Computer device with retractable connector

• US 7,452,225 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2005
• Issued: 11/18/2008
• 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.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US11/254,893
• Publication Number:
  US 20070093093A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,125 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/247, 439/248
• US Class Current: 439/247
• 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 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, 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.

2. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the external device within the housing in the retracted position.

3. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to facilitate positioning of the external device flush with a surface of the housing in the retracted position.

4. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism to position the connector in the extended position.

5. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to position the connector flush with a surface of the housing in the extended position.

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

7. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the connector in the extended position.

8. The computer device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises portable computer housing.

9. The computer device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to bias the connector toward the opening on a surface of the housing.

10. A computer device comprising:

a housing means; and

a means for connecting an external device to the computer device, the connecting means configured to be disposed flush with an opening in the housing means in an extended position, the connecting means configured to retract away from the opening in a retracted position, the means for connecting including a latching means that includes at least one rib disposed on the latching means for releasably securing the means for connecting in the retracted position.

11. The computer device of claim 10 wherein the connecting means is configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the external device within the housing means in the retracted position.

12. The computer device of claim 10, further comprising a means for releasably securing the connecting means in the extended position.

13. The computer device of claim 10, further comprising means for biasing the connecting means toward the opening.

14. The computer device of claim 10, further comprising means for facilitating disengagement of the external device from the connecting means.

15. A computer device comprising:

a housing; and

a connector an external device to the computer device, the connecting means configured to be disposed flush with an opening in the housing means in an extended position, the connecting means 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 extended position.

16. The computer device of claim 15, wherein the connector is configured to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the external device within the housing means in the retracted position.

17. The computer device of claim 15, further comprising a locking mechanism configured for releasably securing the connecting means in the retracted position.

18. The computer device of claim 15, further comprising a biasing mechanism for biasing the connecting means toward the opening.

19. The computer device of claim 15, further comprising a disengagement component configured to facilitate disengagement of the external device from the connecting means.