the channel, the contact wires being in electrical communication with the communications card and being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector.

2. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 1, wherein the communications card further comprises a stirrup pivotally connected to the retractable access portion of the communications card, the stirrup being capable of pivoting from the retractable access portion to a position perpendicular to the retractable access portion, the stirrup being capable of engaging the media connector to retain the media connector within the channel.

3. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 1, wherein the communications card is manufactured of polycarbonate resin.

4. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 1, wherein the contact wires protrude from the bottom of the channel into the channel.

5. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 2, wherein the communications card further comprises a trough formed in the bottom of the channel, the trough being capable of accepting the stirrup when the stirrup is pivoted into the retractable access portion of the communications card.

6. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 2, wherein the stirrup comprises a portion bent into the shape of a bridge, the bridge being configured so as to be capable of engaging a portion of the media connector.

7. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being and extended out from an area between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) an aperture having walls formed in the retractable access portion of the communications card, the aperture being so sized and configured so as to be capable of directly receiving a portion of a media connector to provide physical and electrical connection between the media connector and the communications card;

e) contact wires fixed in the walls of the aperture, the contact wires being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector; and

f) means for biasing a wall of the aperture against the media connector inserted therein to retain the media connector within the aperture.

8. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 7, wherein the means for biasing comprises compression arms attached to the sides of the aperture capable of forcing the sides of the aperture outward to accept the media connector.

9. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) an aperture having walls formed in the retractable access portion of the communications card, the aperture being so sized and configured so as to be capable of directly receiving a portion of a media connector to provide physical and electrical connection between the media connector and the communications card; and

e) a retaining arm pivotally connected to the retractable access portion, the retaining arm being capable of pivoting out of the retractable access portion to a position perpendicular to the retractable access portion of the communications card, the retaining arm being capable of engaging the media connector when the media connector is within the aperture so as to retain the media connector within the aperture.

10. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 9, wherein the retractable access portion further comprises a groove formed in the retractable access portion, the groove being capable of accepting the retaining arm when the retaining arm is pivoted into the retractable access portion of the communications card.

11. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) a groove formed in the retractable access portion, the groove having a bottom and sides so sized and configured as to be capable of accepting a portion of the media connector;

e) a retention clip pivotally attached to the retractable access portion, the retention clip being capable of engaging a portion of the media connector to retain the media connector within the groove;

f) a pivot block, the pivot block pivoting from the bottom of the groove to block the removal of the media connector from the groove when the media connector is inserted therein; and

g) contact wires fixed in the bottom of the groove, the contact wires being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector.

12. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 11, wherein the pivot block is capable of pivoting into a position flush with the bottom of the groove.

13. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) an upper pivotal member attached to the retractable access portion, the upper pivotal member being capable of pivoting upwardly from a position parallel to the retractable access portion to a position perpendicular to the retractable access portion;

e) a lower pivotal member pivotally attached to the retractable access portion, the lower pivotal member being capable of pivoting downwardly from a position parallel to the retractable access portion to a position perpendicular to the retractable access portion and parallel to the upper pivotal member;

f) walls formed in the upper pivotal member and the lower pivotal member capable of forming an aperture when the upper pivotal member and the lower pivotal member are parallel, the aperture capable of receiving a media connector therein; and

g) contact wires fixed in the walls of the aperture, the contact wires being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector.

14. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 13, wherein the lower pivotal member pivots on a common axis with the upper pivotal member.

15. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 13, wherein the lower pivotal member is capable of nesting within the upper pivotal member when the retractable access portion of the communications card is retracted.

16. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a first angled retention bar;

d) a second angled retention bar, the second angle retention bar being slidably connected to the first retention bar by a horizontal guide pen;

e) a spring capable of biasing apart the first angle retention bar from the second angle retention bar;

f) a horizontal guide bar pivotally attached to the first angle retention bar and a second angle retention bar and depending downwardly therefrom;

g) a tongue pivotally attached to the vertical guide bar;

h) contact wires fixed in the tongue, the contact wires being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector when the media connector is inserted between the first angled retention bar and the second angled retention bar and the tongue.

17. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 16, wherein the horizontal guide bar has formed near the ends thereof stops capable of limiting the travel of the first angled retention bar in a direction away from the second angled retention bar.

18. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a base capable of being retracted into and extend out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) an access wall pivotally attached to the base;

e) a support wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the support wall being hingedly attached to the access wall, and the second end of the support wall being hingedly attached to the base;

f) an aperture having sides formed in the access wall;

g) contact wires fixed in the support wall, the contact wires being capable of being in electrical communication with the media connector when the media connector is inserted into the aperture formed in the access wall.

19. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 18, wherein the support wall and the access wall are capable of pivoting into a position parallel with the base.

20. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 18, wherein the access wall has a top and a bottom, and wherein the access wall is hingedly attached at its top to the first end of the support wall, and wherein the access wall is guided at its bottom by guides formed therein.

21. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 20, wherein the guides slide within a track formed within the base.

22. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 21, wherein the tracks have formed therein a stop which limits the travel of the guides through the track.

23. A PCMCIA communications card for use in interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer, the communications card comprising:

a) an upper planar surface;

b) a lower planar surface, the lower planar surface being substantially parallel to the upper planar surface;

c) a retractable access portion capable of being retracted into and extended out from between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface of the communications card;

d) an aperture having walls formed in the retractable access portion of the communications card, the aperture being so sized and configured so as to be capable of directly receiving a portion of a media connector to provide physical and electrical connection between the media connector and the communications card;

e) contact wires fixed in the walls of the aperture, the contact wires being capable of being placed in electrical communication with the media connector;

f) a stirrup pivotally connected to the retractable access portion of the communications card, the stirrup being capable of pivoting from the retractable access portion downwardly to a position perpendicular to the retractable access portion, the stirrup being capable of blocking passage of the media connector completely through the aperture.

24. A PCMCIA communications card as recited in claim 23, wherein the stirrup is capable of engaging a portion of the media connector.