Abstract: A physical/electrical media jack is configured for electrically coupling with a physical/electrical media plug. The jack includes a housing having an interior chamber communicating with the exterior through an opening. Positioned on opposing sides of the opening are a pair of blocking ridges each having an inside sloping edge. In one embodiment, dovetailed splines are positioned on the exterior surface of the housing for receipt in complementary keyways formed in the border frame of a PC Card or the casing of an electrical apparatus. The jack further includes a retractable access portion having an aperture formed therein for receiving a media plug. The second end of the retractable access portion is slidably received within the opening in the housing. Outwardly projecting from opposing sides of the retractable access portion at the second end are a pair of retention lips. The retention lips bias against the blocking ridges to prevent unwanted removal of the retractable access portion from the housing.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector for use in a communications card for interfacing between a shielded media connector and a downsized computer is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the communications card comprises a retractable access portion and a fixed portion. The retractable access portion has an aperture formed therein configured to receive the shielded media connector. A conductive pin block provides electrical continuity between the shielded media connector and the fixed portion. A conductive shielding terminal encounters the shielding jacket on the shielded media connector and provides the shielding path through a distal end encountering a ground path contact such as the conductive cover of a PCMCIA communications card. The conductive shielding terminal additionally employs a spring tab extending into the aperture of the retractable access portion for positive contact with the shielded media connector.

Abstract: A physical/electrical media jack is configured for electrically coupling with a physical/electrical media plug. The jack includes a housing having an interior chamber communicating with the exterior through an opening. Positioned on opposing sides of the opening are a pair of blocking ridges each having an inside sloping edge. In one embodiment, dovetailed splines are positioned on the exterior surface of the housing for receipt in complementary keyways formed in the border frame of a PC Card or the casing of an electrical apparatus. The jack further includes a retractable access portion having an aperture formed therein for receiving a media plug. The second end of the retractable access portion is slidably received within the opening in the housing. Outwardly projecting from opposing sides of the retractable access portion at the second end are a pair of retention lips. The retention lips bias against the blocking ridges to prevent unwanted removal of the retractable access portion from the housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector particularly adapted for use in a PCMCIA standard connector designed for increased performance, ease of manufacturing, and allowing the connector casing to contain a printed circuit board having larger components is presented. A grounding shield with a hallowed-out area is implemented in the connector casing to create more room for a PC board given the same amount of vertical clearance allowing componentry to be larger than would otherwise be possible. Further, the grounding shield has a soldering cup to allow better adhesion of the solder to the plated grounding shield and to allow the connector to be more easily manufactured. The buttons used to disengage the connector from its receptacle are extended outward from the connection to provide easier accessibility in limited space circumstances. Additionally, the casing and buttons have opposing angles in order to provide more convenient and sure grasping by the user.