Notebook computer assembly having an attachable compact extension module for connecting peripheral equipment to a notebook computer

• US 5,847,924 A
• Filed: 12/06/1996
• Issued: 12/08/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Youn, Jae-Sam
• Primary Examiner(s): Phillips, Michael W.
• Application Number:
  US08/764,071
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 364/708.1, 361/686, 439/366, 439/372, 439/357, 439/330, 439/374, 439/376, 439/929
• US Class Current: 361/679.43
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A portable notebook computer assembly having a notebook computer which attaches to an extension module. Both the notebook computer and the extension module are compact, lightweight, and portable. The extension module contains peripheral features that enable the notebook computer to gain access to the peripheral features. A more secure mechanical juncture is formed between the notebook computer and the extension module to allow for a better electrical connection. Three, instead of four contact points are formed between the notebook computer and the extension module. Two of the three junctures are the two buckles while the third is a guide holder, consisting of a continuum of points along one edge of the device opposite from the buckles. With this improved design, the notebook computer can attach better mechanically and electrically to the extension module.

Claims

1. A notebook computer assembly having an attachable compact extension module for connecting peripheral equipment to a notebook computer, said assembly comprising:

said notebook computer having a cover portion containing a display unit, and a base portion, said base portion having a top side, a bottom side, a front end, and a rear end, said top side formed by a pair of fixing recesses, said cover portion being pivotally attached to said rear end of said base portion, said top side of said base portion having a keyboard and said bottom side of said base portion having a first set of data signal connectors;

said extension module having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, said extension module having a second set of data signal connectors located on said top side that matingly engage said first set of data signal connectors on said notebook computer, electrically connecting said extension module to said notebook computer; and

a pair of buckles, each one of said pair of buckles having a distal and a proximal end, one of said pair of buckles being located on said left side of said extension module and another of said pair of buckles being located on said right side of said extension module, said pair of buckles operatively engaging said pair of fixing recesses located on said front end of said top side of said base portion of said notebook computer, attaching said extension module to said notebook computer.

2. The notebook computer assembly of claim 1, said extension module contains at least one compact disk drive read only memory (CD-ROM drive).

3. The notebook computer assembly of claim 2, said extension module contains at least one microprocessor unit for use by said notebook computer.

4. The notebook computer assembly of claim 3, said rear side of said extension module being comprised of a U-shaped holder guide for accommodating said rear end of said base portion of said notebook computer when said notebook computer is attached to said extension module.

5. The notebook computer assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a pair of hinges located at said front side of said bottom side of said extension module, said proximal ends of each one of said pair of buckles being pivotally attached about respective ones of said pair of hinges.

6. The notebook computer of claim 5, said distal ends of each of said pair of buckles operatively engaging with said pair of fixing recesses on said top side of said notebook computer, attaching said extension module to said notebook computer.

7. The notebook computer of claim 6, said distal end of each of said pair of buckles each contain a curved grip for engagement to each of said pair of fixing recesses in said notebook computer.

8. A notebook computer assembly having an attachable compact extension module for connecting peripheral equipment to a notebook computer, said assembly comprising:

said notebook computer having a cover portion containing a display unit, and a base portion, said base portion having a top side, a bottom side, a front end, and a rear end, said top side formed by a pair of fixing recesses, said cover portion being pivotally attached to said rear end of said base portion, said top side of said base portion having a keyboard and said bottom side of said base portion having a first set of data signal connectors;

said extension module having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, said extension module having a second set of data signal connectors on said top side that matingly engage said first set of data signal connectors on said notebook computer, electrically connecting said extension module to said notebook computer; and

said rear side of said extension module being comprised of a U-shaped holder guide for accommodating said rear end of said base portion of said notebook computer when said notebook computer is physically attached to said extension module.

9. The notebook computer assembly of claim 8, said extension module contains at least one compact disk read only memory (CD ROM) disk drive.

10. The notebook computer assembly of claim 9, said extension module contains at least one microprocessor unit for use by said notebook computer.

11. The notebook computer assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a pair of buckles, each having a distal end and a proximal end; and

a pair of hinges, one of said pair of hinges being located on said left side of said extension module and another of said pair of hinges being located on said right side of said extension module, said proximal ends of each one of said pair of buckles being pivotally attached about respective ones of said pair of hinges.

12. A portable notebook computer housing assembly capable of performing peripheral functions, comprising:

a compact notebook computer having a housing consisting of a cover portion and a base portion, said base portion having a bottom and a top side, said base portion having a first set of data signal connectors on said bottom side; and

a functional extension case having a front side, rear side, top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side, said right side and said left side each provided with one of a pair of fastening means for fastening said functional extension case to said compact notebook computer, said rear side of said top side having a U-shaped holder guide to mount said compact notebook computer for extending the functions of said compact notebook computer, said functional extension case being equipped with second set of data signal connectors on said top side, said compact note book computer is fixedly mounted on said functional extension case with said first set of data signal connectors mated to said second set of data signal connectors.

13. The notebook computer housing assembly as defined in claim 12, said fastening means comprising a pair of buckles.

14. The notebook computer housing assembly as defined in claim 13, each of said buckles has a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end shaped as a curved grip, said proximal end shaped as a pivot loop rotatable about a hinge.

15. The portable notebook computer housing assembly as defined in claim 14, said top side of said base portion of said compact notebook computer being formed by a pair of latching recesses to hold said curved grips.