Communication card extension and adapter port

The present invention is an adaptor module that allows an electrical connection to be established between a communication system and a communication card. Advantageously, the adaptor module can be configured to provide an interface between the communication card and various communication systems, such as conventional telephone systems, cellular telephone systems, digital telephone systems, local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), wireless systems, etc. Additionally, the adaptor module can provide an interface between a plurality of communication systems and the communication card. For example, the adaptor module may provide an interface for a plurality of connectors from the same type of communication system and/or the adaptor module may provide an interface for connectors from different types of communication systems. Advantageously, the adaptor module can provide simultaneous communication with these various communication systems. The adaptor module is preferably configured to be attached to a standard PCMCIA card to facilitate communication between a computer and a communication system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors and, in
 particular, to connectors for electrically coupling communication
 equipment to electrical devices.
 2. Description of Related Art
 Electrical devices, such as personal computers (PCs), laptop computers,
 portable computers, notebook computers, palmtop computers, cellular
 telephones, personal information managers (PIMs) and personal data
 assistants (PDAs), are becoming increasingly dependent upon their ability
 to electrically communicate or share information with other electrical
 devices. To facilitate this electrical communication, a variety of
 different types of electrical couplers have been developed. In general,
 these electrical couplers include a plug and a corresponding jack. The
 jack typically includes an aperture or socket and when the plug is
 inserted into the jack, an electrical connection is established.
 These known electrical couplers are frequently designed for use with
 devices such as cards that are made in accordance with standards
 established by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
 (PCMCIA). These cards, often referred to as PC cards, can be designed to
 perform a variety of different functions and a circuit board located
 within the card provides the necessary circuitry to perform the intended
 function. For example, the PC card may allow the device to receive and
 transmit information over the telephone lines. Alternatively, the PC card
 may allow the device to receive and transmit information over a network
 system such as a local area network (LAN).
 PC cards have become increasingly used in portable computers because the
 cards are ready interchangeable and they have a small size. Additionally,
 PC cards are very popular because they allow a user to relatively quickly
 and easily link a computer to a modem and obtain information and data from
 a remote computer. Thus, users can transmit and receive data from various
 locations, such as at home, during business meetings, on vacation, while
 traveling, in satellite offices, etc.
 In general, PC cards have a thin, elongated structure which is inserted
 into an opening or slot in the body of a computer. The PC cards have a
 connector at one end which is configured to be coupled to the computer and
 the other end of the card has a connector configured to be coupled to
 communication equipment such as a telephone line. Typically, a standard
 RJ-11 telephone jack is used to connect a telephone line to the PC card.
 These PC cards are typically designed to be readily connected or removed
 from the electrical device.
 In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 1, a conventional adaptor assembly 10
 connects a telephone line 12 to a portable computer 14. In greater detail,
 the adaptor assembly 10 includes an electrical connector plug 16 that is
 inserted into an input/output (I/O) connector 18 of a PC card 20 and a
 line 22 that connects an external module 24 to the connector plug 16. The
 external module 24 includes a housing 26 with an aperture 28 configured to
 receive an RJ-11 type telephone jack 30 connected to the telephone line
 12. Disposed within the PC card is a printed circuit board (PCB) that
 provides the necessary circuitry to perform the intended function of the
 PC card.
 Disadvantageously, the adaptor assembly 10 is awkward to use because it
 requires the use of both the PC card 20 and the separate structure
 including the plug 16, line 22 and module 24 (often referred to as the
 "dongle"). The dongle is required for connecting the adaptor assembly 10
 to the telephone line 12 and if it is lost, misplaced or damaged by the
 user, the connection to the telephone line cannot be established. If the
 dongle is lost or damaged, this results in unnecessary delay and expense
 because a new dongle must be purchased or the damage dongle repaired.
 Additionally, because the dongle is separate from the PC card, it requires
 additional space and it is susceptible to being dislodged from the
 computer. Further, the dongle is aesthetically displeasing and it is
 subject to being damaged or broken because it is a separate component that
 is external to the computer.
 Another conventional jack used for connecting a PC card to a telephone line
 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,404 issued to Aldous, et al. and
 assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The Aldous
 patent, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,
 discloses a PC card 32 with a slidable thin plate 34. The plate 34
 includes an aperture 36 adapted to receive a telephone jack and a
 plurality of short contact pins are rigidly mounted to the thin plate.
 Each contact pin has a first end that is freely exposed within the
 aperture and an opposed second end mounted to the plate. A flexible wire
 ribbon has a first end that is soldered to the second end of the contact
 pins and an opposing second end that is soldered to contacts on the
 circuit board within the PC card. The thin plate 34 can selectively slide
 between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended
 position, as shown in FIG. 2, the aperture 36 is exposed such that an
 RJ-11 telephone plug can be inserted. The plug pushes against the contact
 pins to establish electrical communication between the plug, contact pins,
 flexible wire ribbon and the PC card. When not in use, the thin plate 34
 is retracted within the PC card 32 and the aperture 36 is not exposed.
 As shown in FIG. 3, another known device used to attach a standard
 telephone jack to a PC card is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
 application Ser. No. 09/271,620, filed Mar. 17, 1999, listing Oliphant et
 al. as inventors and assigned to the same assignee as the present
 application. The Oliphant application discloses a PC card 40 that includes
 a physical/electrical modular connector 42 which is configured to
 physically and electrically couple a media plug, such as RJ-11 standard
 telephone jack, to the PC card. More specifically, the jack is mounted to
 a slide plate that is movable between an extended position wherein an
 aperture configured to receive a telephone jack is exposed and a retracted
 position wherein the slide plate is positioned within an opening in the PC
 card. The jack includes a number of pins which are configured to be
 electrically connected to a plug inserted into the opening. The pins are
 electrically connected to the PC card when the jack is in the extended
 position and the pins are insulated from electrical communication with the
 PC card when the jack is in the retracted position.
 Another conventional device used to connect a PC card to a telephone line
 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,811 issued to Homic. The Homic patent
 discloses an RJ-11 telephone socket that is physically and electrically
 connected to a PCMCIA modem card that it is recessed a predetermined
 distance "X" within the computer housing. The telephone socket and the
 modem card are mechanically and physically connected by a connector block.
 The connector block includes a body portion that is mounted flush to the
 exterior surface of the computer enclosure. The connector also includes an
 end cap that protrudes downwardly and outwardly from the body portion. The
 end cap has a thickness "X" that is the same as the predetermined distance
 "X" that the modem card is recessed into the computer so that the exterior
 surface of the modem card is flush with the outer surface of the computer
 housing. Disadvantageously, this device requires that the modem card be
 recessed a predetermined distance "X" inside the body of the computer and
 it allows only RJ-11 telephone jacks to be connected to the modem card.
 Thus, the modem assembly cannot be coupled to other communication systems.
 Additionally, because the RJ-11 telephone socket is integrally connected
 to the modem card and both the PC card and the connector block are
 recessed inside the computer, the socket is not readily replaceable,
 interchangeable or repairable.
 Another conventional device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,607 issued
 to Dittmer. The Dittmer patent discloses a PCMCIA card structure this is
 inserted into a dual PCMCIA card slot. The structure includes an
 attachment section that is removably connected to the PCMCIA card and a
 support body that is secured to the attachment section. The attachment
 section has a shape similar to the PCMCIA card and this section is
 positioned in a parallel, facing and closely adjacent relationship with
 the PCMCIA card. The attachment section forms an electrical interface
 connection between the PCMCIA card and an external device or system. The
 Dittmer patent, however, only provides socket openings in the attachment
 section for a standard RJ-11 telephone jack and a standard cellular
 telephone connector plug. Thus, because the device can only be connected
 by standard plugs to a conventional telephone system and a cellular
 telephone system, its usefulness is limited.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 A need therefore exists for an adaptor module that provides an interface
 between a connector and a communication card without the above-described
 disadvantages and problems.
 One aspect of the present invention is an adaptor module that allows an
 electrical connection to be established between a communication system and
 a communication card. Advantageously, the adaptor module can be configured
 to provide an interface between the communication card and various
 communication systems, such as conventional telephone systems, cellular
 telephone systems, digital telephone systems, local area networks (LANs),
 personal area networks (PANs), wireless systems, etc.
 Another aspect is the adaptor module can provide an interface between a
 plurality of communication systems and the communication card. For
 example, the adaptor module may provide an interface for a plurality of
 connectors from the same type of communication system and/or the adaptor
 module may provide an interface for connectors from different types of
 communication systems. Advantageously, the adaptor module can provide
 simultaneous communication with these various communication systems.
 Yet another aspect is the adaptor module includes one or more RJ-type
 connectors, multiple pin interfaces and/or universal serial buses (USBs)
 to allow communication with various communication systems to be
 established. These RJ-type connectors, for example, may include standard
 RJ-11 or RJ-45 jacks that are conventionally used for modem and network
 communications, respectively. The multiple pin interfaces may include any
 number of desired pins, such as 15, 26 or 34 pins. Significantly, these
 interfaces and connectors are easy to use and provide a stable attachment
 mechanism.
 Still another aspect of the adaptor module is it provides an interface for
 use with electronic devices such as personal computers (PCs), portable
 computers, laptop computers, notebook computers and palmtop computers. The
 adaptor module can also be used with electronic devices such as cellular
 telephones, personal data assistants (PDAs), personal information managers
 (PIMs) and the like.
 Another aspect of the adaptor module is it is readily connectable to a
 standard PCMCIA or PC card. The adaptor module is also quickly and easily
 detachable from the PC card. Advantagcously, this allows one adaptor
 module to be readily interchangeable with another adaptor module. This
 allows different adaptor modules with different configurations to be
 connected to the PC card so that the same PC card can be connected to
 numerous communication systems. Significantly, because the adaptor modules
 are interchangeable, this allows the modules to be easily repaired or
 replaced.
 Yet another aspect of the adaptor module is that it includes a plurality of
 sockets to receive communication plugs connected to communication systems.
 The sockets may be connected to the same type of communication system or
 different types of communication systems. For example, one socket may be
 configured to receive a standard RJ-11 telephone jack, another socket may
 be configured to receive a standard RJ-45 plug, yet another socket may
 comprise a multiple pin interface and still another socket may be a USB.
 A further aspect of the adaptor module is it may include an antenna for
 wireless communication. The antenna, for example, may be configured for
 cellular telephone communication, digital telephone communication,
 wireless LANs, radio communication, etc. Advantageously, the antenna may
 be used in combination with any type of sockets or connectors. Thus, the
 adaptor module may be configured to provide both wireless and wired
 communication.
 Another aspect is the body of the adaptor module may provide additional
 support for the antenna and the antenna support structure. The body may
 contain a recess or depression to hold the antenna when it is not in use
 and a latch to secure the antenna in a storage position. Additionally, the
 module body may contain circuitry used by the antenna such as a radio
 frequency (RF) adaptor or circuit board. Further, the antenna is
 preferably a minimum size and configured to be used with any desired
 wireless system.
 Another aspect of the adaptor module is it may include one or more
 indicators such as incandescent lights or light emitting diodes (LED). The
 indicators may provide various information such as indicating use of the
 adaptor module and/or mode of operation of the adaptor module. The
 indicator may also be used for other purposes such as installation and
 repair of the adaptor module.
 Advantageously, the adaptor module may be connected to a PC card during the
 last steps or stages of the manufacturing process. Thus, the manufacturing
 of a device can be substantially completed and then the adaptor module
 with the desired configuration may be attached to the device. This
 increases the flexibility and options available to the manufacturer
 because, for example, the decision of which communication systems the
 device may be connected is delayed until late in the manufacturing
 process. Additionally, because the adaptor modules are interchangeable,
 the manufacturer may readily modify the device to be compatible with
 different communication systems.
 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adaptor module is
 an apparatus which facilitates communication between an electrical device
 and a communication system. The apparatus includes a communication card
 having a generally rectangular body with an upper surface, lower surface,
 front surface, rear surface, left surface and right surface, the
 communication card is configured to be at least partially inserted into an
 opening in the electrical device; a communications port is connected to
 the communication card; an adaptor is releasably connectable to the
 communications port of the communication card, the adaptor including at
 least one socket capable of receiving a connector coupled to a
 communication system; and an extension is attached to the adaptor and
 configured to be inserted into the communication port to establish
 electrical communication between the adaptor and the communication card.
 The adaptor also includes an outwardly extending slide rail and the
 communication port includes a groove. The slide rail is inserted into the
 groove to facilitate sliding attachment of the adaptor to the
 communication card.
 The apparatus may also include one or more RJ-type connectors attached to
 the adaptor. Additionally, an input/output connector can be attached to
 the communication card and an auxiliary connector can be attached to the
 adaptor. The auxiliary connector is preferably configured to be
 electrically coupled to the input/output connector. Further, at least two
 sockets are desirably attached to the adaptor assembly and the sockets are
 configured to receive different types of communication connectors. For
 example, one of the sockets may receive an RJ-11 type communication
 connector and another socket may receive an RJ-45 type communication
 connector. Finally, the apparatus may include an antenna and/or an
 indicator attached to the adaptor.
 In another preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an adaptor
 module configured to be in electrical communication with a communication
 card of a portable electric device. The adaptor module includes a
 generally rectangular body portion including top, front, bottom, rear and
 side surfaces; an elongated extension extending from the rear surface of
 the body and the extension being configured to be placed proximate the
 communication card; at least two recesses located in the front surface of
 the rectangular body, each of the recesses being configured to receive a
 communications connector; and an antenna attached to the body portion to
 establish wireless communication. The adaptor module desirably include an
 indicator attached to the body portion to provide information toauser.
 In still another preferred embodiment, an interface between a
 communications connector and a communications card for an electrical
 device includes a generally rectangular body portion including top, front,
 bottom, rear and side surfaces; a plurality of sockets positioned in the
 front surface of the body portion, each of the sockets configured to
 receive a communications connector; and an elongated extension extending
 from the rear surface of the body, the extension configured to be inserted
 into a communications port of the communications card. The interface may
 also include an auxiliary input/output connector configured to be
 electrically connected to an input/output connector of a communications
 card. Additionally, the interface may include an antenna to allow wireless
 communication. Preferably, the interface is configured to be releasably
 attached to a communications card. Further, the interface is preferably
 configured to be attached to a communications card, and the interface and
 the communications card are configured to fit in a type III PCMCIA slot.
 In still another preferred embodiment, an electrical coupling system for
 use with a media plug includes an adaptor including one or more sockets,
 each of the sockets configured to be releasably coupled to a media plug; a
 communications card including a communication port, the adaptor being
 connected to the communication port to allow electrical communication
 between the adaptor and the card; and means for effecting electrical
 communication between the media plug and the communication card when the
 media plug is attached to the communication card.
 In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is an adaptor
 module for electrical connection to a communication card having a
 communication port. The adaptor module includes a body having an extension
 configured to be inserted into the communication port of the communication
 card to establish an electrical connection between he adaptor module and
 the communication card; a slide rail is attach to an outer surface of the
 extension, the slide rail is configured to be received in a frame track of
 the communication card to facilitate attachment of the adaptor module to
 the communication card; and one or more connectors in the body allow
 electrical connection to one or more communication connectors to the
 adaptor. The extension is preferably readily insertable and removable from
 the communication port of the communication card. Additionally, at least
 one of the recesses is preferably configured to receive an RJ-11 type
 communication connector and at least one of the recesses is configured to
 receive an RJ-45 type communication connector.
 Advantageously, the adaptor module is reliable and provides increased
 convenience, flexibility and a variety of options to the user and/or
 manufacturer. In addition, the adaptor module is easy to use and provides
 an interface which can be quickly and easily connected to a variety of
 communication systems. Further, the adaptor module is compatible with a
 wide variety of computers, operating systems, etc.
 Further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will
 become more fully apparent from the following description and appended
 claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
 hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 The present invention involves an adaptor module for establishing
 communication between a communication system and a computer. The
 principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to adaptor
 modules for computers. It will be understood that, in light of the present
 disclosure, the adaptor module disclosed herein can be successfully used
 in connection with other types of electronic devices such as cellular
 telephones, digital telephones, personal data assistants, personal
 information managers and the like.
 Additionally, to assist in the description of the adaptor module, words
 such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to describe the
 accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the present
 invention can be located in a variety of desired positions--including
 various angles, sideways and even upside down.
 Further, it will be understood that in the following description numerous
 details are set forth, such as specific types of communication connectors
 or plugs, specific numbers of pins and electrical contacts, types of
 applications, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the present
 invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the
 adaptor module may be used in conjunction with various communication
 systems, electrical devices and a wide variety of suitable connectors,
 plugs, contacts, and other structures or devices.
 FIG. 4 illustrates a adaptor module 50 which is configured to be attached
 to a communications card 52 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
 the present invention. The communications card 52 is sized and configured
 to be connected to a portable computer such as a laptop computer, notebook
 computer, hand-held computer or palmtop computer, but it can be used with
 any suitable computer or electronic devices such as cellular telephones,
 digital communication systems, personal data assistants and the like.
 Preferably, the communications card 52 complies with applicable Personal
 Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standards. The
 PCMCIA standards, for example, are described in detail in the PCMCIA
 Specification Standard Release 2.1, which is hereby incorporated by
 reference. The PCMCIA specification, for example, provides standards for
 data storage and peripheral expansion cards. Additionally, the PCMCIA
 specification provides standards for input/output (I/O) capability for a
 standard bus extension slot so that peripherals such as modems and LAN
 adapters can use the bus. It will be understood, however, that while the
 adaptor module 50 is described with respect to PCMCIA standards, the
 adaptor module may be used with other types of circuit cards and adaptor
 cards. Additionally, while these cards are preferably a miniature type,
 any suitable size and type of card may be used.
 The communications card 52, also referred to as a PC card or simply a card,
 includes a thin, elongated body with a front surface 54, rear surface 56,
 top surface 58, bottom surface 60, right side 62 and left side 64. The
 card is inserted into a PCMCIA slot in a computer and it includes a
 connector (not shown) at the rear of the card which is electrically
 connected to the computer. As described below, the front surface 54 of the
 card includes one or more sockets or connectors which can be coupled to
 the adaptor module 50. Located within the body of the card 52 is circuitry
 which connects the sockets at the front of the card with the connector at
 the rear of the card. The circuitry allows the intended function of the
 card to be performed, such as desired modem functions. The right side 62
 and left side 64 of the card 52 include outwardly extending rails 66 and
 68, respectively. These rails 66 and 68, as discussed below, are used to
 position the card 52 in a PCMCIA slot.
 The adaptor module 50 generally includes a body 70 with a front surface 72,
 rear surface 74, top surface 76, bottom surface 78, right side 80 and left
 side 82. The body 70 preferably has a height between about 1 inch and
 about 1/8 of an inch and, more preferably, between about 1/4 of an inch
 and about 1/2 of an inch. The body 70 similarly has a depth or thickness
 preferably between about 1 inch and about 1/8 of an inch and, more
 preferably, between about 1/4 of an inch and about 1/2 of an inch. One
 skilled in the art will appreciate that the module 50 may have any desired
 dimensions depending, for example, upon the intended use and configuration
 of the module. Extending from the rear surface 74 of the body 70 is an
 extension 84 with a front surface, rear surface 88, top surface 90, bottom
 surface 92, right side 94 and left side 96. The body 70 and the extension
 84 are integrally formed as a single unit, but the body and the extension
 could also be separate components. The extension 84 has the same general
 shape and configuration as the card 52 and, as shown in FIG. 4, the
 extension is placed with its bottom surface 92 proximate and generally
 parallel to the top surface 58 of the card. It will be understood that the
 top surface 90 of the extension 84 could also be positioned proximate the
 bottom surface 60 of the card 52, as shown in FIG. 7.
 Desirably, the adaptor module 50 is sized and configured to allow the card
 52 and the extension 84 to be inserted into adjacent PCMCIA slots such as
 is denoted schematically by way of the dashed lines designated at 45 in
 FIG. 5. In particular, the extension 84 and the card 52 are preferably
 inserted into two stacked type II PCMCIA slots or a type III PCMCIA slot.
 The PCMCIA slots may be recessed into the body of the computer (or any
 other electrical device denoted schematically by way of the dashed lines
 designated at 47 in FIG. 5) such that the adaptor module 50 is also
 recessed into the body. Alternatively, the slots may be positioned such
 that the front surface 72 of the body 70 is generally aligned with the
 exterior surface of the computer. Additionally, the slots may be
 positioned such that a portion of the module 50 extends outwardly from the
 body of the computer. Advantageously, for example, if the adaptor module
 50 protrudes from the exterior surface of the computer, that may
 facilitate removing and interchanging of the modules. On the other hand,
 if the face of the adaptor module 50 is flush with the exterior surface of
 the computer, that may prevent damage or accidental contact with the
 module.
 Outwardly extending from the right side 94 and the left side 96 of the
 extension 84 are rails 98 and 100, respectively. The rails 66 and 68 of
 the card 52 and the rails 98 and 100 of the extension 84 are configured to
 securely hold the card and the adaptor module 50 in the adjacent PCMCIA
 slots. As shown in FIG. 5, the PCMCIA slots include receiving members 102
 and 104 that are configured to receive the outwardly extending rails 66,
 68, 98 and 100 respectively. In detail, the receiving members 102 and 104
 have a generally C-shaped cross-section which is sized and configured to
 slidably receive the rails 66, 68, 98 and 100. Thus, the card 52 and the
 adaptor module 50 can readily be inserted into the PCMCIA slots and the
 receiving members 102 and 104 securely hold the card and adaptor module in
 the desired position.
 As seen in FIG. 6, the adaptor module 50 is releasably attached to the card
 52. Advantageously, this allows different adaptor modules 50 with
 different configurations to be readily attached to the card 52.
 Additionally, because the adaptor module 50 is releasably attached to the
 card 52, the module can be quickly and easily removed for repair or
 replacement. Alternatively, the adaptor module 50 and the card 52 can be
 integrally constructed as a single unit.
 The front surface 54 of the communication card 52 includes an opening 110
 and an interface 112. The interface 112 allows electrical communication
 with the card 52 to be established. The interface 112 is preferably a
 multiple pin interface with any number of desired pins such as 15, 26 or
 34. The interface 112 could also be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) that
 allows various peripheral devices to be connected to the card 52.
 The opening 110 also allows electrical communication with the card to be
 established. The opening 110, for example, may have a generally similar
 electrical interface and structural configuration as disclosed in
 Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/271,620,
 entitled Electrical Connectors Having Dual Based Contact Pins, filed Mar.
 17, 1999, listing Oliphant et al. as the inventors, which is hereby
 incorporated by reference in its entirety. The opening 110, for example,
 may also include an electrical interface and configuration as disclosed in
 Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/976,199,
 entitled Breakaway Physical/electrical Media Jack, filed Nov. 21, 1997,
 listing Garside as the inventor now U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,777; or Assignee's
 co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/976,819, entitled Media
 Connector Interface for Electrical Apparatus, filed Nov. 24, 1997, listing
 Beckham, et al. as the inventors now abandoned. These applications are
 hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
 The front surface 72 of the body 70 of the adaptor module 50 includes one
 or more sockets or connecting portions. For example, the adaptor module 50
 may include one or more RJ-type connectors, USBs and/or multiple pin
 interfaces. As shown in FIG. 6, the adaptor 50 includes a first RJ-type
 connector 114, a second RJ-type connector 116 and an auxiliary connector
 118. The RJ-type connectors may be, for example, RJ-11 or RJ-45 connectors
 for connection to telephone lines or LANs, but any type of connector may
 be used. The auxiliary connector 118 may comprise a multiple pin
 interface, a pass-through connector, USB or other electrical connector.
 The connectors 114, 116 and 118 are configured to interface with any
 desired communication system and the adaptor 50 may include any number or
 combination of connectors.
 Computer circuitry such as a printed circuit board (PCB) is located within
 the housing of the adaptor module 50 so that the desired function can be
 performed. The circuitry, for example, may be positioned in the body 70
 and/or the extension 84 of the adaptor module 50. This circuitry can be
 used with various equipment such as modems, interfaces and antennas, which
 are discussed in more detail below, and to support various functions such
 as Direct Access Arrangement (DAA) for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines
 (ADSL), G.Lite and/or a cable modem adaption interface. One skilled in the
 art will recognize the circuitry can be used in many different
 applications to perform many different functions.
 Additionally, the arrangement and positioning of the various components of
 the adaptor 50 and card 52 may be changed. For example, the adaptor module
 50 and card 52 are shown in a first arrangement in FIG. 5 and in a second
 arrangement in FIG. 7. Thus, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the
 art that the adaptor 50 and card 52 may have any desired order or
 arrangement.
 As shown in FIG. 7, the auxiliary connector 118 includes a first extension
 120 that is configured to be inserted and connected to the interface 112
 of the card 52. The first extension 120 allows electrical communication
 between the connector 118 and the card 52 to be established. The
 connectors 114 and 116 are connected to a second extension 122 that is
 inserted into the opening 110 in the card 52. The second extension 122,
 which is in electrical communication with the connectors 114 and 116,
 includes a first slide rail 124, a second slide rail 126, a first locking
 edge 128 and a second locking edge 130 all of which are shown in further
 detail in the exploded view of FIG. 7A.
 The second extension 122 is preferably inserted into an input/output (I/O)
 port of the card 52. More preferably, the extension 122 is slidably
 connected to a slidable connector that is configured to receive a
 physical/electrical media connector, such as an XJACK.RTM. connector
 available from the 3Com Corporation. Advantageously, because the adaptor
 module 50 can be used with an XJACK.RTM. slidable connector, it can be
 used in a wide variety of circumstances and situations. Exemplary slidable
 connectors are disclosed in Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application
 Ser. Nos. 09/271,620; 08/976,199 and 08/976,819, which were previously
 incorporated by reference in their entirety. Another example of a slidable
 connector is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent application
 Ser. No. 09/033,270, filed Mar. 2, 1998, which is hereby incorporated by
 reference in its entirety. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, the
 rails 126 and 128 are received by correspondingly shaped and sized tracks
 or grooves, such as is shown at track/groove 129 (for receiving rail 126)
 and track/groove 131 (for receiving rail 128). Thus, when inserted into
 the opening 110, the rails 126 and 128 are received on the corresponding
 track/grooves 129, 131 so as to provide an aligned and supported physical
 interface between the adaptor module 50 and card 52. Moreover, in the
 embodiment of FIG. 7, when received within the opening 110, the elongate
 finger section 133 projecting from the printed circuit board in the form
 of an edge connector is operatively and electrically connected to the
 connectors 114 and 116, for example in the manner described in co-pending
 application Ser. No. 09/271,620, previously incorporated herein by
 reference. Thus, electrical communication between the adaptor module 50
 and the card 52 is established when the extension 122 is inserted into the
 opening 110 in the card 52. While the adaptor module 50 and card 52 are
 preferably separate, readily interchangeable components, the module and
 card may also be integrally formed or securely attached. Further, one
 skilled in the art will appreciate there are various known ways to
 electrically connect the adaptor module 50 and card 52.
 FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the adaptor module 50
 wherein the module extends outwardly from the card 52. This allows the
 module 50 to be attached to PCMCIA slots that are recessed into the
 computer. Advantageously, this allows the front surface 72 of the module
 to be positioned flush with the exterior surface of the computer.
 Alternatively, this embodiment allows the body 70 of the module 50 to
 extend further outwardly from the body of the computer.
 As seen in FIG. 9, in another preferred embodiment, the adaptor module 50
 includes an antenna system 150 attached to the body 70 of the module. The
 antenna system 150 is configured to be in communication with a wireless
 communications network. The wireless communications network, for example,
 may include wireless modems, wireless LAN, wireless PAN, cellular
 telephone networks, digital communication systems, etc. The wireless
 communication network may also include Bluetooth technology which allows a
 wide range of computing and telecommunication devices to be interconnected
 via wireless connections. Specifications and other information regarding
 Bluetooth technology are available at the Bluetooth Internet site
 www.bluetooth.com. Additionally, specifications and other information
 regarding Bluetooth technology will be published in the Bluetooth Special
 Interest Group (SIG) Version 1.0.
 The antenna system 150 includes a monopole antenna 152, but any suitable
 type of antenna, such as dipole or slotted antenna, may also be used
 depending upon factors such as desired polarization and radiation
 patterns. Additionally, while the antenna system 150 may be used with any
 suitable wireless communication system, the antenna system is preferably
 configured to conform with applicable Bluetooth technology specifications
 and standards. For example, in accordance with the proposed Bluetooth
 standards, the antenna 152 is configured to use the Industrial Scientific
 and Medical (ISM) frequency band of 2.4 to 2.4835 gigahertz (GHz). One
 skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the antenna 152 can be
 used with any suitable band or frequency depending, for example, upon the
 intended use of the antenna system 150.
 In greater detail, the antenna 152 includes a radiating element (not shown
 in the accompanying figures) which is constructed of a flexible, metallic
 material that permits repeated bending or flexing of the antenna. In
 particular, the material has a modules of elasticity which allows the
 radiating element to be readily bent or flexed into the desired position.
 The radiating element also has an elastic limit and fatigue limit which
 allows the radiating element to be repeatedly moved and positioned in the
 desired manner. The radiating element is preferably constructed of spring
 steel having the desired characteristics, but it may be constructed from
 other suitable materials such as copper or bronze. The radiating element
 is preferably plated with a conductive material such as copper and the
 plating desirably has a thickness of at least about 0.0003 inches, but the
 plating may be thicker or thinner and other suitable conductive material
 may be used.
 The antenna 152 also includes a protective sheath or covering 154 which
 substantially encloses the radiating element. The sheath 154 is
 constructed of a flexible, elastic material which allows the radiating
 element to bend or deflect into the desired configuration. In particular,
 the sheath 154 is molded around the radiating element in such a manner
 that the section modulus is considerably reduced to allow the radiating
 element to be bent from the generally straight position to the angled
 position without exceeding the elastic limit of the material. The body 70
 of the module 50 includes a recess or depression 156 to hold the antenna
 152 when it is not in use and a latch (not shown) may be used to secure
 the antenna in a storage position. Additionally, the housing of the module
 50 may contain support structure and various circuitry for the antenna,
 such as a radio frequency (RF) adaptor or circuit board. While the antenna
 152 is preferably a minimum size and configured to be used with any
 desired wireless system, the antenna can have any size and configuration
 depending, for example, upon the desired use of the antenna system 150.
 An exemplary antenna system 150 which may be used in conjunction with the
 adaptor module 50 is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent
 application Ser. No. 09/322,870, filed herewith, entitled Antenna for
 Portable Computers, listing Madsen et al. as inventors, and this
 application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. One
 skilled in the art will understand that other antennas and wireless
 communication systems may also be used with the adaptor module 50 of the
 present invention.
 As seen in FIG. 10, the adaptor module 50 may include one or more
 indicators 160 to provide information to the user. The indicators 160 are
 preferably light sources such as incandescent lights or light emitting
 diodes (LEDs). The indicators 160 may provide various information such as
 use of the adaptor module 50 and/or the mode of operation of the adaptor
 module. The indicators 160 may also be used for other purposes such as
 set-up and installation, or diagnostics and repair of the adaptor module
 50. The indicators 160, for example, may be electrically connected to the
 circuitry located within the body of the module 50 or electrically
 connected to the card 52.
 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.