Apple Exhibit 1020 Page 00001
`
`

`
`US 6,174,205 B1
`Page 2
`
`..................... .. 379/58
`2/1997 Register et al.
`5,606,594
`3/1997 Dittmer .............................. .. 361/686
`5,608,607 *
`6/l997 Kerklaan ............................ N 439/l3l
`5,634,802
`7/1997 Cockson el all
`. 343/702
`5,646,635
`
`....................... .. 361/600
`8/1997 Alpert et al.
`5,655,143
`8/1997 Moshayedl ......................... N 439/654
`5,660,568
`. 439/144
`l0/l997 Malsunaga N
`5,679,013
`
`..................... .. 361/683
`11/1997 Karidis et al.
`5,684,672
`..................... N 439/655
`3/1998 Aldous el al.
`5,727,972
`4/1998 Barel-leld el all
`. 343/702
`5,739,791
`
`......................... .. 361/686
`5/1998 Flint et al.
`5,748,443 *
`5/1998 Knights .............................. .. 439/638
`5,752,857 *
`. 439/344
`6/1998 Glad
`5,773,332 =x<
`
`8/1998 Garside .............................. .. 439/610
`5,797,771
`lo/l998 Aldous el al.
`lllllllllllllllllllll N 439/l3l
`5,816,832
`5,820,414 * 10/1998 Omorl
`lllllll N
`. 439/638
`5,821,907
`10/1998 Zhu etal.
`.......................... .. 343/906
`5,828,341
`10/1998 Delamater .......................... .. 343/702
`
`. 343/826
`5,828,346
`10/1998 Park .......... ..
`12/1998 Feldman etal.
`.................. .. 439/76.1
`5,846,092
`5,867,131
`2/1999 Camp, Jr. et al.
`................. .. 343/797
`
`. 307/119
`5,877,565
`3/l999 Hollenbach
`............................ .. 455/557
`5,896,574
`4/1999 Bass, Sr.
`5,898,920
`4/1999 Jacobs ................................ .. 455/422
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 00002
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`10/1982 Smith ................................. .. 361/415
`4,352,492
`......................... .. 439/404
`1/1984 Kam et al.
`4,428,636
`
`~~ 439/374
`12/1987 Suzuki
`4,710,136
`10/1988 Tanaka ............................... .. 439/676
`4,778,410
`4/1990 Takase et al.
`...................... .. 439/490
`4,915,648
`
`~ 439/359
`8/1992 Shie
`5,139,439
`2/1993 Aldous et al.
`....................... .. 439/55
`5,183,404 *
`..................... .. 361/395
`2/1993 Kaneda et al.
`5,184,282
`
`~ 439/131
`8/1994 Aldous eta1~
`5,336,099
`8/1994 Beckham 6161 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 439/131
`5,338,210
`................... .. 439/638
`2/1995 Roebuck et al.
`5,391,083 *
`
`~ 439/638
`2/1995 Kakinoki et 91 ~
`5,391,094 *
`5/1995 McDanie1s ......................... .. 439/131
`5,411,405
`5,457,601 * 10/1995 Georgopulos et al.
`............ .. 361/686
`5,481,616
`1/1996 Fieaduiau ~~~~~ ~~
`381/90
`5,499,923
`3/1996 Archibald
`439/26
`5,505,633
`4/1996 Bioadbent ~
`~ 439/329
`5,509,811 *
`4/1996 Homic ~~~~~~~~~~ ~
`439/55
`5,513,074 *
`4/1996 Ainsbuiy et 91 ~
`~ 361/737
`5,538,442
`7/1996 Okada .......... ..
`.. 439/676
`5,547,401
`8/1996 Aldous 6191 ~
`~ 439/676
`5,561,727
`10/1996 Akita 6161
`385/88
`5,562,504
`10/1996 Moshayedi .
`.. 439/638
`5,567,537
`10/1996 Yoshizawa ......................... .. 428/692
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 00002
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`1
`FIG.
`(PRIOR ART)
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`2
`FIG.
`(PRIOR ART)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`Page 00004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 4 0f 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`U.S.Patent
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`Page 00006
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`Page 00006
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`Page 00007
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 16, 2001
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`Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`1
`COMMUNICATION CARD EXTENSION AND
`ADAPTER PORT
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention generally relates to electrical con-
`nectors and,
`in particular,
`to connectors for electrically
`coupling communication equipment to electrical devices.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Electrical devices, such as personal computers (PCs),
`laptop computers, portable computers, notebook computers,
`palmtop computers, cellular telephones, personal informa-
`tion managers (PIMs) and personal data assistants (PDAs),
`are becoming increasingly dependent upon their ability to
`electrically communicate or share information with other
`electrical devices. To facilitate this electrical
`
`communication, a variety of different types of electrical
`couplers have been developed. In general, these electrical
`couplers include a plug and a corresponding jack. The jack
`typically includes an aperture or socket and when the plug
`is inserted into the jack, an electrical connection is estab-
`lished.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`These known electrical couplers are frequently designed
`for use with devices such as cards that are made in accor-
`
`25
`
`dance with standards established by the Personal Computer
`Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). These
`cards, often referred to as PC cards, can be designed to
`perform a variety of different functions and a circuit board
`located within the card provides the necessary circuitry to
`perform the intended function. For example, the PC card
`may allow the device to receive and transmit information
`over the telephone lines. Alternatively, the PC card may
`allow the device to receive and transmit information over a
`
`network system such as a local area network
`PC cards have become increasingly used in portable
`computers because the cards are ready interchangeable and
`they have a small size. Additionally, PC cards are very
`popular because they allow a user to relatively quickly and
`easily link a computer to a modem and obtain information
`and data from a remote computer. Thus, users can transmit
`and receive data from various locations, such as at home,
`during business meetings, on vacation, while traveling, in
`satellite offices, etc.
`In general, PC cards have a thin, elongated structure
`which is inserted into an opening or slot in the body of a
`computer. The PC cards have a connector at one end which
`is configured to be coupled to the computer and the other end
`of the card has a connector configured to be coupled to
`communication equipment such as a telephone line.
`Typically, a standard RJ-11 telephone jack is used to connect
`a telephone line to the PC card. These PC cards are typically
`designed to be readily connected or removed from the
`electrical device.
`
`In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 1, a conventional
`adaptor assembly 10 connects a telephone line 12 to a
`portable computer 14. In greater detail, the adaptor assembly
`10 includes an electrical connector plug 16 that is inserted
`into an input/output (I/O) connector 18 of a PC card 20 and
`a line 22 that connects an external module 24 to the
`
`connector plug 16. The external module 24 includes a
`housing 26 with an aperture 28 configured to receive an
`RJ-11 type telephone jack 30 connected to the telephone line
`12. Disposed within the PC card is a printed circuit board
`(PCB) that provides the necessary circuitry to perform the
`intended function of the PC card.
`
`30
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`35
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`2
`Disadvantageously, the adaptor assembly 10 is awkward
`to use because it requires the use of both the PC card 20 and
`the separate structure including the plug 16, line 22 and
`module 24 (often referred to as the “dongle”). The dongle is
`required for connecting the adaptor assembly 10 to the
`telephone line 12 and if it is lost, misplaced or damaged by
`the user,
`the connection to the telephone line cannot be
`established. If the dongle is lost or damaged, this results in
`unnecessary delay and expense because a new dongle must
`be purchased or the damage dongle repaired. Additionally,
`because the dongle is separate from the PC card, it requires
`additional space and it is susceptible to being dislodged from
`the computer. Further, the dongle is aesthetically displeasing
`and it is subject to being damaged or broken because it is a
`separate component that is external to the computer.
`Another conventional jack used for connecting a PC card
`to a telephone line is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,404
`issued to Aldous, et al. and assigned to the same assignee as
`the present application. The Aldous patent, which is hereby
`incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a PC card
`32 with a slidable thin plate 34. The plate 34 includes an
`aperture 36 adapted to receive a telephone jack and a
`plurality of short contact pins are rigidly mounted to the thin
`plate. Each contact pin has a first end that is freely exposed
`within the aperture and an opposed second end mounted to
`the plate. A flexible wire ribbon has a first end that is
`soldered to the second end of the contact pins and an
`opposing second end that is soldered to contacts on the
`circuit board within the PC card. The thin plate 34 can
`selectively slide between an extended position and a
`retracted position. In the extended position, as shown in FIG.
`2, the aperture 36 is exposed such that an RJ-11 telephone
`plug can be inserted. The plug pushes against the contact
`pins to establish electrical communication between the plug,
`contact pins, flexible wire ribbon and the PC card. When not
`in use, the thin plate 34 is retracted within the PC card 32
`and the aperture 36 is not exposed.
`As shown in FIG. 3, another known device used to attach
`a standard telephone jack to a PC card is disclosed in
`co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/271,620,
`filed Mar. 17, 1999, listing Oliphant et al. as inventors and
`assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The
`Oliphant application discloses a PC card 40 that includes a
`physical/electrical modular connector 42 which is config-
`ured to physically and electrically couple a media plug, such
`as RJ-11 standard telephone jack,
`to the PC card. More
`specifically,
`the jack is mounted to a slide plate that is
`movable between an extended position wherein an aperture
`configured to receive a telephone jack is exposed and a
`retracted position wherein the slide plate is positioned within
`an opening in the PC card. The jack includes a number of
`pins which are configured to be electrically connected to a
`plug inserted into the opening. The pins are electrically
`connected to the PC card when the jack is in the extended
`position and the pins are insulated from electrical commu-
`nication with the PC card when the jack is in the retracted
`position.
`Another conventional device used to connect a PC card to
`
`a telephone line is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,811
`issued to Homic. The Homic patent discloses an RJ-11
`telephone socket
`that
`is physically and electrically con-
`nected to a PCMCIA modem card that
`it
`is recessed a
`
`predetermined distance “X” within the computer housing.
`The telephone socket and the modem card are mechanically
`and physically connected by a connector block. The con-
`nector block includes a body portion that is mounted flush to
`the exterior surface of the computer enclosure. The connec-
`
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`3
`tor also includes an end cap that protrudes downwardly and
`outwardly from the body portion. The end cap has a thick-
`ness “X” that is the same as the predetermined distance “X”
`that the modem card is recessed into the computer so that the
`exterior surface of the modem card is flush with the outer
`
`surface of the computer housing. Disadvantageously, this
`device requires that the modem card be recessed a prede-
`termined distance “X” inside the body of the computer and
`it allows only RJ-11 telephone jacks to be connected to the
`modem card. Thus, the modem assembly cannot be coupled
`to other communication systems. Additionally, because the
`RJ-11 telephone socket is integrally connected to the modem
`card and both the PC card and the connector block are
`
`the socket
`recessed inside the computer,
`replaceable, interchangeable or repairable.
`Another conventional device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`
`is not readily
`
`5,608,607 issued to Dittmer. The Dittmer patent discloses a
`PCMCIA card structure this is inserted into a dual PCMCIA
`card slot. The structure includes an attachment section that
`
`is removably connected to the PCMCIA card and a support
`body that is secured to the attachment section. The attach-
`ment section has a shape similar to the PCMCIA card and
`this section is positioned in a parallel, facing and closely
`adjacent relationship with the PCMCIA card. The attach-
`ment section forms an electrical
`interface connection
`
`between the PCMCIAcard and an external device or system.
`The Dittmer patent, however, only provides socket openings
`in the attachment section for a standard RJ-11 telephone jack
`and a standard cellular telephone connector plug. Thus,
`because the device can only be connected by standard plugs
`to a conventional telephone system and a cellular telephone
`system, its usefulness is limited.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A need therefore exists for an adaptor module that pro-
`vides an interface between a connector and a communication
`
`card without the above-described disadvantages and prob-
`lems.
`
`10
`
`15
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`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`One aspect of the present invention is an adaptor module
`that allows an electrical connection to be established
`
`40
`
`between a communication system and a communication
`card. Advantageously, the adaptor module can be configured
`to provide an interface between the communication card and
`various communication systems, such as conventional tele-
`phone systems, cellular telephone systems, digital telephone
`systems, local area networks (LANs), personal area net-
`works (PANs), wireless systems, etc.
`Another aspect is the adaptor module can provide an
`interface between a plurality of communication systems and
`the communication card. For example, the adaptor module
`may provide an interface for a plurality of connectors from
`the same type of communication system and/or the adaptor
`module may provide an interface for connectors from dif-
`ferent types of communication systems. Advantageously, the
`adaptor module can provide simultaneous communication
`with these various communication systems.
`Yet another aspect is the adaptor module includes one or
`more RJ-type connectors, multiple pin interfaces and/or
`universal serial buses (USBs) to allow communication with
`various communication systems to be established. These
`RJ-type connectors,
`for example, may include standard
`RJ-11 or RJ-45 jacks that are conventionally used for
`modem and network communications, respectively. The
`multiple pin interfaces may include any number of desired
`pins, such as 15, 26 or 34 pins. Significantly, these interfaces
`and connectors are easy to use and provide a stable attach-
`ment mechanism.
`
`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`4
`Still another aspect of the adaptor module is it provides an
`interface for use with electronic devices such as personal
`computers (PCs), portable computers,
`laptop computers,
`notebook computers and palmtop computers. The adaptor
`module can also be used with electronic devices such as
`
`cellular telephones, personal data assistants (PDAs), per-
`sonal information managers (PIMs) and the like.
`is readily
`Another aspect of the adaptor module is it
`connectable to a standard PCMCIA or PC card. The adaptor
`module is also quickly and easily detachable from the PC
`card. Advantagcously, this allows one adaptor module to be
`readily interchangeable with another adaptor module. This
`allows different adaptor modules with different configura-
`tions to be connected to the PC card so that the same PC card
`
`can be connected to numerous communication systems.
`Significantly, because the adaptor modules are
`interchangeable,
`this allows the modules to be easily
`repaired or replaced.
`Yet another aspect of the adaptor module is that it includes
`a plurality of sockets to receive communication plugs con-
`nected to communication systems. The sockets may be
`connected to the same type of communication system or
`different types of communication systems. For example, one
`socket may be configured to receive a standard RJ-11
`telephone jack, another socket may be configured to receive
`a standard RJ-45 plug, yet another socket may comprise a
`multiple pin interface and still another socket may be a USB.
`A further aspect of the adaptor module is it may include
`an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna, for
`example, may be configured for cellular
`telephone
`communication, digital telephone communication, wireless
`LANs,
`radio communication, etc. Advantageously,
`the
`antenna may be used in combination with any type of
`sockets or connectors. Thus, the adaptor module may be
`configured to provide both wireless and wired communica-
`tion.
`
`Another aspect is the body of the adaptor module may
`provide additional support for the antenna and the antenna
`support structure. The body may contain a recess or depres-
`sion to hold the antenna when it is not in use and a latch to
`
`secure the antenna in a storage position. Additionally, the
`module body may contain circuitry used by the antenna such
`as a radio frequency (RF) adaptor or circuit board. Further,
`the antenna is preferably a minimum size and configured to
`be used with any desired wireless system.
`Another aspect of the adaptor module is it may include
`one or more indicators such as incandescent lights or light
`emitting diodes (LED). The indicators may provide various
`information such as indicating use of the adaptor module
`and/or mode of operation of the adaptor module. The
`indicator may also be used for other purposes such as
`installation and repair of the adaptor module.
`Advantageously, the adaptor module may be connected to
`a PC card during the last steps or stages of the manufacturing
`process. Thus, the manufacturing of a device can be sub-
`stantially completed and then the adaptor module with the
`desired configuration may be attached to the device. This
`increases the flexibility and options available to the manu-
`facturer because, for example, the decision of which com-
`munication systems the device may be connected is delayed
`until
`late in the manufacturing process. Additionally,
`because the adaptor modules are interchangeable, the manu-
`facturer may readily modify the device to be compatible
`with different communication systems.
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
`adaptor module is an apparatus which facilitates communi-
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`5
`cation between an electrical device and a communication
`system. The apparatus includes a communication card hav-
`ing a generally rectangular body with an upper surface,
`lower surface, front surface, rear surface, left surface and
`right surface, the communication card is configured to be at
`least partially inserted into an opening in the electrical
`device; a communications port is connected to the commu-
`nication card; an adaptor is releasably connectable to the
`communications port of the communication card, the adap-
`tor including at least one socket capable of receiving a
`connector coupled to a communication system; and an
`extension is attached to the adaptor and configured to be
`inserted into the communication port to establish electrical
`communication between the adaptor and the communication
`card. The adaptor also includes an outwardly extending slide
`rail and the communication port includes a groove. The slide
`rail is inserted into the groove to facilitate sliding attachment
`of the adaptor to the communication card.
`The apparatus may also include one or more RJ-type
`connectors attached to the adaptor. Additionally, an input/
`output connector can be attached to the communication card
`and an auxiliary connector can be attached to the adaptor.
`The auxiliary connector is preferably configured to be
`electrically coupled to the input/output connector. Further, at
`least
`two sockets are desirably attached to the adaptor
`assembly and the sockets are configured to receive different
`types of communication connectors. For example, one of the
`sockets may receive an RJ-11 type communication connec-
`tor and another socket may receive an RJ-45 type commu-
`nication connector. Finally, the apparatus may include an
`antenna and/or an indicator attached to the adaptor.
`In another preferred embodiment, the present invention
`includes an adaptor module configured to be in electrical
`communication with a communication card of a portable
`electric device. The adaptor module includes a generally
`rectangular body portion including top, front, bottom, rear
`and side surfaces; an elongated extension extending from the
`rear surface of the body and the extension being configured
`to be placed proximate the communication card; at least two
`recesses located in the front surface of the rectangular body,
`each of the recesses being configured to receive a commu-
`nications connector; and an antenna attached to the body
`portion to establish wireless communication. The adaptor
`module desirably include an indicator attached to the body
`portion to provide information toauser.
`In still another preferred embodiment, an interface
`between a communications connector and a communica-
`
`tions card for an electrical device includes a generally
`rectangular body portion including top, front, bottom, rear
`and side surfaces; a plurality of sockets positioned in the
`front surface of the body portion, each of the sockets
`configured to receive a communications connector; and an
`elongated extension extending from the rear surface of the
`body, the extension configured to be inserted into a com-
`munications port of the communications card. The interface
`may also include an auxiliary input/output connector con-
`figured to be electrically connected to an input/output con-
`nector of a communications card. Additionally, the interface
`may include an antenna to allow wireless communication.
`Preferably,
`the interface is configured to be releasably
`attached to a communications card. Further, the interface is
`preferably configured to be attached to a communications
`card, and the interface and the communications card are
`configured to fit in a type III PCMCIA slot.
`In still another preferred embodiment, an electrical cou-
`pling system for use with a media plug includes an adaptor
`including one or more sockets, each of the sockets config-
`
`10
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`20
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`25
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`6
`ured to be releasably coupled to a media plug; a communi-
`cations card including a communication port, the adaptor
`being connected to the communication port to allow elec-
`trical communication between the adaptor and the card; and
`means for effecting electrical communication between the
`media plug and the communication card when the media
`plug is attached to the communication card.
`In yet another preferred embodiment, the present inven-
`tion is an adaptor module for electrical connection to a
`communication card having a communication port. The
`adaptor module includes a body having an extension con-
`figured to be inserted into the communication port of the
`communication card to establish an electrical connection
`
`between he adaptor module and the communication card; a
`slide rail is attach to an outer surface of the extension, the
`slide rail is configured to be received in a frame track of the
`communication card to facilitate attachment of the adaptor
`module to the communication card; and one or more con-
`nectors in the body allow electrical connection to one or
`more communication connectors to the adaptor. The exten-
`sion is preferably readily insertable and removable from the
`communication port of the communication card.
`Additionally, at
`least one of the recesses is preferably
`configured to receive an RJ-11 type communication connec-
`tor and at least one of the recesses is configured to receive
`an RJ-45 type communication connector.
`Advantageously, the adaptor module is reliable and pro-
`vides increased convenience, flexibility and a variety of
`options to the user and/or manufacturer. In addition, the
`adaptor module is easy to use and provides an interface
`which can be quickly and easily connected to a variety of
`communication systems. Further,
`the adaptor module is
`compatible with a wide variety of computers, operating
`systems, etc.
`Further aspects, features and advantages of the present
`invention will become more fully apparent from the follow-
`ing description and appended claims, or may be learned by
`the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
`
`other aspects, features and advantages of the invention are
`obtained, a more particular description of the invention
`briefly described above will be rendered by reference to
`specific embodiments thereof which is illustrated in the
`appended drawings. Understanding that
`these drawings
`depict only a typical embodiment of the invention and are
`not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
`invention will be described and explained with additional
`specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known PCMCIA modem
`card connector arrangement;
`FIG. 2 is a top view of another known PCMCIA modem
`card arrangement;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of still another known
`PCMCIA modem card connector arrangement;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adaptor module in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view along lines 5—5 of
`the adaptor module shown in FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the adaptor
`module shown in FIG. 4, illustrating the adaptor module and
`communications card;
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`US 6,174,205 B1
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`7
`FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective View of an adaptor
`module in accordance with another preferred embodiment of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view illustrating in
`greater detail aspects of the adaptor module of FIG. 7.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adaptor module in
`accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the
`present invention, illustrating the adaptor module extending
`outwardly from the PC card;
`FIG. 9 is perspective view of an adaptor module in
`accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the
`present invention, illustrating an antenna attached to the
`adaptor module; and
`FIG. 10 is perspective view of an adaptor module in
`accordance with a further embodiment of the present
`invention, illustrating indicators attached to a front surface
`of the adaptor module.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention involves an adaptor module for
`establishing communication between a communication sys-
`tem and a computer. The principles of the present invention,
`however, are not limited to adaptor modules for computers.
`It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure,
`the adaptor module disclosed herein can be successfully
`used in connection with other types of electronic devices
`such as cellular telephones, digital telephones, personal data
`assistants, personal information managers and the like.
`Additionally, to assist in the description of the adaptor
`module, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left
`are used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be
`appreciated, however,
`that
`the present
`invention can be
`located in a variety of desired positions—including various
`angles, sideways and even upside down.
`in the following
`Further,
`it will be understood that
`description numerous details are set forth, such as specific
`types of communication connectors or plugs, specific num-
`bers of pins and electrical contacts, types of applications,
`etc.,
`to provide a thorough understanding of the present
`invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however,
`that the adaptor module may be used in conjunction with
`various communication systems, electrical devices and a
`wide variety of suitable connectors, plugs, contacts, and
`other structures or devices.
`
`FIG. 4 illustrates a adaptor module 50 which is configured
`to be attached to a communications card 52 in accordance
`
`with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
`communications card 52 is sized and configured to be
`connected to a portable computer such as a laptop computer,
`notebook computer, hand-held computer or palmtop
`computer, but it can be used with any suitable computer or
`electronic devices such as cellular telephones, digital com-
`munication systems, personal data assistants and the like.
`Preferably,
`the communications card 52 complies with
`applicable Personal Computer Memory Card International
`Association (PCMCIA) standards. The PCMCIA standards,
`for example, are described in detail in the PCMCIA Speci-
`fication Standard Release 2.1, which is hereby incorporated
`by reference. The PCMCIA specification, for example, pro-
`vides standards for data storage and peripheral expansion
`cards. Additionally,
`the PCMCIA specification provides
`standards for input/output (I/O) capability for a standard bus
`extension slot so that peripherals such as modems and LAN
`adapters can use the bus. It will be understood, however, that
`while the adaptor module 50 is described with respect to
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`8
`PCMCIA standards, the adaptor module may be used with
`other types of circuit cards and adaptor cards. Additionally,
`while these cards are preferably a miniature type, any
`suitable size and type of card may be used.
`The communications card 52, also referred to as a PC card
`or simply a card, includes a thin, elongated body with a front
`surface 54, rear surface 56, top surface 58, bottom surface
`60, right side 62 and left side 64. The card is inserted into
`a PCMCIA slot in a computer and it includes a connector
`(not shown) at the rear of the card which is electrically
`connected to the computer. As described below, the front
`surface 54 of the card includes one or more sockets or
`connectors which can be coupled to the adaptor module 50.
`Located within the body of the card 52 is circuitry which
`connects the sockets at
`the front of the card with the
`connector at the rear of the card. The circuitry allows the
`intended function of the card to be performed, such as
`desired modem functions. The right side 62 and left side 64
`of the card 52 include outwardly extending rails 66 and 68,
`respectively. These rails 66 and 68, as discussed below, are
`used to position the card 52 in a PCMCIA slot.
`The adaptor module 50 generally includes a body 70 with
`a front surface 72, rear surface 74, top surface 76, bottom
`surface 78, right side 80 and left side 82. The body 70
`preferably has a height between about 1 inch and about % of
`an inch and, more preferably, between about 1A: of an inch
`and about 1/2 of an inch. The body 70 similarly has a depth
`or thickness preferably between about 1 inch and about % of
`an inch and, more preferably, between about 1A: of an inch
`and about 1/2 of an inch. One skilled in the art will appreciate
`that
`the module 50 may have any desired dimensions
`depending, for example, upon the intended use and configu-
`ration of the module. Extending from the rear surface 74 of
`the body 70 is an extension 84 with a front surface, rear
`surface 88, top surface 90, bottom surface 92, right side 94
`and left side 96. The body 70 and the extension 84 are
`integrally formed as a single unit, but the body and the
`extension could also be separate components. The extension
`84 has the same general shape and configuration as the card
`52 and, as shown in FIG. 4, the extension is placed with its
`bottom surface 92 proximate and generally parallel to the
`top surface 58 of the card. It will be understood that the top
`surface 90 of the extension 84 could also be positioned
`proximate the bottom surface 60 of the card 52, as shown in
`FIG. 7.
`
`Desirably, the adaptor module 50 is sized and configured
`to allow the card 52 and the extension 84 to be inserted into
`
`adjacent PCMCIA slots such as is denoted schematically by
`way of the dashed lines designated at 45 in FIG. 5. In
`particular, the extension 84 and the card 52 are preferably
`inserted into two stacked type II PCMCIA slots or a type III
`PCMCIA slot. The PCMCIA slots may be recessed into the
`body of the computer (or any other electrical device denoted
`schematically by way of the dashed lines designated at 47 in
`FIG. 5) such that the adaptor module 50 is also recessed into
`the body. Alternatively, the slots may be positioned such that
`the front surface 72 of the body 70 is generally aligned with
`the exterior surface of the computer. Additionally, the slots
`may be positioned such that a portion of the module 50
`extends outwardly from the body of the computer.
`Advantageously, for example,
`if the adaptor module 50
`protrudes from the exterior surface of the computer, that may
`facilitate removing and interchanging of the modules. On
`the other hand, if the face of the adaptor module 50 is flush
`with the exterior surface of the computer, that may prevent
`damage or accidental contact with the module.
`Outwardly extending from the right side 94 and the left
`side 96 of the extension 84 are rails 98 and 100, r