Connector system for a docking station of a portable computer system
First Claim
1. An input/output device interface for a portable computer, comprising:
- a remote expansion device removeably coupled to the portable computer;
a removable connector array electrically coupled to the remote expansion device and including at least one peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interlace port for coupling input/output devices to the portable computer via the remote expansion device; and
a storage area located within the remote expansion device for mechanically storing the connector array within the storage area in a removable fashion.
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Abstract
The present invention is embodied in a connector system for a docking station of a portable computer. The connector system includes a peripheral connector array that is removeably coupled, both mechanically and electrically, to a docking station or port replicator. Since the connector array is removeably coupled to the port replicator, the connector array can be maneuvered to allow easy and convenient connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. Also, the port replicator preferably has a recessed area for storing the connector array after electrical connection of appropriate peripherals to the connector array. This reduces clutter and tangling of the cables connected to the peripherals. In addition, the connector array can be of various sizes and shapes and can be designed to interface with specific portable computers. Further, the connector system of the present invention can be upgradeable in that the port replicator can accept upgraded or newer connector arrays that have additional or advanced connections for peripheral devices.
45 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An input/output device interface for a portable computer, comprising:
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a remote expansion device removeably coupled to the portable computer;
a removable connector array electrically coupled to the remote expansion device and including at least one peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interlace port for coupling input/output devices to the portable computer via the remote expansion device; and
a storage area located within the remote expansion device for mechanically storing the connector array within the storage area in a removable fashion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An interface device for a portable computer, comprising:
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means for removeably coupling a remote expansion device to the portable computer;
means for electrically coupling a removable connector array to the remote expansion device;
means for coupling input/output devices to the portable computer via at least one peripheral component interconnect (PCI) interface port of the remote expansion device; and
means for mechanically storing the connector array within a storage area located within the remote expansion device in a removable fashion. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22)
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20. The interface device of 15, wherein the port replicator includes a portable network communications device.
Specification