S P E C I F I C A T I O N BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to computers, and more specifically to memory cards for computers, which may be portable computers, and to a means for enabling easy removal of such a memory card from a computer.

Memory cards have come into increasing use in recent years, particularly in portable and laptop computers. They have the advantages of small size and ruggednesε. A typical memory card may have any of various types of memory, e.g. RAM, EPROM or ROM, and the computer interprets or "sees" the memory card as it "sees" a disc. Typically a battery is included in a RAM card to retain volatile memory. At one end of the card is a connection with a number of contacts, protected by a shutter when outside the computer, which mate with corresponding contacts when the memory card is loaded into the computer's card slot.

The memory cards can therefore function in lieu of floppy disks and are much smaller than even the 3 1/2 inch size floppy disk.

Most computers employing memory cards have a card slot situated so that an inserted memory card extends outward beyond the edge of the computer, enabling gripping and removal. Although this does facilitate easy removal, it exposes the card and the slot opening to the environment.

Among other things, this can risk bumping of the card and possible damage to the card or the card interface in the slot. It would be desirable to have a memory card fully recessed in a computer but such a recessed card would be difficult to remove from the computer's memory card slot.

Mechanical ejectors could be used, but the ejectors would be bulky and thus objectionable when a compact and thin computer profile is sought.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for enabling quick and easy removal of a memory card from a fully recessed memory card slot, without increasing the bulk, weight or profile of a computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a portable computer has a memory card slot positioned so that the entire memory card will be recessed into the computer, and may be protected by a door over the slot.

The card removal device comprises a tongue or tab of flexible material, protruding beyond an edge of the memory card, i.e. the edge which remains near the outside of the computer slot. In a preferred embodiment this tab is an extending end of a label adhered to one surface of the memory card and bearing information relating to the memory card. In another embodiment the tab is connected to the card independently of labels which may be on one or both sides of the card.

The tab or label extension has sufficient flexibility to enable it to be folded back into the computer memory slot cavity during use. Alternatively it can be allowed to extend out from the memory card slot during use, since it is flexible and can take impact without harm to the memory card, but it is preferred ^" that the tab be contained within the computer and a door closed over the card slot. A computer with which the invention may be employed is disclosed in copending application Serial No. , entitled "Hand Held Computer" filed on the same date as this application, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment of the present invention, a memory card removal device for a computer comprises a computer memory card having a label affixed to a surface of the

memory card, the label having information printed on it relating to the memory card. The label extends beyond one edge of the memory card so as to form a protruding flexible tab which may be gripped between the fingers of a user for removal of the memory card from the card slot of the computer.

The present invention encompasses all types of memory cards for use in computer card slots, whether the cards are of the types mentioned above or any other type of data storage card with data readable by apparatus in the computer slot (this could include high density optical data storage on a card, for example) .

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to enable quick and easy removal of a memory card from a computer memory card slot wherein the card is recessed entirely within the slot or opening, eliminating the need for a mechanical ejector, by providing on the card an overhanging tab or tongue for gripping by a user.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and what are now considered to be the best modes contemplated for applying these principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of a computer memory card having a label and having an extending tab in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic elevation view in section, as seen generally along the line 2-2 in Figure 4, and indicating the memory card in a position of use in a memory

card slot of a computer, and showing the grippable tab folded back and contained within the computer, with a door closed.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, as seen along the line 3-3 in Figure 4, but showing the grippable tab extending out of the memory card opening of the computer, for removal.

Figure 4 is an elevation view of a computer having two memory card slots, with a card slot door partially open.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings. Figure 1 shows in top plan view a computer memory card 10, of a generally typical configuration and about the length and width of a plastic credit card, although somewhat thicker. Electrical contacts (not shown) are at an inner end of the card. The memory card 10 has a surface to which is secured a label 14 which may bear information 15 relating to the memory card or its contents. In accordance with the invention, the memory card 10 has an extending flexible tab 16 for gripping by a user when the memory card is to be removed from a computer. In a preferred embodiment, the extending tab or tongue 16 comprises an extending portion of a label similar to the label 14, although it can be independent of the label. The tab preferably is secured to the underside of the card 10, so in the top plan view of Figure 1 it is not a part of the visible label 14. As illustrated, the label 14 may be sized as to extend over substantially the entire surface of the memory card, if desired, but the tab or tongue 16 can be formed from a narrower extension of a similar label secured to the underside of the card 10.

The label 14 may be attached to the memory card by adhesive, which is not applied to the extending tab 16. It should be understood that the invention encompasses several variations. Labels can be on both surfaces of the memory card, with only one forming the flexible tab or with

both adhered together in an overlapping portion to form the tab. The tab or tongue can be secured to the card independently of one or two labels on the card.

Figure 1 shows a slidable shutter 18 at the end of the memory card which bears contacts, as typical of RAM card structure.

Figure 2 shows the memory card 10 situated inside a recess or slot 20 of a computer 22, usually but not necessarily a portable or laptop or hand held type computer which may be of thin profile. The memory card is loaded by hand into the recess or slot 20, from an opening 24 at the exterior of the computer, on the right of Figure 2.

As seen in the drawings, the memory card recess or slot 20 extends deeply enough into the computer that the card 10 when inserted is fully recessed within the outer edge 26 of the computer. As discussed above, this protects the memory card 10 and the card reading apparatus within the computer from any bumping, jarring or impact occurring to the card 10 from the exterior, and also from soiling from the environment.

The tab's connection to the underside of the card 10 assures that the curling, of the tab as shown will not tend to pull the tab away from the surface to which it is adhered. To facilitate removal of the memory card 10 from the computer, the tab or tongue 16 protruding from the memory card is easily available for gripping between the fingers of the user. In Figure 2 the tab 16 is shown folded back toward the memory card during use of the memory card, but still easily reachable by a finger via the opening 24 at the outer end of the recess or slot 20. The folded-over tab or tongue 16 can be engaged with a finger and flipped over to the generally straight extending position shown in Figure 3, and then easily gripped between the fingers for removal of the card by pulling.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the computer may include a slidable or pivoted door 30 (shown slidable) which can be

closed to completely enclose the card 10 within the card recess 20 during operation.

Figure 3 shows the protruding tab or tongue 16 in a fully extended position for gripping, with the door 30 pulled back and opened.

Figure 4 shows the computer 22 from a position looking directly into the memory card slots, two of which are shown. A single door 30 slides back (to the left) to open both card slots as illustrated. This slidable door may be positioned in a track such as shown at 32. hile I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of our invention, it is to be understood that these are capable of variation and modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, but desire to avail myself of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.