Dual style connector for handheld computer

Details Dual style connector for handheld computer Dual style connector for handheld computer

1999-05-26

2001-09-04

Sircus, Brian (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

Alternatively connected

Coupling part

C361S689000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06283777

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to connectors for connecting computing devices. In particular, embodiments of this invention encompass a connector for coupling a handheld computer to an accessory device using anyone of at least two connector styles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Handheld computers may be coupled to peripheral or accessory devices to enhance their abilities and functions. Typical accessory devices for handheld computers include communication cradles or docking stations, battery chargers, Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, and modems. Generally, these devices are adapted to mate with the handheld computer using either wiping style connectors or pogo style connectors.
Accessory devices that employ a wiping style connector have a number of spring-biased contacts that are spaced apart and parallel to one another. The plurality of spring-biased contacts are then positioned on the accessory device to contact and wipe across a corresponding mating surface of the handheld computer. The handheld computer may then be positioned to slide across a surface of the accessory device containing the wiping style connector in order to establish electrical contact. Typically, the wiping style connectors are contained on a surface of the accessory device that is adapted to be retained against the handheld computer. Examples of such accessory devices include communication cradles or docking stations which position the wiping style connector parallel to a face of the handheld computer that retains the corresponding contact surface. A specific example of a handheld computer that is adapted to mate with an accessory device in this manner is the Palm III™ organizer, manufactured by the 3Com Corp.
Other accessory devices employ pogo style connectors which secure mechanically to the handheld computer while providing a plurality of pogo pins to establish electrical contact with the handheld computer. The pins are biased and protrude normally to contact the contact surface of the handheld computer. Pogo pin connectors are sometimes used with smaller accessory devices which plug into an output port of the handheld computer, typically at or near a bottom edge of the handheld computer.
Until now, handheld computers were adapted to connect with accessory devices having either one or the other type of connector. This limited handheld computers and accessory devices to incorporating a particular connector type or architecture. Consequently, accessory devices were designed around the type of connector being employed, rather than the type of connector best suited for the particular device.
Therefore, there is a need for a connector that enables the handheld computer to mate with either wiping style or pogo style connectors on an accessory device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of this invention provide for a versatile connector that is capable of receiving any one of at least two types of connectors. The connector is preferably positioned on a bottom edge of a handheld computer to receive either pogo style or wiping style connectors. As a result, the connector enables the handheld computer to connect with accessory devices that use either style connectors. In particular, the handheld computer can connect with communication cradles using wiping style connectors, or smaller accessory devices that use pogo style connectors.


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 416001 (1999-11-01), Tal et al.
patent: 3744034 (1973-07-01), Paul
patent: 4613196 (1986-09-01), Foerster
patent: 4740167 (1988-04-01), Millhimes et al.
patent: 4860372 (1989-08-01), Kuzunuki et al.
patent: 4972496 (1990-11-01), Sklarew
patent: 5030902 (1991-07-01), Mattinger et al.
patent: 5052943 (1991-10-01), Davis
patent: 5220270 (1993-06-01), Peickert
patent: 5231381 (1993-07-01), Duwaer
patent: 5305394 (1994-04-01), Tanaka
patent: 5306196 (1994-04-01), Hashiguchi
patent: 5354216 (1994-10-01), Cruise et al.
patent: 5387110 (1995-02-01), Kantner et al.
patent: 5389745 (1995-02-01), Sakamoto
patent: 5411405 (1995-05-01), McDaniels et al.
patent: 5415570 (1995-05-01), Sarkissian
patent: 5434929 (1995-07-01), Beernink et al.
patent: 5440449 (1995-08-01), Scheer
patent: 5444192 (1995-08-01), Shetye et al.
patent: 5452371 (1995-09-01), Bozinovic et al.
patent: 5459637 (1995-10-01), Ma et al.
patent: 5528743 (1996-06-01), Tou et al.
patent: 5534892 (1996-07-01), Tagawa
patent: 5576530 (1996-11-01), Hagerty
patent: 5615284 (1997-03-01), Rhyne et al.
patent: 5621817 (1997-04-01), Bozinovic et al.
patent: 5630148 (1997-05-01), Norris
patent: 5698822 (1997-12-01), Haneda et al.
patent: 5770330 (1998-06-01), Castaneda et al.
patent: 5816826 (1998-10-01), Colemen
patent: 5841901 (1998-11-01), Arai et al.
patent: 5941648 (1999-08-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 5993231 (2000-09-01), Hoolhorst
patent: 5999400 (1999-12-01), Belopolsky et al.
patent: 6086403 (2000-07-01), Po et al.
patent: 6115248 (2000-09-01), Canova et al.
patent: WO 97/18602 (1997-05-01), None
Gray, R. et al., “Efficient MC68HC08 programming: reducing cycle count and improving code density”,Dr. Dobb's Journal, vol. 20, No. 5, May 1995, pp. 70-75.
Ruley, J. et al., “Handheld-to-Handheld Combat”,Windows Magazine, No. 811, p. 55, Nov. 1997.
Dayton, D., “FRx extends reporting power of Plantinum Series”,PC Week, vol. 8, No. 5, p. 29(2), Feb. 1991.
Forbes, J. et al., “Palm PCs get a Big Hand (What's Hot)”,Windows Magazine, No. 905, p. 96, May 1998.
Penwarden, M., “More Muscle for HP's OmniBook”,Windows Magazine, No. 501, p.110, Jan. 1994.
Feigel, C., “IBM, Motorola preview embedded PowerPCs; 403 and 505 processors combine strong performance with low cost”,Microprocessor Report, vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 1-5, May 1994.
Bursky, D., “Evolving DSP chips do more”,Electronic Design, vol. 38, No. 23, pp. 51-59, Dec. 1990.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Dual style connector for handheld computer does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Dual style connector for handheld computer, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual style connector for handheld computer will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2446670