Hi-jack hinged connection adapter for input/output cards

A hinged adapter provides for the connection of input/output (I/O) cards to a communication connector, such as an RJ-type connector for example, for data processing systems. The hinged adapter has a first connector configured to mate with a connector at the end of an I/O card inserted in a receptacle of a data processing system. The hinged adapter also has a second connector configured to mate with the communication connector. The second connector is mounted to the first connector with a hinge. The second connector may be positioned in an operational position for mating with the communication connector. When not in use, the second connector may be rotated or folded about the hinge relative to the first connector into a stored position. The data processing system, I/O card, and hinged adapter may then be transported as an integral unit.

RELATED APPLICATION 
This patent application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 
08/275,599, entitled I/O CONNECTOR FOR ADD IN PRINTED CIRCUIT CARDS FOR 
COMPUTER SYSTEMS, by Duncan D. MacGregor, Neal E. Broadbent, Chengwu Chen, 
and Richard Gargiulo, filed Jul. 15, 1994, and assigned to the assignee of 
the present patent application. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to the field of input/output cards 
for data processing systems. More particularly, the present invention 
relates to the field of connectors for input/output cards for data 
processing systems. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Data processing systems have been configured for use with peripheral or 
input/output (I/O) cards that provide increased functionality for the data 
processing system. As one example, I/O cards may be used to provide for 
increased memory capacity for the data processing system. I/O cards may 
also be used to provide for communication capabilities for the data 
processing system with external data processing systems over networks. I/O 
cards provide convenience for users in allowing them to install, as 
desired, additional capabilities for the data processing system. 
I/O cards are typically portable cards that may be inserted into and 
detached from a socket housed within the data processing system. The data 
processing system and I/O cards may be configured such that different 
types of I/O cards, such as a modem card or a memory card for example, may 
be interchangeably inserted in, used, and removed from the same socket. 
The data processing system may be configured to house and therefore 
protect an I/O card once inserted into a socket. I/O cards may be 
conveniently carried along with portable data processing systems, such as 
notebook or laptop computer systems, either separately or while housed 
within the system. 
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) has 
devised standards for I/O cards to provide compatibility between various 
data processing systems and various I/O cards. The PCMCIA standards 
specify, for example, dimensions for the I/O card. The PCMCIA standards 
also specify a 68-pin connector at one end of a PCMCIA card for insertion 
into a compatible socket in the data processing system. The 68-pin 
connector provides for a communication interface between the data 
processing system and the PCMCIA card. 
To provide communication capabilities for a data processing system, PCMCIA 
cards are also configured with another connector for communication over an 
external network with other data processing systems, for example. This 
other connector is typically located at the end of the PCMCIA card 
opposite the 68-pin connector and is typically accessible to a user when 
the PCMCIA card is already inserted into the data processing system. 
Using this other connector, PCMCIA cards may be connected to telephone 
networks or local area networks (LANs), for example. Although an RJ-11 
connector is typically used for connection to telephone networks and an 
RJ-45 connector is typically used for connection to local area networks, 
these RJ-type connectors are relatively large compared to the thickness of 
PCMCIA cards. 
An adapter cable may be used to connect a PCMCIA card using such RJ-type 
connectors. An adapter cable includes a cable with a connector at one end 
configured for attachment to the PCMCIA card and a connector at the other 
end configured to mate with an RJ-type connector. Adapter cables are 
inconvenient to users of portable computer systems because the adapter 
cable must be carried separately with the portable computer system and may 
be forgotten. In transporting portable computer systems, adapter cables 
are also relatively bulky as compared to PCMCIA cards, for example, that 
may be easily carried in a pocket or while inserted in the portable 
computer system. 
To obviate the need for an adapter cable, a PCMCIA card may be designed 
with a retractable connector. U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,404, entitled SYSTEMS 
FOR CONNECTION OF PHYSICAL/ELECTRICAL MEDIA CONNECTORS TO COMPUTER 
COMMUNICATIONS CARDS, disclosed a retractable connector for a PCMCIA card. 
The retractable connector may be engaged to extend from the body of the 
PCMCIA card while the PCMCIA card is inserted in the data processing 
system. A user may then plug a male RJ-11 connector directly into the 
retractable connector for connection to an external network. When not in 
use, the retractable connector may be retracted inside the PCMCIA card. 
Because the retractable connector uses a flexible locking mechanism of 
RJ-11 connectors, the retractable connector remains connected to the RJ-11 
connector until the RJ-11 connector is manually detached from the 
retractable connector. When the retractable connector is subjected to a 
firm tug on the network line connected to the retractable connector, such 
as when a user trips over the network line for example, the RJ-11 
connector as well as the retractable connector are susceptible to 
breakage. The data processing system may also be pulled off a table onto 
the floor as a result of such a firm tug and consequently damaged. 
The retractable connector also requires a user-movable retraction 
mechanism, increasing the complexity of design and manufacture of the 
PCMCIA card. Furthermore, the retractable connector consumes space inside 
the PCMCIA card and thus limits the amount of space available for 
circuitry in implementing the functionality provided by the PCMCIA card. 
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
One object of the present invention is to provide for an input/output (I/O) 
card connection adapter that may be carried with a portable data 
processing system with relative convenience. 
Another object is to provide for an I/O card connection adapter that does 
not consume space inside the I/O card. 
A communications adapter for connecting a communication connector and an 
input/output (I/O) card inserted in a receptacle defined by a body of a 
data processing system is described. The I/O card has an I/O card 
connector at an end exposed by the receptacle when the I/O card is 
inserted in the receptacle of the body of the data processing system. The 
communications adapter includes a first member configured to mate with the 
I/O card connector of the I/O card and a second member configured to mate 
with the communication connector. The second member is configured with the 
first member such that the second member may be positioned in an 
operational position for mating with the communication connector when the 
first member is mated with the I/O card connector of the I/O card in the 
receptacle of the body of the data processing system. The second member is 
configured with the first member such that the second member may be 
positioned in a stored position different from the operational position 
when the first member is mated with the I/O card connector of the I/O card 
in the receptacle of the body of the data processing system. 
An input/output (I/O) card combination for connecting a data processing 
system and a communication connector is also described. The data 
processing system has a body defining a receptacle. The I/O card 
combination includes an I/O card for insertion into the receptacle of the 
body of the data processing system. The I/O card is configured for 
connection to the data processing system and has an I/O card connector at 
an end exposed by the receptacle when the I/O card is inserted in the 
receptacle of the body of the data processing system. The I/O card 
combination further includes a first member configured to mate with the 
I/O card connector of the I/O card and a second member configured to mate 
with the communication connector. The second member is configured with the 
first member such that the second member may be positioned in an 
operational position for mating with the communication connector when the 
first member is mated with the I/O card connector of the I/O card in the 
receptacle of the body of the data processing system. The second member is 
configured with the first member such that the second member may be 
positioned in a stored position different from the operational position 
when the first member is mated with the I/O card connector of the I/O card 
in the receptacle of the body of the data processing system. 
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be 
apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description 
that follows below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
The following detailed description sets forth an embodiment or embodiments 
in accordance with the present invention for hi-jack hinged connection 
adapter for input/output cards. In the following description, details are 
set forth such as specific types of communication plugs, input/output 
applications, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the 
present invention. It will be evident, however, that the present invention 
may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known 
devices, structures, etc., have not been described in particular detail so 
as not to obscure the present invention. 
FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, a data processing system 100. 
Data processing system 100 may be a notebook or laptop computer system. 
For other embodiments, data processing system may be a desktop or any 
other suitable type of computer system. 
Data processing system 100 includes a processor 102, a main memory 104, a 
main memory bus 106, a static memory 108, a mass memory 110, a system bus 
112, a display 114, an alphanumeric input device 116, a cursor control 
device 118, a hard copy device 120, a sound sampling device 122, an 
input/output (I/O) card controller 124, an input/output (I/O) card 126, 
and an input/output (I/O) card bus 128. Main memory bus 106 couples 
processor 102 and main memory 104. System bus 112 couples processor 102, 
static memory 108, mass memory 110, display 114, alphanumeric input device 
116, cursor control device 118, hard copy device 120, sound sampling 
device 122, I/O card controller 124, and I/O card bus 128. I/O card bus 
128 couples system bus 112, I/O card controller 124, and I/O card 126. 
Processor 102 may include a microprocessor or any other suitable processing 
device, for example. Processor 102 may execute instructions stored in 
static memory 108, main memory 104, and/or mass memory 110 for example. 
Processor 102 may process data stored in static memory 108, main memory 
104, and/or mass memory 110 for example. Processor 102 may include a 
single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. 
Static memory 108 may include read only memory (ROM) or any other suitable 
memory device. Static memory 108 may store, for example, a boot program 
for execution by processor 102 to initialize data processing system 100. 
Main memory 104 may include random access memory (RAM) or any other 
suitable memory device. Mass memory 110 may include a hard disk device, a 
floppy disk, an optical disk device, a flash memory device, a file server 
device, or any other suitable memory device. For this detailed 
description, the term memory includes a single memory device and any 
combination of suitable memory devices for the storage of data and 
instructions, for example. 
System bus 112 provides for the communication of digital information 
between hardware devices for data processing system 100. Processor 102 may 
receive over system bus 112 information that is input by a user through 
alphanumeric input device 116, cursor control device 118, and/or sound 
sampling device 122. Alphanumeric input device 116 may include a keyboard, 
for example, that includes alphanumeric keys. Alphanumeric input device 
116 may include other suitable keys, including function keys for example. 
Alphanumeric input device 116 may be used to input information or 
commands, for example, for data processing system 100. Cursor control 
device 118 may include a mouse, touch tablet, track-ball, and/or joystick, 
for example, for controlling the movement of a cursor displayed by display 
114. Sound sampling device 122 may include a microphone, for example, for 
providing audio recording, information, or commands, for example, for data 
processing system 100. 
Processor 102 may also output over system bus 112 information that is to be 
displayed on display 114 or outputted by hard copy device 120 or by sound 
sampling device 122. Display 114 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a 
liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, for displaying information to a 
user. Hard copy device 120 may include a printer or a plotter, for 
example, for creating hard copies of information for data processing 
system 100. Sound sampling device 122 may include a speaker, for example, 
for providing audio information, commands, responses or audio playback, 
for example, for data processing system 100. Processor 102 may use system 
bus 112 to transmit information to and to receive information from other 
hardware devices, including mass memory 110 for example. 
Processor 102 may also receive from and output information to I/O card 126 
using I/O card bus 128. I/O card bus 128 provides for the communication of 
information between I/O card 126 and other devices for data processing 
system 100. I/O card controller 124 transmits control and address 
information, for example, over I/O card bus 128 for controlling I/O card 
126. 
I/O card 126 provides for a detachable communication interface for data 
processing system 100. I/O card 126 may receive information over a 
communication bus 132 from any suitable external communication source. I/O 
card 126 may also transmit information over communication bus 132 to any 
suitable external communication destination. I/O card 126 may serve as a 
modem card, a facsimile card, a fax/modem card, a local area network (LAN) 
interface card, a multi-media interface card, or a sound card, for 
example, for data processing system 100. I/O card 126 may serve to provide 
for other communication capabilities including wireless communication 
capabilities, for example, for data processing system 100. 
I/O card 126 communicates with external communication devices using a 
communication connector 130. Communication connector 130 provides for a 
detachable connection for I/O card 126 in communicating with external 
communication devices. For one embodiment, communication connector 130 
includes an RJ-11 connector, for example, for connection to a telephone 
network. Communication connector 130 may also include an RJ-45 connector, 
for example, for connection to a local area network. Communication 
connector 130 may include other suitable types of communication connectors 
for communication with external devices. 
For one embodiment, I/O card 126 is a PCMCIA card. I/O card controller 124 
and I/O card bus 128 may be configured in accordance with PCMCIA standards 
for communicating with a PCMCIA card. For other embodiments, I/O card 126 
may be configured according to other suitable card formats. 
Data processing system 100 may include other suitable hardware devices or 
other suitable combinations of hardware devices. Data processing system 
100 may include, for example, one or more other suitable I/O cards coupled 
to I/O card bus 128. Data processing system 100 may be configured without 
various hardware devices, for example, that are not required for the 
desired purpose of data processing system 100. Data processing system 100 
may be configured without sound sampling device 122 and/or hard copy 
device 120, for example. Data processing system 100 may also be configured 
in a variety of manners for any combination of hardware devices. As one 
example, main memory 104 may be coupled to system bus 112 rather than 
being coupled to processor 102 by main memory bus 106 as illustrated in 
FIG. 1. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art modem configuration 
for a data processing system 200. Data processing system 200 is a notebook 
or laptop computer system. Data processing system 200 has a receptacle 201 
for receiving a PCMCIA modem card 226 that may be connected at one end 225 
to a socket internal to data processing system 200 for communication with 
a PCMCIA bus. In accordance with PCMCIA standards, PCMCIA modem card 226 
has a 68-pin connector at end 225. PCMCIA modem card 226 is configured 
with a 14-pin connector at an end 227 opposite end 225. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, end 227 of PCMCIA modem card 226 may be coupled 
to an adapter cable 232 for connection to an RJ-11 plug 230. Adapter cable 
232 includes a connector 231 at one end of a cable and another connector 
233 at the other end of the cable. Connector 231 is configured to mate 
with the 14-pin connector at end 227 of PCMCIA modem card 226. Connector 
233 is configured to mate with RJ-11 plug 230. Adapter cable 232 serves as 
an adapter between RJ-11 plug 230 and the 14-pin connector at end 227 for 
PCMCIA modem card 226. RJ-11 plug 230 is connected to a line 235 for 
communication over a telephone network. 
Adapter cable 232 is inconvenient to users of data processing system 200 
because adapter cable 232 must be carried separately with data processing 
system 200 and may be forgotten. In transporting data processing system 
200, adapter cable 232 is also relatively bulky as compared to PCMCIA 
modem card 226, for example, that may be easily carried in a pocket or 
while inserted in data processing system 200. 
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another prior art modem 
configuration for a data processing system. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a 
PCMCIA modem card 326 has a retractable connector 332 configured to mate 
with an RJ-11 plug 330. Retractable connector 332 may be retracted into 
and out from PCMCIA modem card 326 as illustrated by arrow 340 of FIG. 3. 
PCMCIA modem card 326 may be inserted into receptacle 201 of data 
processing system 200, for example, for providing a modem communication 
capability for data processing system 200. When PCMCIA modem card 326 is 
inserted in data processing system 200, retractable connector 332 may be 
engaged to extend from the body of PCMCIA modem card 326 and hence from 
the body of data processing system 200. RJ-11 plug 330 may then be 
inserted vertically into the extended connector 332. RJ-11 plug 330 is 
connected to a line 335 for communication over a telephone network. When 
not in use, retractable connector 332 may be retracted inside PCMCIA modem 
card 326. 
Because retractable connector 332 is configured to mate with RJ-11 plug 330 
using a flexible locking mechanism 334 of RJ-11 plug 330, retractable 
connector 332 remains connected to RJ-11 plug 330 until RJ-11 plug 330 is 
manually detached from retractable connector 332. When retractable 
connector 332 is subjected to a firm tug on line 335, such as when a user 
trips over line 335 for example, RJ-11 plug 330 as well as retractable 
connector 332 are susceptible to breakage. Data processing system 200 may 
also be pulled off a table onto the floor as a result of such a firm tug 
and consequently damaged. Retractable connector 332 also requires a 
user-movable retraction mechanism, increasing the complexity of design and 
manufacture of PCMCIA modem card 326. Furthermore, retractable connector 
332 consumes space inside PCMCIA modem card 326 and thus limits the amount 
of space available for circuitry in implementing the modem function for 
PCMCIA modem card 326. 
FIG. 4 illustrates, for one embodiment, a perspective view of a hinged 
adapter 432 for use in connecting an input/output (I/O) card 426 to a 
communication connector 430 for a data processing system 400. Hinged 
adapter 432 is also referred to as a hi-jack 432. 
Data processing system 400 may be configured as data processing system 100 
of FIG. 1. The above discussion regarding data processing system 100 and 
I/O card 126 likewise applies to data processing system 400 and I/O card 
426. Although illustrated in FIG. 4 as a notebook or laptop computer 
system, data processing system 400 may be a desktop or any other suitable 
type of data processing system. Data processing system 400 is configured 
to receive I/O card 426 in a receptacle 401 defined by a body 403 of data 
processing system 400. Receptacle 401 may have any suitable dimensions 
that may depend, for example, on the dimensions of I/O card 426. 
Upon insertion into receptacle 401, I/O card 426 may be connected for 
communication with data processing system 400 by plugging one end 425 of 
I/O card 426 into a suitable socket internal to body 403 of data 
processing system 400. I/O card 426 may then communicate with data 
processing system 400 over an I/O card bus coupled to the socket. 
I/O card 426 is a PCMCIA card for connection to a telephone network, as 
illustrated in FIG. 4. I/O card 426 may be a modem card, a facsimile card, 
or a fax/modem card, for example. In accordance with PCMCIA standards, I/O 
card 426 has a 68-pin connector at end 425. I/O card 426 may be configured 
with any suitable connector, such as a 14-pin connector for example, at an 
end 427 opposite end 425. Although illustrated as a PCMCIA card for 
communication over a telephone network, I/O card 426 may be configured in 
accordance with other suitable card formats and may serve to provide any 
suitable communication function for data processing system 400. 
As illustrated in FIG. 4, end 427 of I/O card 426 may be coupled to hinged 
adapter 432 for connection to an RJ-11 plug 430. End 427 of I/O card 426 
is exposed by receptacle 401 when I/O card 426 is inserted in receptacle 
401 of data processing system 400. Hinged adapter 432 serves as an adapter 
between RJ-11 plug 430 and the connector at end 427 for I/O card 426. 
RJ-11 plug 430 is connected to a line 435 for communication over a 
telephone network. 
Hinged adapter 432 includes a first member or connector 431 and a second 
member or connector 433. First connector 431 is configured to mate with 
the connector at end 427 of I/O card 426. The configuration of first 
connector 431 thus depends on the type of connector used at end 427 for 
I/O card 426. Second connector 433 is configured to mate with RJ-11 plug 
430. Second connector 433 may be configured to mate with other suitable 
connectors, such as an RJ-45 connector for example. 
Second connector 433 is mounted on first connector 431 with a hinge 452 
such that second connector 433 may be rotated or folded about hinge 452 
relative to first connector 431 as illustrated by arrow 440. As 
illustrated in FIG. 4, second connector 433 is folded downward and extends 
outward from first connector 431 in an operational position for connection 
to RJ-11 plug 430. In the operational position, second connector 433 may 
be aligned, for example, with a substantially horizontal plane relative to 
data processing system 400. When hinged adapter 432 is connected to I/O 
card 426 while inserted in receptacle 401 of data processing system 400, 
second connector 433 preferably extends from body 403 in the operational 
position such that RJ-11 plug 430 may be connected to second connector 433 
with minimized obstruction by body 403. When not in use, second connector 
433 may be folded upward about hinge 452 relative to first connector 431 
into a stored position. 
FIG. 5 illustrates, for one embodiment, a perspective view of data 
processing system 400 having hinged adapter 432 in a stored position. As 
illustrated in FIG. 5, I/O card 426 is inserted in receptacle 401 of body 
403. Hinged adapter 432 is connected to end 427 of I/O card 426 by first 
connector 431 while second connector 433 is folded upward about hinge 452 
relative to first connector 431. Second connector 433 extends upward from 
and is generally perpendicular to first connector 431 for this stored 
position. In the stored position, second connector 433 may be aligned, for 
example, with a substantially vertical plane relative to data processing 
system 400. 
First connector 431 is preferably configured to mate with I/O card 426 
within receptacle 401 such that second connector 433 is generally flush 
with the side of body 403 as illustrated in FIG. 5. That is, first 
connector 431 preferably does not extend from body 403 so as to create a 
relatively large gap between body 403 and second connector 433 while 
second connector 433 is folded upward in the stored position. 
With second connector 433 placed in the stored position, data processing 
system 400 may be conveniently transported while I/O card 426 is inserted 
in receptacle 401 and while hinged adapter 432 remains connected to I/O 
card 426. As compared to adapter cable 232 of FIG. 2, hinged adapter 432 
is relatively less bulky and may be integrated with data processing system 
400 as illustrated in FIG. 5 to provide for relatively convenient 
transportation of data processing system 400, I/O card 426, and hinged 
adapter 432 as an integral unit. 
Furthermore, hinged adapter 432 does not consume space inside I/O card 426, 
unlike retractable connector 332 of FIG. 3, and thus does not limit the 
amount of space available for circuitry in implementing the functionality 
provided by I/O card 426. As hinged adapter 432 is physically separate 
from I/O card 426, hinged adapter 432 also does not require the 
manufacture of new I/O cards, as use of retractable connector 332 does, 
and thus may be used for connection with pre-existing I/O cards. 
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of hinged adapter 432 for one 
embodiment. First connector 431 of FIG. 6 is illustrated as being 
configured to mate with a 14-pin connector at end 427 of I/O card 426. 
First connector 431 may be configured to mate with other suitable I/O card 
connectors and may be manufactured using any suitable materials, including 
plastics for example, to house electrical conductors for connection to the 
connector at end 427 of I/O card 426. 
As illustrated in FIG. 6, second connector 433 may be a tray-type socket 
configured to mate with RJ-11 plug 430. Second connector 433 includes a 
tray 462 formed by three side members 466, 468, and 470, and a bottom 
plate 472 having a substantially planar surface. A mechanically deformable 
clip 474 forms a fourth side for tray 462. Clip 474 may be stamped from 
any number of well known springy metals in a single piece consisting of a 
flange 476 and clip 474. Flange 476 is attached to the underside of bottom 
plate 472. Two points 478 are mounted to side member 468 and extend 
outwardly therefrom. Points 478 are made of a hard material such as a 
metal or hard plastic. Electrical contacts 480 are positioned in tray 462 
for electrical connection with RJ-11 plug 430. Electrical contacts 480 are 
connected to suitable conductors housed within first connector 431 for 
electrical connection to I/O card 426. Suitable wiring may be routed from 
electrical contacts 480, for example through side member 468 or bottom 
plate 472 and around or through hinge 452, to provide for this electrical 
connection. 
RJ-11 plug 430 includes a housing with a front face 491, side faces 492 and 
493, a bottom face 494 and a top face 495. RJ-11 plug 430 includes 
electrical contacts 496 for mating with electrical contacts 480 in tray 
462. The housing defines a cavity 498 at a rear face of RJ-11 plug 430 to 
allow access to electrical contacts 496. A multi-conductor line is 
inserted into RJ-11 plug 430 through cavity 498 and connected for 
electrical contact with electrical contacts 496. RJ-11 plug 430 further 
includes a flexible locking mechanism 434. 
RJ-11 plug 430 may be inserted into tray 462 by positioning front face 491 
against side member 468 and pushing RJ-11 plug 430 downward toward bottom 
plate 472. As this is done, points 478 burrow into the relatively soft 
plastic of front face 491 of RJ-11 plug 430, holding the front end of 
RJ-11 plug 430 in place. RJ-11 plug 430 may also be configured with two 
small recesses to mate with points 478. Mechanically deformable clip 474 
deforms outwardly from its base position, which is vertical to the sides 
of tray 462, until bottom face 494 of RJ-11 plug 430 rests on bottom plate 
472 of tray 462. Clip 474 returns to its base position and fits into 
cavity 498, holding the rear end of RJ-11 plug 430 in place. Electrical 
contacts 480 and electrical contacts 496 make electrical contact. 
Locking mechanism 434 is not used for holding RJ-11 plug 430 in tray 462. 
When RJ-11 plug 430 is subjected to a firm tug of sufficient force, such 
as when a user trips over the line connected to RJ-11 plug 430 through 
cavity 498, RJ-11 plug 430 is released from tray 462. Clip 474 deforms 
outwardly from its base position as a result of this firm tug and allows 
RJ-11 plug 430 to come away from tray 462. As compared to retractable 
connector 332 of FIG. 3, RJ-11 plug 430 and the connector at end 427 of 
I/O card 426 are less susceptible to breakage from such a firm tug. Data 
processing system 400 is also less susceptible to damage from being pulled 
off a table onto the floor as a result of such a firm tug. 
Second connector 433 may be configured to mate with RJ-11 plug 430 in other 
manners. For other embodiments, second connector 433 may be configured to 
mate with RJ-11 plug 430 as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 
08/275,599, entitled I/O CONNECTOR FOR ADD IN PRINTED CIRCUIT CARDS FOR 
COMPUTER SYSTEMS, by Duncan D. MacGregor, Neal E. Broadbent, Chengwu Chen, 
and Richard Gargiulo, filed Jul. 15, 1994, and assigned to the assignee of 
the present patent application. Second connector 433 may also be 
configured to mate with other suitable connectors, such as an RJ-45 
connector for example. 
Hinge 452 may be configured in any suitable manner to allow second 
connector 433 to rotate or fold about hinge 452 relative to first 
connector 431 between the operational position and the stored position. 
For one embodiment, the bodies for first connector 431 and for second 
connector 433 may be physically molded or configured such that second 
connector 433 may be mounted to first connector 431 to form hinge 452. For 
other embodiments, a separate hinge 452 may be configured with first 
connector 431 and second connector 433. 
Hinged adapter 432 may also be configured to hold or latch second connector 
433 in the operational position and/or in the stored position. Hinged 
adapter 432 may be configured in any suitable manner to prevent or deter 
second connector 433 from rotating about hinge 452 relative to first 
connector 431 when in a desired position. As one example, hinged adapter 
432 may be configured with a suitable detent to prevent second connector 
433 from rotating about hinge 452 when in the stored position. 
For other embodiments, hinged adapter 432 may be configured to allow second 
connector 433 to be rotated or folded from the operational position 
downward relative to first connector 431 to a stored position. Second 
connector 433 extends downward from and is generally perpendicular to 
first connector 431 for this stored position. Hinged adapter 432 may 
further be configured to allow second connector 433 to be rotated or 
folded in a generally left-and-right manner relative to first connector 
431 as opposed to a generally up-and-down manner. As one example, second 
connector 433 of FIG. 6 may be mounted sideways relative to first 
connector 431 such that second connector 433 folds to the left or right of 
first connector 431 in a stored position generally flush with the side of 
body 403 for data processing system 400. 
Although described as having hinge 452, adapter 432 may also be configured 
in other suitable manners to allow second connector 433 to be positioned 
in an operational position and in a stored position. Adapter 432 may be 
configured with a suitable ball-and-socket joint, for example, to allow 
second connector 433 to rotate about the ball-and-socket joint relative to 
first connector 431. 
In the foregoing description, the invention has been described with 
reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be 
evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without 
departing from the broader spirit or scope of the present invention as 
defined in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, 
accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive 
sense.