U.S. patent application number 09/795505 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-29 for pc card configuration.
Invention is credited to Paredes, Vladimir, Polgar, Karch, Smith, Mark S..
Application Number | 20020119683 09/795505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25165689 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020119683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paredes, Vladimir ; et
al. |
August 29, 2002 |
PC CARD CONFIGURATION
Abstract
A combination PC card for use in facilitating communication
between a host computer and a remote device. The combination PC
card includes two RJ-type connectors, an RJ-11 connector and an
RJ-45 connector, centered at a front edge of the combination PC
card. The connector bodies are integral with a housing of the
combination PC card and are arranged and configured to be received
in a corresponding recess defined by a Type II PC card when the
combination PC card and the Type II PC card simultaneously reside
in a PC card slot of the host computer. The positioning and
configuration of the connector bodies permits the combination PC
card to be removed from the PC card slot without also necessitating
the removal of the other PC card residing in the PC card slot. The
combination PC card additionally includes an analog modem connected
to the RJ-11 connector, and a network interface card connected to
the RJ-45 connector. The analog modem and network interface card
are electrically connected to the host computer by way of a PCMCIA
standard 68-socket connector, which also physically connects the
combination PC card to the host computer.
Inventors: |
Paredes, Vladimir; (San
Jose, CA) ; Polgar, Karch; (San Jose, CA) ;
Smith, Mark S.; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIC L. MASCHOFF
WORKMAN, NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
25165689 |
Appl. No.: |
09/795505 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/76.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 69/18 20130101;
H05K 5/0273 20130101; H04L 12/5692 20130101; Y10S 439/946 20130101;
H01R 24/62 20130101; H01R 2201/06 20130101; H04L 9/40 20220501;
H01R 13/64 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/76.1 |
International
Class: |
H05K 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A peripheral device adapted to be electrically and physically
received by a lot in a host device and capable of facilitating
communication between host device and a communication system, the
device comprising: (a) a main housing having a main portion with a
width conforming substantially to the PCMCIA standard, and a height
conforming substantially to the PCMCIA Type II standard; (b) at
least one connector receptacle formed within a connector body
disposed integrally within the main housing, the connector body
having a height greater than the Type II standard, and being shaped
so as to be capable of being at least partially received within a
recess formed in a second device electrically received within a
slot adjacent to the peripheral device; (c) electronic circuitry
substantially disposed within said main housing and being in
electrical communication with electrical contacts disposed within
the receptacle; and (d) means for physically and electrically
connecting the peripheral device to the host device.
2. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said at
least one connector comprises at least one RJ-type connector.
3. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said at
least one connector comprises two RJ-type connectors.
4. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
connector body is centered in a front edge of the combination PC
card.
5. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
connector body is formed integrally with said main housing.
6. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
second form factor comprises a PCMCIA Type III form factor.
7. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
third form factor comprises a PCMCIA Type III form factor.
8. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
first form factor and said third form factor are the same.
9. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises an analog modem.
10. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises a network interface card.
11. The combination PC card as recited in claim 1, wherein said
means for physically and electrically connecting the combination PC
card to the host computer comprises a PCMCIA standard sixty eight
socket connector in electrical communication with said electronic
circuitry.
12. For use in conjunction with a host computer including a PC card
slot, a combination PC card for facilitating communication between
the host computer and a remote device, the combination PC card
conforming to a first form factor and comprising: (a) a housing;
(b) at least one connector, said at least one connector including a
connector body configured and arranged so that when said connector
body is at least partially received in a corresponding recess
defined by another PC card conforming to a second form factor
different from the first form factor of the combination PC card,
the combination PC card and the another PC card collectively
conform to a third form factor compatible with the PC card slot;
(c) electronic circuitry substantially disposed within said housing
and being in communication with said at least one connector; and
(d) means for physically and electrically connecting the
combination PC card to the host computer.
13. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
connector body is arranged and configured so that when the
combination PC card and the another PC card simultaneously reside
in the PC card slot, the combination PC card can be removed from
the PC card slot without requiring removal of the another PC
card.
14. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said at
least one connector comprises at least one RJ-type connector.
15. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said at
least one connector comprises two RJ-type connectors.
16. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
connector body is centered in a front edge of the combination PC
card.
17. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
connector body is integral with said housing.
18. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
third form factor comprises a PCMCIA Type III form factor.
19. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises an analog modem.
20. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises a network interface card.
21. The combination PC card as recited in claim 12, wherein said
means for physically and electrically connecting the combination PC
card to the host computer comprises a PCMCIA standard sixty eight
socket connector in electrical communication with said electronic
circuitry.
22. A computer system configured for communication with a remote
device, the computer system comprising: (a) a host computer
including a PC card slot; and (b) a combination PC card conforming
to a first form factor, said combination PC card being received in
said PC card slot and comprising: (i) a housing; (ii) at least one
connector, said at least one connector including a connector body
configured and arranged so that when said connector body is at
least partially received in a corresponding recess defined by
another PC card conforming to a second form factor different from
said first form factor of said combination PC card, said
combination PC card and the another PC card collectively conform to
a third form factor compatible with said PC card slot; (iii)
electronic circuitry substantially disposed within said housing and
being in communication with said at least one connector; and (iv)
means for physically and electrically connecting said combination
PC card to said host computer.
23. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said
connector body is arranged and configured so that when said
combination PC card and the another PC card simultaneously reside
in said PC card slot, said combination PC card can be removed from
said PC card slot without requiring removal of the another PC
card.
24. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said first
form factor comprises a PCMCIA Type III form factor.
25. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said PC
card slot conforms to a PCMCIA Type III form factor.
26. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said first
form factor and said third form factor are the same.
27. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said at
least one connector comprises at least one RJ-type connector.
28. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said at
least one connector comprises two RJ-type connectors.
29. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said
connector body is centered in a front edge of said combination PC
card.
30. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises an analog modem.
31. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises a network interface card.
32. The computer system as recited in claim 22, wherein said host
computer comprises a portable computer.
33. The combination PC card as recited in claim 22, wherein said
means for physically and electrically connecting the combination PC
card to said host computer comprises a PCMCIA standard sixty eight
socket connector in electrical communication with said electronic
circuitry.
34. A combination PC card, conforming to a Type III form factor,
for use in facilitating communication between a host computer
including a PC card slot, and a remote device, the combination PC
card comprising: (a) a housing; (b) at least one RJ-type connector
having a connector body centered at a front edge of the combination
PC card and being integral with said housing, and said connector
body being configured and arranged so that said connector body is
at least partially received in a corresponding recess, defined by
another PC card conforming to a Type II form factor, when the
combination PC card and the another PC card simultaneously reside
in the PC card slot; (c) electronic circuitry substantially
disposed within said housing and being in communication with said
at least one RJ-type connector; and (d) means for physically and
electrically connecting the combination PC card to the host
computer.
35. The combination PC card as recited in claim 34, wherein said at
least one RJ-type connector comprises an RJ-11 connector and an
RJ-45 connector.
36. The combination PC card as recited in claim 34, wherein said
electronic circuitry comprises an analog modem and a network
interface card.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application relates to co-pending U.S. patent
applications Ser. Nos. ______, entitled Wireless PC Card, and
______, entitled Multiple Form Factor PC Card Communication System,
both having been filed the same day herewith and both being
incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to expansion PC
cards used to expand the functional capabilities of a host device.
More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to
an improved PC card having a physical configuration enhances the
operational flexibility of the card when used with other PC cards
in the host device.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] Advances in the power and sophistication of computer
application software, operating systems, communications software,
and peripheral devices have required the development of computers
with greater processing speeds and capacities. At the same time
however, the pressure to at least maintain, and preferably reduce,
the physical size of the computer and its various components has
increased as well. Accordingly, downsizing and miniaturization of
computer components is an issue of great importance in the
industry.
[0006] To that end, manufacturers have developed an increasing
number of miniature portable expansion devices to add functionality
to host devices. One example of these expansion devices are known
as "PC cards." Examples of such PC cards include cards that
increase the memory storage of a host; cards that provide for
"wired" communications, such as modem cards and network interface
cards; and cards that provide for wireless communication. The
typical PC card was designed to plug into a port, slot, or socket
in the host device. As a result, PC cards serve to expand the power
and functional capability of the host device without significantly
increasing the size of the physical envelope of the host.
[0007] Increasingly, such expansion devices are built in accordance
with prescribed physical and electrical standards, so as to insure
compatibility from one manufacture to another. For example, a
number of manufacturers collaborated to form the Personal Computer
Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), which specifies
standards for the physical design, dimensions, and electrical
interface of PC cards. For example, PCMCIA standards provide for,
among other things, Type I, Type II, and Type III form factors
(hereinafter the "Type I," Type II," and "Type III" standards, as
applicable) wherein each form factor is characterized by specific
dimensional attributes. Generally, the length and width
characteristics of all PC cards conforming to PCMCIA standards are
the same. More specifically, all PC cards conforming to such
standards are 85.6 millimeters long and 54 millimeters wide. The
distinguishing physical characteristic among the various PCMCIA
form factors is the thickness of a particular PC card. In
particular, Type I cards are 3.3 millimeters thick, Type II cards
are 5.0 millimeters thick, and Type III cards are 10.5 millimeters
thick.
[0008] PCMCIA standards also define the electrical interface
requirements for both the card and the host device. A host device
will typically include one or more PC card slots, having
PCMCIA-defined electrical and physical interfaces. For example, a
common configuration provides two adjacent slots, which each
include a 68-pin connector for physically and electrically
interfacing with the received PC card.
[0009] In the PCMCIA slot configuration of many host devices, PC
cards having dissimilar form factors, such as a Type II card and a
Type III card, cannot simultaneously reside in adjacent PCMCIA
slots, due to the increased proximity of the 68-pin connectors and
the height profile of the Type III card. This can limit a user's
ability to utilize multiple PC cards. For example, a "combo" PC
card that provides "wired" communications--such as modem and LAN
communications--may have integrated RJ-modular receptacles (e.g.,
RJ-11, RJ-45) that present a card height similar to a Type III
thickness. Until now, the presence of such a card could preclude
the simultaneous use of another Type II card, such as one that
provides for wireless communications, in an adjacent slot. In this
situation, the user must first physically remove the Type III card,
and then insert the Type II card. Obviously, this is inconvenient,
time consuming, and limits the functionality available to the host
device at any given time.
[0010] The ability to utilize adjacent expansion cards is further
limited when one of the cards requires a particular physical
configuration--such as a PC card providing wireless communication
functions. For example, if a card is residing in an adjacent slot,
its presence may limit the ability to provide optimal antenna
separation in a wireless PC card. In general, wireless PC card
performance increases with antennae separation, so as to reduce
so-called "dead spots" of a wireless signal. Accordingly, where the
antennae are disposed relatively close to each other, the
effectiveness of the wireless PC card can be impaired. Furthermore,
optimally the antennae should protrude from the front face of the
host computer in order to be most effective. Both objectives are
difficult to achieve, especially when another PC card is positioned
within an adjacent slot.
[0011] In view of the foregoing problems and shortcomings, and
others, with existing PC cards, it would be an advancement in the
art to provide a PC card having a geometry sensitive to the
operational considerations and performance requirements of other PC
cards which may be used contemporaneously with the PC card in an
adjacent slot. Further, embodiments of the improved PC card should
be configured so that contemporaneous use with another PC card is
possible even where such other PC cards have a form factor
different than that of the combination PC card. Finally,
embodiments of the improved PC card should include one or more full
height connectors having bodies configured and arranged to permit
simultaneous use of a wireless PC card in an adjacent PC card slot,
but without imposing geometric or other restrictions on the
wireless PC card that would impair its effectiveness and
performance.
SUMMARY OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention has been developed in response to the
current state of the art, and in particular, in response to these
and other problems and needs that have not been fully or adequately
resolved by currently available expansion PC cards, and related
cards that conform to a particular standard. Thus, it is an overall
objective to provide a PC card that has a geometry sensitive to the
operational considerations and performance requirements of other PC
cards that are to be used simultaneously in a host device.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use
in 32 bit CardBus-compliant host devices having at least two
adjacent electrical connectors. However, it will be appreciated
that embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for use
in conjunction with a variety of different types of host computers
and/or with various other PC cards conforming to any of a number of
other standards, form factors, or geometric configurations
including, but not limited to, 16 bit PC Card standards.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a PC card is
provided that includes a main housing portion having a geometry
conforming to the PCMCIA Type II standard. Another portion of the
housing exceeds the thickness specified by the Type II standard.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the PC card includes
two integrated RF-type modular connector receptacles, that exceed
the Type II height limitations and present a height that
approximates that of a Type III thickness. The connectors are
positioned at the center of the front edge of the PC card. One of
the connectors can be an RJ-11 type-modular receptacle for
receiving a standard modular communications telephone plug. The
other can be an RJ-45 type-modular receptacle for receiving a
communications plug of the type typically employed when interfacing
with local area networks (LAN). The PC card also includes
electronic circuitry, for example, analog modem circuitry connected
to the RJ-11 connector, and network interface circuitry connected
to the RJ-45 connector. Both the analog modem and the network
interface circuits are, in turn, connected to a PCMCIA standard
68-socket connector located at the rear of the PC card and
configured to slidingly mate with a corresponding 68-pin computer
or other electronic host device, such as a personal computer or the
like.
[0015] In operation, the PC card is inserted in the PC card slot in
the host computer so that the connector of the PC card is
releasably engaged, physically and electrically, by the connector
in the PC card slot. In this way, electrical communication is
established between the host computer and the PC card. The PC card,
in turn, communicates with one or more remote devices and/or
networks by way of the integrated RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors.
Moreover, the RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors are positioned and
orientated at the front end of the PC card in a manner so that an
additional PC card can reside within an immediately adjacent
slot--notwithstanding the presence of the integrated modular
receptacles.
[0016] By way example, the additional complementary PC card
preferably comprises a PC card with a housing that defines a
structure that is complementary to that of the above-defined card.
For example, in one embodiment, the complimentary card has a
housing that defines a recess that accommodates the unique
arrangement and positioning of the RJ-type receptacles of the
adjacent PC card when the two cards are simultaneously positioned
in adjacent PC card slots. In addition, the modular receptacles in
the first card, and the recess in the other, are positioned,
oriented and shaped so as to permit removal of one card, without
necessitating the removal of the other PC card in the adjacent PC
card slot.
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention serve a variety of
useful purposes including, but not limited to, enhancing the
overall operational flexibility of the host computer by allowing
contemporaneous use of other PC cards which rely for their
effective operation on particular geometric characteristics and
considerations.
[0018] These and other objects and features 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features 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
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered 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:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for
embodiments of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view depicting various details
of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view depicting various details
of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view illustrating an
exemplary application of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary
application illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the exemplary
application illustrated in FIG. 4; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a front end view of the exemplary application
illustrated in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Reference will now be made to figures wherein like
structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is
to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic
representations of various embodiments of the claimed invention,
and are not to be construed as limiting the present claimed
invention, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.
[0028] Reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein a PC card
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention is indicated generally at 100. The illustrated card is
commonly referred to as a "combination" PC card, in that it is a PC
card that incorporates a plurality of functionalities. One example
of such a combination PC card is one which includes both an RJ-11
and RJ-45 connector, each of which has associated therewith a
particular functionality. In this example, the RJ-11 connector
permits the combination PC card to communicate with remote devices
via the public telephone network, and the RJ-45 connector permits
the combination PC card to communicate with networks such as
Ethernet Local Area Networks (LAN). Thus, the exemplary combination
PC card possesses at least two different functionalities.
[0029] As suggested in FIG. 1, the host device 300 (such as a
notebook computer) is equipped with a slot 302 that is able to
functionally accommodate two adjacent PC cards having a Type II
form factor, or a single PC card having a Type III form factor.
However, as will be discussed further, combination PC card 100 may
be used either alone or contemporaneously with another
complimentary PC card 200. PC card 200 may incorporate any of a
variety of functionalities. For example, PC card 200 may comprise a
wireless PC card which is effective in facilitating wireless
communications between a host device and any of a variety of other
systems and remote devices. Both combination PC card 100 and PC
card 200 are configured to physically and electrically interface
with a host computer 300 having one or more PC card slots 302. It
will be appreciated that host computer 300 may conform to any of a
variety of configurations including, but not limited to, a laptop
computer or other type of portable computer, a standard desktop
personal computer, a handheld electronic device, any device
configured for use with a peripheral such as a PCMCIA device or the
like.
[0030] As noted, in order that an effective physical and electrical
interface be achieved between a PC card and the host device 300,
host computer 300 includes a slot 302 having two adjacent 68-pin
connectors and appropriate slots to operatively receive a PC card.
Again, slot 302 permits for simultaneous reception of two Type II
PC cards, or a single Type III card. However, as discussed in
greater detail below, embodiments of combination PC card 100 having
integrated receptacles presenting a height similar to the thickness
specified by the Type III standard, may be simultaneously received
in PC card slot 302 with another adjacent complimentary PC card
conforming, for example, to the Type II standard.
[0031] While at least some embodiments of the present invention
preferably conform to PCMCIA standard form factors, the scope of
the present invention should not be construed to be limited solely
to combination PC cards conforming to PCMCIA form factors,
electrical parameters, and operational parameters. Rather, it will
be appreciated that combination PC card 100 may be configured to
individually and/or collectively conform to various other physical
and electrical standards, form factors, and the like, as required
to suit a particular application or computer hardware, and/or to
facilitate achievement of one or more desired results.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, combination PC
card 100 facilitates the connection of host computer 300 to network
400, and the transmission of communications therebetween. Network
400 may comprise both wireless and hardwired remote devices or,
alternatively, only hardwired devices. As contemplated herein, a
"hardwired" device or "hardwire" connection refers to arrangements,
connections, and devices wherein a physical connection between
computers and other devices is implemented which facilitates
communication therebetween. On the other hand, a "wireless" device
or "wireless" connection refers to arrangements, connections, and
devices wherein computers and devices are able to communicate with
each other by way of radio signals or the like and, accordingly, do
not require a physical connection with each other. Note that
additional details regarding the specific nature of the connections
between host computer 300, and network 400 and/or various remote
devices, are provided below in the context of the discussion of
FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0033] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, it will be appreciated
that network 400 may comprise various types of hardwired and
wireless remote devices, consistent with variables including, but
not limited to, installation constraints, operational requirements
of the network, cost considerations, and the like. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, network 400 includes, among other
things, a wireless access point 402 configured for hardwire based
communication with host computer 300. As discussed in further
detail below, wireless access point 402 serves to facilitate
communication between host computer 300 and one or more remote
devices. It will be appreciated however, that wireless access point
402 may be omitted without impairing the functionality of
embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] Additionally, network 400 preferably includes one or more
remote computers 404 configured for wireless communication with
wireless access point 402, as well as one or more remote computers
406 and 408 either directly connected to host computer 300, or
configured and arranged for communication with host computer 300 by
way of one or more intermediate remote computers. It will be
appreciated that network 400 may additionally include one or more
hardwired servers 410 in communication with remote computers 404,
406, and 408, as well as one or more wireless servers (not shown)
configured for wireless communication with wireless access point
402 and/or remote computer 404.
[0035] Note that, as suggested above, "remote device" refers to any
device or system configured for communication with host computer
300, either indirectly, such as in the case of remote computers 404
and 406, or directly, such as in the case of wireless access point
402 and remote computer 408. Furthermore, "remote device" not only
comprehends the device, or devices, such as remote computers 404,
406, and 408, which is/are the ultimate destination, or origination
point, of communications, but may additionally or alternatively
comprise intermediate devices, such as wireless access point 402
which, while they transmit/receive communications to/from host
computer 300 and/or one or more remote devices, may not be the
ultimate destination for such communications.
[0036] Finally, while embodiments of the present invention may be
usefully employed in the context of operating environments such as
network 400, it will be appreciated that other operating
environments for embodiments of the present invention are likewise
appropriate. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may be used
to facilitate hardwire based communication between host computer
300 and, for example, cellular, satellite, or hardwired telephones,
so-called "personal data assistants" (PDA), wireless access point
402, and a variety of other systems and devices.
[0037] Directing continuing attention to FIG. 1, various details
are provided regarding operational features of an embodiment of the
present invention. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, a
communication initiated at host computer 300 is passed to one or
more remote devices of network 400 by way of combination PC card
100 and, or alternatively, a communication is initiated at one or
more remote devices and transmitted to host computer 300 by way of
combination PC card 100. Thus, combination PC card 100 acts as an
interface which facilitates communication between host computer 300
and one or more remote devices. As contemplated herein, subject
matter transmitted by way of such "communications" includes, but is
not limited to, data, electronic mail, instructions, programs,
files, electronic media, and any other material embodied in a form
capable of being transmitted from or to host computer 300 by way of
combination PC card 100.
[0038] As suggested above, communications initiated at host
computer 300 may be transmitted to any of a variety of remote
devices. In the context of network 400, for example, a
communication initiated at host computer 300 may be transmitted to
wireless access point 402, by way of combination PC card 100, and
then relayed by wireless access point 402 to one or more hardwired
devices, such as remote computers 406 and 408, connected to
wireless access point 402, and/or to one or more wireless remote
devices such as remote computer 404. It will be appreciated that
communication between host computer 300 and one or more remote
devices, by way of combination PC card 100, may be performed in
response to input provided to host computer 300 by a user, and/or
may be performed automatically according to various criteria
embodied in hardware and/or software associated with host computer
300. Likewise, it will be appreciated that communication with host
computer 300 may be initiated by, or at, one or more remote
devices, including, but not limited to, remote computers 404, 406
and 408, and wireless access point 402.
[0039] Directing attention now to FIGS. 2 and 3, additional details
are provided regarding various features of an embodiment of
combination PC card 100 which includes, among other things, two
integrated connector receptacles 102B and 102C, and a main housing
portion 104. Preferably the main housing portion 104 conforms to
the Type II PCMCIA standards for length and width. Housing 104
includes, among other things, front edge 104A.
[0040] As indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one preferred embodiment,
connector receptacle 102 is formed as a single, integrally formed
connector body housing 102A that at least partially defines
receptacles 102B and 102C. Preferably, connector body 102A is
formed as an integral piece with main housing 104 portion of
combination PC card 100. However, it will be appreciated that
connector body 102A may, alternatively, constitute a structure
distinct from housing 104. In yet another arrangement, connector
body 102A may comprise two distinct portions, one such portion at
least partially defining receptacle 102B, and another such portion
at least partially defining receptacle 102C.
[0041] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,
receptacle 102B of connector 102 is configured to removably receive
an RJ-11 type communications plug 500A that is connected to a
communications wire 500B which includes another plug 500C
configured to physically and electrically interface with the public
telephone network. Receptacle 102C is configured to removably
receive an RJ-45 type communications plug 500D that is connected to
a communications wire 500E which includes another communications
plug 500E configured to physically and electrically interface with
a local area network medium (not shown).
[0042] While some embodiments of combination PC card 100 include
one or more RJ-type connectors configured to physically and
electrically interface with RJ-type communication plugs, it will be
appreciated that connectors 102 may comprise any of a variety of
arrangements configured to provide a physical and electrical
interface between combination PC card 100, and thus host computer
300, and one or more remote devices. For example, one or more of
connectors 102 may alternatively comprise a coaxial connection, a
cell phone interface, a PDA interface, or one of the various types
of multi-socket connectors configured to receive a multi-pin plug.
It will further be appreciated that variables including, but not
limited to, the size, shape, type, and number of connectors 102 may
be varied, either alone or in various combinations, as required to
suit particular applications and/or to facilitate achievement of
one or more desired results.
[0043] Furthermore, the configuration and/or arrangement of
connectors 102 may be modified as required to produce embodiments
of combination PC card 100 that possess a geometry that is
sensitive to particular geometric constraints or requirements of
another complimentary PC card which is desired to be used
simultaneously with combination PC card 100 in PC card slot 302 of
host computer 300 (see FIG. 1). Further details regarding one
exemplary arrangement are provided below in the context of the
discussion of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.
[0044] With continuing reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, combination
PC card 100 additionally includes electronic circuitry 106 disposed
substantially within housing 104, and in electrical communication
with connectors 102. In general, electronic circuitry 106 comprises
circuits, devices, wiring, processors, integrated circuits,
indicators, and the like, necessary to implement the functionality
of combination PC card 100. In one embodiment, electronic circuitry
106 comprises an analog modem and a network interface circuit.
[0045] As indicated in FIG. 3, combination PC card 100 further
includes connector 108, preferably comprising a PCMCIA standard
68-socket configuration, which serves to physically connect
combination PC card 100 to a mating connector in PC card slot 302
of host computer 300, as well as to electrically connect electronic
circuitry 106 to host computer 300. It will be appreciated that
connector 108 may take any of a variety of other forms as may be
required for consistency and compatibility with the configuration
of host computer 300, PC card slot 302, other hardware, and/or
applicable electrical power constraints. Accordingly, the scope of
the present invention should not be construed to be limited solely
to standard 68-socket connectors.
[0046] Finally, it will be appreciated that a variety of means may
be profitably employed to perform he functions, enumerated herein,
of connector 108. Accordingly, connector 108 is but one example of
a means for physically and electrically connecting combination PC
card 100 to host computer 300. It should be understood that the
embodiment of connector 108 is presented herein solely by way of
example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
present invention in any way.
[0047] In fact, the functionality provided by connector 108 may be
provided in any of a variety of different ways. As in the case of
the illustrated embodiment, both the electrical connection and the
physical connection functions may be performed by a single
structural element. In one alternative embodiment, a means for
physically and electrically connecting combination PC card 100 to
host computer 300 includes within its purview, arrangements
comprising one structure for electrically connecting combination PC
card 100 to host computer 300, such as a plurality of electrical
contacts arranged for sliding surface engagement with mating
contacts in PC card slot 302, and a separate structure for
physically connecting combination PC card 100 to host computer 300,
such as locking tabs or the like.
[0048] As noted above, connector body housing 102A and connectors
102 are preferably arranged and configured so as to define a
geometry sensitive to the geometric and operational requirements of
other PC cards which are desired to be used in PC card slot 302
contemporaneously with combination PC card 100. With reference now
to FIGS. 4 through 7, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 2 and
3, one exemplary arrangement of connectors 102 is indicated.
Generally, connector body 102A is positioned at the center of front
edge 104A of housing 104 of combination PC card 100 so as to
comport with the split antenna geometry of a complimentary wireless
PC card 200A. The shape and positioning of the integrated
receptacles thus facilitate contemporaneous use of wireless PC card
200A in an adjacent PC card slot 302, notwithstanding the fact that
the full height profile of the receptacles would otherwise block
access to the adjacent slot.
[0049] More specifically, connector body 102A is configured and
arranged so as to be at least partially received in the recess
portion 202A defined by the housing of wireless PC card 200A. In
this exemplary configuration, wireless PC card 200A conforms
substantially to the PCMCIA Type II form factor. Combination PC
card 100, due to the presence of connectors 102 conforming to
RJ-type standards, at least partially comports substantially with
the Type III form factor--at least with respect to the thickness
presented via the integrated receptacles. Thus, when disposed
together in the exemplary configuration indicated in FIGS. 4
through 7, combination PC card 100 and wireless PC card 200A
collectively conform to the Type III form factor. Accordingly, it
is a feature of embodiments of the present invention that the
simultaneous use of a Type II PC card and a Type III PC card in
adjacent 68-pin connectors is made possible.
[0050] Further, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4
through 7, combination PC card 100 is characterized by a geometry
that facilitates the antenna separation that is required for
optimum performance of wireless PC card 200A. Specifically, the
positioning of connector body housing 102A of combination PC card
100 is consistent with the requirement, typical of wireless PC
cards, that the antennae of such wireless PC cards be separated to
the maximum extent practicable in order to better facilitate
optimal operation of the wireless PC card. That is, the geometry of
the illustrated embodiment of combination PC card permits the
simultaneous use of wireless PC cards having a geometry directed
toward maximizing the distance between antennae disposed in such
wireless PC card. It will be appreciated that while this exemplary
embodiment of combination PC card 100 has a geometry which makes it
well suited for contemporaneous use with a wireless PC card 200A,
it will be appreciated that various other embodiments of
combination PC card 100 may be employed that are suitable for use
with other PC cards 200 having different geometries, operational
requirements, and functionalities. It will also be appreciated that
the complimentary portion of the PC card 100 could present other
geometries so as to comport with the shape of an adjacent card. For
example, the connector body housing 102A could include slots and/or
rails, designed to provide a mechanical fit with portions of the
adjacent card 200A. Other locking and/or guiding mechanisms could
also be used, to provide functional fit between the adjacent
cards.
[0051] Another feature relating to the operational flexibility
facilitated by embodiments of combination PC card 100 concerns the
interaction between combination PC card 100 and, for example,
wireless PC card 200A when it is desired to remove and/or replace
wireless PC card 200A from PC card slot 302. As noted above,
connector body housing 102A of combination PC card 100 is
configured and arranged to be removably received within the recess
202A defined by wireless PC card 200A. Consequently, combination PC
card 100 can be readily removed and replaced without also
necessitating the removal of wireless PC card 200A from PC card
slot 302. This feature serves to enhance the operational
flexibility of host computer 300 by permitting removal and/or
replacement of combination PC card 100 without compromising the
integrity of the wireless connection implemented by way of wireless
PC card 200A.
[0052] Thus, the present invention represents an improvement over
known combination PC cards, typically characterized by various
geometric features that impose operational or other restrictions on
PC cards used contemporaneously in adjacent PC card slots. In
particular, embodiments of the present invention allow two cards to
reside in adjacent slots, even though one of the cards presents a
form factor that would otherwise prevent the use of another
adjacent card. For example, the presence of connector receptacles,
full height RJ-type connectors, permits combination PC card 100 to
be used to facilitate communication between host computer 300 and
various remote devices. The connectors 102 are configured and
arranged in a manner that is sensitive to the specific geometric
requirements of other PC cards, such as a wireless PC card which
are desired to be used contemporaneously with combination PC card
100 in an adjacent PC card slot. The connectors are configured and
arranged to permit removal of combination PC card 100 from PC card
slot 302, without also necessitating the removal of the other PC
card residing in the adjacent PC card slot.
[0053] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *