U.S. patent application number 10/135517 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for organizing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Soon, Goh Kok.
Application Number | 20020127906 10/135517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19749805 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020127906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Soon, Goh Kok |
September 12, 2002 |
Organizing apparatus
Abstract
There is disclosed an organizing apparatus, to flexibly relocate
the computer port or socket to the front, such that connection of
computer peripheral becomes simpler. There are also disclosed
apparatus accessories to flexibly relocate the computer port or
socket to the front. The apparatus and the accessories can also be
used to flexibly hold and secure electrical device and electrical
components at the front of the computer system. The organizing
apparatus can be incorporated into a computer or computer casing.
The organizing apparatus may also be provided with cable organizing
means, wherein access cables of the computer system can be
organized and stored within its housing.
Inventors: |
Soon, Goh Kok; (Penang,
MY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST. JOHN ROBERTS GREGORY & MATKIN P.S.
601 W. FIRST AVENUE
SUITE 1300
SPOKANE
WA
99201-3828
US
|
Family ID: |
19749805 |
Appl. No.: |
10/135517 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10135517 |
May 1, 2002 |
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09762429 |
Feb 6, 2001 |
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6406327 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/501 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/73 20130101;
G06F 1/189 20130101; G06F 1/181 20130101; G06F 1/183 20130101; H02G
11/00 20130101; H01R 13/518 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/501 |
International
Class: |
H01R 013/72 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 19, 1998 |
MY |
PI9803779 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus having a housing, wherein the said housing comprises a
plurality of accessory connection bays; wherein each accessory
connection bay comprises of a recess or cut out, said recess or cut
out is provided with sliding channel or sliding mean formed on the
said housing; wherein the said apparatus is adaptable to be fitted
into the drive bay or the front portion of a computer or a computer
casing.
2. Apparatus having a housing, wherein the said housing comprises a
plurality of accessory connection bays; wherein each accessory
connection bay comprises of a recess or cut out, said recess or cut
out is provided with sliding channel or sliding mean formed on the
said housing; wherein the said apparatus is used in conjunction
with a computer system.
3. Apparatus having a housing, wherein the said housing comprises a
plurality of computer port or socket holding means to flexibly and
securely hold a computer port or socket; wherein the said apparatus
is adaptable to be fitted into the drive bay or the front portion
of a computer or a computer casing.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3; wherein the said
apparatus is incorporated into a computer or a computer casing.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3; wherein the front panel
of the apparatus can be adapted to be closed with a flipping
cover.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3; wherein the housing of
the apparatus can be adapted to be closed with a top cover.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2; wherein the said accessory
connection bay is optionally adapted to be closed by a slide or
plate.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3; wherein the said computer port
or socket holding mean can be used to hold and secure electrical
device and electrical component.
9. Apparatus accessory, comprising; a plate which is attachable
with a computer port or socket; or a computer port or socket
mounted on a plate; wherein the said plate is provided with sliding
portion or sliding mean.
10. Apparatus accessory as claimed in claim 9; wherein the said
computer port or socket is attached to a cable with another
computer port, socket or connector attached at the other end of the
cable.
11. Apparatus accessory as claimed in claim 9; wherein the computer
port or socket can be flexibly attached or detached from the
plate.
12. Apparatus accessory as claimed in claim 9; wherein the plate
consists of a cut out to hold and secure a computer port or
socket.
13. Apparatus accessory as claimed in claim 9; wherein the plate
can be slipped into the accessory connection bay of the apparatus
as claimed in claim 1 or 2.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2; wherein an apparatus
accessory as claimed in claim 9 can be fittingly slipped into the
accessory connection bay.
15. A computer system, comprising; a computer or a computer casing;
wherein the front panel of the casing comprises a plurality of
accessory connection bays; wherein each accessory connection bay
comprises of a recess or cut out, said recess or cut out is
provided with sliding channel or sliding mean formed on the said
casing.
16. A computer system, comprising; a computer or a computer casing;
wherein the front panel of the casing comprises of a plurality of
computer port or socket holding means, to relocate computer port or
socket to the front of the casing.
17. A computer system as claimed in claim 15; wherein an apparatus
accessory as claimed in claim 9, can be fittingly slipped into the
said accessory connection bay.
18. A computer system as claimed in claim 15; wherein the said
accessory connection bay is optionally adapted to be closed by a
slide or plate.
19. A computer system as claimed in claim 15 or 16; wherein the
said casing is fitted with the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2
or 3, into its drive bay or the front panel of its casing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an organizing
apparatus and more particularly to an organizing apparatus for use
with the numerous cables and accessories in a computer or
audio-video system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Computers are widely used in every field imaginable. From
the most sophisticated to the basic desk top configuration,
computers can be found at many offices and houses. Nowadays, many
peripherals such as scanner, camera, printer, network switches,
audio player, video player, etc., are connected to the computer.
The more peripherals are connected, the more messier the connection
of cables becomes due to the various sizes and colors of cables
used. Generally, cables connecting the monitor to the central
processing unit (CPU), the keyboard to the CPU and etc., are left
extending and dangling from the back and are not properly
organized. Very often, the cables become entangled thus creating
confusion should malfunction occur and there is a need to locate
the cause of the malfunction, not excluding the potential danger it
posed to the user. Often, adding connection of peripherals to the
CPU becomes a problem, as all the necessary ports and sockets are
located at the back of the CPU. Most computers are quite heavy,
especially the typical desk top computer, and not many people are
willing to spent time and effort to perform such job even if it
will affect his/her productivity. As an example, it would be
generally easy to replace a printer with another, however as the
connection is located at the back of the CPU and usually configured
at the hard-to-reach place, the task becomes difficult and usually
we left the task to be executed by the technician. As computer
becomes more sophisticated, more additional accessories are created
to cater for the various needs of the user. Some of these small
accessories, such as printer selector and extension cable are
unnecessarily build with large casings, and these large casing
definitely add more to the untidiness and the wasting of valuable
space on the workstation.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need the art to have an apparatus and
method which can contain and store excess cables and to dispense
only the necessary amount of cables, and store the rest in a
systematic, dispensable, organized and pleasing manner.
Additionally, there is a need in the art to provide a particularly
easy and simple system where connecting sockets and ports which are
normally located at the back of the CPU are relocated to the front
so as to provide easier peripherals connection without the need to
move or turn the normally heavy CPU. In addition, there is also a
need in the art to provide an organizing apparatus with a power
distribution outlets incorporated therein, and where the extra
lengths of power cables may be stored within the apparatus. There
is also a need in the art to have an organizing apparatus where,
switches, controls device, sockets and other small electrical
accessories or devices be secured thereto and fixed to its body,
without the need of a separate device connecting the same to the
CPU by means of cables.
[0004] There are attempts made by inventors to provide solution to
some of the above-mentioned problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,721,268 discloses a modular power cord and cable organizer
consisting of identical elongated containers which can be used
singly or attached in multiple units. The device allows shortening
and organizing of the power cords, wires and cables. The device
generally consist of a cover and a base and cable, wire or cord is
passed through an opening in the base and cover. The cable is then
coiled within the base fitted between the upright protrusions and
exit through another opening. While this prior art organizing
device do fulfill the intended function, it does not fulfill the
requirement of eliminating problems associated with connection of
peripherals to the CPU. Still, the computer users need to turn the
back of the CPU so that the hard-to-reach ports or sockets can be
reached. Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,225 discloses an audio and
video cable storage organizer for storing excess audio and video
cable on reels within a housing. Each of the reels stores thereon a
length of cable and extended therefrom through a slot in the
housing and connected to any electrical device such as VCR, etc.
The cables are electrically connected through a switching
arrangement which allows operation of selected devices. This
particular device is generally limited to be used for audio and
video equipment.
[0005] Therefore, the present invention seeks to overcome problems
associated with the prior art organizing apparatus. Generally, the
present invention proposed an attractive and ergonomically designed
organizing apparatus for cable where excess cable can be
systematically stored in a housing or in a compartment within a
housing. The number and the size of compartment may also be varied
due the use of removable panels. The apparatus is also provided
with a communication sockets and ports where connection of any
peripherals may be easily accomplished without the need to turn the
back of the computer's CPU. Additionally, the apparatus is provided
with a power distributing means which advantageously reduces the
difficulty in finding adequate power supply outlet for multiplicity
of equipment and peripherals used. In addition, the apparatus is
provided with an accessory connection bay in a form of recess and
removable slide, and the accessory connection bay is featured at
the front or side portion of the apparatus body so as to enable
fixing and securing of switches, sockets, control devices and other
electrical accessories, thereby eliminating the need of an
individually independent devices. Additionally, the accessories are
mounted on an attachment mechanism in a form of plate and sliding
portion for enabling easier fixing of the accessories to the
accessory connection bay.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present
invention to provide an organizing apparatus for use with the
numerous cables for computer and one which remedy the limitations
of the prior art.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provided an
organizing apparatus for use with the numerous cable for computer
wherein the cables are arranged within a casing.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provided an
organizing apparatus for use with the numerous cable for computer
wherein the cables are arranged in a compartment within a
casing.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
organizing apparatus for use with a computer where the connection
of peripherals and accessories to the computer can easily be
accomplished through the relocation of the sockets and ports to the
front and/or side portion of the apparatus.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
organizing apparatus for use with a computer where connection of
peripherals and accessories are easily accomplished by providing a
demountable attachment of accessories provided with a flexible
attachment mechanism.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
flexible organizing apparatus wherein the number and size of the
organizing means can be varied according to need.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an organizing apparatus for use with an audio and video system.
[0013] These and other objects of the present invention are
accomplished by providing,
[0014] An organizing apparatus (10) comprising;
[0015] a housing having a main body section (11); and
[0016] said main body section (11) is provided with a cable
organizing means (12) and a cable inlet and outlet means (13);
[0017] wherein said main body section (11) is further provided with
an accessory connection bay (14).
[0018] The further object of the present invention may also be
realized by providing,
[0019] An organizing apparatus (10) for use with an audio and video
system comprising;
[0020] a housing having a main body section (11); and
[0021] said main body section (11) is provided with a cable
organizing means (12), a cable inlet and outlet means (13);
[0022] wherein said main body section (11) is further provided with
an accessory connection bay (14).
[0023] Preferably, the accessory connection bay is formed by means
of a recess and closable by a slide.
[0024] Also preferable, accessory for used with the apparatus is
mounted on a plate and the plate is demountably attached to the
recess of the accessory connection bay.
[0025] Also preferable, the organizing means is formed having a
plurality of compartment having a plurality of panels and
slots.
[0026] Preferably, the panels forming the compartments are
removably mounted to the main body section.
[0027] It is also preferable that the organizing apparatus is
provided with communication sockets or ports, whereby the sockets
and ports which are normally configured at the rear of a CPU are
relocated to the organizing apparatus at the accessory connection
bay.
[0028] Also preferable, the accessory connection bay is configured
at the front and side section of the apparatus main body so as to
enable fixing and securing of switches, sockets, control devices
and other electrical accessories, thereby eliminating unnecessary
usage of independent devices related to the accessories.
[0029] It is also preferable that apparatus may be configured so as
to provide a multiple power outlet means where power requirement of
peripherals connected thereto may conveniently be met.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The embodiments of the invention will now be described, by
way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in
which:
[0031] FIG. 1: Representation of a typical computer system with
accessories and peripherals connected thereto.
[0032] FIG. 2: Representation of computer with accessories and
peripherals connected which utilizes embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 3: Perspective view of an organizing apparatus
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4: Perspective view of an organizing apparatus
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 5: Perspective view of an organizing apparatus
according to another embodiment of the present invention, and the
incorporation of the present invention into a computer system.
[0036] FIG. 6: Perspective view of an apparatus accessory in
accordance with the feature of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 7: Another perspective view showing other example of
apparatus accessories.
[0038] FIG. 8: Another perspective view showing some other example
of apparatus accessories.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a general representation of a typical computer
system with a multiplicity of peripherals and accessories connected
thereto. Nowadays, it is fairly common to see a computer system
having such multi-media equipment, which usually includes camera
(1), micro-phone (2) and speakers (3). Additionally, we may find
computer system which is provided with add-on peripherals such as
scanner (4), zip drive (5) along with the normal printer (6). All
of these peripherals and equipment provides flexibility to the user
as the computer system can be used as productivity tool and also
for entertainment. However, the more peripherals there are, the
more cables are used and the messier the cables organization
becomes. Such a messy and disorganized cables arrangement becomes
an eye sore and also creates difficulty in finding fault associated
with the peripherals if fault do occur.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a computer system which is provided with the
embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the invention
resides in the use of an organizing apparatus (10) which arrange
cables associated with each of peripherals in a systematic,
aesthetic, flexible and convenience arrangement. Excess cables are
advantageously stored within a housing and only the necessary
amount are dispense. Communication ports (not shown) for printer
and other peripherals which are normally configured at the back of
the CPU are transferred to the housing, thus providing a more
convenient peripherals connection feature. Power distribution
mechanism (not shown) is also incorporated in the embodiment so as
to provide means for convenient source of power supply for use by
the peripherals and accessories. Additionally, accessory connection
bay (not shown) is also arranged at the front and side section of
the main body section, with the purpose of allowing fixing and
securing of switches, sockets, control devices and other electrical
accessories.
[0041] Now referring to FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, there are shown
perspective view of the organizing apparatus configured in
accordance to the embodiment of present invention. Generally, the
organizing apparatus comprises of a housing and the housing is
configured having a main body section (11) and the main body
section is provided with a cable organizing means (12), cable inlet
and outlet means (13) and optionally, provided with a cover (9).
The cover (9) may be demountably attached or hingedly connected to
the main body section. The demountable attachment of the cover is
made possible through the use of a slotting mechanism using feature
such hood lock (8) which is configured to mate with a hood strips
(7) of the main body. The hinged-type attachment provides ease of
use as the cover can simply be flipped for allowing access. Cable
organizing means (12) is advantageously provided through the used
of chamber within the main body section (11) which allows folded
cable to be placed therein. Prior to the cable placement,
preferably the cable is fasten using any fastening means such as
string, plastic fastener or the like. The cable inlet and outlet
means (13) is generally configured at the rear of the apparatus.
Accessory connection bay (14), preferably a plurality of such
connection bay, are arranged along the front and side of the main
body section (11). The accessory connection bay (14) is generally
utilized for allowing attachment of any electrical accessory (21)
for use by the computer system. The excess cable associated with
such accessory is advantageously folded within the chamber of the
main body section (11). The specific feature of accessory utilized
in combination with the organizing apparatus will be discussed in
detail later. The accessory connection bay (14) is generally formed
as a recess (18) and the recess is closable by a slide (20). The
slide may be mounted to the recess (18) through utilization of
sliding channel (19) and the sliding channel is formed on the main
body section.
[0042] As generally shown by FIG. 3b electrical accessory (21),
such as switch, printer port, microphone socket, etc., may be
demountably attached to the accessory connection bay (14), simply
by removing the slide (20) and replacing the same. The accessory is
preferably formed mounted on a plate (22, shown in detail by FIGS.
6, 7 and 8) and the plate is provided with a sliding portion (23).
The plate (22) is formed to match with the dimension of the recess
(18) and the sliding portion (23) shall be formed to match with the
width and thickness of the sliding channel (19). Any type of
electrical accessory may be adapted, provided that the electrical
devices must be mounted on plate as shown by the figures.
[0043] FIGS. 4a and 4b generally show another aspect of the
embodiment. The main body section (11) is provided with a cable
organizing means (12) in a form of a compartment (15). Preferably a
plurality of such compartments are formed, and the excess cable is
advantageously folded and stored within the compartments. The
compartments (15) may be constructed using panels (16), and slots
(17) are also provided thereto for allowing cable to enter and exit
from the compartment. Alternatively, an upwardly extending
protrusion (23) may be formed within the center of each of the
compartment for assisting excess cable storing where the cable may
be coiled or wound around the protrusion. In another aspect of the
embodiment, the panels (16) and the protrusions (23) are removably
mounted to the main body section (11) base so as to provide a
flexible system whereby the size of the compartment may be
increased or reduced in accordance to need. Cables from peripherals
and to CPU may enter and exit at the rear of the apparatus through
an inlet and outlet means (13), and the inlet and outlet means is
generally comprises of, preferably, a removable panel (30) and a
plurality of hooks (31). The removable panel is slotted into the
corresponding channel (32) which is formed on the main body section
to provide such flexible feature. The hooks (31) are utilized to
separate each cables from being entangle with each other and for
ease of reference. Communication sockets may be arranged on the
main body section so as to provide the advantageous feature of
allowing easier peripherals connection to the CPU. The sockets
(21), or commonly known as ports, provide linkage with ports which
are normally fixed at the back of the CPU which are relocated to
the front using, for example, extension cable. The common practice
of turning the back of the CPU to connect or disconnect printer,
microphone, headphone, video camera or etc. is now, no longer
necessary. The sockets or ports (21) are mounted to main body
section at the accessory connection bay (14) mentioned earlier. By
removing the removable slide (20), switches, control devices and
other electrical accessories may be fixed and secured, therefore,
the devices can be `built-in` within the apparatus and separate
independent devices are no longer necessary.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 4a and 4b, another compartment may
be optionally arranged near the front of the housing to provide
placement of transformer (33, shown in FIG. 8b), the transformer is
generally incorporated as an optional device, and a power
distribution means (32, shown in FIG. 8a) separated by removable
panels (35), so that power requirement of the peripherals are met.
The power distribution means can also be met with the use of a
conventional power sockets and plugs inserted within the chamber of
the main body section.
[0045] Still referring to the figures, the cable entry and exit
section consists of the cable inlet and outlet means (13) and
removable panel (30). Hooks (31) are used to separate each cable
from becoming entangle with each other and for easy reference and
the panel may be configured to be removable or alternatively,
provided with recess for allowing cables to reach to the
compartments (15). The compartments are configured using panels
(16) and provided with slots (17). In use, cable from any
peripherals enter through the rear of the apparatus at the inlet
and outlet means (13), held by any of the hook (31), pass through
the recess, then enter to the compartment (15) through one of the
two slots (17), folded and exit through the same or another slot
(17) and back to the inlet and outlet means (13) which is then
connected to the CPU. In another aspect of the embodiment, the
cable enter through the inlet and outlet means (13), held by any of
the hook (31), pass through the recess, then enter to the
compartment (15) through one of the two slots (17), wound or coiled
around the upwardly extending protrusion (23) and exit through the
same or another slot (17) and back to the inlet and outlet means
(13). The power distribution means (32) may includes a series of
connector (not shown) and a each of the connector is electrically
linked to the main power supply cable (not shown) and main switch
(also not shown). Optionally, transformer (also not shown) is
arranged within the compartment to cater for peripherals which
require lower voltage setting. As discussed earlier, along the
front and side of the main body section (11), there are provided
recesses (18) which can be replaced by electrical accessory such as
communication sockets, switches, power sockets and other electrical
items (shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8). The recess formed part of the
accessory connection bay essential to the present invention.
Preferably, some of the panels (16) forming the compartments are of
the removable type. Hood strips (7) are also provided partially
along the upper section of the main body to allow demountable
placement of the optional cover, one which require only by sliding
the cover through the hood strips. Hinged-type attachment may also
be used as described earlier.
[0046] FIG. 5a shows yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The organizing apparatus comprises of a housing (11),
which can be adapted to be fitted into the drive bay (37) of a
computer or a computer casing (38). The front panel of the said
housing is introduced with a plurality of accessory connection bay
(14).
[0047] FIG. 5b shows the incorporation of the organizing apparatus
into a computer or computer casing (38). The said computer or
computer casing (38) comprises of a plurality of accessory
connection bay (14) introduced at the front panel of the
casing.
[0048] Still referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the accessory connection
bay is arranged at the front section of the housing or the casing,
with the purpose of allowing the fixing and securing of switches,
sockets, electrical devices and other electrical accessories. It
also serves to relocate the computer ports or sockets to the front
of the computer system. Hence the connection of the peripherals and
accessories to the computer can easily be accomplished.
[0049] The accessory connection bay (14) as referred in FIGS. 5a
and 5b, comprises of a recess or a cut out to the housing and the
said recess or cut out is introduced with sliding channel (19) or
sliding means. The apparatus accessory (clearly illustrated in FIG.
6) can be fittingly slipped in the accessory connection bay
(14).
[0050] FIG. 6a and 6b show the details of the current invention's
accessory. A plate (23) comprises of a cut out (40) where computer
port or socket (39) can be flexibly mounted onto the plate. The
plate is further introduced with sliding portion (23) or sliding
mean. FIG. 6b shows the accessory with a computer port or socket
mounted onto the plate. The plate can be fittingly slipped into the
accessory connection bay (14), hence securely hold and position the
computer port or socket at the front of the computer system. The
apparatus accessory will include all computer ports or sockets, to
flexibly relocate the said port or socket to the front of the
computer system. FIG. 7a shows the apparatus accessory used for the
relocation of earphone or audio socket to the front of the computer
system. FIG. 7c shows the apparatus accessory for parallel or
printer port for the same purpose.
[0051] It may be readily realized that the apparatus accessory can
comprises of a plate (22) illustrated in FIG. 6a, or it can also
comprises of a computer port or socket mounted on the plate (22) as
illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7c.
[0052] FIGS. 7b, 7d, 7e and 8a-8e show some other examples of the
apparatus accessory used to hold and secure electrical devices or
electrical components at the front of the computer system.
[0053] It may be readily realized that, the organizing apparatus
may be offered to consumer with or without such described apparatus
accessories. The apparatus accessories can be offered to consumer
separately from the apparatus, so that the need of the customer can
be fulfilled according to their requirement.
[0054] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described, it should be understood that various changes,
adaptations and modifications may be made thereto. It should be
understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to details
of the illustrated invention shown in the figures and that
variations in such minor details will be apparent to one skilled in
the art.
* * * * *