Wedge-shaped port replicator for portable computer

• US 20020181199A1
• Filed: 07/23/2002
• Published: 12/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Allan Scott Baucom, Michele Bovio
• Original Assignee: Allan Scott Baucom, Michele Bovio
• Inventors: Baucom, Allan Scott, Bovio, Michele
• Granted Patent: US 6,724,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/686
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2023/049 Desk stand for laptop computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A docking unit for a portable computer has a wedge-shaped. As a result, a portable computer, which has been installed on the docking unit, is inclined toward the user. This places the keyboard of the portable computer at a more comfortable angle for typing. Thus, the portable computer'"'"'s keyboard remains usable even when it is installed on the docking unit. Moreover, the wedge-shape need not substantially raise the height of the keyboards since the leading edge is relatively thin, keeping the computer'"'"'s keyboard as a comfortable height.

Claims

1. A docking unit having a wedge-shape that inclines, towards a user, a keyboard of a portable computer, which has been installed on the docking unit.

2. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit is a port replicator.

3. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit comprises replicated port connectors which replicate communications ports of the portable computer enabling the portable computer to be disconnected from peripheral devices connected to replicated port connectors of the docking unit by disconnecting the portable computer from the docking unit.

4. A docking unit as described in claim 3, further comprising replicated parallel port and serial port connectors which function as replicated parallel and serial ports of the portable computer.

5. A docking unit as described in claim 3, further comprising a replicated mouse port connector, keyboard port connector, and video port connector which function as a replicated mouse port, keyboard port, and video port of the portable computer.

6. A docking unit as described in claim 1, further comprising:

replicated port connectors which function as replicated ports of communications ports of a portable computer installed on the docking unit; and

a combination connector, the replicated port connectors interfacing with the communications ports of the portable computer via the combination connector.

7. A docking unit as described in claim 6, wherein the combination connector of the docking unit mates with a compatible connector of the portable computer as the portable computer is installed on the docking unit.

8. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit prevents access to communications port connectors of the portable computer when the portable computer is installed on the docking unit.

9. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit comprises wall that projects in front of communications port connectors of the portable computer when installed on the docking unit to prevent direct access to the communications ports by a user.

10. A docking unit as described in claim 1, wherein the docking unit comprises a battery charger for charging a battery of a portable computer that has been installed on the docking unit.

11. A docking unit as described in claim 10, wherein the battery charger is located in a rear, thicker section of the docking unit.

13. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising replicating communications ports of the portable computer on the docking unit.

14. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising enabling the portable computer to be disconnected from peripheral devices connected communications ports of the portable computer via replicated port connectors on the docking unit by disconnecting the portable computer from the docking unit.

15. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising replicating a parallel port and serial port of the portable computer at replicated port connectors on the docking unit.

16. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising replicating a mouse port, keyboard port, and video port of the portable computer at replicated port connectors on the docking unit.

17. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising connecting communications ports of the portable computer to replicated port connectors of the docking unit via a combination connector.

18. A method as described in claim 17, further comprising mating the combination connector with a compatible connector of the portable computer as the portable computer is installed on the docking unit.

19. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising preventing access to communications port connectors of the portable computer when the portable computer is installed on the docking unit.

20. A method as described in claim 12, further comprising charging a battery of the portable computer.

12. A method for docking a portable computer, the method comprising:

providing a wedge-cross-sectioned docking unit; and

installing the portable computer on the docking unit to thereby incline a keyboard of the portable computer towards a user.