Retractable connector with an alignment mechanism for use with electronic devices
First Claim
1. An apparatus for use with an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
- a retractable connector that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position along an axis;
an elongated slot disposed within the retractable connector, the elongated slot including a width and a length;
a guide structure at least partially disposed within the elongated slot, the guide structure being adapted to guide the retractable connector generally along the axis as the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position; and
a compression spring positioned between the portion of the guide structure disposed within the elongated slot and an end of the elongated slot.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a retractable connector with a guide structure for use with electronic devices. The guide structure minimizes the lateral movement of the retractable connector and helps ensure that the retractable connector moves smoothly between the extended and retracted positions. The retractable connector and guide structure are preferably used in conjunction with multiple receptacles so that the connector can be connected to more than one communication system or network simultaneously. Advantageously, the guide structure allows the retractable connector to have a larger size while permitting smooth and controlled movement of the connector. The large size retractable connector can also include one or more antennas used for wireless communication.
71 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use with an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
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a retractable connector that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position along an axis;
an elongated slot disposed within the retractable connector, the elongated slot including a width and a length;
a guide structure at least partially disposed within the elongated slot, the guide structure being adapted to guide the retractable connector generally along the axis as the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position; and
a compression spring positioned between the portion of the guide structure disposed within the elongated slot and an end of the elongated slot. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus comprising:
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a communication card including a first end and a second end, the communication card also including a housing with an upper surface and a lower surface;
a retractable connector attached to the communication card, the retractable connector being movable between an extended position and a retracted position along an axis;
an elongated slot disposed within the retractable connector, the elongated slot including a width and a length;
a guidepost connected to the communication card and disposed within the elongated slot, the guidepost being adapted to guide the retractable connector generally along the axis as the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position; and
a spring positioned between the retractable connector and the communication card, the spring including a spring force that is generally directed towards a center portion of the retractable connector and aligned with the axis as the connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position, the spring being sized and configured to assist in moving the retractable connector between the retracted position and the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A platform attached to an electronic device, the platform adapted to facilitate electrical communication with the electronic device, the platform comprising:
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a retractable connector attached to the electronic device, the retractable connector being movable between an extended position and a retracted position along an axis;
an elongated slot disposed within the retractable platform, the elongated slot including a width and a length;
a guidepost connected to the electronic device and disposed within the elongated slot, the guidepost being adapted to guide the retractable connector generally along the axis as the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position; and
a compression spring disposed within the elongated slot, the compression spring including a first end abutting the guidepost and a second end abutting an end of the elongated slot. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A communication card for use with an electronic device, the communication card comprising:
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a housing including an upper surface and a lower surface;
a retractable connector attached to the housing of the communication card, the retractable connector movable between an extended position and a retracted position;
an elongated slot generally centrally disposed within the retractable connector, the elongated slot being generally aligned with an axis with which the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position;
a guidepost disposed within the elongated slot; and
a spring including a first end connected to the retractable connector, the spring having a spring force that is generally aligned with the axis with which the retractable connector is moved between the extended position and the retracted position. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification