Modularized computer peripherals formed with universally adaptable shape for integration as an unit-body with a portable computer

• US 5,906,506 A
• Filed: 09/12/1997
• Issued: 05/25/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Delta Electronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Delta Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Chang, Chien-Chung, Liu, Yi-Sheng
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen, Gary
• Assistant Examiner(s): BIGGI, BRIAN JOSEPH
• Application Number:
  US08/928,309
• Time in Patent Office: 620 Days
• Field of Search: 439/500, 439/501, 439/651, 439/638, 439/956, 439/218, 439/76.1, 363/146, 307/149-151
• US Class Current: 439/500
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1635 Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/189 Power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/72 Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts

Abstract

A new and improved AC-to-DC adapter for providing DC input to a portable computer which is operable with a removable rechargeable battery is disclosed in this invention. The adapter is enclosed in an adapter box which is formed with a shape identical to the rechargeable battery. The adapter can therefore be fitted into the pocket made for the rechargeable battery to replace the rechargeable battery when AC power source is available.

Claims

1. A total-battery-replacement AC-to-DC adapter for providing DC input to a portable computer operable with a removable rechargeable battery provided for installation in a battery compartment in said portable computer, said adapter comprising:

a plurality of circuits for converting an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage suitable for operating said portable computer;

a containing means for containing and protecting said circuits therein, said containing means being designed and manufactured to fit into said battery compartment as a single total replacement of said removable rechargeable battery thus allowing said portable computer to operate without said rechargeable battery when said AC-to-DC adapter is installed in said battery compartment whereby said portable computer is more conveniently operated in achieving savings of space and preventing said rechargeable battery from extra discharging-and-charging cycles;

a DC output plug provided for connecting to a DC wire when removed from said battery compartment thus provided for serving dual functions in providing a DC power input to said portable computer and providing a second DC power input through said DC output plug and said DC wire when removed from said battery compartment; and

said containing means further includes a wire collector compartment constituting a unit body with said containing means for collecting and storing said DC wire therein for total replacement of said rechargeable battery when installed in said battery compartment thus constituting a configuration having a DC wire collected within a wire collector compartment in an AC-to-DC adapter inside said portable computer.

2. The total battery-replacement adapter of claim 1 further comprising:

an AC input plug for receiving said AC input from an AC cable provided for connecting to an AC power source whereby said AC cable may be removed from said AC input plug and handled independently from said adapter.

3. The total battery-replacement adapter of claim 2 further comprising:

said wire collector compartment further includes a means for collecting and storing said AC cable.

4. The adapter of claim 2 further wherein:

said DC wire is removable from said AC-to-DC adapter for storing in said wire collector compartment.

5. A total-battery-replacement AC-to-DC adapter for providing DC input to a portable computer operable with a removable rechargeable battery provided for installation in a battery compartment in said portable computer, said adapter comprising:

a plurality of circuits for converting an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage suitable for operating said portable computer;

an AC input plug for receiving said AC input from an AC cable provided for connecting to an AC power source whereby said AC cable may be removed from said AC input plug and handled independently from said adapter;

a containing means for containing and protecting said circuits therein, said containing means being designed and manufactured to fit into said battery compartment as a single total replacement of said removable rechargeable battery thus allowing said portable computer to operate without said rechargeable battery when said AC-to-DC adapter is installed in said battery compartment whereby said portable computer is more conveniently operated in achieving savings of space and preventing said rechargeable battery from extra discharging-and-charging cycles;

a DC output plug provided for connecting to a DC wire when removed from said battery compartment thus provided for serving dual functions in providing a DC power input to said portable computer and providing a second DC power input through said DC output plug and said DC wire when removed from said battery compartment; and

said containing means further includes a wire collector compartment constituting a unit body with said containing means for collecting and storing said DC wire therein for total replacement of said rechargeable battery when installed in said battery compartment thus constituting a configuration having a DC wire collected within a wire collecting compartment in an AC-to-DC adapter inside said portable computer.

6. A notebook computer operable with a plurality of peripherals comprising:

a peripheral adaptable pocket being formed with a peripheral adaptable shape; and

each of said peripherals of said notebook computer being formed with said peripheral adaptable shape for fitting into said pocket whereby each of said peripherals is modularized and flexibly removable and re-installable in said notebook computer;

each of said peripheral further includes a DC plug for interconnecting to said notebook computer with a DC wire when removed from said pocket; and

each of said peripheral further includes a DC wire collector compartment constituting a unit body with said peripheral for collecting and storing said DC wire therein for installing into said pocket thus constituting a configuration having a DC wire collected within a wire collector compartment in a peripheral inserted inside said notebook computer.

7. A method for providing a notebook computer with modularized peripherals comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a peripheral adaptable pocket with a peripheral adaptable shape; and

(b) forming each of said peripherals of said notebook computer with a peripheral adaptable shape for fitting into said pocket whereby each of said peripherals is modularized and flexibly removable and re-installable in said notebook computer;

c) providing to each of said peripheral a DC plug for interconnecting to said notebook computer with a DC wire when removed from said pocket; and

d) providing to each of said peripheral a DC wire collector compartment constituting a unit body with said peripheral for collecting and storing said DC wire therein for installing into said pocket thus constituting a configuration having a DC wire collected within a wire collector compartment in a peripheral inserted inside said notebook computer.