Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – Data storage or retrieval
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-20
2001-11-06
Harrison, Jessica J. (Department: 3713)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
Data storage or retrieval
C463S046000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312338
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to computer accessories, such as software games and expansion RAM provided as peripheral computer accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to an electronic accessory, which may be in the form of a cartridge adapted to be externally loaded to a software game machine platform or game machine controller.
2. Description of the Related Art Conventional electronic accessories such as memory expansion packs and game cartridges for game machines are comprised of a board loaded with electronic components including memory, stored game program(s) and a case or housing covering the board. A formed connector part is defined on the board for being coupled to the game machine and an aperture is formed in one end of the case so as to expose the connector. In this manner, the accessory can be mounted to the game machine for game play.
Technical advances in the bandwidth associated with game machines in recent years have resulted in greater data processing rates. Indeed, these data processing rates have increased exponentially. As a result, electronic power consumption has been increasing not only in the electronic components contained in the game machine body, such as the CPU, but also in the electronic accessories used therewith. An unavoidable by-product of this electrical consumption is the generation of heat. The accessories, such as cartridges for game machines, which are typically loaded from above, are affected to a greater extent by heat radiating from electronic components within the game machine body. In that regard, the generated heat, which is normally transmitted upwardly, creates an environment for the accessory that can cause premature deterioration. Moreover, if heat radiating from the electronic accessory itself is not effectively dissipated, it can damage the electronic components in the game machine body located therebelow.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to solve the above-described problem by effectively discharging heat that is generated by the electronic components contained within an accessory for a game machine.
It is a further object of the invention to evenly distribute the generated heat without detrimentally affecting the game machine body with which the accessory is used.
The foregoing and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing an electronic accessory for a game machine, adapted to be externally loaded to the game machine into a corresponding connector formed in the game machine body, that includes a housing having slits in a wall thereof for dissipating heat generated by the electronic components of the accessory. To facilitate dissipation of heat within the housing and to the exterior through the slits, in the presently preferred embodiment, a heat radiation frame or assembly is advantageously disposed within the housing between the electronic components and the housing wall. Thus, the accessory provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of a main board, a cover or housing, and a heat radiation framework disposed therebetween. The board incorporates electronic components, including memory, on at least one side surface thereof and defines a connector terminal at a free end thereof. The housing is uniquely formed and shaped, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, to cover both the one, principal side and the opposite side of the board. The heat radiation framework of the preferred embodiment is made from a metal material and is generally L-shaped, including a first heat radiation section or part that is installed along the one, principal surface of main board and a second heat radiation section or part extending generally perpendicular to the first heat radiation section. In the presently preferred embodiment, the first heat radiation section is engaged with a shield installed along the one side of the main board and extends to the inner end of the board. Furthermore, in the presently preferred embodiment, heat energy generated by the electronic components of the accessory is transmitted from the electronic components through a thermal layer or sheet to the first heat radiation section from which some heat can be dissipated through the slits in the housing. Additional heat is conducted via the first heat radiation section to the second heat radiation section for dissipation through holes in a protective shield coupled thereto.
Accordingly, the assembly provided in accordance with the invention allows heat generated by the electronic components to be transferred, initially to the first heat radiation section, for dissipation. Excess heat can be transmitted from the first radiation section to the second heat radiation section for dissipation to the outside of the accessory.
Thus, the structure provided in accordance with the invention is effective to discharge excess heat in an electronic accessory, such as a memory expansion pack and/or a game cartridge assembly. However, the excess heat discharge does not interfere with heat emanating from the game machine body and thus does not retard heat dissipation from the game machine nor adversely effect the electronic components of the game machine. As is further evident from the foregoing, in accordance with the invention, the heat discharged from the electronic accessory does not dwell in the vicinity of the electronic components and thereby effectively minimizes deterioration of the electronic components due to heat build up.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 375304 (1996-11-01), Takahata et al.
patent: D. 376795 (1996-12-01), Ashida
patent: D. 377488 (1997-01-01), Ashida
patent: D. 381647 (1997-07-01), Terng
patent: D. 382868 (1997-08-01), Ashida
patent: 3904933 (1975-09-01), Davis
patent: 4628992 (1986-12-01), Kennedy
patent: 4865321 (1989-09-01), Nakagawa et al.
patent: 5212368 (1993-05-01), Hara
patent: 5362068 (1994-11-01), Liu
patent: 5673176 (1997-09-01), Penniman et al.
patent: 5742478 (1998-04-01), Wu
Koshiishi Kazunori
Sato Masaki
Harrison Jessica J.
Nguyen Kim T.
Nintendo Company Ltd.
Nixon & Vanderhye PC
LandOfFree
Electronic accessory for game machine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electronic accessory for game machine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electronic accessory for game machine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2617049