Palmtop computer docking system

• US 6,364,697 B1
• Filed: 05/12/2000
• Issued: 04/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Palm, Inc. (TCL Technology Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Northway, David, Tseng, Grace, Christopher, David, Utigard, Lauren, OʼHara, Sean
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUVERNE, JEAN F
• Application Number:
  US09/569,550
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 439/152, 439/52, 439/638, 361/683, 361/680, 361/681, 361/686, 395/281, 395/750.02, 395/300, 395/893
• US Class Current: 439/533
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/60 Means for supporting coupling part when not engaged
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/73 Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/929 Connecting base plate or shelf type holder

Abstract

A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a cable dock that is connected to a serial connector via an electrical cable. The cable dock includes a connector receptacle that mates with a corresponding connector on a palmtop computer. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the serial connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.

Claims

1. A docking system for a portable computer system comprising:

a cable assembly comprising a cable dock, an electrical cable, and a first connection mechanism, said first connection mechanism coupled to one end of said electrical cable and said cable dock coupled to the opposite end of said electrical cable, said cable dock comprising a second connection mechanism disposed therein for coupling to a portable computer system, said cable dock further comprising a button operable for synchronizing data within said portable computer system;

a base, said base including provision for receiving said cable assembly such that said cable dock detachably engages said base, said second connection mechanism for engaging a portable computer system upon the insertion of a portable computer system into said base for electrically coupling to said portable computer system; and

wherein said cable assembly is detachable from said base such that said cable assembly can be used independently of said base.

2. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said base does not include any electrical components for coupling to a computer.

3. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said base does not include an electrical connector.

4. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said base does not include any electrical cabling.

5. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said second connection mechanism comprises a connector that couples to a palmtop computer system having a wipe-style serial connector.

6. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said first connection mechanism comprises a serial connector for coupling to a serial port of a computing device.

7. A docking system for a portable computer system as described in claim 1 wherein said cable dock comprises a detent disposed thereon, said detent for engaging a corresponding slot within said base.

8. A method for coupling to a portable computer system comprising the steps of:

a) providing a cable assembly including an electrical cable, a cable dock that includes a button, and a first connection mechanism, said cable dock coupled to one end of said electrical cable and said first connection mechanism coupled to the opposite end of said electrical cable;

b) providing a base, said base including provision for receiving said cable assembly;

c) coupling said cable assembly to said base so as to form a docking cradle for coupling to a portable computer system;

d) coupling said first connection mechanism to a computing device;

e) inserting a portable computer system into said base such that said portable computer system is electrically coupled to said cable dock, thereby electrically coupling said portable computer system to said computing device;

f) pressing said button so as to synchronize data between said portable computer system and said computing device; and

wherein said cable assembly is detachable from said base such that said cable assembly can be used independently of said base.

9. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said base does not include an electrical connector.

10. A method as described in claim 9 wherein said cable dock includes a connector receptacle that is adapted to couple to a palmtop computer system having a wipe-style serial connector.

11. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said first connection mechanism includes a serial connector and wherein step d) further comprises inserting said serial connector into a corresponding connector receptacle of said computing device.

12. A cable assembly comprising:

an electrical cable;

a first connection mechanism for coupling said cable assembly to a remote computer, said first connection mechanism coupled to one end of said electrical cable;

a second connection mechanism for coupling said cable assembly to a portable computer system, said second connection mechanism coupled to the opposite end of said electrical cable and adapted to detachably engage a base for coupling to said portable computer system when said portable computer system is disposed in said base, said second connection mechanism detachable from said base such that said cable assembly can be used independently of said base; and

a button coupled to said second connection mechanism, said button operable to initiate synchronization of data with said portable computer system when said portable computer system is coupled to said second connection mechanism.