Electrical connectors – Interrelated connectors relatively movable during use – Movement about axis
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-04-10
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Interrelated connectors relatively movable during use
Movement about axis
C439S640000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213782
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an electrical interconnection device which provides a link between a cable and a computer input/output port.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Printed circuit (PC) cards are known for use with a computer to enhance the operational capabilities of the computer. Many of these PC cards have an input/output (I/O) header that mates with an I/O connector at one end of a cable assembly to permit the PC card and the computer to communicate with external resources. When the I/O connector of the cable assembly is attached to the PC card, the connector protrudes from the PC card beyond the case of the computer. This leads to the problem that the I/O connector is prone to breakage, especially when the computer is tilted by having one end raised such that a load is imposed on the I/O connector at the other end.
Another problem relates to the cable assembly itself. The other end of the cable assembly has a connector of a type which can vary depending on the nature of the PC card and the application for which it is being used. For example, a connection with a local area network (LAN), a facsimile machine or telephone line requires a telecommunications connector which is typically configured as a modular jack that can mate with a standard RJ-series modular plug. The cable assembly is a relatively expensive link between the I/O connector at one end and the telecommunications connector at the other end.
There is a need for an interconnection device which provides an interface between a computer PC card and communications equipment, which is relatively inexpensive and is not prone to breakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an electrical interconnection device comprising a first connector member having a first mating end and a second connector member having a second mating end, wherein the first connector member and the second connector member are pivotally linked to permit relative angular movement between the first and the second electrical members.
One of the connector members has journals which are pivotably received in bores in the other of the connector members. The connector members are pivotable on a pivot axis which extends through the journals and the bores.
The first connector member may be a printed circuit card I/O connector, and the second connector member may be a telecommunications adapter connector such as a modular jack.
In one embodiment the adapter connector has a receptacle which is open in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the I/O connector.
In another embodiment the adapter connector has a receptacle which is open in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the I/O connector.
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patent: 5411405 (1995-05-01), McDaniels et al.
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patent: 5637018 (1997-06-01), Gargiulo
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patent: 5692921 (1997-12-01), Jennings
patent: 5995373 (1999-11-01), Nagai
patent: 6074253 (2000-06-01), Brinchmann-Hansen
Bradley Paula
Ta Tho D.
The Whitaker Corporation
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