Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
  • H01R24/60—Contacts spaced along planar side wall transverse to longitudinal axis of engagement
  • H01R24/62—Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
  • H01R24/64—Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
  • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
  • G06K19/07737—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts
  • G06K19/07741—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts comprising a first part operating as a regular record carrier and a second attachable part that changes the functional appearance of said record carrier, e.g. a contact-based smart card with an adapter part which, when attached to the contact card makes the contact card function as a non-contact card
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
  • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
  • G06K19/07743—External electrical contacts
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
  • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
  • H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
  • H01R2201/06—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for computer periphery

Definitions

• U.S. Patent No. 5,183,404 to Aldous provides several schemes for providing a miniature RJ-11 compatible receptacle.
• many of the schemes set forth in Aldous leave the electrical contacts exposed to the surrounding environment.
• a user may come in contact with the electrical contacts of the plug, which in the U.S. may carry more than 80 volts.
• the contacts of the RJ-11 plug are exposed, the contacts may be inadvertently shorted together.
• the scheme included in the Aldous reference presents a danger of electrical shock and electrical short circuit.
• some of the receptacle schemes disclosed in the Aldous reference are particularly prone to breakage and damage because of inherently weak structures.
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention represented in Figure 4 illustrated in an extended position.
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention with a removable receptacle module illustrated in a retracted position.
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention represented in Figure 6 with the removable receptacle module illustrated in an extended position.
• Figure 15C is a detailed side view of the electrical interconnection circuit between the receptacle module and the frame.
• Figures 16A, 16B and 16C are side views, and Figure 16D is a top view, of a mechanism which functions to retract and extend the receptacle module into and out of the replaceable direct access arrangement.
• Figures 17A and 17B are top views showing the electrical interconnection between the receptacle module and the replaceable direct access arrangement and the accompanying mechanism which retracts and extends the receptacle module into and out of the replaceable direct access arrangement.
• Figure 17C is a detailed perspective view of the electrical interconnection circuit between the receptacle module and the frame represented in Figures 17A-B.
• Figure 24A is a perspective view of a communications card in accordance with the present invention having a plurality of RJ-xx series receptacles positioned in sliding drawers with each drawer provided with a movable bottom.
• Figure 24B is a cross sectional view taken along line 24B-
• Figure 24B of Figure 24A is a perspective view of another preferred arrangement for the sliding drawer represented in Figure 24A.
• Figure 24E is an elevated cross sectional end view of two sliding drawers with one sliding drawer being in an extended operational position with an RJ-xx series plug inserted therein and with one sliding drawer being in a closed storage position.
• Figure 27A is a perspective view of another communications card in accordance with the present invention providing three RJ-xx series receptacles positioned on a rotatable and retractable member shown in an extended position.
• Figure 30E is a partial reverse perspective view of the communications card represented in Figure 30D.
• Figure 34C is a partial perspective view of another communications card in accordance with the present invention including three RJ-xx series receptacles positioned on one end of the communications card with a pivoting cover positioned over the receptacles and retracting bails positioned on the pivoting cover which each individually hold an RJ-xx series plug in an operative position.
• Figure 34D is a cross sectional side view of a portion of the communications card represented in Figure 34C taken along line 34D-34D.
• Figure 34E is a cross sectional view of a portion of the communications card represented in Figure 34C taken along line 34E-34E.
• Figure 35 is a perspective view of a communications card in accordance with the present invention which includes a retractable member providing two RJ-xx series receivers with pivoting bails which hold respective RJ-xx series plugs in operative positions.
• FIGS 1-3 represent a first preferred arrangement of the present invention embodied in a receptacle module generally represented at 100.
• the receptacle module 100 includes a male coupling 112 which provides both physical and electrical connections to a corresponding female coupling 120 provided in the modem card 118. It will be appreciated that many different structures available in the industry provide equivalent functions to the male coupling 112 and the female coupling 120.
• the illustrated expandable member 114 is preferably fabricated from a rubber-like material which is flexible enough to allow the end of the plug 10 to expand the flexible member 114 without undue force being exerted on the plug 10.
• the material from which the expandable member 114 is fabricated should be strong enough to allow long time use without any failure, e.g., tearing.
• the perimeter of the expandable member 114 should be securely anchored in the groove 116.
• structures other than the expandable member 114 can function as the expandable means for isolating the contacts 20 from electrical continuity with any object in the surrounding environment. For example, a combination of rigid panels joined together to allow expansion can function as the expandable means.
• the thickness of the body 102 be not greater than the thickness of the modem card 118.
• the expandable member 114 should tend to automatically return to within the plane of the body 102 once the plug 10 is removed and/or allow the user to collapse the expandable member 114.
• the recesses 106 have particular dimensions.
• the receptacle module 131 includes a body 132 and a finger pull 148 formed thereon.
• the receptacle module 131 is conveniently kept in its retracted position illustrated in Figure 4 until the communications card 130 needs to be connected to a communications line (not shown in Figure 4).
• the user grasps the finger pull 148 and pulls the receptacle module 131 to its extended position represented in Figure 5.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention including a removable receptacle module generally represented at 151.
• the removable receptacle module 151 is shown in place in a communications card 150 as has been explained earlier.
• the removable receptacle module includes a body 166 which is illustrated in Figure 6 in a retracted position. It will be appreciated that the retracted position illustrated in Figure 6 can be used or the body 166 can be fully withdrawn into the communications card 150 housing.
• a user preferably grasps finger grips 166 and pulls the body 166 out to an extended position as represented in Figure 7.
• the removable receptacle module 151 is advantageously easily removable from the communications card 150.
• a pair of wings 158 are squeezed inwardly so a ledge (158 in Figure 8) provided on each wing 158 disengages from an edge 162 of the communications card 150 housing.
• the entire removable receptacle module 151 can then be removed from the communications card 150. It will be appreciated that other structures can carry out the function of the wings 158, as will be explained later in this disclosure.
• a receptacle module such as receptacle module 100
• a receptacle module, or other structure providing connection to a communications line is permanently affixed to the communications card or its equivalent, then the only practical recourse is replacement of the entire communications card, even though only the receptacle module has been damaged.
• the embodiment of the present invention represented in Figures 6-9 provides that the receptacle module can be easily replaced in case of damage.
• the removable receptacle module 151 can be replaced with another removable receptacle module which is adapted to receive another size or style of plug (not represented in Figures 6-9) .
• FIGS. 8 and 9 provide detailed views of the removable receptacle module 151 with the body 166 in an extended and retracted position, respectively.
• a pair of recesses generally indicated at 154
• a plurality of conductors 156 are provided in the body 166.
• Each recess 154 preferably includes an expandable member, generally indicated at 154, as has been previously explained.
• FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 includes a receptacle module, generally indicated at 181, illustrated in a retracted position.
• the receptacle module 181 includes a body 184 which is preferably semicircular in shape and rests, when in its retracted position, within a cavity in a communications card 180, the cavity being generally indicated at 182 in Figure 11.
• the cavity 182 is preferably semicircular in shape but can be any shape which provides sufficient room to accommodate the body 184 in its retracted position.
• the body 184 is attached to the communications card 180 housing by way of a pivot 186.
• the pivot 186 allows the body 184 to be rotated by pulling on a finger grip 188 to an extended position as illustrated in Figure 11.
• the receptacle module 181 allows access to a recess 190 which is preferably configured as explained earlier and is ready to receive a plug, such as plug 10 in Figure 1.
• Electrical connections between the conductors (not illustrated) disposed in the recess 190 and the circuitry contained in the communications card 190 are provided as can be designed by those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art can also arrive at numerous structures which are equivalent to those illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 using the teachings contained herein.
• Figure 12 provides a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention which includes a receptacle module, generally indicated at 200, with male couplings 204 similar to those represented in Figures 1-3 at 112 and which are received by a communications card such as those described earlier.
• a body 202 is provided with a recess into which the plug 10 is inserted.
• a plurality of conductors 206 are provided which communicate with respective contacts 20 on the plug 10.
• a lever 208 holds the plug 10 in place.
• the lever 208 is biased toward the body 202 by a spring 210.
• a ledge 212 provided on the lever 208 engages the ridge (18 in Figures 2 and 3) provided on the clip 12 to further hold the plug in place.
• An aperture is provided on the lever 208 to accommodate a hump 22 which is provided on plugs which comply with the RJ-xx series standards. It will be appreciated that the biased lever provides a much more secure and convenient to use apparatus than any of those available in the art which are suitable for use with RJ-xx series plugs and which is suitable for use with miniaturized devices such as the previously described communications cards. Reference will next be made to Figure 14.
• Figure 14 provides a perspective view of a preferred sixth embodiment of the present invention.
• the embodiment of Figure 14 provides a communications card 250 which includes a replaceable direct access arrangement 258 which is shown ready to be inserted into the communications card 250.
• the communications card 250 makes electrical connection to a computing device via connector sockets, which are represented at 252 in Figure 14.
• the replaceable DAA 258 can house components different than those necessary to connect to a telephone line such as providing the components necessary to interface with a computer network or provide wireless communication service such as cellular telephone service or carry out some other function.
• Represented in Figure 14 are grooves 255 into which are received respective ridges 262 provided on the sides of the replaceable DAA 258.
• the grooves 255 are more clearly represented in the end view of Figure 14A.
• the grooves 255 and the ridges 262 function to guide the replaceable DAA 258 into and out of the cavity 254.
• the replaceable DAA 258 is preferably held in the cavity 254 by a pair of flexible ledges 264 which engage corresponding notches 257 provided on the inner surface of the cavity 254.
• Figure 14B illustrates the communications card 250 when the replaceable DAA 258 is fully inserted into the cavity 254.
• a pair of tabs 266 are squeezed, resulting in the ledges 264 being released from the notches 257, and allowing the replaceable DAA 258 to be extracted from the cavity 254. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements can be arrived at by those skilled in the art to allow the components of the replaceable DAA 258 to be connected to, and removed from, the remainder of the communications card 250.
• the receptacle module 270 with structures to allow its removal as shown in Figure 1 or to include structures to allow extension out of, as shown by the phantom image of Figure 14, the replaceable DAA 258 and retraction into the replaceable DAA 258 in the direction of arrow 272 as represented in Figure 14B.
• Figures 14C-E are high level block diagrams illustrating some of the preferred functions carried out by the replaceable DAA 258. As suggested above, a number of different replaceable DAA 258 units can be provided, each being adapted to carry out a particular function and the user changing the replaceable DAA 258 as necessary. Provided below in Tables A-C are descriptions of the preferred functions carried out by the blocks represented in Figures 14C-E, respectively.
• Figure 14F shows a receptacle module 270A which includes only a single RJ-xx series receptacle. Some country's regulations require that only a single telephone line be connected to a telecommunications device.
• the RJ-xx series receptacle illustrated in Figure 14F is preferably an eight conductor RJ-45 receptacle.
• the DAA to which the receptacle module 270A is connected preferably provides the interfacing functions needed to directly attach to the telephone system of the particular country or countries.
• Figures 15A-D are detailed views of the receptacle module 270 and the structures which allow the receptacle module 270 to extend out of or retract into the replaceable DAA 258 (shown in Figure 14).
• the structures which allow extension and retraction of the receptacle module 270 can be incorporated into the replaceable DAA 258, directly into a communications card 250, or into any other device which would benefit from the compact communications connector described herein.
• the connectors Prior to the present invention, if the structures providing RJ-xx series connectors were affixed to the PCMCIA pOcommunications card, the connectors would be broken off or damaged and the user would be required to discard the entire communications card and would be stranded with an inoperative communications card.
• the devices described in U.S. Patent No. 5,183,404 to Aldous are particularly afflicted by this problem.
• the industry had not recognized the described incidents as a significant problem and the industry has not been able to arrive at the solution described herein.
• the present invention allows the structures which provide the communications receptacles to be readily replaced by the user.
• the user may need to replace the structures which provide the communications receptacles due to damage or in order to interface with different communications lines or devices.
• the present invention provides these advantages which have not otherwise been available in the industry. Thus, the user can replace damaged receptacle structures, or replace the structure if other functions are necessary, quickly and without any difficulty.
• FIG. 15A and 15B Represented in Figures 15A and 15B is a receptacle module 270 which includes two RJ-xx series receptacles, generally represented at 278A&B.
• Figure 15A shows the receptacle module 270 in its retracted position.
• Figure 15B shows the receptacle module 270 in its extended position.
• Each of the RJ-xx series receptacles 278A&B is provided with four conductors represented at bracket 284. It will be understood that the representation of the RJ-xx series receptacles described herein is exemplary of one presently preferred application with inclusion of other types of connectors and devices also being within the scope of the present invention.
• a frame 280 is shown in Figures 15A&B.
• the receptacle module 270 is biased in its extended position by springs 286.
• the springs 286 are held in place by posts 286A and 286B.
• a flexible interconnecting circuit 288 provides electrical connection between the connector 282 and the conductors 284. Further information regarding the interconnecting circuit 288 will be provided in connection with Figures 15C&D.
• the structures described herein provide the advantage of being more compact than previously possible following conventional teachings in the art.
• Figures 15C&D show a flexible interconnecting circuit 288 which provides a plurality of conductors indicated at 288A.
• the electrical signals received at the connector 282 ( Figures 15A&B) are conveyed to conductors (not illustrated) formed on the surface of a bar 289 and a holding clip 291 presses the conductors 288A onto the appropriate conductors formed on the surface of the bar 289.
• the flexible interconnecting circuit 288 bends as necessary to accommodate the extension and retraction of the receptacle module 270.
• the flexible interconnecting circuit 288 is folded so that the conductors 288A are pressed against a corresponding conductor represented at 284.
• the flexible interconnecting circuit 288 is held in place on the member 271 by a clip 277.
• the receptacle module 270 can provide electrical interconnection between the conductors 284 of the RJ-xx series receptacles 278A&B. Using the described structure, a reliable and compact arrangement is provided to make electrical connection with the RJ-xx series receptacles .
• a pair of flexible arms 279 are each provided with a protruding knob 281 which is received into a groove formed in the inner surface of the frame which allows the receptacle module 270 to slide within the frame 280 and hold the receptacle module 270 in either its extended or retracted position.
• Projecting from the side of the receptacle module 270 are wings 282 which provide further positional stability.
• the leading edge 282A of the wings 282 abuts a stop 283 on the frame to limit the extension motion of the receptacle module 270.
• the user pushes in on the receptacle module 270 so that the sloping rear side of the knob 281 causes the free end of the flexible arm 279 to bend upward allowing the knob 281 to escape the trough 306A and move forward in the groove 306 to the extended position represented in Figure 16B.
• Figure 16C provides a side view of the flexible arm 279 showing its vertical movement as represented by arrow 308.
• Figure 16D provides a top view of a portion of the receptacle module 270 further showing the shape of the knob 281 and the horizontal movement of the flexible arm 279. It will be appreciated that the described structures provide a simple and reliable arrangement for extending and retracting the receptacle module 270 and which advantageously is more compact than previously available structures. By making the retraction and extension structures more compact, more room is provided for other components.
• Figures 17A-C illustrate in detail additional structures which allow the receptacle module 270 to extend out of or retract into the replaceable DAA 258 (shown in Figure 14) and the electrical interconnection between the connector 287 and the conductors 284 in the RJ-xx series receptacles.
• Many of the structures represented in Figures 17A&B are the same as the correspondingly numbered structures represented in Figures 15A&B. Thus, only the differences between the represented structures will be described.
• the connector housing 351A includes RJ-xx series receptacles 358A-C and an auxiliary connector, generally indicated at 359, which preferably can be a connector suitable for coupling to a wireless communications device, for example a portable telecommunications device which complies with the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communications standard.
• the connector housing 351A also preferably includes the DAA components such as those described earlier and others which perform similar functions.
• a female portion 353B receives a male portion 353A when the connector housing 351A is mated to the card body 351B.
• the structure of the electrical connector which provides for communications between the card body 351B and the connector housing 351A, comprising a connector receptacle 354B and a connector plug 354A, further enhances the physical and electrical connection between the card body 351B and the connector housing 351A.
• Two spring fingers 356B are received by recesses, one of which is represented at 356A, to further secure the card body 361B and the connector housing 351A together.
• Figure 22B will be referred to next to provide further information on the structure represented in Figure 22A.
• Figure 22B is an elevated, side cross sectional view of the receptacle represented in Figure 22A showing the pivoting cover in its operative position ready to receive an RJ-xx series plug.
• the pivoting cover 355B rotates about pivot point 355C between the operative position represented in Figure 22C and movement towards a closed position which is represented in Figure 22D as suggested by arrow 367A.
• Figure 22D shows the pivoting cover 355B between its closed position and its open position and that the pivoting cover can attain a completely closed position in the direction of arrow 367A.
• the communications card 374 can preferably include many of the components described in connection with the communications card 351 illustrated in Figure 22. Thus, only the different and/or additional structures will be discussed in connection with the communications card represented in Figures 23A-C.
• the components which carry electrical current from the communications line are shielded from contact with structures in the surrounding environment thus preventing the contacts from being inadvertently shorted together or shorted to ground or conveying current to a human being.
• the drawer 377 is extended from the communications card and an RJ-xx series plug can be received into each one of the receptacle grooves 377A and 377B.
• the receptacle grooves 377A and 377B hold the RJ-xx series plug in a correct lateral position on the drawer 377 with the clip holder 381 keeping the RJ-xx series plug in the receptacle groove and against the electrical contacts 385.
• the drawer body 377C is supported on a circuit board 386. Movement of the drawer body 377C in the directions of arrow 379 is guided by a guide rail structure 387.
• a biasing mechanism such as a live hinge 387A, which biases the drawer body 383A toward its open operative position represented in Figure 23A.
• Stops 387B are provided on the guide rail structure 387 so that the drawer body 377C travels the correct distance out of the communications card and so that the drawer body contacts 385A&B meet the circuit board contacts 386A&B so that complete electrical communications can occur.
• Figure 24A will be referred to next to describe another communications card within the scope of the present invention, generally indicated at 390.
• Figure 24A is a perspective view of the communications card 390 which includes a plurality of RJ-xx series receptacles positioned in sliding drawers, the sliding drawers being generally indicated at 394A-C, with each of the sliding drawers 394A-C being provided with a movable bottom 400 which functions to shield electrical conductors 398 from contact with the surrounding environment.
• a card body 392 preferably includes the components necessary to provide the communications functions which are desired by the user and which can be arrived at by those skilled in the art using the information set forth herein and using the information readily available in the industry.
• Figure 24C is a perspective view of another preferred arrangement for a bottom portion of a sliding drawer 405, similar to that represented in Figure 24A.
• the sliding drawer bottom 405 includes a central opening into which the RJ-xx series plug is inserted during use.
• the sliding drawer bottom 405 also includes a live hinge 405B which functions to push the sliding drawer bottom 405 upwards, to allow retraction of the drawer, unless an RJ-xx series plug is inserted therein.
• Figure 24D provides a perspective view showing two sliding drawer assemblies, generally designated at 407A and 407B, respectively, in position on a circuit board 414.
• FIG 25 is a perspective view of another communications card, generally indicated at 420, in accordance with the present invention.
• the communications card 420 includes a plurality of RJ-xx receptacles, generally indicated at 422A-C, each formed by a pair of retractable and expanding jaws, two of which are represented at 424A&B.
• RJ-xx receptacles 422B&C When in the retracted position, as shown with RJ-xx receptacles 422B&C, the communications card 420 (including card body 420B and connector housing 420A) substantially complies with the dimension requirements of the PCMCIA Type III standard.
• FIG 27 is a partial perspective view of a communications card, generally indicated at 460, in accordance with the present invention.
• the communications card 460 includes a rotatable and retractable member 462.
• the rotatable and retractable member 462 includes three RJ-xx series receptacles, generally indicated at 464A-C.
• the RJ-xx series receptacles 464A-C each include conductors, some of which are indicated at 466A-C, which receive corresponding contacts in the RJ plug 10.
• RJ-xx series receptacles 463A-C each include contacts which complete a circuit with corresponding contacts in an RJ plug.
• RJ-xx series receptacles 463A-C include structures similar to those described earlier (such as ledges 470A-C) which engage the biased clip on an RJ plug with the dimensions of the receptacles 463A-C being such that the appropriate RJ plug is closely received therein, as is preferred with all of the communications cards described herein.
• Figure 27D is a diagrammatic view showing the position of sensor leads in the rotatable and retractable member 463.
• the path taken by the conductors between the cylindrical contacts 479 and each of the three sets of RJ contacts in the receptacles 463A-C in the rotatable and retractable member 463 is disclosed. It will be appreciated that while the illustrated structures are preferred, the number and arrangement of conductors can be altered in accordance within the scope of the present invention.
• Figures 29A&B are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of another communications card, generally indicated at 530, in accordance with the present invention.
• the communications card 530 preferably follows the PCMCIA (also referred to as PC Card) Type III standard for dimensions and configuration and includes a card body 530B and a connector housing 530A.
• the connector housing 530A includes an auxiliary connector, generally indicated at 544, and an auxiliary slot 540 which can operatively receive a memory card, such as a compact flash memory card, as known in the industry. Further information regarding memory cards adhering to the Compact Flash standard, and to the Miniature Card standard can be obtained from the publications I.C.
• a receptacle body 532 which is preferably and substantially semicircular in shape, is provided with two recesses 536A&B which each receive an RJ plug 10.
• the recesses 536A&B each include a ledge 538A&B such that the conductors 542 disposed in the recesses 536A&B can make operative connection with an RJ plug 10.
• the receptacle body 532 is preferably semicircular in shape and pivots about a bolt 534.
• the bolt 534 allows the receptacle body 532 to be rotated in the directions of arrow 546 to an extended position as illustrated in Figures 29A&B. In its extended position, the receptacle body 532 allows access to the recesses 536A&B.
• the communications card 530 allows convenient connection to a communications line via an RJ plug 10 and operative connection to a memory card via the slot 540.
• Figures 30A&B are perspective views of a communications card, generally indicated at 560, in accordance another aspect of the present invention.
• FIG. 30C is an exploded perspective view of another communications card in accordance with another aspect of the present invention which includes three RJ-xx series receptacles positioned on the end of the communications card with a shell member shown exploded off from the end of the communications card.
• the travel of the socket bed 685 toward the end of the circuit board is limited by corresponding stops 685C provided on the socket bed 685 and stops 683C provided on the guide rail 683 (see also Figure 35B) .
• the socket bed 685 stops precisely where both contact prongs 693A&B will rest upon contact pads 694A&B, respectively, on the circuit board 681 so that the necessary signal path is established between the components on the circuit board 681 and RJ plug contacts 697A&B (see Figure 35C) as the socket bed 685 slides to the extended most limit of the directions of arrow 691.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
• Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
• Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
• Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
• Structure Of Telephone Exchanges (AREA)
• Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=21822871

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Families Citing this family (30)

Family Cites Families (122)

• 1998
  • 1998-02-17 US US09/024,885 patent/US7074061B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 1999
  • 1999-02-17 JP JP2000531885A patent/JP2002503860A/ja active Pending
  • 1999-02-17 WO PCT/US1999/003446 patent/WO1999041805A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1999-02-17 EP EP99909504A patent/EP1057225B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-02-17 AU AU28693/99A patent/AU2869399A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-02-17 AT AT99909504T patent/ATE523930T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1999-02-17 CA CA002320853A patent/CA2320853C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1999-02-18 MY MYPI99000553A patent/MY125041A/en unknown

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