Cable docking system and method for a computer

• US 6,522,532 B2
• Filed: 01/08/2001
• Issued: 02/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Mullen, Cassius J., Liao, Reynold
• Primary Examiner(s): Schuberg, Darren
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEA EDMONDS, LISA S
• Application Number:
  US09/756,628
• Publication Number:
  US 20020089822A1
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679-686, 361/724-727, 361/747, 439/362, 439/133, 439/304, 312/223--22
• US Class Current: 361/679.43
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A cable docking system and method according to which a connector is secured to one end of a cable, and a docking box is connected to the other end of the cable. A terminal on the connector is engaged with a corresponding terminal on an electronic device, such as a computer, and a locking mechanism locks the connector to the device with the terminals in engagement.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising a computer comprising:

a chassis having an exterior surface;

a processor mounted in the chassis;

a storage coupled to the processor;

a memory coupled to the processor to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the processor;

a first terminal mounted on the exterior surface of the chassis;

a cable;

a docking box connected to one end of the cable; and

a connector secured to the other end of the cable and comprising a body member and a second terminal extending from the body member for engaging the first terminal on the chassis, and a locking mechanism for locking the connector to the chassis with the first and second terminals in engagement;

a post disposed on the exterior surface of the chassis and having a bore formed therein; and

a guide pin mounted on the body member for extending in the bore.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

a post disposed on the exterior surface of the chassis adjacent the first terminal and having slots formed therein; and

a pin assembly rotatably mounted on the body member and adapted to be inserted into the slots and rotated to effect the locking.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism permits the pin assembly to be rotated only by a key.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second terminals provide electrical connections between the computer and the connector, and therefore the cable and the docking box.

5. A cable docking system for a computer, the system comprising:

a cable;

a docking box connected to one end of the cable;

a connector secured to the other end of the cable and comprising;

a body member;

a cable terminal extending from the body member for engaging a corresponding terminal on the computer; and

a locking mechanism for locking the connector to the computer with the terminals in engagement;

a post disposed on the computer and having a bore formed therein; and

a guide pin mounted on the body member for extending in the bore.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

a post disposed on the exterior surface of the computer adjacent the corresponding terminal and having slots formed therein; and

a pin assembly rotatably mounted on the body member and adapted to be inserted into the slots and rotated to effect the locking.

7. The system of claim 6 further wherein the locking mechanism permits the pin assembly to be rotated only by a key.

8. The system of claim 5 wherein the terminals provide electrical connections between the computer and the connector, and therefore the cable and the docking box.

9. A cable locking method for an electrical signal generating device, the method comprising:

securing a connector to one end of a cable;

engaging a cable terminal on the connector with a corresponding terminal on the device; and

locking the connector to the device with the terminals in engagement;

providing a bore in the device and a guide pin on the connector, and inserting the guide pin into the bore.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the device is a computer and further comprising:

connecting a docking box to the other end of the cable.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the terminals provide electrical connections between the computer and the connector, and therefore the cable and the docking box.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of locking comprises rotatably mounting a pin assembly on the connector and inserting the pin assembly into slots provided on the device.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

permitting the pin assembly to be rotated only by a key.

14. An electrical system comprising:

an electrical signal generating device;

a cable for transferring electrical signals;

a connector secured to one end of the cable and having a cable terminal for engaging a corresponding terminal on the device; and

a locking mechanism for locking the connector to the device with the terminals in engagement;

a post disposed on the device and having a bore formed therein; and

a guide pin mounted on the connector for extending in the bore.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the device is a computer and further comprising a docking box connected to the other end of the cable.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the terminals provide electrical connections between the computer and the connector, and therefore the cable and the docking box.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

a post disposed on the exterior surface of the device adjacent the corresponding terminal and having slots formed therein; and

a pin assembly rotatably mounted on the connector and adapted to be inserted into the slots and rotated to effect the locking.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the locking mechanism permits the pin assembly to be rotated only by a key.