U.S. patent application number 09/138319 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-28 for wedge-shapwd port replicator for portable computer.
Invention is credited to BAUCON, ALLAN SCOTT, BOVIE, MICHELE.
Application Number | 20010005307 09/138319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22481507 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010005307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOVIE, MICHELE ; et
al. |
June 28, 2001 |
WEDGE-SHAPWD PORT REPLICATOR FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER
Abstract
A docking unit for a portable computer has a wedge-shaped. As a
result, a portable computer, which has been installed on the
docking unit, is inclined toward the user. This places the keyboard
of the portable computer at a more comfortable angle for typing.
Thus, the portable computer's keyboard remains usable even when it
is installed on the docking unit. Moreover, the wedge-shape need
not substantially raise the height of the keyboards since the
leading edge is relatively thin, keeping the computer's keyboard as
a comfortable height.
Inventors: |
BOVIE, MICHELE; (MAYNARD,
MA) ; BAUCON, ALLAN SCOTT; (TOWNSEND, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARY LOU WAKIMURA, ESQ.
HAMILTON,BROOK,SMITH & REYNOLDS,P.C.
TWO MILITIA DRIVE,
LEXINGTON
MA
024214799
|
Family ID: |
22481507 |
Appl. No.: |
09/138319 |
Filed: |
August 21, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2023/049 20130101;
G06F 1/1632 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/686 ;
361/683 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16; H05K
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A docking unit having a wedge-shape that inclines, towards a
user, a keyboard of a portable computer, which has been installed
on the docking unit.
2. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit
is a port replicator.
3. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit
comprises replicated port connectors which replicate communications
ports of the portable computer enabling the portable computer to be
disconnected from peripheral devices connected to replicated port
connectors of the docking unit by disconnecting the portable
computer from the docking unit.
4. A docking unit as described in claim 3, further comprising
replicated parallel port and serial port connectors which function
as replicated parallel and serial ports of the portable
computer.
5. A docking unit as described in claim 3, further comprising a
replicated mouse port connector, keyboard port connector, and video
port connector which function as a replicated mouse port, keyboard
port, and video port of the portable computer.
6. A docking unit as described in claim 1, further comprising:
replicated port connectors which function as replicated ports of
communications ports of a portable computer installed on the
docking unit; and a combination connector, the replicated port
connectors interfacing with the communications ports of the
portable computer via the combination connector.
7. A docking unit as described in claim 6, wherein the combination
connector of the docking unit mates with a compatible connector of
the portable computer as the portable computer is installed on the
docking unit.
8. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit
prevents access to communications port connectors of the portable
computer when the portable computer is installed on the docking
unit.
9. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit
comprises wall that projects in front of communications port
connectors of the portable computer when installed on the docking
unit to prevent direct access to the communications ports by a
user.
10. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking
unit comprises a battery charger for charging a battery of a
portable computer that has been installed on the docking unit.
11. A docking unit as described in claim 10, wherein the battery
charger is located in a rear, thicker section of the docking
unit.
12. A method for docking a portable computer, the method
comprising: providing a wedge-cross-sectioned docking unit; and
installing the portable computer on the docking unit to thereby
incline a keyboard of the portable computer towards a user.
13. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising
replicating communications ports of the portable computer on the
docking unit.
14. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising enabling
the portable computer to be disconnected from peripheral devices
connected communications ports of the portable computer via
replicated port connectors on the docking unit by disconnecting the
portable computer from the docking unit.
15. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising
replicating a parallel port and serial port of the portable
computer at replicated port connectors on the docking unit.
16. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising
replicating a mouse port, keyboard port, and video port of the
portable computer at replicated port connectors on the docking
unit.
17. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising
connecting communications ports of the portable computer to
replicated port connectors of the docking unit via a combination
connector.
18. A method as described in claim 17, further comprising mating
the combination connector with a compatible connector of the
portable computer as the portable computer is installed on the
docking unit.
19. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising
preventing access to communications port connectors of the portable
computer when the portable computer is installed on the docking
unit.
20. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising charging
a battery of the portable computer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Portable computer docking units have been marketed as
devices that allow the user to have the advantages of a portable
computer without any of the portable computer's limitations, at
least when operating at the user's desk or other primary work
location.
[0002] In the typical implementation, the docking unit is located
at the user's office. The docking unit has a docking bay for
receiving and providing electrical connections to the portable
computer. The docking unit may also have a bus extension that
electrically mates with the portable computer's bus when it is in
the docking bay and a number of expansion slots to hold hard
drives, CD-ROMs, modems etc., which are not found in the portable
computer. As a result, when the portable computer is installed in
the docking unit, its minimalist portable computer capabilities are
augmented and extended to those that are typically found in most
desktop or non-portable computer systems. In this way, the user has
the advantages associated with the portable computer while not
losing the functionality that would otherwise be available from a
desktop computer system.
[0003] Most docking units also have port replication functionality.
Many times the portable computer will be outfitted with a variety
of communication ports, including serial ports, parallel ports,
universal serial bus ports (USB), video ports, RJ45 network ports,
etc. These ports are accessed through port connectors, usually on
the back of the computer. It is typical for the docking unit to
have a similar array of port connectors so that when the portable
computer is connected to the docking unit, the portable computer's
communication ports are tied to the analogous port connectors in
the docking unit. In the parlance of the industry, the portable
computer's communication ports are replicated in the docking unit.
The advantage of this system is that the user can connect such
components as a network interface, full size keyboard, mouse, and
full size monitor to the port connectors of the docking unit. The
docked portable computer thus connects to these various devices,
but the mere act of undocking the portable computer serves to
disconnect the computer from these various devices, in one
step.
[0004] Some docking units are intended primarily as port
replicators. These devices will not have the bus extensions, and
consequently, the expansion slots, to support additional active bus
devices for the portable computer. Instead, they are primarily
intended to perform the port replication function. While obviously
not having all of the advantages associated with the more elaborate
docking units, port replicators provide the user with many of the
core advantages of a desktop docking unit, such as the possibility
of using a full size keyboard and desktop monitor and offering
these features at a reasonable price point in a system with a small
footprint.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One of the main disadvantages associated with docking units
is that they effectively require the user to connect a full size
keyboard to the docking unit. Some docking units prevent access to
the portable computer's keyboard, when installed on the dock, and
among the class of units that do allow access the portable's
keyboard, the docking unit will have some thickness such that when
the portable computer is connected onto it, the portable computer's
keyboard is raised to the height at which it is uncomfortable for
typing, when many desktops are already uncomfortably high for
proper typing posture. In many ways, however, this is unfortunate
because the newer keyboards offered by portable computers are
otherwise very useful such that full size separate keyboards offer
few incremental advantages. Moreover, even if the docking unit is
relatively thin, it will not be at the proper typing angle. Many
portable computers have folding legs under the rear portion of the
portable computer's base. This allows the user to incline the
keyboard for a more comfortable typing angle. Typically, however,
installation of the portable computer in the docking bay of the
docking unit necessitates the folding of these legs. Thus, even if
the keyboard of the portable computer, when installed on the
docking unit, can be located at the proper height, its angle will
be uncomfortable for the user.
[0006] The present invention is directed to a docking unit for a
portable computer. According to the invention, it is wedge-shaped.
As a result, a portable computer, which has been installed on the
docking unit, is inclined toward the user. This places the keyboard
of the portable computer at a more comfortable angle for typing.
Thus, the portable computer's keyboard remains usable even when it
is installed on the docking unit. Moreover, the wedge-shape need
not substantially raise the height of the keyboard since the
leading edge is relatively thin.
[0007] In the preferred embodiment, the docking unit is a port
replicator. As such, it replicates communication ports of the
portable computer, enabling the portable computer to be
disconnected from peripheral devices on the replicator's ports by
disconnecting the portable computer from the docking unit.
Specifically, the docking unit replicates parallel ports, serial
ports, USB ports, keyboard ports, network ports, and video ports of
the portable computer as corresponding replicated ports on the
docking unit. The communication ports of the portable computer are
connected to the replicated port connectors of the docking unit via
a combination connector. Preferably, the combination connector of
the docking unit mates with a compatible connector on the portable
computer as the portable computer is installed in the docking bay
of the docking unit.
[0008] In the preferred implementation, the docking unit comprises
a wall that projects in front of the communication port connectors
of the portable computer when the computer is installed on the
docking unit. This prevents access to the portable computer's port
connectors by the user, thereby requiring the user to use the
replicated port connectors of the docking unit and preventing
incompatible electrical connections to both port connectors
simultaneously.
[0009] In general, according to another aspect, the invention also
features a method for docking a portable computer. This method
comprises providing a docking unit with a wedge cross-section.
Consequently, installation of the portable computer on the docking
unit's docking bay inclines a keyboard of the portable computer
towards the user to thereby provide a more comfortable angle for
typing.
[0010] The above and other features of the invention including
various novel details of construction and combinations of parts,
and other advantages, will now be more particularly described with
reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the
claims. It will be understood that the particular method and device
embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration and not as
a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this
invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments
without departing from the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the accompanying drawings, reference characters refer to
the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale; emphasis has instead been placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Of the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the rear portion of a
port replicator, according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view detailing the technique used
to connect the front of the computer system with the port
replicator;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective, top view of the port replicator
showing the insertion of a battery into the charging cradle
according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is another, top perspective view of the port
replicator with the battery fully inserted into the cradle
according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a portable computer being connected into the
port replicator of the present invention according to the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the inventive port replicator with the portable
computer installed in its docking bay;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the docking latch
release system according to the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the electronic control
of the latching system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a port replicator docking unit, which has been
constructed according to the principles of the present
invention.
[0021] Generally, the port replicator 100 comprises a computer
docking bay 110, which is configured to receive a compatible
portable computer on the port replicator 100. To this end, the
right and left tabs 112, 114 are provided on a front wall 111 of
the docking unit 100. The tabs 112, 114 project rearward from the
front wall 111 and are located over wells 116, 118.
[0022] As detailed in FIG. 1A, tabs 112, 114 mate with rectangular
recesses on the front of a compatible portable computer 10,
allowing the front of the portable computer to be physically
connected into the docking unit. Specifically, the portable
computer 10 is aligned in the computer docking bay area 110 so that
the rectangular recesses 12 in the portable computer's housing are
aligned in front of each of the projecting tabs 112, 114. The
computer is then moved in the direction of arrow 14 so that the
tabs 112, 114 engage the recesses 12. This connection has the
effect of hinging the front of the computer 10 to the port
replicator 100.
[0023] Returning to FIG. 1, in the central section of the docking
unit 100, a cutout 120 is formed. In the preferred embodiment, this
extends entirely through the docking unit. This has the advantage
of providing an easy means for carrying the docking unit, forming
an improvised handle. Rearward of the cutout 120 is battery
charging cradle 122.
[0024] Better shown in FIG. 2, the cradle 122 is sized and adapted
to receive battery 124. When inserted into the cradle, the
battery's electrodes 126 electrically mate with the charging
connector 127 in the charging cradle 122.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the battery 124 installed in the charging
cradle. Preferably, the top wall 125 of the battery 124 is flush or
level with a bay wall 129 of the docking unit 100. A battery
charging unit 128 is located in an electronics section 127 under
bay wall 129 of the docking unit 100. In the preferred embodiment,
the battery is a lithium ion battery and the charger 128 is adapted
to provide the charging profile required for lithium ion
batteries.
[0026] Behind the battery charging cradle 122 on the top bay wall
129 of the docking unit 100 is a combination connector 130.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, installing the portable computer 10 onto
the docking unit is accomplished by engaging the tabs 112, 114 with
the rectangular recesses 12 to provide the hinging action at the
point of connection between the computer 10 and the front of the
docking unit 100. As the rear portion of the computer 10 descends
into the docking bay 110, the docking unit's combination connector
130 electrically mates with the compatible connector 14 on the
bottom of the portable computer 10. This allows the portable
computer's communication ports to be replicated at the
communication port connectors 131 on the port replicator 100. Also,
the combination connector 130 provides electrical power to the
portable computer 10.
[0028] The rear of the docking unit 100 has the array of
communication port connectors or jacks 131. Preferably, these
connectors comprise an RJ-45 connector 142 for connection to a
network, a USB connector 144, a power supply connector 146, a
parallel printer port connector 148, a serial port connector 150, a
VGA video port connector 149, mouse port connector 152, and a
keyboard port connector 154. These replicated port connectors 140
function as the replicated port connectors of the portable computer
installed in the docking bay area. The ports of the portable
computer connect to the replicated port connectors via the
combination connector 130.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the docking unit 100 comprises
a rear wall 182 that projects upward, over the docking bay 110 at
the rear side of the unit 100. This projecting wall 182 is
preferably arcuate and projects in front of the communication port
connectors 18 of the portable computer. This effectively prevents
the simultaneous connection of devices to the portable computer's
communication port connectors and the same connectors of the
docking unit, preventing incompatible electrical connection. The
set of communication port connectors 18 of the portable computer
include a parallel printer port connector 45, a serial port
connector 46, and a VGA video port connector 47. These connectors
18 are accessed during mobile operation by opening the door 20.
However, as the portable computer 10 is inserted into the docking
bay 110 of the docking unit 100, projecting wall 182 engages the
door 20, if it is in the open position. This forces the door 20
closed as the portable computer 10 is completely seated into the
docking bay 110. It thus prevents access to the communication port
connectors 18 of the portable computer 10, requiring these
connections to be made from the replicated port connectors 131 of
the docking unit 100.
[0030] The final docked state is shown in FIG. 5, when the computer
10 is installed on the docking unit 100, the projecting wall 182
holds the door 20 closed, preventing access to the portable
computer's communication port connectors.
[0031] According to the invention, the docking unit 100 has a wedge
lateral cross-section. As shown, when the portable computer 10 is
installed on the docking unit, the docking unit's wedge shape
inclines the portable computer's keyboard 180 and pointing device
182 towards the user at an angle of between 7.degree. and
13.degree., preferably 10.degree.. This provides a more comfortable
typing angle for the user, allowing the use of the portable
computer's keyboard when the portable computer is connected into
the docking unit 100 without necessitating an extra,
desktop-version keyboard.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 4, docking unit 100 and portable
computer 10 have a system for securing the computer to the unit.
The docking unit has two latching elements 132, 134 in the docking
bay 110. They allow the portable computer 10 to be latched on
docking unit.
[0033] In more detail, lowering the portable computer 10 onto the
docking bay causes the bottom wall of the portable computer,
surrounding the right and left latching holes 22, 24 to engage
latch release buttons 168, 170. This causes the latching elements
132, 134 shown in their retracted position in FIG. 4, to extend
upward and toward the rear of the docking unit 100. The latching
elements 132, 134 thus extend into the right and left latching
holes 22, 24 of the portable computer 10 to securely hold the rear
of the portable computer 10 against the docking unit 100 in the
docking bay 110. This in combination with the engagement of the
tabs 112, 114 at the front of the portable computer, retain the
portable computer 10 securely in the docking bay 110.
[0034] The latching system forms part of a security system for the
portable computer. The latching elements 132, 134 prevent the
portable computer 10 from being removed from the docking unit 100,
and the docking unit is, in turn, secured at a work area via a
locking cable arrangement that engages locking port 184. In one
example, a Kensington (trade name) cable system is used that
engages the port 184 to lock and secure the docking unit 100 to a
workstation via a cable 221 shown schematically.
[0035] The right and left latching elements 132, 134 release the
computer 10 and are returned to the retracted position by
depressing right and left latch release buttons 136, 138,
respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the latch release
buttons 136, 138 in combination with an undock request button 184
prevent removal of the portable computer 10 when it is docked to
the docking unit 100 by unauthorized persons.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the latch control
system that operates the latching elements, which is located in the
electronic section 127 of the docking unit 100, according to the
present invention. The right and left latch release buttons 136,
138 each comprise elongate, metal rods 302, 304, respectively.
Additionally, the body portion of the buttons 136, 138 each have
camming surfaces 306, 308. When each of the latch release buttons
136, 138 is depressed, the camming surfaces 306 and 308 engage arm
portions 310, 312 of the latching elements 132, 134. This causes
the latching elements 132, 134 to be retracted, and thereby release
the computer 10 from the docking unit 100.
[0037] In order to provide security, the depression of the latch
release buttons 136, 138 is prevented in software. Specifically,
each of the metal arms 302, 304 extends to a spring loaded locking
element 314. Specifically, spring 316 biases the locking element
314 in the direction of arrow 318 against wall 320.
[0038] In an unlocked state, depression of of the latch release
buttons 136, 138 causes the pointed, distal ends of the metal rods
304, 308 to engage the inclined surfaces 322, 324 of the locking
element 314. The locking element 314 is free to rotate counter to
arrow 318 to accommodate the movement of each of the rods in the
direction of arrows 326.
[0039] In the locked state, however, an arm 330 of solenoid 332 is
extended as shown in FIG. 6. This prevents the rotation of the
locking element 314 counter to the direction of arrow 318 and thus
in turn prevents the movement of the rods 302, 304 in the direction
of arrows 326. By stopping the depression of buttons 136, 138, the
retraction of the latching elements 132, 134 is prevented, thereby
retaining the portable computer on the docking unit 100. The state
of the solenoid arm 330 is sensed by switch 336.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a latch control system for operating the
solenoid 332. Specifically, a microcontroller 342 located in the
portable computer system 10 monitors for depression of the undock
request button 186, which is located on the docking unit's right
sidewall, see FIG. 1. When the depression of the undock request
button 186 is detected, the microcontroller 342 communicates to the
computer system's operating system to request the entrance of a
password by the user. If the proper password is entered, the
operating system 342 communicates this to the microcontroller 340,
which signals, via an I.sup.2C bus, a latch 344 in the dock. The
latch generates a pulse to a release BJT transistor 346, which
activates on retracting MOSFET 348. Capacitor 350 controls the
period of time the MOSFET is turned on. This operates the solenoid
332 to retract the arm 330. Successful retraction of the arm 330 is
detected by switch 336.
[0041] If the latch 344 fails to detect the change in state of the
arm 330 of the solenoid 332 via switch 336, the latch again issues
a pulse to BJT 346 to try to attempt to retract the arm again. This
continues until the arm 330 is successfully retracted.
[0042] A similar process is used to lock the portable computer
system 10 on the dock 100. The microcontroller 340 functions as a
docking detection system to detect the coupling of the computer's
connector 14 to the combination detector 130 on the dock 100. When
this event is detected, and an automatic locking state has been
selected by the user in the operating system 342, the
microcontroller 340 issues a signal to latch 344 to enter a locked
state. The latch generates a pulse via a locking BJT transistor 354
which operates MOSFET 356 to extend the arm 330 of the solenoid
332. Capacitor 351 maintains the on state of MOSFET 356 for the
time required for the solenoid to change states. Again, the
successful movement of the solenoid arm 330 is detected by the
feedback from the switch 336 to latch 344. The latch continues to
attempt to extend the arm 330 until it is successful. Extension of
the solenoid arm prevents the rotation of the locking element 314
shown in FIG. 6. This prevents the depression of buttons 136, 138
and thus the undocking of the portable computer 10 from the docking
unit 100.
[0043] In additional embodiments, the portable computer comprises a
middle docking unit such that the portable computer unit is latched
to the middle docking unit and the middle docking unit is latched
to the port replicator. For example, such middle docking units
provide extended multimedia capabilities to the portable computer.
This system allows all three sections to be secured to the work
area with a single locking cable.
[0044] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
specifically herein. Such equivalents are intended to be
encompassed in the scope of the claims.
* * * * *