High density PCMCIA frame kit

• US 5,510,959 A
• Filed: 05/17/1995
• Issued: 04/23/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation (Meggitt PLC)
• Original Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation (Meggitt PLC)
• Inventors: Derstine, Michael P., Simmons, Randy G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WHANG, YOUNG
• Application Number:
  US08/443,143
• Time in Patent Office: 342 Days
• Field of Search: 361/747, 361/736, 361/737, 361/742, 361/752, 361/796, 361/816, 361/818, 361/801, 257/660, 257/679, 257/659, 174/50, 174/35 R
• US Class Current: 361/816
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0269 Card housings therefor, e.g. covers, frames, PCB
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0273 having extensions for peripherals, e.g. LAN, antennas details of antennas H01Q1/2275

Abstract

This invention is directed to an improved PCMCIA frame kit for receiving a planar electronic device, such as a printed circuit board or memory card, for electrical engagement with a complementary device in electronic equipment, such as a computer. The kit comprises a pair of matable, cover members to provide shielding to the planar electronic device, and that each cover member is integrally molded to a dielectric frame upon which the planar electronic device is seated. The improvement hereof lies in the provision of each frame including a dielectric extension intermatable with one another to define a cavity for receiving a portion of the planar electronic device. By this arrangement the planar electronic device may be provided with an antenna for the transmission of signals through the dielectric extension. Optionally, the cover members and extensions may be essentially identical in construction having appropriate means about the periphery thereof, for intermatability. Further, an elastomeric sealing gasket may be provided between the shielding cover members and the respective extensions.

Claims

1. In a PCMCIA frame kit for receiving a planar electronic device for electrical engagement with a complementary device in electronic equipment, said kit comprising a pair of matable, cover members to provide shielding to said planar electronic device, where each said cover member is integrally molded to a dielectric frame upon which said planar electronic device is seated, the improvement comprising in combination therewith the provision of each said frame including a dielectric extension from one end thereof, where said extensions intermate with one another to define a cavity for receiving a portion of said planar electronic device, said planar electronic device having an antenna thereon for the transmission of signals through said dielectric extension.

2. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 1, wherein each said cover member and extension therefrom includes a matable peripheral portion, where one said cover member and extension includes plural, circular, upstanding pins having a predetermined diameter, and the other cover member and extension includes a like plurality of holes, where the cross section of said holes exhibit a multi-sided configuration with the diametrical distance between opposing corners being slightly greater than said predetermined diameter, and the diametrical distance between opposing said sides is slightly less than said predetermined diameter, whereby a normal force applied between said cover members and extensions effects a force fit between each respective pin and its multi-sided hole.

3. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 2, wherein said multi-sided configuration is a hexagon.

4. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 2, wherein one pair of said side rails includes a narrow groove along a mating surface thereof.

5. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 4, wherein said side rails of the other cover member includes a complementary narrow rib engageable with said corresponding groove.

6. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 5, wherein through the engagement of respective grooves and ribs said engagement offers improved stability to the assembled frame kit.

7. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 2, wherein said frame kit is generally rectangular in shape, and that said cover members include side rails along three sides, with the fourth side open to expose said planar electronic device for mating with an electrical connector.

8. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 2, wherein a free end of each said circular pin is tapered to facilitate entry into a respective said multi-sided hole.

9. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of dimples are provided about the side of the peripheral frame of one cover member, and the other cover member includes a like plurality of notches, where a snap engagement of said cover members is achieved through mating of each dimple to its respective notch.

10. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 1, wherein an elastomeric shielding gasket is provided within said cavity at the junction between the shielding cover members and said extensions.

11. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 10, wherein said gasket is essentially circular in configuration, having a metallized fabric wrapped around a foam core.

12. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 1, wherein each said integral cover member and dielectric being essentially identical to one another, and that each said frame includes a first and second side rail, where said first side rail includes plural, circular, upstanding pins having a predetermined diameter, and said second side rail includes a like plurality of holes, where the cross section of said holes exhibit a multi-sided configuration with the diametrical distance between opposing corners being slightly greater than said predetermined diameter, and the diametrical distance between opposing said sides is slightly less than said predetermined diameter, whereby a normal force applied between said covers effects a force fit between the respective pins of said first side rail and the multi-side hole of the second rail of the other cover member.

13. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 12, wherein said multi-sided configuration is a hexagon.

14. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 13, wherein the side rail of the other cover member includes a complementary narrow rib engageable with said groove.

15. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 14, wherein through the engagement of respective grooves and ribs said engagement offers improved stability to the assembled frame kit.

16. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 12, wherein one said side rail of each cover member includes a narrow groove along a mating surface thereof.

17. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 12, wherein a free end of each said circular pin is tapered to facilitate entry into a respective said multi-sided hole.

18. The PCMCIA frame kit according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of dimples are provided about the side of the peripheral frame of one cover member, and the other cover member includes a like plurality of notches, where a snap engagement of said cover members is achieved through mating of each dimple to its respective notch.