Armrest mounted computer dock

• US 6,279,977 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 08/28/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jack Chen
• Original Assignee: Jack Chen
• Inventors: Chen, Jack
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): LYJAK, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US09/576,793
• Time in Patent Office: 462 Days
• Field of Search: 296/37.8, 296/37.14, 296/37.15, 296/24.1, 224/275, 224/539, 224/281
• US Class Current: 296/24.34
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/79 Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0014 Arm-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 around three axes, i.e. universally mounted

Abstract

A computer dock is mounted within the armrest of an automobile between the driver and passenger seat thereof. The armrest includes an enclosure having a forward opening, a rearward opening, and a passage therethrough. A tray for retaining a computer is mounted on a slide structure slideably moveable to any of three positions. In the first position, the tray is positioned forward of the forward opening. In the second position, the tray is positioned rearward of the rearward opening. In the third position, the tray is positioned within the enclosure of the armrest. The computer dock is built into the tray and includes all the functions needed to support the computer and has attachments for attaching the computer thereto.

Claims

1. A mounting for retaining a computer within a vehicle, said mounting comprising

an enclosure defining an outer surface of an armrest between two adjacent seats of a vehicle,

said enclosure having a forward opening, a rearward opening, and a passage extending from said forward opening to said rearward opening,

a tray for retaining a computer thereon,

means within said enclosure for moving said tray between a first position wherein said tray is positioned forward of said forward opening, a second position wherein said tray is positioned rearward of said rearward opening, and a third position wherein said tray is positioned within said enclosure, and

means connectable to said computer for providing support functions to said computer.

2. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a power cable.

3. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a CD Rom.

4. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a global locating device.

5. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a cellular telephone.

6. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said tray comprise a plurality of guides and at least one member moveable in said guides.

7. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a cellular telephone, a modem, a CD Rom, and a global communications devise and all of said components are built into said tray.

8. The mounting of claim 1 and further comprising a pivot for pivoting said tray about a vertical axis.

9. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said tray further comprises

a moveable member, said moveable member linearly moveable in said enclosure, and

said tray pivotally retained to said moveable member for rotation about an axis perpendicular to said linear movement.

10. The mounting of claim 1 wherein said means for moving said tray comprises

an elongate member having an end piece slideably retained in said enclosure, said elongate member having a longitudinal axis and an end,

said tray mounted on said end of said elongate member, and

said tray rotatably mounted with respect to said elongate member for rotation about said longitudinal axis.

11. The mounting of claim 1 and further comprising

a first door for closing said forward opening,

a second door for closing said rearward opening, and

means for preventing a second of said doors from opening when a first of said doors has been opened.

12. A mounting for retaining a computer in a vehicle comprising

an enclosure defining an outer surface of an armrest for use between two adjacent seats of said vehicle,

said enclosure having an opening and an inner cavity,

a tray for retaining a computer thereon,

means within said enclosure for moving said tray between a first position wherein said tray is positioned outward of said opening, and a second position wherein said tray is positioned within said cavity,

said means for moving said tray including a longitudinal guide and a slide moveable along said guide,

said movement of said slide defining an axis,

a first pivot on said slide for rotating said tray about an axis parallel to said axis defined by movement of said slide, and

means connectable to said computer for providing support functions to said computer.

13. A mounting in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising a door for closing said opening.

14. A mounting in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising a second pivot on said slide for rotating said tray about an axis perpendicular to said axis defined by said movement of said slide.

15. The mounting of claim 12 wherein said means for providing functions to said computer comprise a cellular telephone, a modem, a CD Rom, and a global communications devise and all of said components are built into said tray.