Patent ID: 6522299
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: G06F,H01Q,H04B

Abstract:
A PCMCIA card for use in interfacing between a communications device and a wireless network, comprising:an interface card portion having a first end, an opposite second end, and a cover disposed between the first end and the second end, the first end having an electrical interface compatible with the communications device, the cover having an indentation forming a recess accessible by a user away from the second end, the interface card portion being dimensioned to be inserted into a PCMCIA slot of the communications device; an antenna portion being in electrical communication with the interface card portion and dimensioned to fit inside the interface card portion, the antenna portion being accessible through the recess by the user, the antenna portion being configured to extend out of and retract into the interface card portion such that when the antenna portion is retracted the antenna portion is between the first end and the second end inclusive; a locking mechanism located in the interface card portion, the locking mechanism being configured to selectably lock the antenna portion when the antenna portion is retracted and release the antenna portion to be extended in response to a movement of the antenna portion toward the first end; and a spring disposed between the interface card portion and the antenna portion to bias the antenna away from a retracted position, wherein all of the antenna portion is within the PCMCIA slot of the communications device when the locking mechanism releases.