Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-05
2004-09-07
Prasad, Chandrika (Department: 2839)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S689000, C248S918000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06788528
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to portable computer systems, and more specifically, to an improved vehicle docking station and holder that is particularly well-suited for use with an HP Jornada™ portable computer.
The assignee of the present invention manufactures a handheld portable personal computer (PC) or pocket PC device known as HP Jornada™ portable computer. The HP Jornada is a handheld PC that delivers personal computing power, speed, and flexibility while on the go. The HP Jornada includes memory that allows many applications to run, and allows the user to send and receive e-mail and use the Internet to do business away from home or office.
Currently, there are no docking stations available for the HP Jornada that allow it to be installed to a vehicle. Currently available HP Jornada docking stations are not fixed to the vehicle, which allows the HP Jornada to slide. Furthermore, currently available docking stations do not use a vehicle power source for power for the HP Jornada. The currently available docking stations do not allow playing of MP3 music files through a stereo system of the vehicle.
A search relating to the present invention was performed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and uncovered the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,555,491, 6,113,047, 5,973,917, 5,966,285, 5,859,762, 5,751,548 and 6,03,089.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,491 discloses a “compact docking station for portable computer”. It is disclosed in this patent that “A compact docking station for a portable computer includes a mounting bracket assembly for supporting together as a compact unit a computer port replicating device, a DC power supply and a light for illuminating the work area of the computer. The mounting bracket assembly includes lower and upper mounting brackets that are pivotably connected to each other. The lower mounting bracket can be directly mounted on a support base such as a vehicle console. The upper mounting bracket provides a computer support surface and carries the port replicating device adjacent thereto. The upper mounting bracket is pivotable between a generally horizontal computer use position, and an upwardly angled computer removal/attachment position. This arrangement allows the computer to be positioned for use in a limited space, with minimal handling and clutter.”
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,491 that “While the advantages of mobile computer use are manifest, there are specific problems presented by introducing a computer into a vehicular environment: (i) physical mounting and support difficulties, (ii) space limitations, (iii) power conversion problems arising from use of a vehicle battery as a power source, (iv) linking the computer to peripheral devices such as a cellular modem, and (v) retaining full portability of the computer for flexibility of use and prevention of theft.” Thus, nothing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,491 regarding connecting the computer to a vehicle power source. Furthermore, there is no disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,491 regarding connecting the computer to a stereo system of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,047 discloses a “dual point vehicle mount for computer terminal”. It is disclosed in this patent that “A vibration resistant mounting bracket has a base attachable to a support structure by bolts. Isolator bushings are positioned in the mounting holes in the bracket to isolate the bracket from shocks and vibration. A pair of arms project perpendicularly from the base. Each arm has a round opening and an arcuate opening concentric with the round opening. A first fastener pivotably connects a terminal to each arm of the bracket at a pivot axis defined by the round openings. A second fastener has a shaft extending through the arcuate opening and into a second threaded opening in the terminal. The second fastener may be tightened and loosened to secure the terminal in a pivot position relative to the bracket and release the terminal from the pivot position to change to a different pivot position.” Nothing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,047 regarding connecting the computer terminal to a vehicle power source or to a stereo system of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,917 discloses a “portable motor vehicle work station”. It is disclosed in this patent that “The present invention is a portable work station which is designed to be used in motor vehicles. The work station is a cabinet which is capable of being secured to a passenger seat of the motor vehicle, preferably by an attached securing means. There is provided a computer tray which is adapted to be releasable attachable to the work surface of the work station and capable of being received within the interior of the work station. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a computer tray which is attached to an articulated cantilever system which, when the lid to the main compartment is opened, projects and presents the computer tray and any computer which is secured thereon.”
It is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,917 that “Furthermore, there is provided at least one electrical power plug(s)
70
in the front side
13
which provide power to a computer, printer or other accessories, such as a small desk lamp or the like. In order to provide the correct form of electrical power, there may be [by], enclosed by the cabinet
10
, a power converter which is adapted to convert direct current electricity to alternating current electricity, 110 volt rms. The at least one power plug(s)
70
are adapted to be capable of electrical connection with a secured computer.
However, nothing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,917 regarding connecting the-work station U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,285 discloses a “mobile portable computer docking/office station”. It is disclosed in this patent that “A mobile portable computer docking/office station is adapted for use in an automotive vehicle or a hotel room and includes a portable housing which may be rested on a car or truck seat. The housing is shaped to resemble a child's car seat, and has exterior side surface indentations which receive portions of the vehicle's passenger side seat belt structure to hold the housing in place on the vehicle seat. A docking area is formed in the housing and is provided with an electrical connector that mates with a corresponding connector on a portable computer when the computer is operatively inserted into the docking area. A printer/scanner unit, a cellular modem, a pair of speakers, and a computer battery charger are carried by the housing and are operatively coupled to the docking area connector. DC electrical power may be transmitted to these components by a self-retracting power cord carried by the housing and having an outer end member that may be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter. A cellular phone is also included with the docking/office station and is removably supportable in a cradle recess formed in the housing portion of the portable docking/office station.”
This docking station is not attached to the vehicle. Also, nothing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,285 regarding connecting the portable computer to a stereo system of the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,762 discloses a “docking station for portable computers”. It is disclosed in this patent that “A portable computer holder is adjustably mounted on a base portion that is attachable to the floor of a vehicle and is provided with a means for heating the portable computer when the computer is positioned in the holder. The heated holder effectively solves the problem of maintaining a portable computer at an operable temperature in cold environments.”
U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,762 states that “A port replicator
50
is also provided as a standard component, enabling the computer to be readily connected to the peripheral components and an external power supply.” and “Preferably the heating elements
64
,
66
are powered by an external source, such as standard 110 volt line current, to avoid drain on a vehicular or auxiliary battery source.” Nothing is disclosed in U
Enners Ryan S.
Macklin Lee
Hewlett--Packard Development Company, L.P.
Hyeon Hae Moon
Prasad Chandrika
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