Connector system

• US 7,658,626 B2
• Filed: 11/17/2008
• Issued: 02/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Lightenberg, Chris, Andre, Bartley K., Reid, Gavin
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen; Gary F.
• Application Number:
  US12/272,653
• Publication Number:
  US 20090068867A1
• Time in Patent Office: 449 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/676, 439/946
• US Class Current: 439/131
• 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: H01R 13/501 comprising an integral hinge or a frangible part
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/62 Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 35/04 Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members

Abstract

A portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer comprises a chassis and a connection system. The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis.

Claims

1. A portable computer, comprising:

a chassis; and

a connection system, the connection system having a plurality of different connector receptacles, the connection system being configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, a closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis, wherein the connector receptacles are implemented as two separate components;

a fixed component that is coupled to a portion of the chassis and a rotating component that is coupled to a connection system frame.

2. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the connection system being flush with the outer surface of the chassis when the connection system is in the closed position.

3. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the connection system is disposed on a side between a top and bottom surface of the chassis.

4. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the connection system is smaller than the length of the side in which it is located.

5. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the connector receptacles maintain their original form in the open and closed positions.

6. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the connector receptacle has different form in the open and closed positions.

7. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the form of the connector receptacle changes as the connection system is moved between the open and closed positions.

8. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the connection system has a curved outer surface.

9. The portable computer of claim 1 wherein the chassis has a highly tapered shape and the connection system has an outer shape that substantially matches the shape of the chassis.