Memory card adapter for connecting a miniature card to a standard card connector, along with a method of fabricating same

An adapter (14) for a memory card connector to enable a miniature memory card (18) to be inserted into a larger, standard memory card connector (16), comprising,

• a two-part housing means (26,28) of a size and shape to simulate a standard memory card and including an inner cavity (20) for receiving a miniature memory card (18), the housing means including a base housing (26) defining a substantial portion of said inner cavity and an inner housing (28) separate from and independent of the base housing;
• and
• a plurality of terminals (48) stamped and formed of conductive sheet metal material, each terminal including a first contact portion (48a) at one end thereof for engaging an appropriate contact (24) on the standard memory card connector (16), a second contact portion (48c) at an opposite end thereof for engaging an appropriate contact (54) of the miniature memory card (18) and a mounting section (48d) between said opposite ends, the mounting sections of the terminals being press-fit into terminal-receiving passages (44) in the inner housing (28), the adapter characterized by
• a reinforcing plate (56) supporting the base housing (26), wherein said inner housing (28) comprises an elongated bar, and said reinforcing plate (56) comprises a narrow band (58) running generally parallel to the inner housing, and
• wherein said reinforcing plate (56) includes a lock member (68) engageable with the miniature memory card (18) inserted into the inner cavity (20).