Abstract:
A device for protecting peripheral component cards used in portable computers. The user may use a protective sheath over the extended portion of a peripheral card (e.g., Secure digital cards, Secure digital I/O, camera card or the like) which protrude out of the protective casing of a portable computer to protect the peripheral components from accidental damages. The protective sheath is designed to act as a cushion and to absorb forces applied to the peripheral card in case of an accidental drop or when coming into a contact with an external object. The user may carry a plurality of protective sheath, which are adopted to fit a plurality of peripheral component cards.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of computer systems and data communication. More specifically embodiments of the present invention relate to protecting peripheral components attached to portable computers. 
     2. Related Art 
     The demand for the use of computers has steadily grown over the period of the past several decades. The ever-increasing demand in use of the computers and widespread reliance of individuals as well as business entities on computers along with the reduction in the size of the components led to the innovation of portable computer systems. Shortly after the introduction of the portable computers to the marketplace, the users of these devices demanded flexibility in their use and portability. Consumers seeking mobility of their portable computers require smaller size devices. 
     The popularity of portable computers caused favorable changes in manufacturing forecasts and manufacturing plans to satisfy the market demands. However, along with such an increase in popularity came the consumer demand for new features, features commensurate with the nature and method of use of portable devices. Furthermore, the advent of Internet and the ever-increasing reliance on electronic mail presented added requirements to the existing one; Internet connectivity and e-mail capability. 
     To respond to the market demands, once again manufacturers had to incorporate the customer requirements into the design of their new products and to make improvements in the existing capabilities. An improved portable computer, responding to the consumer requirements, can connect to a modem, enabling it to have electronic mail (e-mail) capabilities. Another recent development in portable computer technology is capability to browse Web pages located on the Internet and synchronize, e.g., HotSync, with another device or with a compatible personal computer. Moreover, an advanced portable computer can have Internet capabilities to communicate over a wireless interface (e.g. radio interface). 
     Furthermore, owners of portable computers capable of wireless connectivity, Internet accessibility, and e-mail capability, demanded a portable computer with a larger memory. The ever increasing market acceptance and extensive use of portable computers with large memory increased customer expectation to the point that an owner of a portable computer demanded not only to have a portable computer with a large memory, but also a portable computer capable of receiving different peripheral components. Conventional peripheral components or smart media cards in use ranges from an extended memory card, a card containing a dictionary, or different games. Prior Art  FIG. 1A  depicts smart card  101  inserted in a slot in portable computer  110 . Side  102  of smart card  101  is substantially flush with side  103  of portable computer  110  where the slot is located. 
     The users of portable computers, nowadays, who wishes to establish wireless communication can purchase a peripheral component with radio frequency capability or Base Band type-II external cards and upgrade his/her host device to achieve, for example, Bluetooth capability. In other instances, a user may wish to equip his/her device with a peripheral component containing a large technical dictionary, a card containing maps of different cities, or the likes. 
     Nowadays, it is not unusual to see an owner of a portable computer with a folder containing a number of peripheral cards, which can easily be used in a portable computer. Innumerable peripheral cards supporting different functions are available in the market place. An owner of a portable computer may own several different peripheral cards, supporting different functions, and the owner of the device may swap peripheral card as deemed appropriate. 
     A modem portable computer, generally, has a receptacle or a “slot” designed to receive different peripheral components. A user of a portable computer can easily insert a peripheral card into the slot in the portable computer and access the information stored in the peripheral component. However, the peripheral cards generally vary in size, and in some instances (e.g., Secure digital I/O, camera cards, etc . . . ) these peripheral cards are longer than the depth of slot provided to receive the peripheral cards. For example a Bluetooth card must extend outside the slot due to the inherent function of the card, requiring an embedded antenna to be exposed as a transceiver of radio signals. 
     Traditional portable computers provide a slot on a portable computer, which can be used, for receiving peripheral cards and hence augmenting a variety of non-standard functions to a portable computer. However, a device with capability of receiving peripheral component cards (e.g., external memory cards, Bluetooth, camera cards, technical dictionary, and the like) needs to have the peripheral card to communicate with a resident memory as quickly as possible. The standard serial bus and USB are not capable of a quick download or up-load. 
     Secure digital (SD) communication standard, available in the market, provides a response to the above mentioned shortcomings. A secure digital device (e.g., SDIO) can carry many different peripheral components containing external memory, games, databases, etc. The secure digital cards can be inserted into the slots provided on a portable computer to receive peripheral components as depicted in Prior Art FIG.  1 B. Prior Art  FIG. 1B  depicts portable computer  110  with SD card  120  electrically coupled to portable computer  110 . It is appreciated that SD communication standard requires SD connector  130  to provide communication between portable computer  110  and SD card  120 . A user of a portable computer can easily port data from one device to another device by swapping the cards or expand the portable computer&#39;s memory very conveniently. Prior Art  FIG. 1C  is a depiction of a SD card  120  inserted in portable computer  110  where the insertion slot is located on top. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the present invention enables a user to use different length peripheral cards, which may extend beyond the protective frame of the portable computer, without danger of accidental damage. In one embodiment of the present invention a protective sheath encloses the extended portion of the peripheral card while the protective sheath is tightly attached to the portable computer. In another embodiment, the secure digital input/output (SDIO) card is inserted into a slot provided in the protective sheath and the slot in the portable computer while the protective sheath and portable computer are loosely attached together. In another yet embodiment of the present invention, the protective sheath is an elastomeric material that can transfer substantial portion of the impact energy, in case of a fall, around the peripheral card and to the body of the portable computer. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention limits travel of peripheral card in the insert direction to less than 1 mm while the fit between the protective sheath and the SDIO card is tight enough to prevent the protective sheath from falling off under gravity, but loose enough to allow easy installation and removal. Another embodiment of the present invention provides the protective sheath to absorb a force resulting from a fall of the portable computer from a height of approximately 36″. Yet in another embodiment, the present invention protects the peripheral cards from an impact resulting from a drop of the portable computer onto a concrete on any impact vector within a 90 degree (+/−45 degrees from axis) cone centered on the insertion axis. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the protective sheath can be used when the slot receiving the peripheral cards is located along any side of the portable computer. This invention provides for a protective sheath to conform to the geometry of the specific peripheral card at the insertion site. 
     A device for protecting a peripheral card used in a portable computer. The user may use a sheath over the extended portion of a secure digital input/output (SDIO) card which protrude beyond the protective casing of a portable computer. The protective sheath is designed to act as a cushion and to absorb forces applied to the peripheral card in case of a fall or if the protruded is caught by external material. The user may carry a plurality of adjustable protective sheaths to fit a plurality of P.C. card used in portable computers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  (Prior Art) depicts a typical portable computer with smart media card. 
         FIG. 1B  (Prior Art) depicts a typical portable computer receiving SDIO from one side. 
         FIG. 1C  (Prior Art) depicts a typical portable computer receiving SDIO from topside. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an SDIO card inserted into a portable computer with a portion of the card protruding outside the receiving slot in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an SDIO card in position to be inserted into a protective sheath and a portable computer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an SDIO card inserted into a protective sheath and inserted into a portable computer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an SDIO card inserted into a slot located on the left side of a portable computer and protected by the protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a protective sheath placed on the exposed part of an SDIO card inserted into a slot on the top of the portable computer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a protective sheath placed on the exposed part of an SDIO card inserted into a slot on the bottom of the portable computer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a down view of a protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side view of a protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the protective range provided by a protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a protective sheath for peripheral cards used in digital devices, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Exemplary Palmtop Computer System Platform 
     The present invention is compatible with any electronic device having a wireless or other communication mechanism and organized records of information, such as a cell phone, a digital watch or a pager. One of the common types of electronic systems, which can be used in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is referred to as a personal digital assistant, or commonly called a PDA. The PDA is a pocket sized electronic organizer with the capability to store telephone numbers, addresses, daily appointment, and software that keeps track of business or personal data such as expenses, etc. Furthermore, the PDA also has the ability to connect to a personal computer, enabling the two devices to exchange updated information that is synchronizing the information between the two devices. Additionally, the PDA can also be connected to a modem, enabling it to have electronic mail (e-mail) capabilities over the Internet along with other Internet capabilities. Moreover, an advanced PDA can have Internet capabilities over a wireless communication interface (e.g., radio interface). 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary illustration of SDIO card  210  inserted into a slot provided on portable computer  110 . Portion  220  of SDIO  210  protrudes from portable computer  110  and extends out of the slot provided in portable computer  110 . Extended portion  220  of secure device card (SDIO)  210  is extended out to perform a certain independent function. For example, SDIO  210  complying with Bluetooth standard may have an imbedded antenna in protruded portion  220  of SDIO card  210 . Extended portion  220  outside portable computer  110  may enhance data transmission to and from portable computer  110 . In another example, secure digital card  210  may be a camera card. In the case where secure digital card  210  is a camera card, the extended portion may include a lens and the protrusion in necessary for the lens to be exposed and able to observe the intended objects. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an embodiment of the present invention. SDIO card  210  is in position to be inserted into portable computer  110  in direction  360 . A user may push SDIO  210  into slot  330  in direction  360 . SDIO  210  does not entirely fit inside slot  330  and portion  220  will extend out and remains exposed. Portion  221  of SDIO  210  will fit inside slot  330  and will be protected against any accidental damages. Protective sheath  310  has a rectangular slot  380  with opening  340  and dimensions substantially the same as the cross sectional dimensions of SDIO  210 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention enables a user to protect exposed portion  220  of SDIO  210  from accidental damage.  FIG. 3A  illustrates that a user may push protective sheath  310  in direction  370  to receive portion  220  of SDIO  210  inside protective sheath  310  enfolding exposed portion  220  inside rectangular slot  380 . Once portion  220  is enfolded by protective sheath  310 , protective sheath  310  prevents damage to peripheral component  210  resulting from accidental drops from, for example, a height of 36 inches. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, rectangular slot  380  may extend from a first side of protective sheath to a second side of protective sheath  310  to form a through hole along an axis of protective sheath  310 . SDIO card  210  can be inserted into the hole in protective sheath  310  from side  1  or side  2 . According to this embodiment of the present invention, portion  220  of SDIO  210  will remain inside protective sheath  310  and portion  221  will protrude out of protective sheath and may be inserted into slot  330  through opening  331  to couple with portable computer  110 . According to this embodiment, protective sheath  310  prevents damages to peripheral component  210  resulting from accidental drops from a height of 38 inches. 
       FIG. 3B  is an exemplary depiction of the present invention. Upon the insertion of portion  221  of SDIO  210  inside slot  330  and the insertion of portion  220  of SDIO  210  inside protective sheath  310 , side  315  of protective sheath  310  of  FIG. 3A  comes into a contact with side  316  of portable computer  110 . The contact of protective sheath  310  and portable computer  110 , with SDIO card  210  inserted inside protective sheath  310  and portable computer  110  as explained, protects SDIO card  210  during a 36 inch accidental drop onto a concrete floor from any impact vector, for example, within a 90 degree (+/−45 degrees from axis) cone centered on the insertion axis as depicted in FIG.  8 . 
     Another embodiment of the present invention, depicted by exemplary  FIG. 3A , provides protection of SD connectors  125  of Prior Art  FIG. 1B  from accidental damage. 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary illustration of an embodiment of the present invention where SDIO card  210  is inserted into a slot located on the left side of portable computer  110 . Portion  220  of  FIG. 2  extends out of portable computer  110  and is subject to accidental damages. Protective sheath  310  is used to protect exposed portion  220 . A user aligns rectangular slot  340  of protective sheath  310  with extended portion  220  and pushes protective sheath  310  in direction  370  until side  315  of  FIG. 3A  contacts side  316  of portable computer  110 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where protective sheath  310  receives the exposed portion  220  of SDIO  210  of FIG.  2 . SDIO  210  is inserted into a slot on the topside of portable computer  110 . Portion  220  of SDIO  210  of  FIG. 2  remains exposed. Protective sheath  310  has a slot (not shown) with dimension substantially the same as SDIO  210 &#39;s cross sectional dimension. A user may insert SDIO  210  inside the slot (not shown) of portable computer  110  and then align protective sheath  350  with SDIO  210  such that protective sheath  350  receives exposed portion  220  of SDIO  210  and covers the exposed portion in all directions. Protective sheath is pushed in direction  360  to mate with portable computer  110 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a user may insert portion  220  of SDIO card  210  inside a slot in portable computer  110 , designed to receive SDIO cards, located on the topside of portable computer  110 . The user then places protruded portion  220  along a slot in protective sheath  310  and pushes protective sheath  310  in direction  360  until protective sheath  310  comes into contact with portable computer  110 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates and embodiment of the present invention, where SDIO  210  is inserted into a slot on bottom side of portable computer  110 . Portion  220  of SDIO  210  of  FIG. 2  remains exposed. Protective sheath  350  has a slot (not shown) with dimension substantially the same as SDIO  210 &#39;s cross sectional dimension. A user may insert protruded portion  220  of SDIO  210  inside the slot (not shown) of portable computer  110 . Protective sheath enfolding protruded portion  220  and contacting portable computer  110  prevents accidental damage to SDIO resulting from an accidental drop from a distance of 36 inches. 
       FIG. 7A  is another embodiment of the present invention illustrating loss prevention when a typical SDIO  210  is being ejected from portable computer  110 . According to this embodiment, protective sheath  310  limits ejection of SDIO  210  to 1-mm when a user attempts to remove SDIO  210 . The fit between protective sheath  310  and SDIO card  210  is tight enough to prevent protective sheath  310  from falling off under gravity when being ejected, but loose enough for easy installation and removal. A user presses on protective sheath  310  in direction  710  and releases the pressure. Protective sheath  310  prevents travel of SDIO  210  to maximum of 1 mm, thus preventing SDIO from flying off and falling due to gravity force. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates direction of application of force, direction  710 , and maximum displacement of SDIO when pressure is released. 
       FIG. 8  depicts another embodiment of the present invention, where protective sheath prevents damage to SDIO  210  when portable computer is accidentally dropped from a height of 36 inches onto a hard floor.  FIG. 8  illustrates protection on SDIO and SD connectors during an accidental fall on a concrete on any impact vector within a 90 degree (+/−45 degree from axis  810 ) cone centered on the insertion axis  810 . 
     In summary the present invention provides a device that protects an SD connector and an SDIO card. An embodiment of the present invention ensures protection of SDIO against accidental falls. Furthermore, this invention protects a user&#39;s SDIO cards from accidental damage while in a crowded surroundings (e.g. on a crowded bus, school hallways, etc) from accidental contact with external objects. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.