External fuse access for PC card

Details External fuse access for PC card External fuse access for PC card

1999-05-26

2001-03-20

Gandhi, Jayprakash N. (Department: 2835)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S736000, C361S837000, C439S620180, C235S492000, C337S001000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06205030

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to PC cards and, more specifically, PC cards having external fuse access.
2. Present State of the Art
PC cards are used with electrical apparatus, such as personal computers, for assisting the electrical apparatus in performing a desired function. For example, one conventional type of PC card comprises a modem card. The modem card enables a personal communication to receive and transmit information over a telephone line. Other conventional types of PC cards include memory cards and network cards. Most PC cards are manufactured under set standards identified as PCMCIA. The standards differ depending on the type and intended function of the card. A conventional PC card includes a thin, low profile housing which bounds a circuit board. Positioned at one end of the PC card is a connector, typically a pin connector, for electrically coupling the PC card to a computer or other electrical apparatus. Formed on the opposing end of the PC card is an electrical coupler for mechanically and electrically coupling with a cable, such as a telephone line or network line.
Mounted on the circuit board of most PC cards is a fuse. When a power surge, electrical short, or other irregular or nonstandard voltage is applied to the circuit board through one of the connectors, the fuse is blown or burned out so as to protect the circuit board. The fuse also protects the electrical apparatus to which the current will subsequently flow. Although blowing the fuse is effective in preventing further damage, it is also problematic. For example, PC cards are typically sealed closed during the manufacture process. As a result, once a fuse is blown, the PC card must either be returned to the factory for replacement of the fuse or the PC card is simply disposed of and replaced with a new PC card. Neither approach is very cost-effective. Furthermore, blowing the fuse deactivates the PC card and thus shuts down the operation thereof until the fuse is replaced.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide PC cards having a fuse in electrical communication with the circuit board thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide PC cards as above wherein the fuse is accessible by the purchasing public for easy replacement.
Yet another objection of the present invention is to provide a PC cards as above wherein the fuse can be replaced without the need for substantial disassembling of the PC card.
To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an inventive PC card is provided. The PC card includes a housing bounding a compartment. The housing includes a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, and a border frame extending therebetween. A circuit board having electrical circuitry formed thereon is disposed within the compartment of the housing. An electrical connector configured for coupling with an electrical apparatus is mounted on the housing in electrical communication with the circuit board.
The inventive PC card also includes means for housing a fuse in electrical communication with the circuit board such that the fuse can be selectively removed and replaced without disassembly of housing. In general terms, the means for housing the fuse includes a fuse slot formed on the PC card. The fuse slot communicates with the exterior through an opening and is configured to receive a fuse. The fuse slot can be formed at a variety of different locations such as on the border frame or between the circuit board and one of the cover plates.
Disposed within the fuse slot is a pair of spaced apart fuse contacts. Each of the fuse contacts are disposed in electrical communication with the circuit board. The fuse contacts are configured to engage opposing ends of the fuse so that the circuit board is in electrical communication the fuse when the fuse is disposed within the fuse slot. When a power surge or unspecified voltage is applied to the circuit board, the fuse is burned out or otherwise blown, thereby preventing damage to the circuit board and the electrical lines and equipment coupled therewith
One of the unique features of the present invention is that the burned out fuse can be easily and quickly replaced by the average consumer without the need for substantial disassembly of the PC card. That is, by using a knife, screw driver, or other corresponding tool, the fuse can be accessed and removed through the opening of the fuse slot. A new fuse can then be inserted, thereby putting the PC card back in operation.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5086216 (1992-02-01), Mollet et al.
patent: 5151774 (1992-09-01), Mori et al.
patent: 5309625 (1994-05-01), Onishi
patent: 5526233 (1996-06-01), Hayakawa
patent: 5777836 (1998-07-01), Price et al.
patent: 5780775 (1998-07-01), Yu
patent: 5980322 (1999-11-01), Madsen et al.

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