US5984732A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for interconnection of modular electronic components
Assignee: Veutron Corp
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Filing: 1997-11-14
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Granted: 1999-11-16
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Expires: 2017-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and an apparatus for interconnection of modular electronic components are provided. At least one foot is located on the bottom side of a component for providing mechanical support to the component. At least one receptacle is located on the top side of the component. The size and number of the receptacles correspond to the size and number of the feet. The feet contain at least one electrical connector. When multiple components are stacked, the receptacles of the lower component accept the corresponding feet and electrical connectors of the upper component thereby forming an electrical connection. The modular electronic components comprise computer components and stereo system components. The electrical connections comprise power connections and signaling connections.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter A. Mehring
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:01
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K5/00; H05K5/30; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/514
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus for connecting a plurality of modular electronic components, the apparatus comprising: at least one foot located on a first side of a first component, the at least one foot supporting the component; at least one receptacle located on a second side of a second component, the second side being opposite a first side of the second component; and at least one electrical connector located in the at least one foot, wherein the at least one receptacle accepts the at least one electrical connector to form an electrical connection when the first component is placed on top of the second component.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
An apparatus for connecting a plurality of modular electronic components, the apparatus comprising: at least one foot located on a first side of a first component, the at least one foot supporting the component; at least one receptacle located on a second side of a second component, the second side being opposite a first side of the second component; and at least one electrical connector located in the at least one foot, wherein the at least one receptacle accepts the at least one electrical connector to form an electrical connection when the first component is placed on top of the second component.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection comprises power connections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection comprises signaling connections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the modular electronic components are computer components.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of modular electronic components comprise at least one hard drive and at least one disk drive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the modular electronic components comprise at least one modem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the modular electronic components comprise at least one audio component.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the modular electronic components comprise at least one video component.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the modular electronic components comprise a plurality of audio and video components.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
98 words
A system of modular electronic components, the system comprising: a first component comprising at least one foot located on a first side, the at least one foot supporting the component; a second component comprising at least one receptacle located on a second side, the second side being opposite a first side of the second component, wherein at least one electrical connector is located in the at least one foot, the at least one receptacle accepting the at least one electrical connector to form an electrical connection when the first component is placed on top of the second component.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
98 words
A system of modular electronic components, the system comprising: a first component comprising at least one foot located on a first side, the at least one foot supporting the component; a second component comprising at least one receptacle located on a second side, the second side being opposite a first side of the second component, wherein at least one electrical connector is located in the at least one foot, the at least one receptacle accepting the at least one electrical connector to form an electrical connection when the first component is placed on top of the second component.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the electrical connection comprises power connections and signaling connections.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the modular electronic components comprise computer components.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the modular electronic components comprise audio and video system components.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 10, wherein an electrical connection is formed when a third component is placed on top of the second component.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 10, wherein an electrical connection is formed when a third component is placed on top of the first component.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-05-17 | 2003-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-15 | 2007-05-17 | 2007-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-15 | 2011-05-17 | 2011-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |