Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Utility Patent
1998-04-30
2001-01-02
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S689000, C361S724000, C312S223200
Utility Patent
active
06169655
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to portable computer docking methods and apparatus.
Portable “personal” computers have developed from the early cumbersome suitcase design to smaller laptop designs to the now commercially-predominant notebook, sub-notebook and palm top computers. The evolution has been toward smaller, lighter computers with increasing transportability and usability. The state of the art continues to improve by (i) increasing battery life, (ii) decreasing circuitry and system weight, (iii) adapting compartments for add-in cards, and (iv) decreasing housing size.
The typical portable computer includes a display screen housing hinged to a keyboard housing. The display screen housing folds down against the keyboard where the two housings latch together. A disk drive often is mounted in the keyboard housing. Additional features include a docking connector, input/output ports and one or more compartments for receiving PCMCIA cards, (peripheral devices conforming to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standards for personal computer-based peripherals).
Even though the processing throughput, memory and other performance features of a notebook computer are achieving similar levels to desktop computers, there still are trade-offs for using a notebook computer. Typically, the keyboard and display are smaller than are used for desktop computers. Larger displays and keyboards are desired for usability and ergonomic reasons. As a result, it is common to have a docking station in a desktop environment. A full-size keyboard, a desk top display monitor, additional memory storage devices, network resources, and peripherals, typically are accessible through the docking station.
It is desirable that the connection and disconnection between the notebook computer and the docking station be easy, convenient and reliable.
It also is desirable that the computer and docking station take up little desk space.
Portable computers often are used in an office environment with a docking station. One concern with such usage is the ease with which a portable computer can be removed and stolen. Accordingly, there is a desire for including security precautions in a docked notebook computing environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a portable computer is docked within a drawer concealing the computer from view and minimizing use of scarce desktop space.
According to one aspect of the invention, the drawer includes a docking platform with a docking connector. The computer is positioned on the platform at a desired position. The computer includes a docking connector for mating to the drawer's docking connector.
According to another aspect of the invention, the action of closing the drawer causes the computer docking connector and drawer docking connector to mate. The drawer docking connector is electrically coupled to an expansion unit which has ports or other interfaces for coupling to a display, full-size keyboard, network resources and peripheral devices, such as a printer, CD-ROM, and floppy disk drive.
According to another aspect of this invention, a docking apparatus for a portable computer includes a furnishing having a desktop surface and an opening. A drawer moves within the opening between an open position and a closed position. The computer is inserted into the drawer. A docking connector, which serves as an electrical interface with the portable computer, is located within opening, either attached to the drawer or to the furnishing.
According to another aspect of the invention, a platform is located within the drawer. The portable computer rests on the platform while in the drawer. For a computer with an underside docking connector, the platform includes the docking connector which interfaces to the computer.
According to another aspect of the invention, a ramp is rotatably coupled to the platform, the ramp has an elevated position and a depressed position. A guide structure is fixed to the ramp. A corresponding guide structure is fixed to the furnishing within the opening. The two guide structures are operative to mechanically link the position of the ramp to the open or closed position of the drawer.
An advantage of the invention is that the docking process is easy, convenient and reliable. The operator inserts the computer into the drawer to a desired alignment position, then closes the drawer. Such docking has the ease and reliability of an automated process, but is achieved at substantially less cost. Another advantage is that the computer is unexposed, providing a deterrent to theft. A further deterrent is that the drawer can be locked preventing physical access to the computer. Another advantage of this invention is that additional desktop space is free by having the notebook computer and docking connector be located off the desktop in a drawer. These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4766422 (1988-08-01), Wolters et al.
patent: 5526493 (1996-06-01), Shu
patent: 5561589 (1996-10-01), Mesfin et al.
patent: 5651594 (1997-07-01), Lechman
patent: 5801921 (1998-09-01), Miller
patent: 6022087 (2000-02-01), Gilbert
patent: 6029215 (2000-02-01), Watts, Jr. et al.
Bui Tung Minh
Hewlett--Packard Company
Picard Leo P.
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