Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-07
2001-06-12
Patel, Tulsidas (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Plural-contact coupling part
C439S946000, C439S271000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244903
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the protection of PCMCIA-style cards (PC cards) and, in particular, to an interconnect device that provides an environmentally-sealed mechanically rugged interface and electrical signal conduit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The continuing evolution of computers has produced an increased demand for add-on accessories such as memory devices, modems, and the like. This need has, in turn, led to the introduction of credit-card sized devices made in accordance with standards developed by Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). Adoption of this standard has allowed for the near universal adaptation of an interface through which the above-mentioned accessories may be attached.
Unfortunately, although these so-called PC cards may be readily attached, the sockets that physically permit such connections can often be the source of trouble: these sockets may allow water, dirt, or other unwanted contaminants to enter the computer. When a PC card is installed into a PC card socket, the exposed area around the PC card is typically large enough for dust, dirt, moisture, and the like contaminants to enter the computer. As a result, although many PC-card-using computers are portable enough for remote use, their susceptibility to damage from foreign material often dictates that these machines be used only in clean, office-like environments. This is troublesome because some computers, such as portable computers, are often useful in environments that are not especially computer-friendly. Portable computers, including handhelds, are powerful, adaptable tools that have found use in manufacturing facilities, construction job sites, and a wide variety of harsh environments.
Attempts have been made to provide protective devices for use with PC cards. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,670 discloses a protective sleeve designed to fit around a PC card and the receiving socket. Brushes inside the sleeve clean the inserted end of the PC card and prevent the entry of dust into the computer. Although the '670 device may help reduce unwanted contamination, such a device is not sufficient for many situations. Many PC cards have an exposed input/output port into which linking cables and external components are attached or exchanged after the PC card is installed. Thus, while the '670 device may protect the interface between the computer and an inserted PC card, the '670 device does not protect the PC card input/output port.
What is needed is a PC card interconnect device that protects PC cards while permitting necessary signal transfer connections to be made. The device should protect a computer PC card socket and a PC card inserted therein, while providing a weather-tight connection between the computer, the PC card, and external components connected to the PC card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is a connection adapter that allows environmentally-sealed mechanically rugged connections with the input/output port of a PC card used with a host computer such as a desktop, portable, handheld or the like computer. The connection adapter has a rigid housing that includes a PC card interface connector and an external component interface assembly. The interface assemblies are operatively linked, and each interface assembly extends through an associated exterior surface of the housing.
The PC card connection adapter may be permanently connected to the host computer or selectively removably secured to a host computer. The card adapter includes a linking member that engages a host computer PC card socket. The removably secured linking member is fitted with a gasket that seals the PC card socket against unwanted entry of water, dirt, and other contaminants. The PC card connection adapter includes a PC card input/output receptacle plug, such as an AMP connector, that engages the input/output port of a PC card installed within the PC card socket engaged by the linking member.
The external component interface assembly includes an element-resistant external component linking plug that permits a weather-tight connection between an external component and the adapter of the present invention. The external component linking plug is connected with the PC card input/output plug, thereby allowing transfer of signals therebetween.
The selectively removable connection adapter may be secured in place by various attachment means. In one embodiment, the attachment means employs hook-and-loop type fastening material. Alternatively, the device may also be locked in place by a securing pin operatively associated with the housing of the computer. Alternatively, a threaded screw or even adhesive may be used as a locking means.
Alternately, the connection adapter may be permanently secured to the host computer by integrally molding the adapter and computer housing together. The molding includes chemically treating the corresponding surfaces of the preformed computer and adapter resulting in autogenous bonding. By permanently attaching the adapter to the computer some of the internal parts required for the removable assembly may be omitted which reduces the cost and simplifies the construction.
A score line or line of weakness may be included in the integrally molded computer and adapter encircling the adapter to permit disassembly without destroying the computer. A substantial blow to the score line would separate the components.
Upon installation, the present invention allows connection of external components to an installed PC card. In this situation, the device protects the installed PC card from contamination in harsh environments, while providing unimpeded operation of components attached to the PC card input/output port.
Thus, an objective of the present invention is to provide a ruggedized PC card interconnection device that protects an installed PC card and associated PC card socket from contamination in harsh environments, while allowing unimpeded connections of external components to the protected card.
An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a ruggedized PC card interconnection device that may be selectively locked in place with respect to a host computer.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a ruggedized PC card interconnection device that may allow removal of external components without subjecting a protected host computer to exposure from the elements.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a ruggedized PC card interconnection device that may be installed and removed without the need for special tools.
An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a ruggedized PC card interconnection device that protects a host computer PC card socket and a PC card inserted therein, while providing a weather-tight connection between the computer, the PC card, and external components connected to the PC card.
Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objectives and features thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5391083 (1995-02-01), Roebuck et al.
patent: 5391094 (1995-02-01), Kakinoki et al.
patent: 5457601 (1995-10-01), Georgopulos et al.
patent: 5567180 (1996-10-01), Seo
patent: 5575670 (1996-11-01), Chen et al.
patent: 5676567 (1997-10-01), Gluskoter et al.
patent: 5820414 (1998-10-01), Omori
patent: 6099355 (2000-08-01), Johnson et al.
Johnson William A.
Melton, Jr. James O.
Muia James
Rhyne, III Fred
Group Technologies
Hyeon Hae Moon
McHale & Slavin
Patel Tulsidas
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