External connector and battery extension pack for a portable communication device

Abstract

An improved external connector of a portable comununication device that is perpendicular to the backplate of the communication device. The external connector is a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connector. The external connector is placed directly on a circuit board within the communication device and avoids the use of bent leads. This configuration allows removable modules, such as battery extension packs, battery rechargers or system connector packs, to be placed off the backplate of the device. The external connector on the communication device is a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector on the front side of the removable module. The removable module may have a female-type connector on the back side for receiving the male-type connector of another removable module. Multiple removable modules may be stacked on the back of the communication device one on top of another. Because of the thin configuration of the removable modules, multiple removable modules may be used while maintaining the thin profile of the overall operating device. Where the removable module is a system connector pack, the system connector pack may be connected to a laptop or a battery recharger via a flexible cord.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.