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Sponsored by: Flash of Genius |
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1. 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 adapted for mounting to an external support structure, the apparatus body portion having a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with a substantially rectangular computer bearing surface on an outer face thereof with a connector presentation surface projected above the bearing surface and having an opening therein facing toward the computer bearing surface of the bearing plate, an expansion connector drive mechanism coupled to an inner face thereof opposite from the bearing surface and being moveable relative to the connector presentation surface, and a substantially rigid bottom plane formed opposite from the bearing plate with a peripheral device connector presentation surface adjacent thereto; 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 opening in the connector presentation surface for moving relative to the computer bearing surface of the bearing plate; a plurality of peripheral device connectors electrically coupled to the computer expansion connector and presented at the peripheral device connector presentation surface of the apparatus body portion adjacent to the bottom plane thereof, each of the peripheral device connectors being structured to receive a corresponding peripheral device connector; and an external wire harness support apparatus comprising a plurality of individual cable supports each projected from the bottom plane of the apparatus body portion proximate to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors, each of the individual cable supports comprising a substantially rigid body portion formed with an electrical interface cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the bottom plane and structured to securely receive a cable thereover, and a clearance tunnel extended thereunder and oriented substantially crosswise thereof.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports of the external wire harness support apparatus further comprises a curved valley with a pair of wall portions tangentially extended from opposite sides thereof and substantially contiguous therewith.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the wall portions further comprises a crenellated wall portion having one or more embrasures between spaced apart merlons.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the clearance tunnel extended under the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports further comprises a tunnel extended completely through the respective cable support and recessed into the bottom plane of the body portion therebeneath.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the external wire harness support apparatus further comprises three or more of the individual cable supports spaced apart in a row having their respective cable attachment surfaces arranged in substantially parallel orientation.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a single clearance tunnel extended under the cable attachment surfaces of the row of individual cable supports, the single clearance tunnel interconnecting the clearance tunnels under the cable attachment surfaces of the individual cable supports.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports of the external wire harness support apparatus is further substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of peripheral device connectors.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external wire harness support apparatus further comprises one or more gang cable supports each positioned on the bottom plane of the body portion spaced away from both the plurality of individual cable supports and the peripheral device connectors, each of the one or more gang cable supports further comprising a substantially rigid body portion formed with a cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the bottom plane on a pair of substantially rigid legs spaced apart at opposite ends thereof and forming a clearance tunnel extended thereunder and oriented substantially crosswise thereof.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cable attachment surface of one or more of the gang cable supports is further oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surface of one or more of the plurality of individual cable supports.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein one or more of the gang cable supports is further spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface of the apparatus body portion and oriented substantially parallel therewith.
11. 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 a bearing surface on which the device body is to be placed, a connector presentation surface for opposing the device I/O connector of the device body placed on the bearing surface, and a peripheral device connector presentation 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 the peripheral device connector presentation surface of the apparatus body portion; one or more cable supports positioned on the apparatus body proximate to a respective one of the one or more peripheral device connectors, each of the one or more cable supports comprising a cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the apparatus body and structured to securely receive an electrical cable thereon and a cable tie there around; and a mounting structure that is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting to an external support structure.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of the cable supports further comprises a body portion having the cable attachment surface formed on an outer surface thereof and clearance formed between the body portion of the cable support and the apparatus body.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least one of the cable supports further comprises a body portion a tunnel extended between the body portion thereof and the apparatus body and oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the tunnel extended between the cable support body portion and the apparatus body further comprises an aperture formed in the apparatus body.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein at least one of the cable supports further comprises a crenellated wall portion extended on either side of the cable attachment surface and substantially contiguous therewith.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of the cable supports arranged in a row with the respective tunnels extended between the respective cable support body portions and the apparatus body being interconnected in a substantially continuous tunnel.
17. 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 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; 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; 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; and an external wire harness support apparatus comprising a plurality of individual cable supports each projected from the bottom plane of the apparatus body portion proximate to the peripheral device connector presentation surface and substantially aligned with a respective one of the peripheral device connectors, each of the individual cable supports comprising: a substantially rigid body portion formed with a substantially semi-tubular electrical interface cable attachment surface that is substantially longitudinally aligned with the one of the peripheral device connectors corresponding thereto and is spaced away from the bottom plane and is structured to securely receive thereover a cable coupled to the respective peripheral device connector, a pair of spaced apart crenellated wall portions tangentially extended from the body portion on opposite sides of the cable attachment surface and substantially contiguous therewith, and a clearance tunnel extended completely through the body portion between the cable attachment surface and the bottom plane and oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surface and sized to receive a cable tie therethrough.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the clearance tunnel of each of the respective individual cable supports further comprises an aperture formed in the bottom plane of the body portion and aligned with the corresponding body portion.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the external wire harness support apparatus further comprises three or more of the individual cable supports spaced apart in a row having their respective cable attachment surfaces arranged in substantially parallel orientation, and having the apertures of the respective clearance tunnel of each of the respective individual cable supports being interconnected with an adjacent one of the clearance tunnels.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the external wire harness support apparatus further comprises one or more gang cable supports each positioned on the bottom plane of the body portion spaced away from both the plurality of individual cable supports and the peripheral device connectors, each of the one or more gang cable supports further comprising a substantially rigid body portion formed with a cable attachment surface that is oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surface of the plurality of individual cable supports and is spaced away from the bottom plane on a pair of substantially rigid legs spaced apart at opposite ends thereof and forming a clearance tunnel extended thereunder and oriented substantially crosswise thereof and sized to receive a cable tie therethrough.
21. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a gang cable support positioned on the apparatus body and spaced away from the one or more cable supports, the gang cable support comprising a cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the apparatus body, oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surfaces of the one or more cable support, and structured to securely receive a plurality of electrical cables thereon and a cable tie there around.
This 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
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
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.
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.
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 2 a and a top face 2 b , which extend generally parallel to each other, and a front face 2 c , a rear face 2 d , and side faces 2 e and 2 f , which are continuous with the bottom and top faces 2 a and 2 b . At least one such computer casing 2 further includes a tongue 2 g projected from the front face 2 c and having a bottom face 2 h which may be continuous with the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 , a top face 2 i which extends generally parallel to the bottom face 2 h , and a front face 2 j that is spaced away from the casing front face 2 c . The tongue 2 g may include side surfaces 2 k and 2 l extending between the computer casing front surface 2 c and the tongue front face 2 j . Other surfaces of the casing 2 , such as one of the side faces 2 e , 2 f may includes additional features, such as but not limited to a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM 3 a and a main power switch 3 b.
Arranged on the top face 2 b 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 8 a and 8 b , left and right, are formed at the rear end portion of the top face 2 b . A flat display unit 9 having a thickness t is connected to the display supporting portions 8 a and 8 b . The display unit 9 is rotated about a hinge axis h on a pair of legs 10 a and 10 b , left and right, which are pivotally mounted on the supporting portions 8 a and 8 b , 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 9 a of the display unit 9 touches the top face 2 b of the casing 2 . The display unit 9 thereby covers the keyboard 7 for protecting both the keyboard 7 and display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 with a hard shell backing portion 9 b 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 9 a exposed at the back of the keyboard 7 , as illustrated. Furthermore, a hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9 surrounds the sensitive display screen 9 d , the display screen 9 d is slightly recessed below the hard shell lip portion 9 c.
FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port 4 of the known portable computer being provided in the rear face 2 d between interface apertures 4 a and 4 b on either side thereof. The I/O connector 4 includes a quantity of pins or pin receptors (shown) 4 c are organized in a selected pattern. The pins or pin receptors 4 c 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 2 d and surrounds the I/O connector 4 and includes an open end of each of the apertures 4 a and 4 b . The apertures 4 a and 4 b each include a cylindrical aperture or a lengthwise slot (shown) or an aperture of another shape extending from the rear face 2 d of the casing 2 toward the opposite front face 2 c.
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.
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.
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 2 d 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 4 a and 4 b 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 18 a and 18 b that are positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 15 to engage apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O connector 4 . The expansion connector 15 includes a quantity of pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a organized in a selected pattern to engage the pins or pin receptors 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 . The pins 15 a of the expansion connector 15 are connected electrically to different ones of the connectors and ports that are connectable with the peripheral devices.
In known prior art docking station devices 13 the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a and 18 b positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 15 are extended forward of the expansion connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a such that the guide arms 18 a , 18 b engage the apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O connector 4 before the expansion connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins 15 a 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) 15 a wiggle or “float” into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms 18 a , 18 b have established a nominal docking position. Thus, the guide arms 18 a , 18 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 prior to final insertion.
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 2 a of the computer casing 2 is placed. The docking station apparatus 13 also includes bullet-nosed engaging pins 23 a and 23 b , which are provided on the bearing surface 19 adjacent to the connector presentation surface 21 . The bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2 includes a pair of locating holes 6 a and 6 b situated adjacent to the rear face 2 d and the side faces 2 e and 2 f of the casing 2 . The locating holes 6 a , 6 b each include a cylindrical aperture extending from the bottom face 2 a toward the opposite top face 2 b and sized to accept the bullet-nosed engaging pins 23 a , 23 b on the bearing surface 19 of the docking station 13 . The locating holes 6 a and 6 b 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 .
In connecting the computer to the docking station 13 , the tongue 2 g 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 2 g with the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 guided toward the bearing surface 19 . When the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is close to the bearing surface 19 , the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 engage the locating pins 23 a , 23 b 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 .
Thereafter, the docking station's expansion connector 15 and the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a , 18 b on either side of the expansion connector 15 are moved together in the direction indicated by the arrow toward the rear face 2 d of the computer 1 in a manner such that the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a , 18 b are fitted individually in the recesses of the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b by operation of a swingable operating lever 29 . Such engagement of the guide arms 18 a , 18 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c 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) 15 a with the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c during final insertion.
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 18 a , 18 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a , 4 b conspire with the receiver structure 27 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2 g , and the locating pins 23 a and 23 b engaging the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a 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.
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 2 d , whereby the expansion connector 15 is disconnected from the computer's I/O connector 4 , and the guide pins or arms 18 a , 18 b are disengaged from the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b . The computer casing 2 can be rotated about the tongue 2 g so that the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 19 , and the computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 13 .
In the docking station apparatus 13 described above, the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a 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 modern 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.
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 .
However, known docking station apparatus are limited in their ability to provide the above expansion efficiently and reliably.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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.
According to one aspect of the invention the external expanding apparatus includes an external wire harness support apparatus having a plurality of individual cable supports each projected from the bottom plane of the apparatus body portion proximate to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors, wherein each of the individual cable supports includes a substantially rigid body portion formed with an electrical interface cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the bottom plane and structured to securely receive a cable thereover, and a clearance tunnel extended thereunder and oriented substantially crosswise thereof.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports of the external wire harness support apparatus further include a curved valley with a pair of wall portions tangentially extended from opposite sides thereof and substantially contiguous therewith. Each of the wall portions is optionally a crenellated wall portion having one or more embrasures between spaced apart merlons.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, the clearance tunnel extended under the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports is further extended completely through the respective cable support and recessed into the bottom plane of the body portion therebeneath.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, three or more of the individual cable supports are spaced apart in a row having their respective cable attachment surfaces arranged in substantially parallel orientation.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, a single clearance tunnel is extended under the cable attachment surfaces of the row of individual cable supports, the single clearance tunnel being formed by interconnecting the clearance tunnels under the cable attachment surfaces of the individual cable supports.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, the cable attachment surface of each of the individual cable supports is further substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of peripheral device connectors.
According to another aspect of the invention, the external wire harness support apparatus further includes one or more gang cable supports each positioned on the bottom plane of the body portion spaced away from both the plurality of individual cable supports and the peripheral device connectors, each of the one or more gang cable supports being formed of a substantially rigid body portion formed with a cable attachment surface that is spaced away from the bottom plane on a pair of substantially rigid legs spaced apart at opposite ends thereof and forming a clearance tunnel extended thereunder and oriented substantially crosswise thereof.
According to another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, the cable attachment surface of one or more of the gang cable supports is further oriented substantially crosswise of the cable attachment surface of one or more of the plurality of individual cable supports.
According to still another aspect of the external wire harness support apparatus of the invention, one or more of the gang cable supports is further spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface of the apparatus body portion and oriented substantially parallel therewith.
Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a known portable computer;
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;
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.;
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;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the novel external computer expanding apparatus or “docking station” of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station of the invention;
FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the novel docking station of the invention;
FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station of the invention;
FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station of the invention;
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;
FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the external wire harness support of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows novel cable supports of the external wire harness support of the invention;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism of the present invention in a deployed position;
FIG. 21 is a section view of the expansion connector drive mechanism of the invention;
FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in an initial state of readiness to accept the computer;
FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in an intermediate state of accepting the computer;
FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in final state of accepting the computer;
FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station of the invention being in final state of accepting the computer removed here for clarity;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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);
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;
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;
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;
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;
FIG. 39 illustrates a novel display unit support of the invention that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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:
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,
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation another alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism illustrated in FIG. 52;
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 the computer casing; and
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
In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
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.
The docking station 100 includes a two-piece body 102 having an upper body portion 102 a connected to a lower body portion 102 b along a line 103 of mutual contact. The upper body portion 102 a 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 2 d of the computer 1 when the computer's bottom face 2 a is placed on the bearing surface 104 . The upper body portion 102 a 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 2 g on the front face of the computer casing 2 . Mating of the tongue 2 g within the open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 resists separation of the computer casing's bottom face 2 a from the bearing surface 104 . Such mating of the tongue 2 g 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 2 k and 2 l (if present) of the tongue 2 g , and by such engagement, resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106 .
The securing means also includes a pair of engaging pins 114 a and 114 b fixedly positioned on a rear portion 115 of the bearing surface 104 adjacent to the connector presentation surface 106 , the engaging pins 114 a , 114 b are structured to be slidingly received into the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 . The two engaging pins 114 a and 114 b 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 114 a , 114 b within the respective locating holes 6 a , 6 b also serve to resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104 . The two engaging pins 114 a , 114 b 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 .
The securing means also includes a pair of guides 116 a and 116 b provided as either substantially rigid pins or stiff arms that are positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 108 . The guides 116 a and 116 b extend past the expansion connector 108 and engage the apertures 4 a and 4 b 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 116 a , 116 b (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 116 a , 116 b are fitted individually in the recesses of the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b the rear face 2 d 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 116 a , 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b presses the pair of guide arms 116 a , 116 b against the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b in the rear face 2 d of the computer casing 2 , which in turn pushes the front face 2 c toward the receiver structure 110 and the tongue 2 g into its open jaw 112 . Additionally, the mating of the guide arms 116 a , 116 b within the respective computer casing interface apertures 4 a , 4 b resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106 . More importantly, the mating of the guide arms 116 a , 116 b within the respective computer casing interface apertures 4 a , 4 b resists separation of the computer casing's bottom face 2 a from the bearing surface 104 so that the two engaging pins 114 a , 114 b within the respective locating holes 6 a , 6 b more effectively resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104 .
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 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 . Accordingly, such engagement of the guide arms 116 a , 116 b on either side of the expansion connector 108 with the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b also fine tunes the positioning of pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c 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) 4 c.
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 114 a and 114 b fixed on the rear face 115 of the bearing surface 104 ; and the guide arms 116 a , 116 b on either side of the expansion connector 108 , which operate together to retain the computer's I/O connector 4 on the rear face 2 d of the casing 2 in uninterrupted engagement with the docking station's expansion connector 108 .
However, the guide arms 116 a , 116 b 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 102 a , 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 116 a , 116 b nor the expansion connector 108 can interfere with seating the computer casing 2 .
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 102 a 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 116 a , 116 b projected therefrom on either side of the expansion connector 108 . The bracket 130 , together with the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a , 116 b 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 .
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 102 a of the docking station 100 . Accordingly, the locking latch mechanism 134 constrains the bracket 130 having the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a , 116 b in a deployed position, the deployed position having the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104 .
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 116 a , 116 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a , 4 b cooperate with the receiver structure 110 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2 g , and the locating pins 114 a and 114 b engaging the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a 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 116 a , 116 b continue to engage the interface apertures 4 a , 4 b , even if the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is attempted to be dislodged, either accidentally or intentionally.
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 2 d , whereby the expansion connector 108 is disconnected from the computer's I/O connector 4 , and the guide arms 116 a , 116 b are disengaged from the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b . The computer casing 2 can be rotated about the tongue 2 g so that the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 104 , and the computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 100 .
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) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms 116 a , 116 b have established a nominal docking position, as in the prior art. Thus, the guide arms 116 a , 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a , 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 prior to final insertion.
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) 15 a do not wiggle or float into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c 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 18 a , 18 b 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.
Optionally, hand clearances 137 communicate with either side of the docking station's computer bearing surface 104 for access to the bottom surface 2 a of the computer 1 for lifting it free of the bearing surface 104 and the guide pins 114 a , 114 b projected therefrom. By example and without limitation, the hand clearances 137 are provided as indentations in the upper body portion 102 a and optionally in the lower body portion 102 b as well. The hand clearances 137 are located near the connector presentation surface 106 and the guide pins 114 a , 114 b for more easily lifting the computer 1 clear of the guide pins 114 a , 114 b and the jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 opposite.
Additionally, an edge recess 139 communicates with the docking station's computer bearing surface 104 and one side of the upper body portion 102 a for storing a novel display unit support 142 that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9 .
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 136 a , 136 b through 136 n provided by example and without limitation on a peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b . For example, the lower body portion 102 b includes an integral rear housing 140 having the presentation surface 138 provided thereon.
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 2 b.
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 116 a , 116 b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector 108 .
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 116 a , 116 b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector 108 .
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 2 b of the computer casing 2 , while the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 engages the computer casing bottom face 2 a . 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 2 c of the computer casing 2 .
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 102 a , 102 b 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 102 a , 102 b . Any external device can be threadedly attached to the body 102 by means of a nut threaded to the extended shaft of the screw.
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 102 b 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.
This view further illustrates the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b having the a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a , 136 b through 136 n , including by example and without limitation, a video display output 13 a , a mouse connection 136 , a keyboard connection 136 c , USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection 136 d , an external power supply connection 136 e , an audio output 136 f , a microphone input 136 g , a modem 136 h , serial connections 136 j and 136 k , and a parallel connection 136 m . These peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n 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 102 b and is optionally oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. Therefore, the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n face across the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b and are protected by the integral rear housing 140 .
Additionally illustrated here is an external wire harness support 158 that provides strain relief to a plurality of connections between the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n 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 164 a , 164 b through 164 n projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b 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 164 a - 164 n positioned in close proximity to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n . Optionally, each of the individual cable supports 164 a - 164 n is substantially aligned with one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n . Each of the individual cable supports 164 a - 164 n provides strain relief for a cable connected to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n . 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 102 b in a position spaced away from the group of individual cable supports 164 a - 164 n , 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 102 b in positions that are spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 and spaced away from others of the peripheral device connectors 136 j - 136 m.
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 136 a - 136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b . For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n . The external wire harness support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a , 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a , 164 b . Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a , 168 b 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.
Also illustrated are more of the edge mounting holes 148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 between the upper and lower body portions 102 a , 102 b 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 102 a , 102 b.
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 136 a - 136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b . For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 b and 136 c . The external wire harness support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a , 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a , 164 b . Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a , 168 b 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.
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 136 a - 136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b . For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is also illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n . The external wire harness support 158 of the invention is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a , 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a , 164 b . Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a , 168 b 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.
As also illustrated here with respect to the unoccupied individual cable 164 n , each of the individual cable supports 164 a - 164 n is formed with a valley 176 that is structured to securely receive the cable 168 a , 168 b thereinto. The valley 176 is spaced away from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b to the extent that it is substantially aligned with the corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n on the presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b such that the respective cable 168 a - 168 n is substantially straight between the respective cable support 164 a - 164 n and peripheral device connector 136 a - 136 n . 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 164 n 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.
Clearance is provided for the wire ties 170 between the valley 176 and the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b . 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 164 a - 164 n 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 102 b directly below the valley 176 , such that the tunnel 180 is recessed into the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b directly below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176 .
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 164 a - 164 n are each formed on the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b in a position that is spaced away from a corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b . The valleys 176 are illustrated as being curved in a semi-cylindrical form that is substantially aligned with the corresponding peripheral device connectors 136 a - 136 n on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 . Additionally, the valley 176 portion of each cable support 164 a - 164 n 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.
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 164 a - 164 n and beyond them to either end 184 and 186 .
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 102 b 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 102 b substantially crosswise thereof. Optionally, the tunnel 188 extends therebeyond to either side 190 and 192 .
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cable supports 164 a - 164 n 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 102 b . 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 164 a - 164 n 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 102 b.
The cables 168 a , 168 b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the respective cable supports 164 a , 164 b of the docking station's external wire harness support 158 . The cables 168 a , 168 b are secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrapped around the body portion 194 a , 194 b of the respective cable supports 164 a , 164 b . Furthermore, the wire ties 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart merlons 198 that form the crenellated wall portions 178 .
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness support 158 that shows a side view of the cable supports 164 a - 164 n and an end cross-sectional view of one of the gang supports 166 projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b . The cables 168 a , 168 b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the respective cable supports 164 a , 164 b and being secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrapped around the respective body portion 194 a , 194 b 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 .
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 102 b on the spaced apart legs 202 (one shown, more clearly shown in FIG. 13). The cables 168 a , 168 b 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 164 a - 164 n 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 102 b , and the wire tie 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart merlons 198 of the crenellated wall portions 178 .
FIG. 16 is perspective view inside the upper body portion 102 a and illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the present invention as well as features of the upper body portion 102 a 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.
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 102 a 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 102 a 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.
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 102 a . 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 102 a and along the drive axis DA.
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) 4 c . 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.
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 102 a of the docking station 100 with the bracket 130 holding the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a , 116 b 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.
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.
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 102 a . 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.
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 102 a , for example by seating the bottom face 2 a 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 102 a , which in turn pulls the expansion connector 108 and the guide arms 116 a , 116 b 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.
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 102 a 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 .
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