Connector system for use with handheld computers and accessory devices

• US 20020132521A1
• Filed: 03/14/2001
• Published: 09/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Palm, Inc. (TCL Technology Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Urness, Kevin, Fuhs, Eric, Groebe, Daniel P., Kos, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 6,558,189 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/529
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/725 containing contact members presenting a contact carrying strip, e.g. edge-like strip
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery

Abstract

A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. A second connector resides on a cradle and includes a plurality of contact elements that mate with the contact elements on the handheld computer. A coupling structure is configured to extend from the cradle and to couple to the handheld computer. The coupling structure causes a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for use with a handheld computing system, the connector assembly comprising:

a first connector including a plurality of contact elements, the first connector configured on a handheld computer;

a second connector including a second plurality of contact elements, the second connector being configured for a cradle that supports the handheld computer;

a coupling structure configured to extend from the cradle and couple to the handheld computer, the coupling structure causing a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the second connector extends along a vertical axis from a platform of the cradle.

3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the coupling structure causes the portion of the handheld computer to bias into a surface of the cradle that extends from the platform along the vertical axis.

6. The computing assembly of claim 1, wherein the second connector extends along a vertical axis from the structure of the cradle.

11. The computing assembly of claim 1, wherein the second surface is acutely angled to the first surface so that the handheld computer is tilted when supported on the cradle.

12. The computing assembly of claim 1, wherein the moment directs the back surface of the handheld computer against the second surface of the cradle.

13. The computing assembly of claim 1, wherein the display of the handheld computer includes a touch-sensitive screen.

14. The computing assembly of claim 6, wherein the front surface of the handheld computer includes a plurality of mechanical actuators for receiving input.

16. The cradle of claim 15, wherein the coupling structure is configured to bias the portion of the handheld computer into the cradle.

17. The cradle of claim 15, wherein the coupling structure is configured to create a moment that directs the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

18. The cradle of claim 15, wherein the support structure is configured so that a display of the handheld computer is viewable a distance from the cradle.

19. The cradle of claim 18, wherein the structure of the cradle includes a first surface that supports the bottom of the handheld computer.

20. The cradle of claim 18, wherein the structure of the cradle includes a second surface to support the back surface of the handheld computer.

4. A computing assembly comprising:

a handheld computer having a front surface and a back surface, a top and a bottom, the handheld computer including a display accessible on the front surface that extends between the top and the bottom, the handheld computer including a first coupling structure having a first connector; and

a cradle including a second coupling structure that is coupleable to the first coupling structure, the second coupling structure having a second connector that is positioned to mate with the first connector, the cradle including a structure to support the handheld computer so that a display of the handheld computer is viewable from a distance from the cradle;

wherein at least one of the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure is configured to cause a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.

5. The computing assembly of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are configured to create a moment that directs the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle

7. The computing assembly of claim 4, wherein the structure of the cradle includes a platform to support the handheld computer from the bottom, and a vertically extending surface to support the handheld computer from the back surface.

8. The computing assembly of claim 7, wherein the vertically extending surface forms an acute angle with the platform.

9. The computing assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure causes the portion of the handheld computer to bias into the vertically extending surface of the cradle.

10. The computing assembly of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure causes a bottom portion of the handheld computer to bias into the vertically extending surface of the cradle.

15. A cradle for a handheld computer, the cradle comprising:

a coupling structure including a connector, the coupling structure being coupleable to the handheld computer so that the connector is matable with another connector of the handheld computer;

a support structure configured to support the handheld computer while the connector of the cradle is connected to the connector of the handheld computer;

wherein the coupling structure is configured to cause a portion of the handheld computer to direct into the cradle so as to cause the connector to remain in contact with the other connector of the handheld computer.

21. A connector assembly for use with a handheld computing system, the connector assembly comprising:

a first connector including a plurality of contact elements, the first connector residing on a handheld computer;

a second connector including a second plurality of contact elements, the second connector residing on a cradle for a portable computer;

a coupling structure configured to extend from the handheld computer and couple to the cradle, the coupling structure causing a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.

22. A connector assembly for use with an accessory device of a handheld computer, the connector assembly comprising:

a first connector including a plurality of contact elements, the first connector residing on a handheld computer;

a second connector including a second plurality of contact elements, the second connector residing on a cradle for a portable computer; and

a coupling structure configured to extend from the accessory device and couple to the handheld computer, the coupling structure causing a portion of the handheld computer to bias so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.