Patent · US Expired

Storage container for a memory device and method of making

US5553444A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
36References
44Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 15, 1994
Grant dateSep 10, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 15, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA45C2011/188
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A container for a PC card including a relatively hard base pivotably connected by a hinge to a cover. A resilient tray is positioned within the base. The cover can be kept in a closed position by a latch. An outer edge of the tray attaches to a peripheral lip on the base to form a bumper and a seal between the base and cover when the container is closed. The edge also prevents shear movement of the cover relative to the base when the container is dropped on a corner. The hinge and latch are inboard of the outer edge of the tray so that they aren't disturbed if the container is dropped. The tray includes a central receptacle that receives the PC card. Between the PC card receptacle and the outer edge of the tray there is formed a bellows-like member which tangents the cover and base and physically isolates the PC card receptacle from the cover and base. The bellows-like member allows the PC card receptacle to move freely of the base and cover, so should the container with a PC card therein be dropped, the PC card can "float" in the container. It is the bellows that absorbs the shock, not the cover, base or PC card receptacle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.