U.S. patent application number 11/493107 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for portable device docking station.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Carnevali.
Application Number | 20080002369 11/493107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38690972 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080002369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D. |
January 3, 2008 |
PORTABLE DEVICE DOCKING STATION
Abstract
An external expanding apparatus or "docking station" operable
with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit
having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard
shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a
substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent
to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface
thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back
plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on
opposite sides thereof.
Inventors: |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D.;
(Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES J RUPNICK
PO BOX 46752
SEATTLE
WA
98146
US
|
Family ID: |
38690972 |
Appl. No.: |
11/493107 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11480666 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
7298611 |
|
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11493107 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/724 ;
361/679.55; 710/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1632 20130101;
Y10T 70/5009 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/724 ;
361/683; 361/686; 710/303 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00; G06F 13/00 20060101 G06F013/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21: An external expanding apparatus that is operable with a
portable computer of a type having an input/output (I/O) connector
positioned on a back plane thereof for interconnecting with a
mating connector of the external expanding apparatus, the external
expanding apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid two-part
apparatus body having an upper apparatus body portion and a lower
body apparatus portion being structured for mating together along a
mutual line of contact, wherein: a) the upper apparatus body
portion further comprises a substantially rigid bearing plate
formed with a substantially rectangular computer bearing surface on
an outer face thereof, an expansion connector drive mechanism
coupled to an inner face thereof opposite from the bearing surface
and being moveable relative to the bearing plate, and a side skirt
portion extended from the bearing plate and having a mating surface
coincident with the line of contact, b) the lower apparatus body
portion is further adapted for mounting to an external support
structure and comprising a side skirt portion extended from a
bottom plate thereof and having a mating surface coincident with
the line of contact, c) a peripheral device connector presentation
surface provided on one of the upper and lower apparatus body
portions, and d) a mounting apparatus is formed along the line of
contact, the mounting hole comprising: i) a pair of mating shapes
along the line of contact between the respective skirt portions of
the upper and lower apparatus body portions and forming a passage
extending between outer and inner surfaces of the respective skirt
portions, and ii) a nut pocket adjacent to the inner surface of the
respective skirt portions and substantially aligned with the
passage extending between the outer and inner surfaces thereof, the
nut pocket having a plurality of intersecting substantially planar
walls oriented substantially perpendicular to the outer surfaces of
the respective skirt portions and a retainer opposite from the
passage and spaced away therefrom; engaging structure projected
above the bearing surface at opposite corners thereof and being
structured for matingly engaging the bottom surface of the casing
of the portable computer; a computer expansion connector structured
to mate with the I/O connector of the computer and being movably
mounted on the expansion connector drive mechanism adjacent to the
computer bearing surface of the bearing plate for moving relative
thereto; and a plurality of peripheral device connectors
electrically coupled to the computer expansion connector and
presented at the peripheral device connector presentation surface,
each of the peripheral device connectors being structured to
receive a corresponding peripheral device connector.
22: The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the mounting apparatus
further comprises an opening formed in one of the upper and lower
apparatus body portions, and a well shaft communicating between the
opening and the nut pocket.
23: The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the opening is formed in one
of the bearing plate of the upper apparatus body portion and the
bottom plate of the lower apparatus body portion.
24: The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the well shaft is further
integral with the one of the upper and lower apparatus body portion
having the opening formed therein.
25: The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the nut pocket is further
integral with the well shaft.
26: The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the well shaft further
comprises a substantially constant cross-sectional interior shape
between the opening and the nut pocket.
27: The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the well shaft is further
integral with the skirt portion of a first one of the upper and
lower apparatus body portion having the opening formed therein, and
the nut pocket is further integral with a second one of the skirt
portions of the upper and lower apparatus body portions opposite
from and aligned with the well shaft of the first one of the skirt
portions.
28: The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the passage further comprises
a clearance aperture sized proportionally with the nut pocket for
permitting clearance of a threaded shaft sized to mate with a
threaded nut that is sized to mate with the nut pocket.
29: The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the pair of mating shapes
along the line of contact between the respective skirt portions of
the upper and lower apparatus body portions further comprises a
first passage recessed in the mating surface of a first one of the
skirt portions of the upper and lower apparatus body portions.
30: The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the pair of mating shapes
along the line of contact between the respective skirt portions of
the upper and lower apparatus body portions further comprises a
second mating passage recessed in the mating surfaces of a second
one of the skirt portions of the upper and lower apparatus body
portions opposite from and aligned with the first passage recessed
in the mating surface of the first one of the skirt portions.
31: An external expanding apparatus for expanding the function of a
portable electronic device having a device body provided with an
input/output (I/O) connector, the external expanding apparatus
comprising: an apparatus body having first and second apparatus
body portions each formed with side skirt portions having
respective mating surfaces structured for mating along a mutual
line of contact, one or more edge mounting holes formed between the
first and second mating surfaces and extending exterior and
interior portions of the apparatus body, and one of the first and
second apparatus body portions having a bearing surface on which
the device body is to be placed, and a connector presentation
surface for opposing the device I/O connector of the device body
placed on the bearing surface; a pair of engaging pins positioned
on a rear portion of the bearing surface adjacent to the connector
presentation surface, the engaging pins being structured for being
slidingly received into mating locating holes in the device body;
an expansion connector connectable with the device I/O connector;
an expansion connector drive mechanism structured for moving the
expansion connector relative to the connector presentation surface
between a disengaged position spaced away from the bearing surface
and an engaged position extended over the bearing surface; one or
more peripheral device connectors electrically coupled to the
expansion connector and presented at a peripheral device connector
presentation surface of the apparatus body portion; one or more nut
pockets on an interior portion of the side skirt portion of one of
the first and second apparatus body portions and substantially
aligned with a respective one of the one or more edge mounting
holes; one or more opening formed in one of the first and second
apparatus body portions and substantially aligned with a respective
one of the one or more nut pockets; one or more well shafts on an
interior portion of the side skirt portion of one of the first and
second apparatus body portions and communicating substantially
continuously between a respective one of the one or more openings
and the respective nut pocket corresponding thereto; and a mounting
structure that is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting
to an external support structure.
32: The apparatus of claim 31 wherein at least one of the one or
more nut pockets is further integral with the well shaft
communicating therewith.
33: The apparatus of claim 31 wherein at least one of the one or
more nut pockets is further integral with the skirt portion of the
first apparatus body portion, and the well shaft communicating
therewith is further integral with the skirt portion of the second
apparatus body portion.
34: The apparatus of claim 31 wherein at least one of the one or
more edge mounting holes further comprises a first passage recessed
in the mating surface of the skirt portion of the first apparatus
body portion.
35: The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the one of the one or more
edge mounting holes having the first passage recessed in the mating
surface of the skirt portion of the first apparatus body portion
further comprises a second passage recessed in the mating surface
of the skirt portion of the second apparatus body portion and
communicating with the first passage.
36: The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the at least one of the one
or more openings is further formed in a surface of the one of the
first and second apparatus body portions opposite from the mating
surface thereof
37: An external expanding apparatus that is operable with a
portable computer of a type having an input/output (I/O) connector
positioned on a back plane thereof for interconnecting with a
mating connector of the external expanding apparatus, the external
expanding apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid apparatus
body portion having a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with
a substantially rectangular computer bearing surface on an outer
face thereof on which the computer device body is to be placed and
one or more guides on an inner face thereof opposite from the
bearing surface, a connector presentation surface adjacent to the
bearing surface along a rear edge thereof and having an opening
formed therein projected above the bearing surface in a position
for opposing the device I/O connector of the computer device body
placed on the bearing surface, a computer device receiver structure
fixedly positioned adjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface
and projected there above opposite from the connector presentation
surface and having a jaw structure with an opening facing toward
the connector presentation surface and structured to receive and
mate with a front face of the computer device casing, a
substantially rigid bottom plane formed opposite from the bearing
plate with a peripheral device connector presentation surface
adjacent to an edge thereof and having one or more peripheral
device connectors, and a pair of substantially rigid peripheral
side walls extending between the bearing plate and the bottom plate
and mating along a line of contact therebetween; a plurality of
edge mounting structures formed along the line of contact between
the pair of peripheral side walls, each of the edge mounting
structures comprising: a clearance hole formed through at least one
of the pair of side walls adjacent to the line of contact, a nut
pocket formed on an interior portion of at least one of the pair of
side walls in substantial alignment with the clearance hole, an
opening formed in one of the bearing plate and the bottom plane of
the apparatus body portion, and a well shaft communicating between
the opening and the nut pocket; a pair of engaging pins sized to be
matingly received into the pair of locating holes in the bottom
surface of the casing of the portable computer device, the engaging
pins being fixedly projected above the bearing surface at opposite
corners thereof and adjacent to the rear edge thereof in positions
for being matingly received into the pair of device locating holes;
an expansion connector drive mechanism movable relative to the
connector presentation surface, the expansion connector drive
mechanism being movably coupled to the one or more guides on the
inner face of the bearing plate for moving relative thereto between
the front and rear edges of the bearing surface along a drive axis
substantially aligned with the opening in the connector
presentation surface; a connector bracket connectable with the pair
of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides of the device
I/O connector and being coupled to the expansion connector drive
mechanism and projected above the bearing surface of the bearing
plate and substantially aligned with the opening in the connector
presentation surface, the connector bracket having a pair of
substantially rigid guides in spaced-apart positions for engaging
the pair of positioning apertures provided on the computer device
back plane on opposite sides of the I/O connector; a computer
expansion connector connectable with the I/O connector of the
computer, the computer expansion connector being mounted on the
connector bracket between the guides thereof and electrically
interfaced to one or more of the peripheral device connectors; and
the connector bracket being linearly movable substantially parallel
with the drive axis of the expansion connector drive mechanism
between a first disengaged position having the connector bracket
guides and expansion connector retracted within the opening in the
connector presentation surface adjacent to the rear edge of the
bearing surface, and a second engaged position having the connector
bracket guides and expansion connector extended from the opening in
the connector presentation surface over the rear edge of the
bearing surface.
38: The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the nut pocket is further
formed integrally with the well shaft communicating therewith.
39: The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the clearance hole further
comprises a first recess formed in a first one of the pair of
peripheral side walls in communication with the line of contact
therebetween.
40: The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the clearance hole further
comprises a second recess formed in a second one of the pair of
peripheral side walls in communication with the first recess along
the line of contact therebetween.
Description
[0001] This Divisional application claims priority benefit of
co-pending parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/480,666 filed
in the name of Jeffrey D. Carnevali on Jun. 30, 2006, the complete
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to trays for holding
portable devices, and in particular to quick release docking
stations for portable computers and other portable electronics
devices having one or more input/output (I/O) communication
ports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable notebook-type computers using a built-in battery
pack power source are generally well-known and have an advantage in
being handy to carry about and freely used even in those places
which are not accessible to the commercial power supply.
[0004] Such computers are compact in design for higher portability,
so that their standard functions are inevitably more limited than
those of desktop computers. Accordingly, such portable computers
are generally provided with one or more connectors and ports for
function expansion, usually on the rear face of its casing which
supports a keyboard and a display unit. These computers are
additionally furnished with new functions by connecting peripheral
devices, such as a hard disk drive, mouse, printer, etc., to the
connectors and ports.
[0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a notebook-type portable computer 1
for use as a portable electronic device which is connected to an
external expanding apparatus, commonly referred to as a "docking
station." The computer 1 includes a plastic casing 2 serving as an
apparatus body. The casing 2 is in the form of a flat generally
rectangular box having a bottom face 2a and a top face 2b, which
extend generally parallel to each other, and a front face 2c, a
rear face 2d, and side faces 2e and 2f, which are continuous with
the bottom and top faces 2a and 2b. At least one such computer
casing 2 further includes a tongue 2g projected from the front face
2c and having a bottom face 2h which may be continuous with the
bottom face 2a of the casing 2, a top face 2i which extends
generally parallel to the bottom face 2h, and a front face 2j that
is spaced away from the casing front face 2c. The tongue 2g may
include side surfaces 2k and 21 extending between the computer
casing front surface 2c and the tongue front face 2j. Other
surfaces of the casing 2, such as one of the side faces 2e, 2f may
includes additional features, such as but not limited to a CD-ROM
or DVD-ROM 3a and a main power switch 3b.
[0006] Arranged on the top face 2b of the casing 2, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, is a keyboard 7 which is used to input information and
commands. A pair of display supporting portions 8a and 8b, left and
right, are formed at the rear end portion of the top face 2b. A
flat display unit 9 having a thickness t is connected to the
display supporting portions 8a and 8b. The display unit 9 is
rotated about a hinge axis h on a pair of legs 10a and 10b, left
and right, which are pivotally mounted on the supporting portions
8a and 8b, respectively, by means of hinge devices as is generally
well-known. Thus, the display unit 9 is supported on the casing 2
to be rotatable about the hinge axis h relative to the casing 2
between a closed position, in which a display screen surface 9a of
the display unit 9 touches the top face 2b of the casing 2. The
display unit 9 thereby covers the keyboard 7 for protecting both
the keyboard 7 and display screen surface 9a of the display unit 9
with a hard shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9. The
display unit 9 alternately rotates into an open position in which
the display unit 9 stands upright with the display screen surface
9a exposed at the back of the keyboard 7, as illustrated.
Furthermore, a hard shell lip portion 9c of the display unit 9
surrounds the sensitive display screen 9d, the display screen 9d is
slightly recessed below the hard shell lip portion 9c.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port 4
of the known portable computer being provided in the rear face 2d
between interface apertures 4a and 4b on either side thereof. The
I/O connector 4 includes a quantity of pins or pin receptors
(shown) 4c are organized in a selected pattern. The pins or pin
receptors 4c provided input/output (I/O) capability for
communicating with various peripheral components that may provide
such functions as for example but not limited to: a modem, a game
port, audio output, a microphone input, serial connections,
parallel connections, a video display output, USB (Universal Serial
Bus) connection, a mouse connection, a keyboard connection, an
external power supply connection. Alternatively, connection to
these or other peripheral devices are provided by a separate and
individual modem connector, a game port, audio speaker connectors,
a microphone connector, two serial connectors, a parallel
connector, a display unit connector, a USB connector, a mouse
connector, a keyboard connector, and an external power supply
connector, as are generally well-known in the art. A metallic
terminal plate 5 is exposed on the rear face 2d and surrounds the
I/O connector 4 and includes an open end of each of the apertures
4a and 4b. The apertures 4a and 4b each include a cylindrical
aperture or a lengthwise slot (shown) or an aperture of another
shape extending from the rear face 2d of the casing 2 toward the
opposite front face 2c.
[0008] In transporting the computer 1 peripheral devices must be
removed from their corresponding connectors or ports, or
alternatively the single I/O connector 4. In restoring the computer
1 to its original state after using it elsewhere, any peripheral
devices must be connected again via the I/O connector 4. In the
case where a large number of peripheral devices are connected,
therefore, the removal and connection require very troublesome
operations.
[0009] To cope with this, there have recently been provided
external expanding apparatuses or "docking stations" which are
adapted to be interposed between a portable computer and a
plurality of peripheral devices and relay signals transferred
between the computer and the devices.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates one such docking station 13 having a
plurality of connectors and ports connectable with the peripheral
devices, external power supply connector, etc., and an expansion
connector 15 is presented at a connector presentation surface 21
which is opposed to the rear face 2d of the computer casing 2. The
expansion connector 15 is structured to engage the computer's I/O
connector 4. The expansion connector 15 is mounted on a movable
bracket 18 structured to engage apertures 4a and 4b on opposite
sides of the I/O connector 4 as a prelude to the expansion
connector 15 actually engaging the I/O connector 4. By example and
without limitation, the bracket 18 includes a pair of guide pins or
arms 18a and 18b that are positioned on opposite sides of the
expansion connector 15 to engage apertures 4a and 4b on opposite
sides of the I/O connector 4. The expansion connector 15 includes a
quantity of pin receptors or pins (shown) 15a organized in a
selected pattern to engage the pins or pin receptors 4c of the
computer's I/O connector 4. The pins 15a of the expansion connector
15 are connected electrically to different ones of the connectors
and ports that are connectable with the peripheral devices.
[0011] In known prior art docking station devices 13 the pair of
guide pins or arms 18a and 18b positioned on opposite sides of the
expansion connector 15 are extended forward of the expansion
connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15a such that
the guide arms 18a, 18b engage the apertures 4a and 4b on opposite
sides of the I/O connector 4 before the expansion connector 15 and
its pin receptors or pins 15a the I/O connector 4. Furthermore, the
expansion connector 15 is typically loosely mounted on the bracket
18 with a little lateral play such that the expansion connector 15
is permitted to move relative to the bracket 18 and its pin
receptors or pins (shown) 15a wiggle or "float" into final mating
positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the I/O
connector 4 after the guide arms 18a, 18b have established a
nominal docking position. Thus, the guide arms 18a, 18b with the
respective interface apertures 4a, 4b fine tunes the positioning of
the pins (or pin receptors) 15a of the expansion connector 15
relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the computer's I/O
connector 4 prior to final insertion.
[0012] The docking station 13 also includes a mounting platform 17
on which the computer 1 is removably mounted. The mounting platform
17 is, for example, adjacent connector presentation surface 21, and
includes a bearing surface 19 on which the bottom face 2a of the
computer casing 2 is placed. The docking station apparatus 13 also
includes bullet-nosed engaging pins 23a and 23b, which are provided
on the bearing surface 19 adjacent to the connector presentation
surface 21. The bottom face 2a of the computer casing 2 includes a
pair of locating holes 6a and 6b situated adjacent to the rear face
2d and the side faces 2e and 2f of the casing 2. The locating holes
6a, 6b each include a cylindrical aperture extending from the
bottom face 2a toward the opposite top face 2b and sized to accept
the bullet-nosed engaging pins 23a, 23b on the bearing surface 19
of the docking station 13. The locating holes 6a and 6b thus serve
to locate the computer's I/O connector 4 relative to the expansion
connector 15 on the presentation surface 21 of the docking station
13.
[0013] In connecting the computer to the docking station 13, the
tongue 2g of the computer casing 2 is fit into a mouth 25 of a
mating receiver structure 27 adjacent to the bearing surface 19
opposite from and facing toward the connector presentation surface
21. The computer casing 2 is rotated about the tongue 2g with the
bottom surface 2a of the casing 2 guided toward the bearing surface
19. When the bottom surface 2a of the casing 2 is close to the
bearing surface 19, the mating locating holes 6a and 6b in the
bottom surface 2a of the casing 2 engage the locating pins 23a, 23b
of the docking station 13, which positions the casing 2 relative to
the docking station 13, and in particular positions the I/O
connector 4 relative to the docking station's expansion connector
15.
[0014] Thereafter, the docking station's expansion connector 15 and
the pair of guide pins or arms 18a, 18b on either side of the
expansion connector 15 are moved together in the direction
indicated by the arrow toward the rear face 2d of the computer 1 in
a manner such that the pair of guide pins or arms 18a, 18b are
fitted individually in the recesses of the respective interface
apertures 4a, 4b by operation of a swingable operating lever 29.
Such engagement of the guide arms 18a, 18b with the respective
interface apertures 4a, 4b fine tunes the positioning of the pins
(or pin receptors) 15a of the expansion connector 15 relative to
the pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the computer's I/O connector 4.
Continued operation of the operating lever 29 continues movement of
the expansion connector 15 toward the computer's I/O connector 4,
and engages the pins (or pin receptors) 15a with the pin receptors
(or pins) 4c during final insertion.
[0015] As a result, the expansion connector 15 of the docking
station 13 is connected to the computer's I/O connector 4.
Additionally, the computer 1 cannot be removed from the docking
station 13 because the guide pins or arms 18a, 18b engaging the
interface apertures 4a, 4b conspire with the receiver structure 27
engaging the computer casing's tongue 2g, and the locating pins 23a
and 23b engaging the mating locating holes 6a and 6b in the bottom
surface 2a of the computer casing 2 to secure the computer 1
relative to the docking station's connector presentation surface 21
and the bearing surface 19, respectively.
[0016] In removing the computer from the docking station apparatus
13, the operating lever 29 is reversed to move the expansion
connector 15 away from the computer rear surface 2d, whereby the
expansion connector 15 is disconnected from the computer's I/O
connector 4, and the guide pins or arms 18a, 18b are disengaged
from the respective interface apertures 4a, 4b. The computer casing
2 can be rotated about the tongue 2g so that the bottom surface 2a
of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 19, and the
computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 13.
[0017] In the docking station apparatus 13 described above, the
pins (or pin receptors) 15a of the expansion connector 15 are
attached to a circuit board which is located within a casing 31 of
the apparatus 13, and the expansion connector 15 is connected to
the circuit board through a flexible wiring harness. The flexible
wiring board is in turn connected through other flexible wiring
harnesses to separate and individual modem connector, a game port,
audio speaker connectors, a microphone connector, two serial
connectors, a parallel connector, a display unit connector, a USB
connector, a mouse connector, a keyboard connector, and an external
power supply connector, as are generally well-known in the art.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate 33 of the
docking station 13 where the flexible wiring harnesses of external
devices may be connected to, for example, a mouse connector 35, a
keyboard connector 37, a display unit connector 39, one or more
serial connectors 41, a game port 43, a parallel connector 45, a
serial connector 47, one or more USB connectors 49, a microphone
connector 51, one or more speaker connectors 53, an external power
supply connector 55, a modem connector 57, or a power switch
59.
[0019] However, known docking station apparatus are limited in
their ability to provide the above expansion efficiently and
reliably.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is an external expanding apparatus or
"docking station" operable with a portable computer device of a
type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner
surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof
and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair
of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially
planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector
positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning
apertures provided on opposite sides thereof. The external
expanding apparatus or "docking station" of the present invention
provides all of the features of prior art expanding apparatus with
a novel external wire harness support apparatus.
[0021] According to one aspect of the invention the docking station
includes a substantially rigid apparatus body portion having a pair
of upper and lower body portions having respective substantially
rigid peripheral side wall portions separable along a line of
mutual contact. One or more edge mounting structures are formed
along the line of contact between the side wall portions, with each
of the edge mounting structures having a clearance hole formed
through at least one of the pair of side walls adjacent to the line
of contact, a nut pocket formed on an interior portion of at least
one of the pair of side walls in substantial alignment with the
clearance hole, an opening formed in one of the bearing plate and
the bottom plane of the apparatus body portion, and a well shaft
communicating between the opening and the nut pocket.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the nut pocket
is further formed integrally with the well shaft communicating
therewith.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the clearance
hole includes a first recess formed in a first one of the pair of
peripheral side walls in communication with the line of contact
therebetween.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the clearance
hole also includes a second recess formed in a second one of the
pair of peripheral side walls in communication with the first
recess along the line of contact therebetween.
[0025] Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a known
portable computer;
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port
of the known portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1 as being
provided in the rear face thereof between interface apertures;
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a known computer docking station having
an expansion connector structured to engage the computer's I/O
connector and being provided on a connector presentation surface
thereof which is opposed to the rear face of the known computer
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a plurality of connectors and
ports connectable with different peripheral devices, external power
supply, etc.;
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate of the known
docking station where flexible wiring harnesses of different
external peripheral devices, external power supply, etc. may be
connected;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the
novel external computer expanding apparatus or "docking station" of
the invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the
novel docking station of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the novel
docking station of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the
novel docking station of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the novel docking
station of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking
station of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking
station of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of an external
wire harness support of the invention of the docking station of the
invention;
[0039] FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the
external wire harness support of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows novel cable
supports of the external wire harness support of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness
support of the invention illustrating a side view of the cable
supports of the invention and an end cross-sectional view of one of
a novel gang support of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 16 is perspective view inside an upper body portion of
the docking station of the invention and illustrates a novel
expansion connector drive mechanism of the present invention as
well as novel features of the upper body portion that operate with
the expansion connector drive mechanism;
[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch
mechanism by example and without limitation as a flexible latch
mechanism useful with the novel expansion connector drive mechanism
of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 18 illustrates a novel guide mechanism of the invention
that cooperates with a novel frame portion of the novel expansion
connector drive mechanism of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism
of the present invention as well as novel features of the upper
body portion that operate with the expansion connector drive
mechanism;
[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism
of the present invention in a deployed position;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a section view of the expansion connector drive
mechanism of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station of the invention
being in an initial state of readiness to accept the computer;
[0049] FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station of the invention
being in an intermediate state of accepting the computer;
[0050] FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station of the invention
being in final state of accepting the computer;
[0051] FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station of the invention
being in final state of accepting the computer removed here for
clarity;
[0052] FIGS. 26 and 27 are respective top and bottom perspective
views that together illustrate one embodiment of a frame portion of
the expansion connector drive of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion of
the docking station of the invention and further illustrates a
simplified expansion connector drive mechanism of the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing novel edge
mounting holes of the invention formed along a mutual contact line
between the upper and lower body portions of the novel docking
station's two-piece body;
[0055] FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion of a well
portion of a novel nut pocket of the invention extends past the
contact line between the upper and lower body portions of the novel
docking station's two-piece body;
[0056] FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets of the
invention taken from inside the two-piece body of the docking
station of the invention;
[0057] FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets of the
invention taken from inside the two-piece body of the docking
station of the invention;
[0058] FIG. 33 illustrates a mechanical nut installed in the nut
pocket of the invention with a screw or bolt inserted through the
edge mounting hole of the invention and mated with the nut,
[0059] FIG. 34 illustrates the lower body portion of the novel
docking station with the upper body portion removed for clarity,
the nut pockets here illustrated as being optionally fully formed
in the selected upper body portion or lower body portion
(shown);
[0060] FIG. 35 illustrates one of the novel edge mounting holes of
the invention alternatively formed with a novel screw or bolt
pocket of the invention formed by example and without limitation as
a pair of mating pockets (shown in a subsequent figure) integrally
formed on inside surfaces of the respective lower body portion and
upper body portion of the docking station of the invention and
adjacent to the respective edges thereof;
[0061] FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the novel screw pockets
of the invention taken from inside the two-piece body of the
docking station of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 37 illustrates the novel screw pocket of the invention
being alternatively configured to accommodate a carriage bolt
(shown in phantom) wherein the nut pocket is formed having integral
near and far portions substantially aligned with a novel edge
mounting hole of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 38 is a section view of the novel screw or carriage
bolt pocket of the invention taken from inside the two-piece body
of the docking station of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 39 illustrates a novel display unit support of the
invention that is structured for supporting the computer's flat
display unit;
[0065] FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support of the
invention in a stored position having a rigid support arm rotated
about a pivot axis toward a bearing surface of the upper body
portion of the novel docking station of the invention, and an anvil
of the novel display unit support being nested in an edge recess of
the novel body portion;
[0066] FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw of the novel
display unit support of the invention being rotated about a drive
axis of a novel biasing mechanism into substantial alignment with
the support arm during storing of the novel display unit
support;
[0067] FIG. 42 illustrates the novel docking station of the
invention with the novel display unit support in an active position
having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel
display unit clamping mechanism supporting the display unit of the
computer in an open upright position relative to the computer's
keyboard on the computer casing top face;
[0068] FIG. 43 illustrates the docking station of the invention
with the novel display unit support in an active position having
the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the display unit
clamping mechanism of the invention supporting the computer display
unit in an open upright position relative to the computer keyboard
with the anvil being positioned supporting the hard shell backing
portion of the computer display unit;
[0069] FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support
surface of the anvil portion of the novel display unit clamping
mechanism of the invention permits the backing portion of the
computer display unit to roll thereabout in smooth substantially
constant contact during rotation relative to the computer keyboard,
wherein:
[0070] FIG. 44 also illustrates the docking station of the
invention with the novel display unit support in the active
position of FIG. 43 having the support arm rotated about the pivot
axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the
computer's display unit in an open upright position relative to the
computer's keyboard,
[0071] FIG. 45 is a side view of the docking station of the
invention having the computer's display unit support in one active
position, as illustrated in previous figures, having the support
arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit
clamping mechanism of the invention supporting the computer display
unit in one open over-center position relative to the computer's
keyboard;
[0072] FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit
support of the invention in the active position of FIG. 45 for
constraining the computer's display unit in the open over-center
position by a pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the
anvil with the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in
the active over-center position;
[0073] FIG. 47 is a side view of the docking station of the
invention having the novel display unit support in another active
position having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with
the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the invention
supporting the computer's display unit in a substantially vertical
upright position relative to the computer's keyboard with the anvil
portion being positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion
of the computer display unit;
[0074] FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit
support of the invention in the active position of FIG. 47 for
constraining the computer's display unit in the substantially
vertical upright position by the pincer action of the jaw portion
relative to the anvil portion with the knob being tightened to
secure the support arm in the upright position;
[0075] FIG. 49 is a side view of the docking station of the
invention having the novel display unit support of the invention in
another active position having the support arm rotated about the
pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the
invention supporting the computer display unit in another open
position having the display unit in an extreme over-center upright
position relative to the computer keyboard;
[0076] FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit
support of the invention in the active position of FIG. 49 for
constraining the computer display unit in the extreme over-center
open position by the pincer action of the jaw portion relative to
the anvil portion with the knob being tightened to secure the
support arm in the extreme over-center position;
[0077] FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the
pivot mechanism of the invention that constrains the support arm to
operate about the pivot axis with the shoulder portion abutting the
body's hub portion;
[0078] FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one
alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism of the invention
wherein the head portion of a screw or bolt type pivot axle is
constrained in the body's novel nut pockets;
[0079] FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation
another alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 52;
[0080] FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the
novel display unit clamping mechanism of the invention of the novel
display unit support of the invention in an active configuration
clamping the computer's display unit in an open position relative
to computer casing; and
[0081] FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the
novel display unit clamping mechanism of the novel display unit
support invention in a passive configuration wherein the hard shell
backing portion of the computer's display unit is supported by the
anvil portion of the support arm with the opposing jaw portion in
an open position relative to the computer display unit's display
screen surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0082] In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
[0083] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the
present invention embodied by example and without limitation as a
novel external computer expanding apparatus or "docking station"
100 which is adapted to be interposed between a portable computer
of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and a plurality of peripheral
devices and relay signals transferred between the computer and the
devices.
[0084] The docking station 100 includes a two-piece body 102 having
an upper body portion 102a connected to a lower body portion 102b
along a line 103 of mutual contact. The upper body portion 102a is
formed with a bearing surface 104 on one face of a substantially
rigid bearing plate 105. The bearing surface 104 is structured for
the computer casing 2 to be removably placed thereon. A connector
presentation surface 106 is projected above the bearing surface 104
for presenting an expansion connector 108 to the rear face 2d of
the computer 1 when the computer's bottom face 2a is placed on the
bearing surface 104. The upper body portion 102a also includes
means for securing the computer 1 to the bearing surface 104 in
fixed position relative to the connector presentation surface 106
such that a coupling with the expansion connector 108 is not
interrupted unintentionally. By example and without limitation, the
securing means includes a receiver structure 110 fixedly positioned
adjacent to a front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 opposite
from the connector presentation surface 106 and having an open jaw
structure 112 facing toward the connector presentation surface 106
and structured to receive and mate with the tongue 2g on the front
face of the computer casing 2. Mating of the tongue 2g within the
open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 resists separation of
the computer casing's bottom face 2a from the bearing surface 104.
Such mating of the tongue 2g within the jaw 112 of the receiver
structure 110 also resists sliding of the computer casing 2 along
the bearing surface 104 away from the connector presentation
surface 106. Additionally, the open jaw 112 may optionally include
lips on either side thereof that engage side surfaces 2k and 21 (if
present) of the tongue 2g, and by such engagement, resist sideways
slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector
presentation surface 106.
[0085] The securing means also includes a pair of engaging pins
114a and 114b fixedly positioned on a rear portion 115 of the
bearing surface 104 adjacent to the connector presentation surface
106, the engaging pins 114a, 114b are structured to be slidingly
received into the mating locating holes 6a and 6b in the bottom
surface 2a of the casing 2. The two engaging pins 114a and 114b
operate to position the computer casing 2 relative to the docking
station bearing surface 104, and in particular to position the
computer's I/O connector 4 relative to the docking station's
expansion connector 108. Such mating of the two engaging pins 114a,
114b within the respective locating holes 6a, 6b also serve to
resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of the computer
casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104. The two engaging pins
114a, 114b resist both sliding of the computer casing 2 along the
bearing surface 104 away from the connector presentation surface
106, and simultaneously resist sideways slippage along the bearing
surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106.
[0086] The securing means also includes a pair of guides 116a and
116b provided as either substantially rigid pins or stiff arms that
are positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 108.
The guides 116a and 116b extend past the expansion connector 108
and engage the apertures 4a and 4b on opposite sides of the
computer's I/O connector 4 in advance of the expansion connector
108 engaging the computer's I/O connector 4. As is discussed in
detail below, by operation of a sliding expansion connector drive
mechanism 118, the expansion connector 108 simultaneously with the
pair of guide pins or arms 116a, 116b (hereinafter "guide arms") on
either side of the expansion connector 108 are together moved
inward from the presentation surface 106 (in the direction
indicated by arrow 120) across the bearing surface 104 toward the
opposing open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 in a manner
such that the pair of guide arms 116a, 116b are fitted individually
in the recesses of the respective interface apertures 4a, 4b the
rear face 2d of the computer casing 2 in advance of connection of
the connector 108 with the computer's I/O connector 4. Such
engagement of the guide arms 116a, 116b with the respective
interface apertures 4a, 4b presses the pair of guide arms 116a,
116b against the respective interface apertures 4a, 4b in the rear
face 2d of the computer casing 2, which in turn pushes the front
face 2c toward the receiver structure 110 and the tongue 2g into
its open jaw 112. Additionally, the mating of the guide arms 116a,
116b within the respective computer casing interface apertures 4a,
4b resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel
of the connector presentation surface 106. More importantly, the
mating of the guide arms 116a, 116b within the respective computer
casing interface apertures 4a, 4b resists separation of the
computer casing's bottom face 2a from the bearing surface 104 so
that the two engaging pins 114a, 114b within the respective
locating holes 6a, 6b more effectively resist both lateral and
longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to the
bearing surface 104.
[0087] Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 includes a quantity
of pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 organized in a selected
pattern to engage the pins or pin receptors 4c of the computer's
I/O connector 4. Accordingly, such engagement of the guide arms
116a, 116b on either side of the expansion connector 108 with the
respective interface apertures 4a, 4b also fine tunes the
positioning of pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 of the expansion
connector 108 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the
computer's I/O connector 4, whereby operation of the expansion
connector drive 118 causes the expansion connector 108 to engage
the computer's I/O connector 4, and engages the pins (or pin
receptors) 122 with the pin receptors (or pins) 4c.
[0088] Thus, the three-part computer securing means includes the
receiver structure 110 fixed adjacent the front portion 111 of the
bearing surface 104, the engaging pins 114a and 114b fixed on the
rear face 115 of the bearing surface 104, and the guide arms 116a,
116b on either side of the expansion connector 108, which operate
together to retain the computer's I/O connector 4 on the rear face
2d of the casing 2 in uninterrupted engagement with the docking
station's expansion connector 108.
[0089] However, the guide arms 116a, 116b on either side of the
expansion connector 108 might interfere with seating the computer
casing 2 against the bearing surface 104, so a sensing means 123 is
optionally provided for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is
emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 with its I/O
connector 4 positioned to receive the docking station's expansion
connector 108. For example, the optional sensing means 123 may be
provided in the form of safety catch 124 having a stem or button
that cooperates with the expansion connector drive 118 to detect
presence of the computer 1 against the bearing surface 104. As
discussed herein below, if present, the sensing means 123 is an
optional safety mechanism that prevents the expansion connector
drive 118 from being operated unless the computer casing 2 is
firmly seated against the bearing surface 104 of the docking
station upper body portion 102a, which depresses the safety catch
124. Thus, the docking station 100 optionally senses the presence
of the computer 1 when installation of the casing 2 causes
depression of the safety catch 124, if present. By requiring
previous operation of the safety catch 124, if present, the
expansion connector 108 cannot be deployed until the computer's I/O
connector 4 is positioned to receive it. Accordingly, neither the
guide arms 116a, 116b nor the expansion connector 108 can interfere
with seating the computer casing 2.
[0090] Furthermore, while the computer casing 2 is being seated,
the expansion connector 108 remains tucked safely away in a home
position on the sidelines of the bearing surface 104. For example,
the expansion connector 108 is protected in a disengaged "safe"
position within an integral housing portion 126 of the casing upper
body 102a positioned at the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104,
where the expansion connector 108 is out of harm's way during
seating of the computer casing 2. By example and without
limitation, the housing 126 extends above the bearing surface 104
and is formed with a cavity 128 that is extended rearward of the
bearing surface 104. The cavity 128 is sized to hold the expansion
connector 108 on a connector bracket 130 having guide arms 116a,
116b projected therefrom on either side of the expansion connector
108. The bracket 130, together with the expansion connector 108 and
guide arms 116a, 116b on either side thereof, is movable (as
indicated by arrow 120) by operation of the expansion connector
drive mechanism 118 out of the cavity 128 and inward of the bearing
surface 104 through an opening 132 formed in the presentation
surface 106 of the housing 126.
[0091] The docking station 100 of the present invention optionally
includes a locking latch mechanism 134 for constraining the
expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body
portion 102a of the docking station 100. Accordingly, the locking
latch mechanism 134 constrains the bracket 130 having the expansion
connector 108 and guide arms 116a, 116b in a deployed position, the
deployed position having the expansion connector 108 outside the
cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104.
[0092] As a result, the expansion connector 108 of the docking
station 100 is connected to the computer's I/O connector 4.
Additionally, the computer 1 cannot be removed from engagement with
the docking station 100 because the guide arms 116a, 116b engaging
the interface apertures 4a, 4b cooperate with the receiver
structure 110 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2g, and the
locating pins 114a and 114b engaging the mating locating holes 6a
and 6b in the bottom surface 2a of the computer casing 2 to secure
the computer 1 relative to the connector presentation surface 106
and the bearing surface 104, respectively, of the docking station
apparatus 100. The locking latch mechanism 134 ensures the
expansion connector drive mechanism 118 cannot be dislodged so that
the guide arms 116a, 116b continue to engage the interface
apertures 4a, 4b, even if the expansion connector drive mechanism
118 is attempted to be dislodged, either accidentally or
intentionally.
[0093] In removing the computer from the docking station apparatus
100 of the invention, the expansion connector drive mechanism 118
is reversed to move the expansion connector 108 away from the
computer rear surface 2d, whereby the expansion connector 108 is
disconnected from the computer's I/O connector 4, and the guide
arms 116a, 116b are disengaged from the respective interface
apertures 4a, 4b. The computer casing 2 can be rotated about the
tongue 2g so that the bottom surface 2a of the casing 2 is
disengaged from the bearing surface 104, and the computer 1 is
disengaged from the docking station 100.
[0094] According to one embodiment of the docking station 100 of
the invention, the expansion connector 108 is optionally loosely
mounted on the bracket 130 with a little lateral play such that the
expansion connector 108 is permitted to move relative to the
bracket 130 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 wiggle or
"float" into final mating positions with the respective pin
receptors (or pins) 4c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms
116a, 116b have established a nominal docking position, as in the
prior art. Thus, the guide arms 116a, 116b with the respective
interface apertures 4a, 4b fine tunes the positioning of the pins
(or pin receptors) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to
the pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the computer's I/O connector 4
prior to final insertion.
[0095] Alternatively, the expansion connector 108 is optionally
securely mounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral
play such that the expansion connector 108 is not permitted to move
relative to the bracket 130 and its pin receptors or pins (shown)
15a do not wiggle or float into final mating positions with the
respective pin receptors (or pins) 4c of the I/O connector 4.
Rather, as discussed herein below, the expansion connector drive
mechanism 118 provides sufficient lateral play that, the guide arms
18a, 18b operate to establish both a nominal docking position and a
final insertion position of the expansion connector 108 relative to
the computer's I/O connector 4. Thus, the complexity of the prior
art bracket 18, as discussed herein above, is eliminated, while the
positioning function is maintained as a feature of the expansion
connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention.
[0096] Optionally, hand clearances 137 communicate with either side
of the docking station's computer bearing surface 104 for access to
the bottom surface 2a of the computer 1 for lifting it free of the
bearing surface 104 and the guide pins 114a, 114b projected
therefrom. By example and without limitation, the hand clearances
137 are provided as indentations in the upper body portion 102a and
optionally in the lower body portion 102b as well. The hand
clearances 137 are located near the connector presentation surface
106 and the guide pins 114a, 114b for more easily lifting the
computer 1 clear of the guide pins 114a, 114b and the jaw 112 of
the receiver structure 110 opposite.
[0097] Additionally, an edge recess 139 communicates with the
docking station's computer bearing surface 104 and one side of the
upper body portion 102a for storing a novel display unit support
142 that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display
unit 9.
[0098] Additionally, as discussed herein below and more clearly
illustrated in subsequent figures, the docking station's expansion
connector 108 is electrically coupled to a plurality of peripheral
device connectors 136a, 136b through 136n provided by example and
without limitation on a peripheral device connector presentation
surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b. For example, the lower
body portion 102b includes an integral rear housing 140 having the
presentation surface 138 provided thereon.
[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking
station 100 includes a novel display unit support 142 structured
for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9 in any convenient
orientation relative to the keyboard 7 on the computer's top face
2b.
[0100] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the
present invention embodied by example and without limitation as a
the docking station 100. Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having
only the guide pins 116a, 116b projected therefrom, without the
expansion connector 108.
[0101] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the
present invention embodied by example and without limitation as a
the docking station 100. Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having
only the guide pins 116a, 116b projected therefrom, without the
expansion connector 108.
[0102] FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the
present invention embodied by example and without limitation as a
the docking station 100. Here, the receiver structure 110 is more
clearly illustrated as having the open jaw structure 112 formed
between the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 and an
upper lip 144 which engages the top face 2b of the computer casing
2, while the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 engages
the computer casing bottom face 2a. A recessed throat portion 146
of the receiver structure's jaw 112 is set back between the front
portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 and the upper lip 144. The
recessed throat portion 146 of the jaw 112 engages the front face
2c of the computer casing 2.
[0103] Here also are illustrated a plurality of edge mounting holes
148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 which also operates as
a separation line between the upper and lower body portions 102a,
102b of the docking station's two-piece body 102. As discussed
herein below, the edge mounting holes 148 each provide novel means
for holding a square- or hex-head screw with its threaded shaft
extending out of the respective mounting hole 148 substantially
parallel with the bearing surface 104 and perpendicular to
respective side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body
portions 102a, 102b. Any external device can be threadedly attached
to the body 102 by means of a nut threaded to the extended shaft of
the screw.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the docking station
100 of the invention that includes a mounting structure 155 that is
structured to adapt the docking station 100 for mounting to an
external support structure, by example and without limitation, the
universally positionable device invented by the inventor of the
present invention and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885, which
is incorporated herein by reference. By example and without
limitation, the mounting structure 155 is provided as a plurality
of mounting holes 157 projected from a bottom plane 156 of the
lower body portion 102b within an integral ring 159 with optional
supports 161 formed as elongated gussets integrally structured
between the bottom plane 156 and the ring 159. Other mounting
structures 155 are also contemplated and may be substituted without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0105] This view further illustrates the peripheral device
connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b
having the a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136a, 136b
through 136n, including by example and without limitation, a video
display output 13a, a mouse connection 136, a keyboard connection
136c, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection 136d, an external power
supply connection 136e, an audio output 136f, a microphone input
136g, a modem 136h, serial connections 136j and 136k, and a
parallel connection 136m. These peripheral device connectors
136a-136n are electrically coupled to the docking station's
expansion connector 108, as discussed herein. As illustrated here,
the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 is
projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b
and is optionally oriented substantially perpendicular thereto.
Therefore, the peripheral device connectors 136a-136n face across
the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b and are
protected by the integral rear housing 140.
[0106] Additionally illustrated here is an external wire harness
support 158 that provides strain relief to a plurality of
connections between the peripheral device connectors 136a-136n and
connectors 160 on a wiring harness 162, as illustrated in
subsequent figures. By example and without limitation, the external
wire harness support 158 includes one or more individual cable
supports 164a, 164b through 164n projected from the bottom plane
156 of the lower body portion 102b adjacent to the peripheral
device connector presentation surface 138 on the integral rear
housing 140. As illustrated, each of the one or more individual
cable supports 164a-164n positioned in close proximity to one of
the peripheral device connectors 136a-136n. Optionally, each of the
individual cable supports 164a-164n is substantially aligned with
one of the peripheral device connectors 136a-136n. Each of the
individual cable supports 164a-164n provides strain relief for a
cable connected to a respective one of the peripheral device
connectors 136a-136n. The external wire harness support 158 further
includes one or more gang cable supports 166 projected from the
bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b in a position
spaced away from the group of individual cable supports 164a-164n,
and optionally spaced away from the peripheral device connector
presentation surface 138 as well. Optionally, one or more
additional gang cable supports 166 are provided on the bottom plane
156 of the lower body portion 102b in positions that are spaced
away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138
and spaced away from others of the peripheral device connectors
136j-136m.
[0107] FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking
station 100 of the invention that includes the wiring harness 162
having a plurality of individual cables 168 each having one of the
connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device
connectors 136a-136n presented on the peripheral device connector
presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b. For
clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness
162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168a and 168b
each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the
peripheral device connectors 136a-136n. The external wire harness
support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170
tying the individual cables 168a, 168b to respective individual
cable supports 164a, 164b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties
170 straps a group or "gang" of the individual cables 168a, 168b to
one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties
selected from a group of wire ties of various types that are
generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may
be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end
that mates with teeth along one face, and other known wire
ties.
[0108] Also illustrated are more of the edge mounting holes 148
formed along the mutual contact line 103 between the upper and
lower body portions 102a, 102b of the docking station's two-piece
body 102. Additional one or more of the edge mounting holes 148 are
optionally formed along the mutual contact line 103 which extends
between respective front faces 172 and 174 of the docking station's
upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b.
[0109] FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking
station 100 of the invention that includes the wiring harness 162
having a plurality of individual cables each having one of the
connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device
connectors 136a-136n presented on the peripheral device connector
presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b. For
clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness
162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168a and 168b
each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the
peripheral device connectors 136b and 136c. The external wire
harness support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire
ties 170 tying the individual cables 168a, 168b to respective
individual cable supports 164a, 164b. Furthermore, another of the
wire ties 170 straps a group or "gang" of the individual cables
168a, 168b to one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are
any wire ties selected from a group of wire ties of various types
that are generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire
ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch
at one end that mates with teeth along one face, and other known
wire ties.
[0110] FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of the docking
station 100 of the invention that includes the wiring harness 162
having a plurality of individual cables 168 each having one of the
connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device
connectors 136a-136n presented on the peripheral device connector
presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b. For
clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness
162 is also illustrated here having two individual cables 168a and
168b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the
peripheral device connectors 136a-136n. The external wire harness
support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170
tying the individual cables 168a, 168b to respective individual
cable supports 164a, 164b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties
170 straps a group or "gang" of the individual cables 168a, 168b to
one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties
selected from a group of wire ties of various types that are
generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may
be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end
that mates with teeth along one face, and other known wire
ties.
[0111] As also illustrated here with respect to the unoccupied
individual cable 164n, each of the individual cable supports
164a-164n is formed with a valley 176 that is structured to
securely receive the cable 168a, 168b thereinto. The valley 176 is
spaced away from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion
102b to the extent that it is substantially aligned with the
corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors 136a-136n on
the presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b such
that the respective cable 168a-168n is substantially straight
between the respective cable support 164a-164n and peripheral
device connector 136a-136n. By example and without limitation, the
valley 176 is optionally curved in a semi-tubular shape to conform
to the typical round cable shape and sized to admit such cable. The
cable support 164n is further shown to include wall portion 178
extended from either side of the curved valley 176 and
substantially contiguous therewith and oriented tangentially
therewith. The wall portions 178 are optionally crenellated as
shown, or continuous.
[0112] Clearance is provided for the wire ties 170 between the
valley 176 and the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b.
By example and without limitation, the wire tie clearance is
provided by a tunnel 180 that is extend under and completely
through each of the individual cable supports 164a-164n directly
below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176 and oriented
crosswise of the valley 176. Optionally, a slight recess 182 is
formed in the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b
directly below the valley 176, such that the tunnel 180 is recessed
into the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b directly
below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176.
[0113] FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the
docking station's external wire harness support 158 of the
invention without the wiring harness 162. As illustrated, the
individual cable supports 164a-164n are each formed on the bottom
plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b in a position that is
spaced away from a corresponding one of the peripheral device
connectors 136a-136n on the peripheral device connector
presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102b. The
valleys 176 are illustrated as being curved in a semi-cylindrical
form that is substantially aligned with the corresponding
peripheral device connectors 136a-136n on the peripheral device
connector presentation surface 138. Additionally, the valley 176
portion of each cable support 164a-164n is illustrated with the
wall portion 178 extended from either side thereof and
substantially contiguous therewith and oriented tangentially
therewith. The wall portions 178 are shown as being optionally
crenellated, but the wall portions 178 are optionally
continuous.
[0114] The tunnel 180 is illustrated here as an optional single
common tunnel having the optional recess 182 extending under all of
the individual cable supports 164a-164n and beyond them to either
end 184 and 186.
[0115] The gang support 166 is illustrated as being formed with a
substantial body portion 200 spaced from the bottom plane 156 of
the lower body portion 102b on spaced apart legs 202 that are
projected from the bottom plane 156. Furthermore, one of the gang
supports 166 is illustrated as including a tunnel 188 formed
thereunder and having an optional recess 189 recessed into the
bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b substantially
crosswise thereof. Optionally, the tunnel 188 extends therebeyond
to either side 190 and 192.
[0116] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cable
supports 164a-164n of the external wire harness support 158 each
being formed with a substantial body portion 194 projected from the
bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b. The valley 176 is
formed in the body 194 distal of the bottom plane 156, and the
crenellated wall portions 178 extended therefrom. The tunnel 180 is
illustrated here as the optional single common tunnel having the
optional recess 182 extending under all of the individual cable
supports 164a-164n and beyond them to either end 184 and 186.
Furthermore, the tunnel 180 is illustrated here as being formed
completely through the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion
102b.
[0117] The cables 168a, 168b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of
the respective cable supports 164a, 164b of the docking station's
external wire harness support 158. The cables 168a, 168b are
secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrapped around the body
portion 194a, 194b of the respective cable supports 164a, 164b.
Furthermore, the wire ties 170 pass through embrasures 196 between
spaced apart merlons 198 that form the crenellated wall portions
178.
[0118] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness
support 158 that shows a side view of the cable supports 164a-164n
and an end cross-sectional view of one of the gang supports 166
projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b.
The cables 168a, 168b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the
respective cable supports 164a, 164b and being secured in place by
the wire ties 170 wrapped around the respective body portion 194a,
194b thereof. Furthermore, the wire ties 170 are shown passing
through the embrasures 196 between the spaced apart merlons 198
that form the crenellated wall portions 178.
[0119] In the end cross-sectional view of the gang support 166, the
gang support 166 is illustrated as being formed with the
substantial body portion 200 that is projected from the bottom
plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b on the spaced apart legs
202 (one shown, more clearly shown in FIG. 13). The cables 168a,
168b are gathered together and secured in place by a single wire
tie 170 wrapped around the body portion 200. Furthermore, that form
the crenellated wall portions 178. Optionally, the gang support 166
is substantially the same as the cable supports 164a-164n and
includes the crenellated wall portions 178 spaced apart on either
lengthwise side 190, 192 of the body portion 200 and formed distal
of the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102b, and the
wire tie 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart
merlons 198 of the crenellated wall portions 178.
[0120] FIG. 16 is perspective view inside the upper body portion
102a and illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of
the present invention as well as features of the upper body portion
102a that operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism 118.
By example and without limitation the expansion connector drive
mechanism 118 is formed of a single-piece elongated frame 204
having a substantially planar interface surface 233 (shown in one
or more subsequent figures). A follower mechanism 206 is provided
by example and without limitation as an elongated lengthwise inner
slot that extends substantially along a longitudinal axis L thereof
for nearly the entire length of the frame 204 within a retention
plate 207. An integral expanded connector seat 208 is positioned at
a first distal or far end 210 of the frame 204 for mounting the
expansion connector 108 thereon.
[0121] An inner surface 224 of the upper body portion's
substantially rigid bearing plate 105 opposite from the bearing
surface 104 includes a guide mechanism 226 that cooperates with the
inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 substantially along a drive
axis DA that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis L
of the slot 206. The inner slot follower mechanism 206 of the frame
204 thus cooperates with the guide mechanism 226 for moving the
frame 204 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion
102a along the drive axis DA with the frame's substantially planar
interface surface 233 moving substantially parallel with the inner
surface 224 of the bearing plate 105. Here, the interior of the
guide mechanism 226 is exposed for clarity. By example and without
limitation, the guide mechanism 226 is formed by two guides 228
arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224 in spaced
apart positions along the drive axis DA. Optionally, the guides 228
are rotating disk guides formed as wheels or rollers that rotate
about respective axles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body
portion's inner surface 224. The axles or hubs 232 may be
configured to space the rotating disk guides 228 slightly away from
the upper body portion's inner surface 224 for easier rotation. By
example and without limitation, the two guides 228 are optionally
provided as one or more slides fixed to the inner surface 224 of
the upper body portion 102a and permit the frame 204 to slide
freely along the drive axis DA. As described herein below, the
frame 204 is constrained relative to the guides 228 to move across
the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis
DA.
[0122] When mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of
the frame 204, the expansion connector 108 fits within the cavity
portion 128 of the housing 126 and extends above the bearing
surface 104 of the upper body portion 102a. The frame 204 is
moveable, either by sliding or rolling, in cooperation with the
guide mechanism 226 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body
portion 102a and along the drive axis DA.
[0123] The expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention
also provides a small amount of lateral play (indicated by arrow
241) such that the connector seat 208 is permitted to move
laterally relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224
and the bearing surface 104 on the opposite surface of the bearing
plate 105 and substantially crosswise of the drive axis DA. For
example, the follower mechanism or slot 206 fits with sufficient
play on the guides 228 that the frame 204 is permitted sufficient
lateral play along arrow 241 that lateral play the connector seat
208 permits the expansion connector 108 securely mounted thereon to
move laterally relative to the bearing surface 104 of the upper
body portion's bearing plate 105. Thus, although is securely
mounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral play, the
connector seat 208 actually has sufficient lateral play through the
expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the invention to
establish both a nominal docking position of the expansion
connector 108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4 and a
final insertion position of the pin receptors or pins (shown) 122
relative to the I/O connector's pin receptors (or pins) 4c. Thus,
the complexity of the prior art bracket 18, as discussed herein
above, is eliminated, while the positioning function is maintained
as a feature of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the
invention.
[0124] An integral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214 are
both positioned adjacent to a second proximal or near end 216 of
the frame 204 opposite from the connector seat 208. The handle 214
may be provided, by example and without limitation, on one side 218
of the frame 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may be provided, by
example and without limitation, at the near end 216. The catch
mechanism 212 is structured to cooperate with the locking latch
mechanism 134 for securely fixing the expansion connector drive
mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102a of the
docking station 100 with the bracket 130 holding the expansion
connector 108 and guide arms 116a, 116b on either side thereof in a
deployed position, i.e., with the expansion connector 108 outside
the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104. By
example and without limitation, the frame's integral catch
mechanism 212 includes a lip portion 242 of the that engages either
the optional lock mechanism 134, or an alternative non-locking
latch mechanism 244 (shown here), which is optionally
substituted.
[0125] As illustrated here, the alternative non-locking latch
mechanism 244 is substituted for the optional locking latch
mechanism 134. The alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244
similarly constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the
deployed position, as described herein. By example and without
limitation, the alternative non-locking latch 244 is a flexible
latch mechanism of the type illustrated in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/064,777 filed in the name of the inventor of the
present invention on Feb. 23, 2005, which is incorporated herein in
its entirety. Alternatively, when present, the optional locking
mechanism 134 lockingly secures the expansion connector 108 in the
deployed position.
[0126] The sensing means 123 is provided as a security mechanism
220 that is structured to cooperate with the safety catch 124 to
resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until the computer
1 is seated against the bearing surface 104 and the computer's I/O
connector 4 is positioned to receive the expansion connector 108.
By example and without limitation, the security mechanism 220 is
provided in an integral security plate 221 formed, by example and
without limitation, along the side 218 of the frame 204 and spaced
away from the lengthwise inner slot 206, for example, between the
connector seat 208 and the handle 214. The security mechanism 220
is provided as a keyhole 222 formed in the security plate 221, the
keyhole 222 being structured for cooperating with the safety catch
124 such that, when the safety catch 124 is engaged with the
keyhole 222, the frame 204 cannot be moved relative to the casing's
upper body portion 102a. Furthermore, when the safety catch 124 is
disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222 in the security plate
221, the frame 204 is free to move along the longitudinal axis
L.
[0127] The novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is
operated by first depressing the safety catch 124 relative to the
bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102a, for example by
seating the bottom face 2a of the computer casing 2 against the
bearing surface 104. Depressing the safety catch 124 simultaneously
disengages the safety catch 124 of the security mechanism 220 from
the cooperating keyhole portion 222 in the security plate 221,
which thereby permits the frame 204 to move along the frame drive
axis DA. The handle 214 of the expansion connector drive mechanism
118 is pulled along the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of
the casing's upper body portion 102a, which in turn pulls the
expansion connector 108 and the guide arms 116a, 116b on either
side thereof into the deployed position described herein, i.e.,
with the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and
extended over the bearing surface 104. The lip portion 242 of the
frame's integral catch mechanism 212 engages either the optional
lock mechanism 134, or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244
(shown here), which constrains the expansion connector drive
mechanism 118 in the deployed position.
[0128] An optional retraction mechanism 246 is operated for
retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position
by driving the frame 204 along the drive axis DA away from the
upper body portion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248. By
example and without limitation, the retraction mechanism 246
includes a resilient biasing mechanism 250, such as a tension
spring (shown), that is coupled between the rear face 248 of the
upper body portion 102a and the second or near end 216 of the frame
204 adjacent to the handle 214. The biasing mechanism 250 operates
between the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204 for
pulling the frame 204 toward the rear face 248. The biasing
mechanism 250 thereby operates to automatically retract the
expansion connector 108 from the deployed position when the locking
latch mechanism 134 or non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here)
is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 212.
Alternatively, as illustrated, the spring 250 is coupled between a
stanchion 251 near the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the
frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108.
[0129] Furthermore, the resilient biasing mechanism or tension
spring 250 being mounted on one side 218 of the frame 204 offset of
the drive axis DA provides leverage to the force applied by the
spring 250. Therefore, the spring 250 also biases the frame 204 on
the guides 228 relative to the upper body portion's inner surface
224 crosswise of the drive axis DA. Accordingly, the spring 250
also pulls the inner slot 206 of the frame 204 against the guides
228 so that the connector seat 208 and the expansion connector 108
securely mounted thereon are biased laterally relative to the upper
body portion's inner surface 224 and the bearing surface 104 on the
opposite surface of the bearing plate 105 and substantially
crosswise of the drive axis DA. The lateral bias provided by the
offset biasing mechanism 250 stabilizes the expansion connector 108
relative to the computer's I/O connector 4 for reducing effects on
the interconnection of shocks and vibrations experienced by the
docking station 100. The novel expansion connector drive mechanism
118 of the invention thus further improves the interconnection of
expansion connector 108 with the computer's I/O connector 4 over
the prior art docking station's expansion connector 15, as
discussed above.
[0130] As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere
with the retraction mechanism 246 retracting the frame 204.
However, another biasing mechanism 252 (shown in subsequent
figures) operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the
computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing
surface 104 before the expansion connector drive 118 can be
operated.
[0131] FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch
mechanism 244 by example and without limitation as a flexible latch
mechanism of the type illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/064,777, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, for
latching the expansion connector 108 in the deployed position. As
illustrated here by example and without limitation the alternative
non-locking latch mechanism 244 includes a tooth 254 positioned at
one end of a flexible arm 256 that is integrally (shown) or
separately attached at its opposite end to the upper body portion
102a, such as to the front face 172 thereof. Inclined surfaces 257
and 258 cooperate to allow the to tooth 254 to automatically engage
the lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212
when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying the
expansion connector 108, i.e., when the near end 216 of the frame
204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of the upper body portion
102a. A handle 260 is provided on the flexible arm 256 or another
part of the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 for
disengaging the tooth 254 from the frame's lip portion 242, which
releases the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108
from the deployed position.
[0132] FIG. 18 illustrates the guide mechanism 226 that cooperates
with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 substantially along
the drive axis DA. As discussed above, the frame 204 is constrained
to move along the two guides 228 relative to the upper body
portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA. Here, by
example and without limitation one or more keepers 240 are secured
to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 by one or more
fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 204 to move along the
drive axis DA. The one or more keepers 240 also operate to
constrain the guide discs 228, when present, in a position for
cooperating with the inner slot 206 of the frame 204. Other
structures for the guide mechanism 226 are also contemplated and
may be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of
the present invention. For example, the one or more keepers 240 are
provided by a pair of disk-shaped keepers, i.e., flat washers, that
are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 by the
fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 204 to move along the
drive axis DA.
[0133] FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism
118 of the present invention as well as features of the upper body
portion 102a that operate with the expansion connector drive
mechanism 118. Here, the frame 204 is shown adjacent to the rear
face 248 of the upper body portion 102a with the expansion
connector 108 retracted from its deployed position. However, the
security mechanism 220 is disengaged by having the safety catch 124
disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222 in the security plate
221 so that the frame 204 is free to move along the drive axis DA.
As illustrated here, the biasing mechanism 252 is shown as a
compression spring that operates between the safety catch 124 and,
for example, an inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102b
(omitted here for clarity, shown in a subsequent figure) to drive
the safety catch 124 into security plate 221 and reset the docking
station's computer sensing means.
[0134] FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism
118 of the present invention with the frame 204 is shown adjacent
to the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102a with the
expansion connector 108 in its deployed position extended over the
bearing surface 104. Here, the biasing mechanism 250 is shown as
being in an expanded state for pulling the frame 204 toward the
rear face 248 when the security mechanism 220 is subsequently
disengaged. The biasing mechanism 250 thereupon operates to retract
the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position when the
optional lock mechanism 134 is operated to release the frame's
integral catch mechanism 212.
[0135] FIG. 21 is a section view taken substantially along a drive
axis DA of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118. This figure
illustrates the novel guide mechanism 226 of the invention having
the movable frame 204 shifted toward the front face 172 of the
upper body portion 102a such that the integral connector seat 208
is positioned to place the expansion connector 108 (removed for
clarity) in the deployed position relative to the bearing surface
104. As illustrated here, the guide mechanism 226 is formed by the
two guides 228 arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface
224 in spaced apart positions along the drive axis DA within the
cooperating inner slot 206 of the frame 204. By example and without
limitation, the two guides 228 are illustrated here as wheels or
rollers that rotate about respective axles or hubs 232 provided on
the upper body portion's inner surface 224. The frame 204 is
constrained to move relative to the upper body portion's inner
surface 224 along the drive axis DA by a single one-piece keeper
240 that is held in place by the two fasteners 236.
[0136] As illustrated here the optionally lock mechanism 134
constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed
position, as described herein.
[0137] The latch on the upper body portion 102a for securely fixing
the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper
body portion 102a of the docking station 100 is illustrated here as
the lock mechanism 134. As illustrated, the lock mechanism 134
includes a retractable tooth 262 positioned at one end of a lock
cylinder 264 that is attached at its opposite end to the upper body
portion 102a, such as to the front face 172 thereof. An inclined
lead surface 266 allows the to tooth 262 to automatically engage
the lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212
when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying the
expansion connector 108, i.e., when the near end 216 of the frame
204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of the upper body portion
102a. A key 268 is applied to a key hole 270 in the lock cylinder
264 for disengaging the tooth 262 from the frame's lip portion 242,
which releases the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector
108 from the deployed position.
[0138] FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an
initial state of readiness to accept the computer 1 (shown in
phantom) with the bottom face 2a of the casing 2 spaced away from
the docking station's bearing surface 104. Here, the expansion
connector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end
210 of the frame 204, and the expansion connector 108 along with
the two guide pins or arms 116a, 116b that are positioned on
opposite sides thereof are fully retracted within the cavity
portion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent to the bearing surface 104
at the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102a.
[0139] As discussed herein, when the safety catch 124 of the
optional sensing mechanism 123 is engaged with the keyhole 222 in
the security plate 221, as shown, the frame 204 cannot be moved
relative to the casing's upper body portion 102a and the bearing
surface 104. Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 and guide
pins or arms 116a, 116b are likewise cannot be moved out of the
cavity 128 to interfere with seating the computer 1. For example, a
stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 projects above the bearing
surface 104 where the computer 1 is to be seated. The stem 272 is
sized to pass through both a narrow elongated slot portion 274 at a
distal end of the keyhole 222, and a clearance passage 276 through
the bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the stem portion 272 is
cooperatively sized with the narrow slot portion 274 to slide
freely along a substantial length thereof, which thus permits the
frame 204 to move between the fully retracted position (shown here)
and the fully deployed position (shown in subsequent figures). The
stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 extends from a base
portion 278 having a shoulder 280 that is oversized relative to the
passage 276 so that the upper body portion's inner surface 224 on
the backside of the bearing surface 104 operates as a stop for the
safety catch 124. Furthermore, the base portion 278 of the safety
catch 124 is too large to pass through the narrow slot portion 274
of the keyhole 222. However, the keyhole 222 includes an enlarged
passage 282 that communicates with a near end 284 of the slot
portion 274 and is sized to pass the base portion 278 of the safety
catch 124. As discussed herein, the safety catch 124 is structured
to cooperate with the biasing mechanism 252 that operates to reset
the sensing means for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is
emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 before the
expansion connector drive 118 can be operated. By example and
without limitation, when the biasing mechanism 252 is a
conventional compression spring, as illustrated here, the base
portion 278 of the safety catch 124 is structured with a cavity or
pocket 286 that is sized to admit a first end portion 288 of the
spring 252 and orient the spring 252 along a drive axis DS of the
safety catch 124 that is by example and without limitation oriented
substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface 104 of the upper
body portion 102a. A second end portion 290 of the spring 252 is
compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion
102b (omitted here for clarity). Accordingly, the spring 252
operates against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion
102b to drive the safety catch 124 through the security plate 221
and the passage 276 to project from the bearing surface 104. Thus,
the docking station's computer sensing means 123 is set and the
expansion connector 108 is secure against being inadvertently
deployed.
[0140] FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an
intermediate state of accepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom)
with the bottom face 2a of the casing 2 seated against the docking
station's bearing surface 104. Here, the expansion connector 108 is
mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame
204, and the expansion connector 108 along with the two guide pins
or arms 116a, 116b on opposite sides thereof are still fully
retracted within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent
to the bearing surface 104 at the rear face 248 of the upper body
portion 102a.
[0141] As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2a of the casing 2
is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as
shown, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is
compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion
102b (shown in a subsequent figure, removed here for clarity).
Accordingly, the safety catch 124 is pushed into the passage 276
and flush with the bearing surface 104. Simultaneously, the safety
catch's base portion 278, which is oversized relative to the narrow
slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222, is pushed through the keyhole
222 and completely out of the security plate 221. Only the stem
portion 272 of the safety catch 124 now extends through the narrow
slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. Thus, the docking station's
computer sensing means 123 recognizes the presence of the computer
1 as being firmly seated against the bearing surface 104, and the
expansion connector 108 can now be safely deployed.
[0142] FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final
state of accepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the
bottom face 2a of the casing 2 seated against the docking station's
bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the expansion connector 108
mounted on the connector seat 208 is positioned to engage the
computer's I/O connector 4. Here, the expansion connector 108 and
the two guide pins or arms 116a, 116b on opposite sides thereof are
shown as being deployed out of the cavity portion 128 of the
housing 126 of the upper body portion 102a. Accordingly, as
discussed herein, engagement of the guide pins or arms 116a, 116b
with the respective interface apertures 4a, 4b fine tunes
positioning of the expansion connector 108 relative to the
computer's I/O connector 4, whereby operation of the expansion
connector drive 118 has here caused the expansion connector 108 to
engage the computer's I/O connector 4, and has here caused the pins
(or pin receptors) 122 to engage the pin receptors (or pins)
4c.
[0143] As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2a of the casing 2
is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as
shown here, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is
compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion
102b (shown in a subsequent figure, removed here for clarity). With
the safety catch 124 being pushed into the passage 276 and flush
with the bearing surface 104, the stem portion 272 of the safety
catch 124 is freely moved along the narrow slot portion 274 of the
keyhole 222. When only the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124
extends through the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222, as
here, the security plate 221 is moved along the drive axis DA
toward the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102a for
deploying the expansion connector 108. Thus, when the computer 1 is
firmly seated against the bearing surface 104, the expansion
connector 108 can now be fully deployed (as illustrated) by moving
the frame 204 along the drive axis DA. For example, the frame's
handle 214 (shown in previous figures) is pulled toward the front
face 172 of the upper body portion 102a.
[0144] The lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism
212 is fully engaged with the lock mechanism 134 provided on the
upper body portion 102a. Accordingly, the expansion connector 108
and guide arms 116a, 116b on either side thereof are configured in
the deployed position described herein, i.e., out of the cavity 128
and extended over the bearing surface 104 for coupling with the
computer 1. Until released, the lock mechanism 134 thus constrains
the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as
described herein.
[0145] When present, the locking latch mechanism 134 is released by
application of the key 268 to the key hole 270 and subsequent
operation thereof. Else, the alternative non-locking latch
mechanism 244 is operated by application of pressure against the
latch handle 260.
[0146] Upon release of either the locking latch mechanism 134 or
non-locking latch mechanism 244, the retraction mechanism 246, for
example the tension spring shown, automatically retracts the
expansion connector drive mechanism 118 from its deployed position
along with the expansion connector 108. As illustrated by example
and without limitation, the frame 204 is automatically retracted
from the deployed position adjacent to the front face 172 of the
upper body portion 102a toward the retracted position adjacent to
the rear face 248. The guide mechanism 226 cooperates with the
inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 toward the retracted position
substantially along the drive axis DA. Retraction of the frame 204
simultaneously retracts the expansion connector 108 seated thereon
from the computer 1 and into the safe position within the cavity
128 of the integral housing portion 126 of the casing upper body
102a adjacent the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104, where the
expansion connector 108 is out of harm's way during removal of the
computer 1, as illustrated and discussed herein.
[0147] FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final
state of accepting the computer 1 (removed for clarity).
Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 mounted on the connector
seat 208 is positioned to engage the computer's I/O connector 4, as
discussed herein. Here, the expansion connector 108 and the two
guide pins or arms 116a, 116b on opposite sides thereof are shown
as being deployed out of the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126
of the upper body portion 102a by operation of the expansion
connector drive 118, as discussed herein.
[0148] As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2a of the casing 2
is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as
shown in previous figures, the compression spring of the biasing
mechanism 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the
lower body portion 102b. By example and without limitation, a
cavity or pocket 292 is provided on the inner surface 253 of the
lower body portion 102b, the pocket 292 being sized to admit the
second end portion 290 of the spring 252 opposite from the pocket
286 in the safety catch base portion 278, and being structured to
cooperate with the pocket 286 in the safety catch base portion 278
for orienting the spring 252 along the drive axis DS of the safety
catch 124. The spring 252 is thus compressed between the two
pockets 286 and 292 for driving the safety catch 124 through the
security plate 221 and the passage 276 to project from the bearing
surface 104. Thus, the spring 252 operates to set the docking
station's computer sensing means 123 for securing the expansion
connector 108 against inadvertent deployment.
[0149] FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are respective top and bottom
perspective views that together illustrate one embodiment of the
frame 204 portion of the expansion connector drive 118 of the
invention. Here, the single-piece elongated frame 204 is
illustrated having the elongated lengthwise inner slot 206
extending nearly the entire length thereof substantially along the
longitudinal axis L thereof. The integral expanded connector seat
208 is positioned at the first distal or far end 210 for mounting
the expansion connector 108 thereon, and includes a pattern of
several mounting holes 294 for attaching the expansion connector
108. The integral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214
portions are both positioned adjacent to the second proximal or
near end 216 of the frame 204 opposite from the connector seat 208.
The handle 214 may be provided, by example and without limitation,
on one side 218 of the frame 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may
be provided, by example and without limitation, at the near end
216. As discussed herein, the catch mechanism 212 includes the lip
portion 242 that is structured to cooperate with either the locking
latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244
for securely fixing the expansion connector drive mechanism 118
relative to the upper body portion 102a of the docking station 100
with the expansion connector 108 in a deployed position. As
illustrated here by example and without limitation the lip portion
242 is integrally formed with the inclined surface 258 that
cooperates with the inclined surface 257 of the latch mechanism's
tooth 254 for helping the to tooth 254 to automatically engage the
lip portion 242 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for
deploying the expansion connector 108.
[0150] The inclined surface 258 of the lip portion 242 similarly
cooperates with the inclined surface 266 of the retractable tooth
262 of the optional lock mechanism 134, when present. The inclined
surface 258 similarly helps the to tooth 262 to automatically
engage the lip portion 242 when the frame 204 is moved into the
position for deploying the expansion connector 108.
[0151] The security mechanism 220 is structured to cooperate with
the safety catch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion
connector 108 until the computer 1 is seated against the bearing
surface 104. Accordingly, the frame 204 includes the integral
security plate 221 formed along the side 218 thereof and spaced
away from the lengthwise inner slot 206 between the connector seat
208 and the handle 214. The keyhole 222 is formed in the security
plate 221 with the narrow slot portion 274 formed substantially
parallel with the longitudinal axis L and having the enlarged
passage 282 communicating with the proximal or near end 284
thereof.
[0152] The second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204
includes means for coupling the resilient biasing mechanism 250 for
retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position
along the drive axis DA. By example and without limitation, the
second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 includes a simple
clearance hole 298 for coupling the biasing mechanism 250, i.e.,
spring 252, between it and the rear face 248 of the upper body
portion 102a, as shown in FIG. 16. The resilient biasing mechanism
250 thus operates between the upper body portion's rear face 248
and the near end 216 of the frame 204 for retracting the expansion
connector drive 118 from the deployed position when the locking
latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244
is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism
212.
[0153] FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion
102a and illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of
the present invention having a simplified single-piece elongated
frame 304 having an elongated lengthwise inner slot 306 extending
nearly the entire length of the frame 304 substantially along a
longitudinal axis LA thereof. An integral expanded connector seat
308 is positioned at a first distal or far end 310 of the frame 304
for mounting the expansion connector 108 thereon. An integral catch
mechanism 312 and integral handle portion 314 are both positioned
adjacent to a second proximal or near end 316 of the frame 304
opposite from the connector seat 308. The handle 314 may be
provided, by example and without limitation, on an arm 317 extended
from one side 318 of the frame 304, while the catch mechanism 312
may be provided, by example and without limitation, at the near end
316. The catch mechanism 312 is structured to cooperate with either
the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch
mechanism 244 for constraining the expansion connector 108 to
remain in the deployed position, as described herein.
[0154] The lengthwise slot 306 in the alternate frame 304
cooperates with the guide mechanism 226 on the inner surface 224 of
the upper body portion 102a opposite from the bearing surface 104
for guiding the frame 304 substantially along the drive axis DA, as
described herein. By example and without limitation, lengthwise
slot 306 cooperates with the two guides 228 of the guide mechanism
226 that are arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224
in spaced apart positions along the drive axis DA. By example and
without limitation, the two guides 228 are optionally provided as
one or more slides that permit the frame 304 to slide freely along
the drive axis DA. Alternatively, the guides 228 are optionally
formed as wheels or rollers that rotate about respective axles or
hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's inner surface 224.
The axles or hubs 232 may be configured to space the guides 228
slightly away from the upper body portion's inner surface 224 for
easier rotation. The frame 304 is constrained to move relative to
the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA
by one or more keepers 240 (shown in phantom). For example, a pair
of disc-shaped keepers 240 are secured to the upper body portion's
inner surface 224 by one or more fasteners 236 for constraining the
frame 304 to move along the drive axis DA. The one or more keepers
240 also operate to constrain the guide wheels 228, when present,
in a position for cooperating with the inner slot 306 of the frame
304. Other structures for the guide mechanism 226 are also
contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the
scope and intent of the present invention.
[0155] The alternate frame 304 is structured such that, when the
expansion connector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 308 at the
far end 310 of the frame 304, it fits within the cavity portion 128
of the housing 126 and extends above the bearing surface 104 of the
upper body portion 102a. The alternate frame 304 is moveable,
either by sliding or rolling, in cooperation with the guide
mechanism 226 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body
portion 102a and along the drive axis DA.
[0156] A security mechanism 320 is structured to cooperate with the
safety catch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector
108 until the computer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104
and the computer's I/O connector 4 is positioned to receive the
expansion connector 108. Similar to the security mechanism 220 of
the frame 204 discussed herein, by example and without limitation,
the security mechanism 320 of the alternate frame 304 is provided
in an integral security plate 321 formed, by example and without
limitation, along the side 318 of the frame 304 and spaced away
from the lengthwise inner slot 306, for example, between the
connector seat 308 and the handle 314. The security mechanism 320
is provided as a keyhole 322 formed in the security plate 321, the
keyhole 322 being structured for cooperating with the safety catch
124 such that, when the safety catch 124 is engaged with the
keyhole 322, the frame 304 cannot be moved relative to the casing's
upper body portion 102a. For example, the keyhole 322 includes at a
distal end thereof a narrow slot portion 324 sized to freely move
the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 along a substantial
length thereof so that the frame 304 is permitted to move between
the fully retracted position (shown here) and the fully deployed
position (shown in previous figures). The keyhole 322 also includes
an enlarged passage 326 that communicates with a near end 328 of
the slot portion 324 and is sized to pass the base portion 278 of
the safety catch 124 for disarming the safety catch 124.
[0157] Similar to the novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118
operated with the frame 204, here the novel expansion connector
drive mechanism 118 of the invention is operated by first
depressing the safety catch 124 relative to the bearing surface 104
of the upper body portion 102a, for example by seating the bottom
face 2a of the computer casing 2 against the bearing surface 104.
Depressing the safety catch 124 simultaneously disengages the
safety catch 124 of the security mechanism 320 from the cooperating
keyhole portion 322 in the security plate 321, which thereby
permits the frame 304 to move along the frame drive axis DA. The
handle 314 of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is pulled
parallel to the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of the
casing's upper body portion 102a, which in turn pulls the expansion
connector 108 and guide arms 116a, 116b on either side thereof into
the deployed position described herein, i.e., the expansion
connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing
surface 104. A integral lip portion 330 of the frame's integral
catch mechanism 312 engages either the locking latch mechanism 134
(shown) or the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 provided
on the upper body portion 102a. The locking latch mechanism 134
(shown) or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 constrains
the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as
described herein. As illustrated, the a retractable tooth 262 of
the lock mechanism 134 automatically engages the lip 330 when the
alternate frame 304 is moved into the position for deploying the
expansion connector 108 as discussed herein. For example, an
inclined lead surface 332 on the frame's lip portion 330 cooperates
with the lead surface 258 to automatically engage the tooth 262 of
the lock mechanism 134 when the alternate frame 304 is moved into
the position for deploying the expansion connector 108.
[0158] The retraction mechanism 246 automatically retracts the
expansion connector 108 from the deployed position by pulling the
frame 304 along the drive axis DA away from the upper body
portion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248. By example and
without limitation, the biasing mechanism 250, such as a tension
spring (shown), is coupled between the rear face 248 and a simple
catchment 334 at the second or near end 316 of the frame 304
adjacent to the handle 314. The biasing mechanism 250 operates
between the rear face 248 the catchment 334 for retracting the
frame 304 toward the rear face 248. The biasing mechanism 250
thereby operates to retract the expansion connector 108 from the
deployed position when the locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or
alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated to release
the frame's integral catch mechanism 312.
[0159] Alternatively, a compression spring 335 is substituted for
the compression spring as the biasing mechanism 250 of the
retraction mechanism 246 for automatically retracting the expansion
connector 108 from the deployed position. The compression spring
335 operates by pushing the frame 304 along the drive axis DA away
from the upper body portion's front face 172 toward its rear face
248.
[0160] As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere
with retraction of the alternate frame 304. However, the biasing
mechanism 252 operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that
the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's
bearing surface 104 before the expansion connector drive 118 can be
operated.
[0161] FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing the edge
mounting holes 148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 between
the upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b of the docking
station's two-piece body 102. As discussed herein, the edge
mounting holes 148 each provide novel means for holding for example
but not limited to a square- or hex-shaped mechanical nut N with
its threaded bore aligned with the respective mounting hole 148
substantially parallel with the bearing surface 104 and
perpendicular to respective side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and
lower body portions 102a, 102b. Any external device can be
threadedly attached to the body 102 by means of the shaft S of a
screw or bolt B being inserted into a selected one of the edge
mounting holes 148 and threaded into the bore of the nut N.
[0162] The edge mounting holes 148 are formed by a pair of mating
shapes 336 and 338 formed in the docking station's two-piece body
102 through the mating upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b.
The shapes 336, 338 meet along the mutual contact line 103. By
example and without limitation, the edge mounting holes 148 are
formed by a pair of mating semi-circular holes 336 and 338 formed
in the docking station's two-piece body 102 through the mating
upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b along the mutual contact
line 103. However, the mating holes 336, 338 may alternatively be
different in shape from semi-circular, for example, the holes 336,
338 may be mating rectangular shapes that form a square hole when
mated, or semi-hexagonal shapes that form a hexagonal shape when
mated, or another combination of shapes that form an aperture
adjacent to the mating line 103 of the upper and lower body
portions 102a, 102b, and such shapes may be substituted for the
semi-circular shapes illustrated without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the entire shape of the
resultant edge mounting holes 148 may be alternatively formed in
the edge of either one of the upper and lower body portions 102a,
102b without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, as illustrated by the edge mounting hole 148 at the
far left of the figure, the edge mounting holes 148 may
alternatively be formed as a generally "U" or "V" or square-shaped
hole 336 entirely within an edge portion 340 of one of the side
faces 154 of the lower body portion 102b, or the front 172 or rear
face 248, while the mating hole is entirely eliminated from the
upper body portion 102a, and the shape 338 is an edge portion 342
of an opposite face 154, 174 or 248 of the upper body portion 102a
that is exposed by the hole 336 in the lower body portion 102b,
whereby the edge mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 336
that is closed by the mating shape 338 of the upper body portion's
exposed edge portion 342. Alternatively, as illustrated by the edge
mounting hole 148 at the center of the figure, the edge mounting
holes 148 may alternatively be formed as a generally "U" or "V" or
square-shaped hole 338 entirely within the edge portion 342 of the
upper body portion 102a, while the mating hole 336 is entirely
eliminated from the lower body portion 102b, and the shape 336 is
the edge portion 340 of the lower body portion 102b that is exposed
by the hole 338 in the upper body portion 102a, whereby the edge
mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 338 that is closed
by the mating shape 336 of the lower body portion's exposed edge
portion 340.
[0163] Each of the edge mounting holes 148 is backed by a
respective nut pocket 346 formed by an open well 348. As
illustrated by the cross-sectional view of the edge mounting hole
148 and corresponding nut pocket 346, the well 348 of the integral
nut pocket 346 is formed in one of the upper body portion 102a or
the lower body portion 102b (shown). The well 348 is generally
rectangular in cross-section and extends through the bottom plane
156 of the lower body portion 102b past the contact line 103. The
well 348 is formed having an opening 350 formed in the bottom plane
156 of the lower body portion 102b (shown) or adjacent to the
bearing surface 104 in the upper body portion 102a. The nut
pocket's well 348 and opening 350 thereto are sized to admit a nut
N of a desired size, such as #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, 1/4 inch, or
metric size nut or bolt head H. For example, the well 348 is formed
by a pair of spaced apart rigid side walls 352 and 354 that extend
inwardly of the side face 154 of the lower body portion 102b and
downwardly of the bottom plane 156 and substantially perpendicular
to each. The side walls 352, 354 are sufficiently spaced to easily
admit the nut N of the desired size without being significantly
oversized such that the nut N cannot rotate in the well 348. The
side walls 352, 354 may include a slight draft angle from the
opening 350 toward the contact line 103. The mating shapes 336, 338
along the contact line 103 are correspondingly sized to admit the
shaft of the bolt B sized to mate with the nut N.
[0164] FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion 356 of each
well 348 extends past the contact line 103. The extension portion
356 closes the end of the corresponding well 348. The extension
portion 356 is optionally formed integrally with the corresponding
well 348, and may optionally be formed into a point having integral
bottom walls 358 and 360 that are contiguous along a corner 362 in
the central bottom of the nut pocket's well 348. Additionally, the
bottom walls 358, 360 may optionally form an included angle 363
therebetween centered about the corner 362, the included angle 363
being constructed to mate with the angled walls of the nut N of the
desired size and shape, i.e., square or hex. For example, the
included angle 363 between the bottom walls 358, 360 is structured
to mate with the nut N such as a square or hex nut (shown), whereby
the nut N is constrained from turning when torque is applied during
insertion and tightening of the screw or bolt B. For example, the
angle 363 formed by the bottom walls 358, 360 is about 90 degrees
to accommodate a square nut. Alternatively, the angle 363 is about
120 degrees to accommodate a hex nut.
[0165] The extension portion 356 of the well 348 may be integral
with the side walls 352, 354 (shown at center and right) and
extended from the upper or lower body portion 102b (shown) past the
contact line 103 toward the opposite lower or upper body portion
102a (shown). As illustrated (center and right) the nut pockets 346
are optionally fully formed in the selected upper body portion 102a
or lower body portion 102b (shown). Alternatively, as illustrated
by the nut pocket 340 (far left) the extension portion 356 is
optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102a (shown) and
positioned to align with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348.
[0166] Each nut pocket's well 348 also includes a backing panel 364
that is optionally integral with the well's side walls 352, 354 and
is spaced away from the side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and
lower body portions 102a, 102b sufficiently to admit the nut N of
desired size. The backing panel 364 is a means for constraining the
nut N from backing away from the edge hole 148 when the screw or
bolt B is applied thereto.
[0167] Also illustrated here is the simplicity of operation of the
nut pockets 346. Here, the nut pocket 346 is operated by simply
dropping the nut N of the appropriate size through the opening 350
into the well 348 corresponding to the selected edge mounting hole
148 with two of the nut's parallel sides S1 and S2 oriented
substantially parallel with the well's side walls 352, 354, as
illustrated. Thereafter, the nut N falls into the extension portion
356 at the end of the well 348 and nests between the side walls
352, 354 and the bottom walls 358, 360 of the extension 356 that
combine to form the bottom of the well 348. Upon the nut N nesting
in the extension portion 356 of the well 348, the nut's threaded
bore Nb substantially automatically self-aligns with the edge
mounting hole 148. Thereafter, the screw or bolt B of the
appropriate size is inserted through the corresponding hole 148 and
threaded into the nut's bore Nb for attaching a desired edge
attachment.
[0168] FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from
inside the two-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of the
invention. Here, the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated
having the extension portion 356 optionally formed in the opposing
body portion 102a (shown) and positioned in alignment with the
walls 352, 354 of the well 348.
[0169] This view also illustrates two of a plurality of optional
tabs 366 that extend between the upper and lower body portions
102a, 102b for alignment therebetween.
[0170] FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from
inside the two-piece body 102 of the docking station 100 of the
invention. Here, the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated
having the extension portion 356 optionally formed in the opposing
body portion 102a (shown) and positioned in alignment with the
walls 352, 354 of the well 348. The nut N is illustrated as being
installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screw or bolt B inserted
through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with the nut N. The
screw or bolt B is thereby positioned to secure an external object
O (shown in phantom) to the sides 152, 154 of the upper and lower
body portions 102a, 102b of the docking station 100 of the
invention.
[0171] FIG. 33 illustrates the nut N installed in the nut pocket
346 with the screw or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting
hole 148 and mated with the nut N. The screw or bolt B is thereby
positioned to secure the external object O (shown in phantom) to
the sides 152, 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b
of the docking station 100 of the invention.
[0172] FIG. 34 illustrates lower body portion 102b with the upper
body portion 102a removed for clarity. Here, the nut pockets 346
are illustrated as being optionally fully formed in the selected
upper body portion 102a or lower body portion 102b (shown). The
extension portion 356 of the well 348 is integral with the side
walls 352, 354 and extended from the upper or lower body portion
102b (shown) past the contact line 103 toward the opposite lower or
upper body portion 102a (shown). The nut N is illustrated as being
installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screw or bolt B inserted
through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with the nut N.
[0173] FIG. 35 illustrates one of the edge mounting holes 148
alternatively formed with a screw or bolt pocket 368 formed by
example and without limitation as a pair of mating pockets 370 and
372 (shown in a subsequent figure) integrally formed on inside
surfaces 374 and 376 of the respective lower body portion 102b and
upper body portion 102a and adjacent to the respective edges 340
and 342 thereof. The pocket 370 is formed by example and without
limitation as a construction of integral walls 378 interconnected
along corners 380 and a backing panel 382 integrated with the walls
378. The pockets 370, 372 mate along the contact line 103 of the
upper and lower body portions 102a, 102b in substantial alignment
with the corresponding shaped holes 336, 338 that form the edge
mounting hole 148. The screw pockets 368 are optionally formed with
a substantially square shape to accommodate a square-head screw or
bolt of a desired size, or may be formed with a substantially
hexagonal shape (shown) to accommodate a hex-head screw or bolt of
the desired size. Each screw pocket 368 is thus structured to mate
with the square or hex head of the screw or bolt B, whereby the
screw or bolt B is constrained from turning when torque is applied
during installation and tightening of the mating nut N for securing
the external object.
[0174] FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the screw pockets 368
taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the docking station 100
of the invention. Here, the screw pocket 368 is illustrated having
the mating pockets 370 and 372 integrally formed on inside surfaces
374 and 376 of the respective lower body portion 102b and upper
body portion 102a and adjacent to the respective edges 340 and 342
thereof. The mating pockets 370 and 372 are illustrated with the
respective backing panels 382 removed for clarity. The mating
pockets 370 and 372 are positioned in alignment with the shaped
holes 336, 338 that form the corresponding edge mounting hole 148
(shown in previous figures). The screw pockets 368 are optionally
formed with a substantially square shape to accommodate the head H
of the square-head screw or bolt B of a desired size, or may be
formed with a substantially hexagonal shape (shown) to accommodate
a hex-head screw or bolt B of the desired size.
[0175] FIG. 37 illustrates the screw pocket 368 being alternatively
configured to accommodate a carriage bolt Bc (shown in phantom)
wherein the pocket 368 is formed having integral near and far
portions 384 and 386 substantially aligned with the shaped nut hole
338 (or 336), and the integral backing panel 364. The near portion
384 adjacent to the wall 152 (or 154) of the body portion 102a (or
102b) is formed as one half of a square, either as an approximately
90 degree "V" shape or a rectangle (shown) that is sized to accept
a square base portion Bc1 of the carriage bolt head Bch without
turning when the nut N is installed and tightened. The far portion
386 spaced away from the wall 152 of the body portion 102a by the
depth of the near portion 384 is structured to accept a round pan
portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc. By example and without
limitation, the far portion 386 of the screw pocket 368 is a "V"
shape or a rectangle shape (shown) aligned with the shaped hole 338
(or 336) and sized to accept the round pan portion Bc2 of the
carriage bolt Bc.
[0176] FIG. 38 is a section view of the screw or carriage bolt
pocket 368 taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the docking
station 100 of the invention. Here, the carriage bolt pocket 368 is
illustrated by example and without limitation as having the far
portion 386 of the screw pocket 368 being a semi-cylindrical shape
aligned with the shaped hole 338 (or 336) and sized to accept the
round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc.
[0177] FIG. 39 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of
the invention that is structured for supporting the computer's flat
display unit 9. The display unit support 142 includes an elongated
rigid support arm 388 having a first pivot end portion 390 that is
pivotally coupled to the docking station body 102, the rigid
support arm 388 being pivotal about a pivot axis 392 in a plane 394
that is substantially parallel and adjacent to the side faces 152,
154 of the body portions 102a, 102b and substantially perpendicular
to the upper body portion's bearing surface 104. By example and
without limitation, the pivot end 390 of the support arm 388 is
coupled in a pivotal relationship with the two-piece body 102 by a
pivot mechanism 398. For example, the pivot mechanism 398 operates
about the pivot axis 392 between a hub portion 400 of the body 102
and an enlarged shoulder portion 402 at the pivot end 390 of the
arm 388. According to one optional embodiment of the display unit
support 142, the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388
rotates about a pivot axle 404 (shown in one or more subsequent
figures) that is aligned along the pivot axis 392 and extends
between a hub portion 400 of the body 102 and the arm's shoulder
portion 402. Alternative embodiments of the pivot mechanism 398 may
be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0178] The support arm 388 is constrained to operate about the
pivot mechanism 398 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the
body's hub portion 400 by the pivot mechanism 398. By example and
without limitation, the axle 404 is optionally a screw or bolt
passed through one of the edge mounting holes 148 of the type
described herein and threaded into a nut 406 (shown in one or more
subsequent figures) in one of the nut pockets 346 of the type
described herein. Thereafter, a knob or handle 408 on the axle 404
is operated for tightening and loosening of the shoulder portion
402 of the support arm 388 vis-a-vis the hub portion 400 of the
body 102 by turning relative to the nut 406 in the nut pocket 346
of the body 102. Thus, the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of
the axle 404 operates against an outside face 412 of the shoulder
portion 402 of the support arm 388 to compress the shoulder portion
402 against the body's hub 400. Accordingly, friction between the
shoulder portion 402 and the hub 400 caused by tightening of the
handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the axle 404 constrains the
support arm 388 to remain in a selected rotational orientation with
the upper body portion's bearing surface 104. The display unit
support 142 thus constrains the computer's flat display unit 9 in
the selected rotational orientation. The rotational orientation of
the support arm 388 of the display unit support 142 with the upper
body portion's bearing surface 104 is thus infinitely adjustable by
alternately loosening and tightening the handle 408.
[0179] The novel display unit support 142 of the invention also
includes a novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to a
second extreme support end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388
opposite from the first pivot end portion 390. By example and
without limitation, the display unit clamping mechanism 414
adjacent to the second support end portion 416 of the support arm
388 is structured as a spring-loaded vice for constraining the
display unit 9 relative to the support end portion 416 of the
support arm 388. Accordingly, the display unit 9 is pinched between
an integral substantially rigid anvil 418 and a separate and
rotatable substantially rigid jaw 420. By example and without
limitation, the clamping mechanism 414 includes the substantially
rigid anvil 418 being integral with the elongated support arm 388.
The supporting anvil 418 is extended laterally to a longitudinal
axis 422 of the support arm 388 to an extent 423 that at least an
end portion 424 of the anvil 418 distal from the support arm 388 is
projected into space in a position opposite from a portion of the
bearing surface 104 in the vicinity of either one of the pair of
fixedly positioned engaging pins 114a and 114b (shown) and spaced
away from the computer bearing surface 104 by several inches. The
anvil 418 is formed with an arcuate support surface 426 that is
curved in a convex shape covering an extended arc having a
substantially smooth face aligned generally with the longitudinal
axis 422 of the elongated support arm 388 and facing toward the
front face 172 of the body 102a such that the hard shell backing
portion 9b of the display unit 9 is supported in an upright
position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the
computer casing 2 by resting against the arcuate support surface
426 of the anvil 418, as illustrated herein.
[0180] The separate substantially rigid jaw 420 includes a first
proximate barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 that is projected
inward of a substantially rigid finger 430. The knuckle portion 428
of the jaw 420 is coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to a heal
portion 432 thereof proximate to the end portion 416 of the support
arm 388. The knuckle portion 428 spaces the rigid finger 430 away
from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by a variable
short distance 434 that is adjustably configured to permit the flat
display unit 9 of the computer 1 to fit therebetween. The short
distance 434 by which the finger 430 is spaced away from the
arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is adjustable to
accept therebetween different thicknesses t of flat display units 9
of different computers 1 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The short
distance 434 is also variable as discussed herein to permit the
flat display units 9 to rotate to different orientations with the
keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2, while
remaining constrained against the arcuate support surface 426 of
the anvil 418 by the jaw 420.
[0181] Furthermore, an integral hard nub or button 436 (more
clearly shown in one or more subsequent figures) is optionally
projected slightly from an inward facing surface 438 of the rigid
finger 430 adjacent to a second end 440 thereof distal from the
first proximate knuckle portion 428 thereof. The jaw 420 is thus
positioned in a pinching relationship to the anvil 418 such as to
capture the display unit 9 between the arcuate support surface 426
of the anvil 418 and the nub 436 projected from the distal end 440
of the rigid finger 430. Thus, the display screen surface portion
9a of the display unit 9 is supported in an upright position
relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the computer
casing 2 by the rigid jaw 420, as illustrated herein. Accordingly,
the display unit 9 of the computer 1 is constrained from falling
backward away from the keyboard 7 by the anvil 418, and is
simultaneously constrained from falling forward toward the keyboard
7 by the jaw 420.
[0182] The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes a
variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 (detailed in a
subsequent figure) that resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the
arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 in the pinching
relationship described herein. By example and without limitation,
the biasing mechanism 442 automatically varies the spacing distance
434 to accommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness of the
display unit 9 of the computer 1 of the prior art as the display
unit 9 is rotated relative to the top face 2b of the computer
casing 2 about its hinge axis h into different upright positions at
the back of the keyboard 7.
[0183] FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of
the invention in a stored position having the support arm 388
rotated about the pivot axis 392 toward the bearing surface 104 of
the upper body portion 102a, and the anvil 418 is nested in the
edge recess 139. The edge recess 139 is sized such that the anvil
418 is nested below the bearing surface 104 so as not to interfere
with seating of the computer 1. The knob 408 may be tightened to
secure the support arm 388 in the stored position.
[0184] FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw 420 of the
display unit support 142 of the invention being rotated about a
drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442 into substantial
alignment with the support arm 388 during storing of the display
unit support 142. When rotated into this rest position, the jaw 420
does not interfere with nesting of the anvil 418 in the edge recess
139.
[0185] FIG. 42 illustrates the docking station 100 of the invention
with the novel display unit support 142 in an active position
having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with
the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit
9 in an open upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top
face 2b of the computer casing 2. Accordingly, the anvil 418 is
positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9b of the
display unit 9. Here, the jaw 420 is illustrated as being rotated
about the drive axis 444 into substantial alignment with the
support arm 388. Accordingly, the jaw 420 does not interfere with
closing the display unit 9 over the top face 2b of the computer
casing 2. The knob 408 may be tightened to secure the support arm
388 in the active position.
[0186] FIG. 43 illustrates the docking station 100 of the invention
with the novel display unit support 142 in an active position
having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with
the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit
9 in an open upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top
face 2b of the computer casing 2. Here, the anvil 418 is positioned
supporting the hard shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9.
Furthermore, the jaw 420 is illustrated as being rotated into its
active position supporting the display screen surface portion 9a of
the display unit 9 in the upright position relative to the keyboard
7 on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9
is thus constrained in the upright position by the pincer action of
the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. As illustrated, the button
436 at the second end 440 of the inward facing surface 438 of the
rigid finger 430 presses against the display screen surface portion
9a of the display unit 9.
[0187] Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the
rigid finger 430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the
button 436 on the inward facing surface 438 thereof is extended
over the hard shell lip portion 9c of the display unit 9 onto the
display screen 9d. The rigid finger 430 thus wraps around the hard
shell lip portion 9c of the display unit 9, and the button 436 thus
falls below the lip portion 9c onto the display screen 9d.
Accordingly, the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 is
constrained from slipping laterally off of the lip portion 9c and
inadvertently releasing the display unit 9.
[0188] FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support
surface 426 of the anvil 418 permits the backing portion 9b of the
display unit 9 to roll thereabout in smooth substantially constant
contact during rotation relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face
2b of the computer casing 2. Simultaneously therewith the rigid jaw
420 constrains the display unit 9 to follow rotations of the
support arm 388 about the pivot axis 392. For example, the integral
hard nub or button 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430
presses against the display screen 9d and forces the display screen
surface 9a toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil
418.
[0189] FIG. 44 also illustrates the docking station 100 of the
invention with the novel display unit support 142 in the active
position of FIG. 43 having the support arm 388 rotated about the
pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414
supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright position relative
to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2.
Here, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing
portion 9b of the display unit 9, while the jaw 420 is positioned
supporting the display screen surface portion 9a. The display unit
9 is thus constrained in the upright position between the jaw 420
and the anvil 418.
[0190] FIG. 45 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the
display unit support 142 in one active position, as illustrated in
previous figures, having the support arm 388 rotated about the
pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414
supporting the display unit 9 in one open over-center position
relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the computer
casing 2. In this active over-center position, the anvil 418 is
positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9b of the
display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active position
supporting the display screen surface portion 9a of the display
unit 9 in the upright over-center position relative to the keyboard
7 on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9
is thus constrained in the open over-center position by the pincer
action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.
[0191] FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the display unit support
142 in the active position of FIG. 45 for constraining the display
unit 9 in the open over-center position by the pincer action of the
jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened
to secure the support arm 388 in the active over-center
position.
[0192] FIG. 47 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the
display unit support 142 in another active position having the
support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display
unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in a
substantially vertical upright position relative to the keyboard 7
on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2. In this active upright
position, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell
backing portion 9b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated
into its active position supporting the display screen surface
portion 9a of the display unit 9 in the upright position relative
to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the computer casing 2. The
display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright position by the
pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.
[0193] FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the display unit support
142 in the active position of FIG. 47 for constraining the display
unit 9 in the substantially vertical upright position by the pincer
action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408
is tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the upright
position.
[0194] FIG. 49 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the
display unit support 142 in another active position having the
support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display
unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in
another open position having the display unit 9 in an extreme
over-center upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top
face 2b of the computer casing 2. In this active extreme
over-center position, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the
hard shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is
rotated into its active position supporting the display screen
surface portion 9a of the display unit 9 in the extreme over-center
open position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2b of the
computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the
extreme over-center open position by the pincer action of the jaw
420 relative to the anvil 418.
[0195] FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the display unit support
142 in the active position of FIG. 49 for constraining the display
unit 9 in the extreme over-center open position by the pincer
action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408
is tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the extreme
over-center position.
[0196] FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the
pivot mechanism 398 that constrains the support arm 388 to operate
about the pivot axis 392 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the
body's hub portion 400. By example and without limitation, when the
pivot axle 404 is a screw or bolt such as a shoulder bolt, it
includes a first threaded end 450 that is sized to pass through one
of the body's edge mounting holes 148 of the type described herein.
The threaded end 450 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 is
threaded into the nut 406 installed in one of the nut pockets 346
of the type described herein, wherein the nut 406 is optionally a
lock nut of the hex variety. Additionally, a shaft portion 452 of
the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 passes through a
complementary rotational clearance bore 454 which is formed through
the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 and which is sized
to rotate smoothly about the pivot axle shaft portion 452. The head
portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 distal from
the body 102 is by example and without limitation constrained in a
recessed nut pocket 456 formed in the knob or handle 408. The knob
408 constrains the head portion 410 of the pivot axle 404 for
tightening and loosening of the shoulder portion 402 of the support
arm 388 vis-a-vis the hub portion 400 of the body 102 by turning
relative to the nut 406 in the nut pocket 346 of the body portion's
bearing surface 104, whereby the display unit support 142
constrains the computer's flat display unit 9 in the selected
rotational orientation. The rotational orientation of the support
arm 388 of the display unit support 142 is thus infinitely
adjustable relative to the upper body portion's bearing surface
104.
[0197] Alternative embodiments of the pivot mechanism 398 may be
substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0198] FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one
alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism 398 wherein the
head portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 is
constrained in the one of the body's nut pockets 346. The shaft
portion 452 of the pivot axle 404 passes through the body's edge
mounting holes 148 and extends through the complementary rotational
clearance bore 454 which is formed through the shoulder portion 402
of the support arm 388. The threaded end 450 of the pivot axle 404
is threaded into a complementary threaded bore 462 in the knob 408,
which is operable for tightening and loosening of the shoulder
portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-a-vis the hub portion 400 of
the body 102 by turning relative to the pivot axle 404.
[0199] FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation
another alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism 398. For
example, an optional resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be
provided for biasing the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm
388 toward the face 460 on the hub portion 400 of the body 102. By
example and without limitation, the optional resilient biasing
mechanism 470 may be formed of a conventional compression spring
472 installed inside an enlarged counter-bore 474 formed in the
shoulder portion 402 through an opening 476 in the outside face 412
of the shoulder portion 402. The spring portion 418 of the biasing
mechanism 470 is constrained between a floor portion 478 of the
counter-bore 420 and the head portion 410 of the screw or bolt type
pivot axle 404. Optionally, a washer 480 may be inserted between
the bolt head 410 and the compression spring 472. The spring
portion 418 of the biasing mechanism 470 thus operates against the
floor portion 478 of the counter-bore 474 to compress 102. Thus,
the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the pivot axle 404
operates against the outside face 412 of the shoulder portion 402
of the support arm 388 to compress an inside face 458 the shoulder
portion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub 400.
Accordingly, friction between the inside face 458 the shoulder
portion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub 400 constrains
the support arm 388 to remain in a selected rotational orientation
with the upper body the inside face 458 of the shoulder portion 402
of the support arm 388 against the outside face 460 of the body's
hub portion 400.
[0200] Alternative embodiments of the resilient biasing mechanism
470 may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
[0201] Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism 482 is optionally
provided for securing the support arm 388 in rotational
relationship with the bearing surface 104 of the body portion 102a.
By example and without limitation, a first quantity of one or more
teeth 484 are provided on the outside face 460 of the hub 400
portion of the body 102 in a variable intermeshing relationship
with a quantity of one or more notches 486 formed on the inside
face 458 the arm's shoulder portion 402. The intermeshing teeth 428
and notches 430 permit the arm to be secured in a desired
rotational relationship with the body 102 for supporting the
computer's display unit 9 in a desired discrete orientation
relative to the docking station's computer bearing surface 104.
[0202] FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the
novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit
support 142 of the invention in an active configuration clamping
the display unit 9 in an open position relative to the computer
casing 2. The novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 is
positioned adjacent to a second extreme support end portion 416 of
the rigid support arm 388 opposite from the first pivot end portion
390. By example and without limitation, the display unit clamping
mechanism 414 adjacent to the second support end portion 416 of the
support arm 388 is a hand for constraining the display unit 9
relative to the support end portion 416 of the support arm 388. As
discussed herein, by example and without limitation, the clamping
mechanism 414 includes the substantially rigid anvil 418 that is
integral with the elongated support arm 388. The anvil 418 is
extended laterally to a longitudinal axis 422 of the support arm
388 with its end portion 424 being projected into space in a
position above the bearing surface 104. The arcuate support surface
426 of the anvil 418 is curved in the convex shape that covers an
extended arc having a center of rotation 488 (best shown in one or
more previous figures). The center of rotation 488 is oriented
generally parallel with pivot axis 392 of the support arm 388,
substantially lateral of the longitudinal axis 422, and
substantially crosswise of the drive axis 444 of the biasing
mechanism 442. The smooth arcuate support surface 426 is directed
generally toward the front face 172 of the body 102a for supporting
the hard shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9.
[0203] The first proximate knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw
420 is movably coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to the heal
portion 432 thereof. The finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 is thus
spaced away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418
by the variable short distance 434 that is adjustably configured to
permit the flat display unit 9 of the computer 1 to fit
therebetween. The short distance 434 by which the finger portion
430 of the jaw 420 is spaced away from the arcuate support surface
426 of the anvil 418 is adjustable to accept different thicknesses
of flat display units 9 of different computers 1 therebetween.
Furthermore, the integral hard nub or button 436 is optionally
projected slightly from the inside surface 438 of the rigid finger
430 adjacent to its distal tip 440. The jaw 420 is thus positioned
in a pinching relationship to the anvil 418 such as to capture the
display unit 9 between the arcuate support surface 426 and the
projected nub 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430. Thus, the
display unit 9 is compressed against the arcuate support surface
426 of the anvil 418 by the hard nub 436 on the tip 440 of the
rigid finger 430, as illustrated herein.
[0204] The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes the
variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 that resiliently
biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the
anvil 418 to form the pinching relationship described herein. By
example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442
automatically varies the spacing distance 434 to accommodate a
varying cross-sectional thickness of the display unit 9 as it is
rotated about its hinge axis h relative to the top face 2b of the
computer casing 2 into different upright positions at the back of
the keyboard 7.
[0205] By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442
is constructed along the longitudinal drive axis 444 that is
oriented generally crosswise of both the longitudinal axis 422 of
the support arm 388 and the center of rotation 488 of the arcuate
support surface 426 of the anvil 418. By example and without
limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 includes a compression spring
490 recessed inside a tubular spring cavity 492 that is
counter-bored in a barrel-shaped spring casing 494 of the heal
portion 432 at the support end portion 416 of the rigid support arm
388. The tubular spring cavity 492 is substantially aligned along
the longitudinal drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. The
tubular spring cavity 492 has a full size input opening 496 at it
outer end, and terminates in a floor portion 498 at its inner end.
A smaller guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432 extends
from the barrel-shaped cavity 494 along the longitudinal drive axis
444. The guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432 is formed
therethrough with a tubular clearance bore 502 that communicates
between the floor 498 of the tubular spring cavity 492 and an
opening 504 at the clearance bore's outer tip 506. The tubular
clearance bore 502 through the guide pin portion 500 is sized to
complement a pivot axle 508 such as a screw or bolt.
[0206] The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw
420 is projected inward of the inward facing surface 438 of the
rigid finger 430 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 of the
biasing mechanism 442. The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 is
formed with a complementary tubular counter-bore 510 that is sized
to slidingly receive the guide pin portion 500 of the support arm's
heal portion 432 through an opening 512 in the end of the knuckle
portion 428 distal from the rigid finger 430. The pivot axle 508 is
projected substantially central of the tubular counter-bore 510
from a floor 514 thereof and along the longitudinal drive axis 444
of the biasing mechanism 442. By example and without limitation, an
aperture or passage 516 is formed in the floor 514 of the tubular
counter-bore 510 and communicates with an outward facing surface
518 of the rigid finger 430 opposite from the inward facing surface
438. When the pivot axle 508 is provided as a screw or bolt, the
passage 516 is sized to receive a shaft portion 520 of the
screw-type pivot axle 508, while the aperture 516 is sized to
constrain a head portion 522 from passing.
[0207] When the tubular counter-bore 510 in the knuckle portion 428
of the jaw 420 is slidingly fit over the guide pin portion 500
projected from the support arm's heal portion 432, the passage 516
in the floor of the tubular counter-bore 510 is substantially
aligned with the tubular clearance bore 502 in the guide pin 500.
The shaft 520 of the pivot axle 508 is slidingly received through
the passage 516, along the tubular clearance bore 502 in the guide
pin portion 500 of the spring casing 494, and into the tubular
spring cavity 492. The compression spring 490 is received over the
pivot axle's shaft 520 and compressed in the tubular spring cavity
492 between the floor portion 498 at its inner end and a second end
524 of the pivot axle 508 opposite from its head 522. For example,
a nut 526 and optional washer 528 are installed onto the threaded
end of the pivot axle shaft 520.
[0208] Additionally, means are provided for securing the jaw 420
relative to the anvil 418 with the finger portion 430 positioned
over the display screen surface 9a of the display unit 9 opposite
from the arcuate support surface 426. By example and without
limitation, a detent mechanism 530 is provided between the guide
pin portion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 of the
jaw 420. The detent mechanism 530 may be formed by example and
without limitation by one or more teeth 532 sized to slide into one
or more slots 534 formed between the guide pin 500 and the knuckle
portion 428 of the jaw 420.
[0209] As described, the variable pressure resilient biasing
mechanism 442 of the display unit clamping mechanism 414
resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface
426 of the anvil 418 in the pinching relationship described herein.
As will be generally well-understood, the cross-sectional thickness
t of the display unit 9 increases and decreases as it is rotated
into different orientations relative to the keyboard 7 on the top
face 2b of the computer casing 2, the cross-sectional thickness t
varying between a minimum when the display unit 9 is in the
substantially vertical upright position illustrated in FIG. 47, and
a maximum when the display unit 9 is in the extreme over-center
position illustrated in FIG. 49.
[0210] Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 442 floats the rigid
finger 430 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 over the
barrel-shaped portion 494 of the anvil 418. The biasing mechanism
442 thus permits the clamping mechanism 414 to accommodate the
varying cross-sectional thickness t of the display unit 9 as it is
rotated into different orientations relative to the keyboard 7 on
the top face 2b of the computer casing 2. As the display unit 9
rotates from the substantially vertical upright position
illustrated in FIG. 47, the cross-sectional thickness t increases,
and the display unit 9 exerts pressure on the biasing mechanism
442, which spreads the jaw portion 420 of the clamping mechanism
414 resiliently away from the anvil portion 418. However, the
spring 490 exerts an opposite compression pressure that squeezes
the rigid finger 430 of the jaw 420 against the display screen
surface 9a so that the display unit 9 is pressed against the
arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418. Similarly, when the
display unit 9 is rotated from any non-vertical position, such as
the extreme over-center position illustrated in FIG. 49, the spring
490 continues to exert the compression pressure that squeezes the
rigid finger 430 of the jaw 420 against the display screen surface
9a so that the display unit 9 is pressed against the arcuate
support surface 426 of the anvil 418 even while the cross-sectional
thickness t decreases.
[0211] Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the
rigid finger 430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the
button 436 on the inward facing surface 438 thereof is extended
over the hard shell lip portion 9c of the display unit 9 onto the
display screen 9d. As discussed elsewhere herein, the rigid finger
430 thus wraps around the hard shell lip portion 9c of the display
unit 9. The biasing mechanism 442 operating along the longitudinal
drive axis 444 forces the button 436 below the lip portion 9c and
against the display screen 9d. Accordingly, the biasing mechanism
442 operates the button 436 to constrain the novel display unit
clamping mechanism 414 from slipping laterally off of the lip
portion 9c and inadvertently releasing the display unit 9.
[0212] FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the
novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit
support 142 invention in a passive configuration wherein the hard
shell backing portion 9b of the display unit 9 is supported by the
anvil 418 portion of the support arm 388 with the opposing jaw
portion 420 in an open position relative to the display screen
surface 9a. Accordingly, the jaw 420 including the finger portion
430 is rotated away from the active position over the display
screen surface 9a. For example, the knuckle 428 is pulled away from
the anvil 418 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 until the
detent 530 disengages, i.e., until the teeth 532 slide free of the
slots 534. The jaw portion 420 is rotated until the finger 430
clears the display unit 9. With the finger 430 in this passive
configuration, the jaw 420 is freed and the compression spring 490
draws the knuckle 428 toward the anvil 418 along the longitudinal
drive axis 444. The teeth 532 and slots 534 may be additionally
configured to form the detent 530 between the between the guide pin
portion 500 and the knuckle portion 428 for securing the jaw 420 in
the passive configuration vis-a-vis the anvil 418.
[0213] Alternative embodiments of the display unit clamping
mechanism 414 and biasing mechanism 442 may be substituted without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0214] While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments
of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be
appreciated that various changes can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it
will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.
* * * * *