US20080165492A1 - Docking assembly for a computer and method - Google Patents
Docking assembly for a computer and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080165492A1 US20080165492A1 US11/650,397 US65039707A US2008165492A1 US 20080165492 A1 US20080165492 A1 US 20080165492A1 US 65039707 A US65039707 A US 65039707A US 2008165492 A1 US2008165492 A1 US 2008165492A1
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- Prior art keywords
- computer
- assembly
- support assembly
- docking
- base station
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1624—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with sliding enclosures, e.g. sliding keyboard or display
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to a docking assembly. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a docking assembly for holding a small handheld computer, and a method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a small handheld computer.
- A docking station typically contains slots for expansion cards, bays for storage devices, and connectors for peripheral devices, such as printers and monitors. A docking station can also include a network interface card (NIC) that attaches the notebook to a local area network (LAN). Once inserted in a docking station, a portable computer essentially becomes a desktop model computer. When it is taken out, it becomes a portable computer again. Most importantly, the same data is accessible in both modes because it resides on the portable computer's drives.
- The idea behind docking stations is to let one simultaneously enjoy the expansion possibilities of desktop model computers with the portability of portable computers (e.g. small handheld computers). In addition, the docking station enables one to use a full-size keyboard and monitor when one is not traveling. However, a number of cables are needed for coupling a portable computer to a docking station. These cables are sometimes cumbersome, and can make interconnecting the portable computer to the docking station awkward, not to mention needing the additional space to make the interconnection.
- Therefore, what is needed is a cost-effective way to interconnect a portable computer (e.g., a small handheld computer) to a docking station. What is further needed and what has been invented is an efficient, cost-effective and improved way of interconnecting a portable computer to a docking station.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide a docking assembly for a computer. The docking assembly includes a base station, and a computer-support assembly coupled to the base station.
- Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portable computer (e.g., a small handheld computer) comprising flexing and/or moving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to a computer-support assembly. The base station and the computer-support assembly are rotatably connected or coupled to an arm assembly. The method additionally comprises moving the computer-support assembly away from the base station while rotating about the arm assembly, and positioning the computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving a portable computer.
- These provisions, together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the following description proceeds, are attained by the methods and assemblies of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly in a closed position and illustrating a docking or base station and a computer support assembly pivotally secured thereto. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly in an open position and illustrating the docking station and the computer support assembly in position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer. -
FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 6 and illustrating the docking station with the computer support assembly in a position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 6 , opposite the side of the embodiment of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is the perspective view of the embodiment of the docking assembly shown inFIG. 6 and engaged to a small handheld computer. -
FIG. 11 is the perspective view of the embodiment of the docking assembly illustrated inFIG. 7 and engaged to a small handheld computer. - In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
- Referring in detail now to the drawings wherein similar parts of embodiments of the invention are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in
FIG. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of the docking assembly, generally illustrated as 10. Thedocking assembly 10 includes a docking or base station, generally illustrated as 12. Pivotally secured or coupled to thedocking station 12 via anarm assembly 16 is a computer support assembly, generally illustrated as 14. Thearm assembly 16 includes anarm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations arm assembly 16, thedocking station 12, and thecomputer support assembly 14 may be in suitable fashion or manner. For example, thecomputer support assembly 14 may rotate on or about thearm assembly 16, while thearm assembly 16 may rotate on or about thedocking station 12. - The
docking station 12 illustrated inFIG. 1 includes atop 13, abottom 36, as well asside interfaces assembly side 28 andside 31. For various embodiments of the invention,side interface 24 may include any suitable components, such aselect button 58, a CD/DVD slot 50, andUSB port 54. As further seen inFIG. 1 , thecomputer support assembly 14 includes asupport member 90 having connected or coupled thereto, preferably in an integral manner, a pair ofengagers engagers support member 90 in a generally opposed relationship. Engager 94 has anopening 112. Secured to thebase 90 is a pair of connectors,multipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106. Thearm assembly 16 is illustrated as having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of thedocking station 12 with thecomputer support assembly 14 pivotally secured thereto. There is seen inFIG. 2 thedocking assembly 10,top 13 of thedocking station 12, andside 31 andside interfaces docking station 12. Also seen is thesupport member 90 having connected or coupled thereto the pair ofengagers engagers multipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106 are shown as connected to thebase 90. Thearm assembly 16 is illustrated as having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations docking assembly 10 may include another arm assembly rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and to thecomputer support assembly 14. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of thedocking station 12 having thecomputer support assembly 14 pivotally secured or coupled thereto. There is seen inFIG. 3 thedocking assembly 10, thebottom 36 of thedocking station 12, andside 31 andside interfaces docking station 12. Also seen inFIG. 3 is thesupport member 90 having connected or coupled thereto the pair ofengagers multipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106 are seen as connected to thebase 90. Thearm assembly 16 is seen as having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of thedocking assembly 10 having thecomputer support assembly 14 in a closed position and pivotally secured or coupled to the docking station. Thearm assembly 16 is shown as having thearm 17. Thesupport member 90 of thecomputer support assembly 14 is also shown along with the pair ofengagers -
FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of thedocking assembly 10 having the computer support assembly in a closed position and pivotally secured or coupled to thedocking station 12. The top 13 and bottom 36 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with thearm assembly 16 having thearm 17.Side interface 24 of thedocking station 12 is seen having theelect button 58, a CD/DVD slot 50, andUSB port 54. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of thedocking assembly 10 including thedocking station 12 with thecomputer support assembly 14 having been pivoted into a position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer. For various embodiments of the invention, theside interface 34 may include any suitable connectors or ports. By way of example only and as shown inFIG. 6 , theside interface 34 may comprise apower connector 62, aUSB connection 66, aUSB connector 70,Ethernet Port 74, an audioaudio port connector 78, aUGA 82 and anIEEE HDMI 86. The arm-assembly side 28 is illustrated. The top 13 and bottom 36 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with thearm assembly 16 having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations - The
computer support assembly 14 is shown inFIG. 6 as having thesupport member 90 with the pair ofengagers Engager 94 hasopening 112.Engager 98 hasopening 112. Further seen inFIG. 6 is the base 90 supporting the pair of connectors, multipurpose connector (e.g., docking and power) 102 andHDMI connector 106. Engagers 94 and 98 are capable of flexing outwardly in direction of arrows E and F, respectively. - In an embodiment, the
arm 17 of thearm assembly 16 may be a generally hollow conduit. Wires (not shown) may pass through thearm 17 for electrically interconnecting appropriate components (e.g., RAM, hard disk drive, and battery) with themultipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be a wireless communication between the appropriate components and themultipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106 supported bybase 90. - The
computer support assembly 14 may be adjusted into a desired position by rotating the same about thearm assembly 16 in direction of arrow A and/or rotating thearm assembly 16 about thecomputing support assembly 14 in direction of the arrow B, as best shown inFIG. 6 . As indicated, when thecomputer support assembly 14 is in a desired position, preferably when themultipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106 are generally normal with respect to the base 90 as best shown inFIG. 6 , a portable computer (e.g., a small handheld computer) may be conveniently positioned to engage themultipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106, as previously indicated. -
FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of an embodiment of thedocking assembly 10 including thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 having been pivoted into a position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer. Theside interface 24 is illustrated as having theelect button 58, the CD/DVD slot 50, andUSB port 54. The arm-assembly side 28 is illustrated inFIG. 7 . The top 13 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with thearm assembly 16 having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations - The
computer support assembly 14 is shown inFIG. 7 as including thesupport member 90 having the pair ofengagers engagers support member 90 in a generally opposed relationship.Engager 94 hasopening 112.Engager 98 hasopening 116. Further seen inFIG. 6 is the base 90 supporting the pair of connectors,multipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of thedocking assembly 10 ofFIG. 6 . There is seen inFIG. 8 theside interface 24 of thedocking station 12, along with thearm assembly 16 and its associatedarm 16 pivoting to thedocking station 12 atlocation 29 which is located inside 28. A side elevational view of thecomputer support assembly 14 is shown as including the engager 94 havingopening 112. Thearm assembly 16 is shown as pivotally coupling to thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocation 108. -
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of thedocking assembly 10 ofFIG. 6 , opposite the side of the embodiment of thedocking assembly 10 shown inFIG. 8 . There is seen inFIG. 9 theside interface 24 of thedocking station 12, along with thearm assembly 16. Thedocking station 12 is illustrated as having the bottom 36, and theside 31 having thekengsingtor lock hole 44. A side elevational view of thecomputer support assembly 14 is shown as including the engager 98 coupled, preferably integrally coupled, to thebase 90.Engager 98 is shown as havingopening 116. Thearm assembly 16 is also shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of thedocket assembly 10 including thedocking station 12 with thecomputer support assembly 14 in a position for receiving and supporting a small handheld computer, generally illustrated as 20. As shown inFIG. 10 , theside interface 34 comprises apower connector 62, aUSB connection 66, akeyboard connector 70,Ethernet Port 74, aaudio port connector 78, aUGA 82 and anIEEE HDMI 86. The arm-assembly side 28 is also illustrated. The top 13 and bottom 36 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with thearm assembly 16 having thearm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations computer support assembly 14 is shown inFIG. 10 as having thesupport member 90 with the pair ofengagers Engager 94 hasopening 112. - The
computer 20 shown inFIG. 10 includes abody 118, adisplay screen 120, and a top surface or keyboard (identified as “126” below). Thedisplay screen 120 is slidably coupled to thebody 118 for sliding up and down for covering and uncovering the keyboard. Thedisplay screen 120 may be slidably adjusted as desired for convenient use. In an embodiment of the invention, when thecomputer 20 has been disposed in the desired position, theengagers computer 20 for assisting in holding thecomputer 20 in a generally upright position. In an embodiment of the invention, each of the opposedengagers computer 20 may slidably pass through and engage the opposed slots to also assist in generally holding thecomputer 20 in the generally upright position as shown inFIG. 10 . In another embodiment of the invention, each of the inside surfaces of the opposedengagers computer 20. - The “
computer 20” for purposes of embodiments of the present invention may be any device. By way of example only, thecomputer 20 may be a small handheld computer, such as those manufactured and distributed by OQO, Inc. In other embodiments thecomputer 20 may include different electronic devices, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), cell phone, smartphone, electronic mail (email) device (e.g., Blackberry™ or similar), music or audio player, video device, gaming device or other small, compact or subcompact electronic device. By further way of example only, the “computer 20” is merely representative of many diverse products which may be employed in various embodiments of the invention, including those which may be computer-based products, and so forth. As indicated, thecomputer 20 is removably disposed in thecomputer support assembly 14. -
FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view of an embodiment of thedocking assembly 10 including thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 having been pivoted into a position for receiving and supporting a smallhandheld computer 20. Theside interface 24 is illustrated as having theelect button 58, the CD/DVD slot 50, andUSB port 54. The arm-assembly side 28 is also illustrated inFIG. 11 . The top 13 of thedocking station 12 is illustrated, along with thearm assembly 16 and its associatedarm 17 rotatably coupled to thedocking station 12 and thecomputer support assembly 14 atlocations computer support assembly 14 is shown inFIG. 11 as including thesupport member 90 having the pair ofengagers engagers support member 90 in a generally opposed relationship.Engager 94 hasopening 112. The smallhandheld computer 20 inFIG. 11 is shown as having thebody 118, thekeyboard 126 and theslidable screen 120. - Continuing to refer to the drawings for operation of various embodiments of the invention, to release the
computer support assembly 14 from thedocking station 12,engagers FIG. 2 ). After theengagers docking station 12, thecomputer support assembly 14 may be pulled and/or rotated upwardly for moving thecomputer support assembly 14 in a position for supporting the smallhandheld computer 20 when the latter engagesmultipurpose connector 102 and HDMI connector 106 (seeFIGS. 10 and 11 ). - After a user has finished operating and/or engaging the
computer 20, thecomputer 20 may be disengaged from thecomputer support assembly 14, and thecomputer support assembly 14 which may be subsequently re-coupled to thedocking station 12 for disposing thecomputer support assembly 14 in the closed posture with respect to the docking station 12 (seeFIGS. 1-3 ). To re-couple thecomputer support assembly 14 to thedocking station 12, thecomputer 20 is slid upwardly to disengage thecomputer 20 from thecomputer support assembly 14 and themultipurpose connector 102 andHDMI connector 106. To assist in removing thecomputer 20 from thedocking station 12, in one embodiment of theinvention engagers FIG. 6 wherein arrows E and F are shown). After thecomputer 20 has been removed from thecomputer support assembly 14, thecomputer support assembly 14 andarm assembly 16 are moved towardsinterface 34 of thedocking station 12, causing thecomputer support assembly 14 to move rotatably about thearm assembly 16 in direction of arrow A atlocation 108, and further causing thearm assembly 16 to move rotatably about thedocking station 12 in direction of the arrow B atlocation 29, as best shown inFIG. 6 . - As and/or when the
base 90 of thecomputer support assembly 14 moves past theside interface 34 of thedocking station 12,engagers sides sides openings engagers sides engagers computer support assembly 14 with thedocketing station 12, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 . When thecomputer support assembly 14 has been locked and/or engaged accordingly, the components (e.g.,power connector 62, aUSB connection 66, etc.) on theside interface 34, as well as the components (i.e., themultipurpose connector 102 and the HDMI connector 106) supported by thebase 90, are protected from being damaged. Also, thearm assembly 16 provides a convenient handle for carrying thedocking assembly 10. - In an embodiment of the invention, the
engagers engagers sides engagers sides sides computer support assembly 14 with the of thedocking station 12. - In an embodiment of the invention, the top 13 and/or bottom 36 and/or any one of the four sides (e.g., 24, 28, 31 and 34) of the
docking station 12 may include one or more keys, or one or more capacitive touch-sensors. The top 13 of thedocking station 12 may include a key phone like keypad (e.g., a 12 key phone like keypad) or a qwerty style key board or a combination of both these input devices. The docking station arm element (the protective element 90) may have male versions of same ports as are on the back (i.e., side interface 34) of thedocking station 12 in female form. Thus, when thearm 90 is in the protective mode, it may be pressed or slid toward thedocking station 12 so that the ports fit into their compliments. This further compacts the device and adds addition protection to the sensitive connectors, especially the protruding male elements. - In further embodiments of the invention,
engager 98 may engage and/or be released from the lock hole (e.g., lock hole 44). The top 13 of the base station may include one or more of a capicitive input device, a key, a set of keys, a keypad and a keyboard. - Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all its embodiments. Therefore, the respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- Additionally, any arrows in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
- As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
- The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- Therefore, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to the particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of the embodiments of the invention will be employed without the corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/650,397 US20080165492A1 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-01-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
US12/851,098 US8077454B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2010-08-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US11/650,397 US20080165492A1 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-01-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
Related Child Applications (1)
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US12/851,098 Continuation US8077454B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2010-08-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
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US20080165492A1 true US20080165492A1 (en) | 2008-07-10 |
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US11/650,397 Abandoned US20080165492A1 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-01-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
US12/851,098 Expired - Fee Related US8077454B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2010-08-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
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US12/851,098 Expired - Fee Related US8077454B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2010-08-05 | Docking assembly for a computer and method |
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EP2395411A2 (en) | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-14 | Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd. | Computer system and docking station thereof |
US20110304967A1 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-15 | Mou-Ming Ma | Computer system and base thereof |
US20110304975A1 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-15 | Mou-Ming Ma | Computer system and base thereof |
EP2395410A2 (en) * | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-14 | Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd. | Computer system and docking station thereof |
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US9300096B1 (en) * | 2015-01-16 | 2016-03-29 | Chief Land Electronic Co., Ltd. | Power connector |
US10222836B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2019-03-05 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electronic device |
US20180232543A1 (en) * | 2015-11-06 | 2018-08-16 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electronic apparatus |
US10990710B2 (en) * | 2015-11-06 | 2021-04-27 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electronic apparatus |
US11520943B2 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2022-12-06 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electronic apparatus |
US11768972B2 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2023-09-26 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electronic apparatus |
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US8077454B2 (en) | 2011-12-13 |
US20110103003A1 (en) | 2011-05-05 |
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