U.S. patent application number 09/752169 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-10 for docking station for multiple devices.
Invention is credited to Helot, Jacques H..
Application Number | 20010001083 09/752169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23351226 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010001083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Helot, Jacques H. |
May 10, 2001 |
Docking station for multiple devices
Abstract
A docking station includes mechanisms to accommodate multiple
devices simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment, the docking
station can accommodate at least a notebook computer and a
palmtop-type handheld device. The docking station preferably
facilitates a communication link between the handheld device and
the notebook computer when the two devices are docked to the
docking station. The communication link allows transmission and
synchronization of data between the handheld device and the
notebook computer. In a first embodiment of the invention, the
docking station includes a docking connector that can mate with the
notebook computer. The docking station also includes a docking
cradle that can accommodate the handheld device. In the preferred
embodiment, the docking cradle is configured to be adjustable in
angle, so that the docked handheld device can be positioned at a
desired angle. In the most preferred embodiment, the docking cradle
includes a security feature that locks the handheld device to the
docking cradle to prevent theft. In a second embodiment of the
invention, the docking station includes a slot in the housing to
accommodate the handheld device, instead of the docking cradle. In
a third embodiment of the invention, the docking station is
comprised of two modules, a primary docking module and a
supplemental docking module. The primary docking module is
configured to accommodate the notebook computer, while the
supplemental docking module is configured to accommodate the
palmtop-type handheld device.
Inventors: |
Helot, Jacques H.; (San
Mateo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P. O. Box 27400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
23351226 |
Appl. No.: |
09/752169 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09752169 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
|
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09344607 |
Jun 25, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 439/929 20130101;
G06F 1/1632 20130101; H01R 13/6397 20130101; H01R 33/94 20130101;
H01R 31/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/131 |
International
Class: |
H01R 013/44 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A docking station comprising: a docking structure; first means
located on said docking structure for connecting a portable
computer to said docking structure, said first means being
configured to physically affix said portable computer to said
docking structure when said portable computer is connected to said
docking structure; and second means located on said docking
structure for connecting a handheld computing device to said
docking structure, said second means being configured to physically
affix said handheld computing device to said docking structure when
said handheld device is connected to said docking structure.
2. The docking station of claim 1 wherein said first means is in
communication with said second means such that a communication link
is established when both said handheld computing device and said
portable computer are affixed to said docking structure.
3. The docking station of claim 1 wherein said first means includes
a first electrical connector that is configured to mate with a
corresponding first electrical connector on said portable computer,
and wherein said second means includes a second electrical
connector that is configured to mate with a corresponding second
electrical connector on said handheld computing device.
4. The docking station of claim 3 further comprising a docking
cradle that is attached to said docking structure, said docking
cradle including said second electrical connector such that said
handheld computing device is attached to said docking cradle when
said handheld computing device is connected to said second
electrical connector.
5. The docking station of claim 4 wherein said docking cradle
includes a mechanism to lock said handheld computing device to said
docking cradle when said handheld computing device is attached to
said docking cradle.
6. The docking station of claim 5 wherein said mechanism is
configured to unlock said handheld computing device from said
docking cradle when a command is entered into said handheld
computing device or said portable computer either via a menu item
of a software application operating in said handheld computing
device or said portable computer, or via an undocking button
located on said docking cradle.
7. The docking station of claim 4 wherein said docking structure is
configured such that said docking cradle can be inserted into said
docking structure when said handheld computing device is not
attached to said docking cradle.
8. The docking station of claim 4 wherein said docking cradle is
structurally configured to position said handheld computing device
at an angle when said handheld computing device is attached to said
docking cradle, said angle being relative to a line normal to a
plane defined by a flat surface on which said docking station can
be placed.
9. The docking station of claim 8 wherein said docking cradle is
structurally adjustable to vary said angle such that said handheld
computing device can be positioned at a desired angle when said
handheld computing device is attached to said docking cradle.
10. The docking station of claim 1 wherein said docking structure
includes a slot that can accommodate said handheld computing device
within said docking structure, said second means located within
said slot such that said handheld computing device is connected to
said second means when said handheld computing device is inserted
into said slot of said docking structure.
11. The docking station of claim 10 wherein said docking structure
includes a first module and a second module, said first module
including said first means such that said portable computer is
attached to said first module when said portable computer is
connected to said first means, said second module having said slot
such that said handheld computing device is embodied in said second
module when said handheld computing device is connected to said
second means.
12. The docking station of claim 11 wherein said second module
further includes at least one computer-related device.
13. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising a power cord
to receive electrical power from an external source, said power
cord being connected to said second means such that said handheld
computing device is supplied with said electrical power when said
handheld computing device is connected to said second means.
14. The docking station of claim 1 wherein said second means is
configured to be connected to a palmtop-type handheld device.
15. A docking station comprising: a housing having a first
connector, said first connector being configured to mate with a
first corresponding connector on a portable computer such that said
portable computer is physically affixed and electrically coupled to
said housing when said first connector of said housing and said
first corresponding connector on said portable computer are mated;
and a docking cradle attached to said housing, said docking cradle
having a second connector that is configured to mate with a second
corresponding connector on a handheld computing device such that
said handheld computing device is physically affixed and
electrically coupled to said docking cradle when said second
connector of said docking cradle and said second corresponding
connector of said handheld computing device are mated.
16. The docking station of claim 15 wherein said second connector
of said docking cradle is operatively connected to said first
connector of said housing such that a communication link is
established between said portable computer and said handheld
computing device when said handheld computing device is affixed to
said docking cradle and said portable computer is affixed to said
housing.
17. The docking station of claim 15 wherein said docking cradle and
said housing are structurally engaged such said docking cradle can
be inserted into said housing when said handheld computing device
is not affixed to said docking cradle.
18. The docking station of claim 15 wherein said docking cradle
includes a mechanism to lock said handheld computing device to said
docking cradle when said handheld computing device is attached to
said docking cradle.
19. The docking station of claim 18 wherein said mechanism is
configured to unlock said handheld computing device from said
docking cradle when a command and a password are entered into said
handheld computing device or said portable computer.
20. The docking station of claim 15 wherein said docking cradle is
shaped such that said handheld computing device is positioned at an
angle when said handheld computing device is attached to said
docking cradle, said angle being relative to a line normal to a
plane defined by a flat surface on which said docking station can
be placed.
21. The docking station of claim 20 wherein said docking cradle is
structurally adjustable to vary said angle such that said handheld
computing device can be positioned at a desired angle when said
handheld computing device is attached to said docking cradle.
22. The docking station of claim 15 wherein said docking cradle is
configured to accommodate a palmtop-type handheld device.
23. A docking system comprising: a structure having a slot to
accommodate a handheld computing device; a first electrical
connector located on said structure, said first connector being
configured to mate with a first corresponding electrical connector
on a portable computer such that said portable computer is
physically affixed to said structure when said first connector of
said structure and said first corresponding connector on said
portable computer are mated; and a second electrical connector
located within said slot of said structure, said second connector
being configured to mate with a second corresponding electrical
connector on said handheld computing device when said handheld
computing device is positioned within said slot of said
structure.
24. The docking station of claim 23 wherein said slot of said
structure has dimensions to accommodate a palmtop-type handheld
device.
25. The docking station of claim 23 wherein said second connector
is electrically connected to said first connector such that said
portable computer and said handheld computing device are
electrically coupled when both said portable computer and said
handheld computing device are affixed to said structure.
26. The docking station of claim 23 wherein said structure includes
a first module and a second module, said first module including
said first connector such that said portable computer is attached
to said first module when said portable computer is electrically
mated to said first connector, said second module having said slot
such that said handheld computing device is embodied in said second
module when said handheld computing device is electrically
connected to said second connector of said structure.
27. The docking station of claim 23 further comprising a power cord
to receive electrical power from an external source, said power
cord being connected to said second connector such that said
handheld computing device is supplied with said electrical power
when said handheld computing device is electrically connected to
said second connector of said structure.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
1. The invention relates generally to peripheral devices for
personal computers and more particularly to a docking station.
BACKGROUND ART
2. Notebook computers, also known as laptop computers, are widely
used by persons who require a mobile computer system. Unlike
desktop computers, a notebook computer is compact and light, so
that it can be easily carried to a meeting or other destinations
where computing may be necessary. Although notebook computers are
compact, the computational capabilities of notebook computers may
be as powerful as their desktop counterparts.
3. A disadvantage with notebook computers is that, in general, the
monitor, the sound system, and other features of the notebook
computers are not of the same high quality as those of the desktop
computers. Other disadvantages are a smaller screen and less
ergonomic screen position, keyboard and input devices, such as a
trackpoint or trackpad. In light of this disadvantage, most
notebook computers can be connected to a desktop monitor and an
external sound system. Furthermore, most notebook computers can be
connected to a printer, a joystick, a back-up tape drive, and other
external devices. However, since these external devices have to be
individually coupled to the notebook computer, the connecting and
disconnecting of these devices can be tedious, especially if the
notebook computer is regularly being carried from one place to the
next. A docking station can alleviate this problem by providing a
mechanism to easily connect the notebook computer to all the
external devices. A docking station is a stationary module that can
be electrically connected to a number of external devices. In
addition, the docking station is configured such that a notebook
computer can easily be connected to the docking station. In
essence, the docking station allows a notebook computer to be
indirectly connected to the external devices that are connected to
the docking station when the notebook computer is "docked" to the
docking station.
4. Another type of mobile computer system that is widely in use is
a palmtop-type handheld device. These handheld devices are
typically not as powerful as notebook computers, and have limited
storage space. However, as their name suggests, the palmtop-type
handheld devices are much more compact than notebook computers and
can fit in the palm of a user. Thus, the palmtop-type handheld
devices are easier to carry than notebook computers. Although less
powerful than notebook computers, these handheld devices have
sufficient computational capability to run various applications for
sending and receiving emails, light note taking, scheduling, and
other functions. Due to their limited computational capability and
storage space, the palm-type handheld devices are commonly used in
conjunction with a notebook computer to transfer files between the
handheld device and the computer. For example, a handheld device
may be used to take notes during a meeting. The handheld device may
then be connected to a notebook computer by a cable to
electronically transfer the notes from the handheld device to the
notebook computer. The transferred notes can be manipulated using
word processing software in the notebook computer and/or be printed
using a printer that is coupled to the notebook computer.
5. In addition to the file transfer feature, the connection between
the palmtop-type handheld device and the notebook computer enables
a user to synchronize the information on the computer with the
information on the handheld device. Synchronization is the process
of comparing the data on the handheld device with the data on the
notebook computer and updating both the handheld device and the
computer with the most recent information.
6. Similar to a docking station for a notebook computer, a docking
cradle exists for a palmtop-type handheld device. The docking
cradle is used as a stationary module to dock the handheld device.
The docking cradle may include a power cord that is connected to a
power supply, e.g., a wall socket, to provide power to recharge the
batteries of the handheld device. The docking cradle may also
include a serial cable to connect the docking cradle to a notebook
computer. Alternatively, the docking cradle may be cabled to a
docking station to connect the docking cradle to a docked notebook
computer. Thus, when the handheld device is docked with the docking
cradle, a communication link can be established between the
handheld device and the notebook computer via the docking cradle,
the serial cable, and the docking station, if any.
7. Although the use of a serial cable to transfer and synchronize
data between the palmtop-type handheld device and the notebook
computer operates well for its intended purpose, the serial cable
creates a visible cable clutter. In addition, the use of the serial
cable results in a connector on the notebook computer or the
docking station being permanently occupied by the serial cable for
the docking cradle.
8. In light of these concerns, what is needed is a system in which
the serial cable is no longer needed to establish a connection
between the palmtop-type handheld device and the notebook computer
by means of docking via a docking station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
9. A docking station in accordance with the invention includes
mechanisms to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously. In the
preferred embodiment, the docking station can accommodate at least
a notebook computer and a palmtop-type handheld device. The docking
station preferably facilitates a communication link between the
handheld device and the notebook computer when the two devices are
docked to the docking station. The communication link allows
transmission and synchronization of data between the handheld
device and the notebook computer.
10. In a first embodiment of the invention, the docking station
includes a docking connector that can mate with the notebook
computer. The docking connector is electrically connected to a
number of connectors on the back of the docking station. These back
connectors replicate the connectors on the notebook computer, so
that external devices can be connected to the docked notebook
computer via the docking station when the external devices are
connected to the back connectors of the docking station. Exemplary
external devices that can be connected to the docking station
include a computer monitor, a printer, a joystick, a sound system,
a back-up tape drive, and a scanner.
11. In this first embodiment, the docking station includes a
docking cradle that can accommodate the handheld device. The
docking cradle includes a conductive contact region that can
connect with a compatible conductive contact region on the handheld
device, so that the handheld device is electrically connected to
the docking station when attached to the docking cradle. The
conductive contact region of the docking cradle is electrically
routed to the docking connector, so that a communication link can
be established when both the notebook computer and the handheld
devices are docked to the docking station. In addition, the
conductive contact region of the docking cradle is connected to a
power supply of the docking station, so that the battery of the
handheld device can be recharged when the handheld device is docked
to the docking cradle. Preferably, the docking cradle is
structurally configured to position the handheld device at an angle
when the handheld device is docked to the docking cradle. The
angled position allows a user to easily view the docked handheld
device and to operate the handheld device in the docked position.
In the preferred embodiment, the docking cradle is configured to be
adjustable in angle, so that the docked handheld device can be
positioned at a desired angle. The variable angle feature of the
adjustable docking cradle allows the docked handheld device to be
viewed at an optimal angle to reduce glare and to maximize contrast
on the display of the handheld device. In the most preferred
embodiment, the docking cradle may also include a security feature
to prevent theft of the handheld device when it is docked on the
docking station. In this embodiment, the docking cradle includes a
pair of locking fingers that can engage notches on the side of the
palmtop-type handheld device to lock the docked handheld device to
the docking cradle. In order to unlock the handheld device from the
docking cradle, a proper password is required to be entered into
the docked notebook computer or the handheld device. The docking
cradle may be permanently fixed to a housing of the docking
station. Alternatively, the docking cradle may be configured such
that the docking cradle can be inserted into the docking station
housing when the docking cradle is not in use and the docking
cradle is folded down, if adjustable.
12. In a second embodiment of the invention, the docking station
includes a slot in the housing to accommodate the palmtop-type
handheld device, instead of the docking cradle. Within the slot is
the conductive contact region that provides an electrical
connection between the handheld device and the docking station when
the handheld device is inserted into the slot. The docking station
also includes the first connectors to electrically couple the
notebook computer to the docking station. Similar to the first
embodiment, when both the notebook computer and the handheld device
are docked to the docking station, a communication link can be
established to transfer and synchronize data between the notebook
computer and the handheld device. Furthermore, the battery of the
handheld device can be recharged when the handheld device is docked
to the docking station.
13. In a third embodiment of the invention, the docking station is
comprised of two modules, a primary docking module and a
supplemental docking module. The primary docking module may be a
conventional docking station that can only accommodate the notebook
computer. The supplemental docking module contains a slot that can
accommodate the palmtop-type handheld device. The slot in the
supplemental docking module is identical to the slot in the docking
station of the second embodiment. The supplemental docking module
may include additional slots to also accommodate a number of
computer-related devices, such as a CD drive, a DVD drive, a floppy
drive, a high storage capacity drive, and a back-up tape drive. The
two docking modules are electrically connected, so that a
communication link can be established between the notebook computer
and the handheld device when they are docked to the primary docking
module and the supplemental docking module, respectively. Again,
the communication link allows transmission and synchronization of
data between the notebook computer and the handheld device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
14. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a docking station in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention.
15. FIG. 2 is a view of the back surface of the docking station of
FIG. 1.
16. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a docking cradle included in the
docking station of FIG. 1.
17. FIG. 4 is a view of the docking station, illustrating the
position of a palmtop-type handheld device when docked to the
docking cradle.
18. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a docking cradle that is
adjustable in angle.
19. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the docking cradle of FIG. 5 in
a folded-down position.
20. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the docking cradle of FIG. 5
having locking fingers for security.
21. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a docking station in accordance
with a second embodiment of the invention.
22. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a docking station in accordance
with a third embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
23. With reference to FIG. 1, a docking station 10 in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The
docking station allows both a notebook computer 12 and a
palmtop-type handheld device 14 to be "docked" with the docking
station. The term "docked" is defined herein as being physically
and electrically connected to a particular structure. The notebook
computer 12 can be any of the types of portable computers that are
commonly referred to as "notebook" or "laptop" computers. The
handheld device 14 can be any type of palmtop-type computing
device, such as those manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, the assignee
of the present invention. In addition to accommodating both the
notebook computer and the palmtop-type handheld device, the docking
station allows a number of external devices to be electrically
connected to the docking station. The external devices that can be
connected to the docking station may include, but are not limited
to, a computer monitor, a printer, a joystick, a sound system, a
back-up tape drive, and a scanner.
24. The docking station 10 includes a housing 16 having a lateral
surface 18 and a front surface 20 that allow the docking station to
accommodate the notebook computer 12. The front surface includes a
docking connector 21 that can mate with a compatible docking
connector (not shown) on the notebook computer that is located on
the back of the notebook computer. The type of the docking
connector on the docking station will depend on the docking
connector of the notebook computer. As an example, the connector 21
of the docking station may be a male 240-pin docking connector that
can mate with a female connector on the notebook computer.
25. The docking connector 21 on the front surface 20 of the docking
station housing 16 is electrically coupled to a number of
connectors 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 on a back surface 32 of the
docking station housing, as shown in FIG. 2. The connectors 22-30
on the back surface of the docking station housing allow external
devices to be connected to the notebook computer via the docking
station 10 when the notebook computer is docked to the docking
station. Since the notebook computer can be detached from the
docking station by disengaging with the docking connector 21 on the
front surface 20 of the docking station housing, the external
devices that are coupled to the connectors 22-30 on the back
surface of the docking station housing can maintain their
connection with the docking station when the notebook computer is
separated from the docking station. To reconnect the notebook
computer to the external devices, the notebook computer is simply
connected to the docking station by connecting the docking
connector of the notebook computer to the docking connector 21 on
the front surface of the docking station housing.
26. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the docking station 10 also
includes a docking cradle 34 that can be inserted into the docking
station housing 16 when not in use, as indicated by an arrow 35.
The docking cradle is shown in the "out" position in FIG. 1. The
docking cradle includes a conductive contact region 36 that can be
electrically coupled to a compatible conductive contact region 38
on the palmtop-type handheld device 14, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
The conductive contact region 36 is electrically routed to the
docking connector 21 on the front surface 20 of the docking station
housing, such that when both the notebook computer 12 and the
handheld device 14 are docked to the docking station, a data link
is established between the two devices. The established link
facilitates transmission and synchronization of data between the
notebook computer and the handheld device. In addition, the
conductive contact region 36 may be electrically configured to
receive electrical power via a power cord 40 of the docking
station. This external electrical power allows the handheld device
to operate without the use of its battery, thereby saving the
energy stored in the battery. In addition, the external electrical
power can be used by the handheld device to recharge its
battery.
27. The docking cradle 34 is preferably configured to position the
handheld device 14 at an angle, as shown in FIG. 4, so that a user
can easily view the display of the handheld device and operate the
docked handheld device. In the preferred embodiment, the docking
cradle 34 is configured to be adjustable in angle, so that the
docked handheld device can be positioned at a desired angle, as
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5, the docking cradle is
positioned at an angle, while the docking cradle is completely
folded down in FIG. 6. The variable angle feature of the adjustable
docking cradle allows the docked handheld device to be viewed at an
optimal angle to reduce glare and to maximize contrast on the
display of the handheld device. When the handheld device is not
docked with the docking cradle and the docking cradle is folded
down, if adjustable, the docking cradle can be inserted into the
docking station housing, so that the docking cradle is in the "in"
position. In this position, a side surface 42 of the docking cradle
is flush against a side surface 44 of the docking station housing
16. In an alternative embodiment, the docking cradle is configured
to be permanently fixed in the "out" position, as shown in FIG. 4.
In either embodiment, the specific location of the docking cradle
on the docking station housing is not critical to the
invention.
28. In the most preferred embodiment, the docking cradle 34 may
also include a security feature to prevent theft of the handheld
device 14 when it is docked on the docking station 10. In this
embodiment, the docking cradle includes a pair of locking fingers
46 that can engage notches 48 on the side of the palmtop-type
handheld device 14 to lock the docked handheld device to the
docking cradle, as shown in FIG. 7. An undocking procedure to
remove the locked handheld device from the docking cradle involves
pressing an undocking button 41 on the docking cradle or a menu
item of a software application displayed on the screen of the
handheld device or the notebook computer 12. This action initiates
the undocking procedure. Once the undocking procedure is initiated,
the software application operating in the handheld device or the
notebook computer will request a password to be entered. If a
correct password is entered, the locking fingers of the docking
cradle will disengage from the handheld device and the handheld
device can be removed from the docking cradle by hand.
29. Turning to FIG. 8, a docking station 50 in accordance with a
second embodiment is shown. The docking station 50 of FIG. 8 is
similar to the docking station 10 of FIG. 1 in that the docking
station 50 includes the docking connector 21 and the connectors
22-30 and a housing 52 having the surfaces 18 and 20, so that the
notebook computer 12 can dock with the docking station 50. However,
the docking station 50 includes a slot 54 in the housing 52,
instead of a docking cradle, that allows the palmtop-type handheld
device 14 to be inserted into the housing in order for the handheld
device to be docked with the docking station. The dimensions of the
slot roughly coincide with the dimensions of the handheld device,
so that the handheld device can be completely inserted into the
slot. Within the slot is the electrical contact region 36 (not
shown in FIG. 8) to electrically connect the handheld device to the
docking station 50 when the handheld device is inserted into the
slot. When the handheld device is inserted into the slot of the
docking station housing and electrically connected to the contact
region within the slot, the handheld device can receive electrical
power via a power cord (not shown) to recharge its battery, and be
in communication with the docked notebook computer 12 to transfer
and synchronize data between the handheld device and the notebook
computer. The docking station 50 also includes an eject button 57
on the housing, located near the slot. The eject button is used to
disengage the inserted handheld device from the docking station
housing.
30. With reference to FIG. 9, a docking station 56 in accordance
with a third embodiment of the invention is shown. Similar to the
docking stations of FIGS. 1 and 8, the docking station 56 can
accommodate both the notebook computer 12 and the palmtop-type
handheld device 14. However, the docking station 56 is composed of
two separate modules, a primary docking module 58 and a
supplemental docking module 60. The primary docking module may be a
conventional docking station that can only accommodate the notebook
computer. Structurally similar to the docking station 10 of FIG. 1,
the primary docking module also includes the docking connector 21
and the connectors 22-30 and has the surfaces 18 and 20, so that
the notebook computer can dock with the primary docking module.
31. The supplemental docking module 60 of the docking station
contains a slot 62, which is identical to the slot 54 of the
docking station of FIG. 8. The slot 62 is configured to accommodate
the palmtop-type handheld device 14, so that the handheld device
can be docked with the supplemental docking module. The
supplemental docking module may also include additional slots to
accommodate a number of computer-related devices, such as a CD
drive, a DVD drive, a floppy drive, or a high storage capacity
drive 64 (e.g., the drive sold by Iomega Corporation under the
trademark ZIP). The supplemental docking module may further include
a slot to recharge a notebook battery. As an example, the
supplemental docking module is shown with drive 64 in FIG. 6. The
supplemental docking module receives electrical power from an AC
outlet via a power cord (not shown). The supplemental docking
module includes internal circuitry to distribute the electrical
power to the computer-related devices included in the supplemental
docking module and the palmtop-type handheld device when it is
docked with the supplemental docking module. The supplemental
docking module also includes the eject button 57 that disengages
the docked handheld device when activated.
32. The supplemental docking module 60 is electrically connected to
the primary docking module 58. The exact manner in which the two
modules are connected is not critical to the invention. The docking
modules can be connected by a cable. For example, the supplemental
docking module may have a cable that can mate with one of the back
connectors on the primary docking module. As an alternative to the
cable, the docking modules may have electrical contacts on the
facing surfaces 68 and 70 of the docking modules to provide an
electrical connection when the primary docking module is placed on
the supplemental docking module. The electrical contact 66 on the
supplemental docking module is shown in FIG. 9. The electrical
connection between the two docking modules allows the
computer-related devices 64 and the docked handheld device 14 to
establish a communication link with the docked notebook computer
12. With respect to the handheld device, this connection between
the two docking modules enables synchronization and transmission of
data between the docked handheld device to the docked notebook
computer.
* * * * *