Mobile information handling apparatus

• US 8,775,710 B1
• Filed: 02/07/2012
• Issued: 07/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MobileDemand
• Original Assignee: MobileDemand
• Inventors: Miller, Matthew, Kunert, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): AUVE, GLENN ALLEN
• Application Number:
  US13/368,153
• Time in Patent Office: 882 Days
• Field of Search: 710/303, 361/679.01, 361/679.02, 361/679.17, 361/679.19, 361/679.55, 361/679.56, 361/679.58, 361728-733, 361/740, 361/679.41
• US Class Current: 710/303
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/142 Carrying-straps
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/008 Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0525 Personal portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• 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 1/203 for portable computers, e.g. for laptops
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/206 comprising thermal management

Abstract

A mobile information handling apparatus and system is configured for convenient mobile data entry, communication, and computation. A mobile computing device is configured to detachably mount on an adjustable dock and couple and communicate with a keyboard I/O device and a communication portion when mounted on the dock. The dock is configured to support the computing device, keyboard, and communication portion as well as secure the apparatus to a base via a ball mount. Corner protectors are configured to protect the mobile computing device as well as couple to shoulder straps and a palm cover configured to secure to the hand of an operator. Detachable fans configured to mount to the computing device are powered and controlled by the computing device.

Claims

1. A mobile information handling apparatus, comprising:

a mobile computing device including at least one first communications port;

a keyboard module for providing alpha-numeric data entry to the mobile computing device, the keyboard module including at least one second communications port and at least one third communications port;

an adjustable dock for mounting at least one of the mobile computing device and the keyboard module, the adjustable dock including at least one fourth communications port, the adjustable dock configurable in one of;

a first position for mounting the mobile computing device within the dock to create a first physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one fourth communications port, and a second position for mounting the mobile computing device and the keyboard module to create a second physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port and a third physical data connection via the at least one third communications port and the at least one fourth communications port,

wherein the at least one second communications port is positioned, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, to couple with the at least one first communications port, the at least one third communications port is positioned to couple, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, with the at least one fourth communications port of the adjustable dock, the keyboard module configured to create a physical connection, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device and the adjustable dock, between the mobile computing device and the adjustable dock.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least two corner protectors including a first corner protector and a second corner protector, each of the at least two corner protectors including at least one strap anchor and at least one strap attachment point.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener;

a means for partially covering the hand of a user, the covering means including at least two openings for the strap means to penetrate while attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to be worn over a shoulder of a user for carrying the mobile information handling apparatus while the strap means is attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a fan module connected to the mobile computing device for cooling the mobile computing device, the fan module incorporated in a back cover panel of the mobile computing device, wherein the fan module is controlled via a firmware interface of the mobile computing device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one lock tab including a stationary portion and a locking portion, the stationary portion coupled to the adjustable dock, the locking portion rotationally coupled to the stationary portion at a point of inflection and having a free position and a locking position, the locking portion configured to rotate at the point of inflection and lock into at least one slot in the mobile computing device, the locking portion limited in rotation away from the at least one slot by a hook feature.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an external antenna module mountable to a housing of the mobile computing device, the antenna module communicating with the mobile computing device via a first signal and a second signal, the first signal conducted by a first connection and the second signal conducted by a second connection, the first connection made by a conductive cradle slidably inserted into a card slot of the mobile computing device, the conductive cradle configured to

     1) receive and couple to a data card,

     2) align the data card into the card slot and

     3) conduct the first signal from the data card to at least one tab, the at least one tab configured to conduct the first signal from the antenna module while in proximity with a flexible grounding portion of the antenna module, the flexible grounding portion, while the antenna module is mounted to the mobile computing device configured to

     1) prevent movement of the conductive cradle and

     2) conduct the first signal, the second connection made by an insulated cable.

8. A mobile information handling system, comprising:

a mobile computing device including at least one first communications port;

a secure Personal information number Entry Device (PED) module including at least two tabs, the at least two tabs configured to interlock with at least two grooves of a cover of the mobile computing device, the PED module including;

a keypad configured for entry of a personal identification number;

a cover for the mobile information handling apparatus, the cover constructed of a single piece of material;

a display means for displaying information entered on the enclosed keypad, the displaying on a visible screen area of the mobile information handling apparatus;

wherein the keypad is enclosed in proximity to the cover, the enclosed keypad accessible through openings in the cover.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a keyboard module for providing alpha-numeric data entry to the mobile computing device, the keyboard module including at least one second communications port and at least one third communications port, the at least one second communications port positioned, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, to couple with the at least one first communications port, the at least one third communications port positioned to couple, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, with at least one fourth communications port of an adjustable dock, the keyboard module configured to create a physical connection, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, between the mobile computing device and the adjustable dock,

wherein the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port are configured to create a first physical data connection.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

an adjustable dock for mounting at least one of the mobile computing device and the keyboard module, the adjustable dock including the at least one fourth communications port, the adjustable dock configurable in at least a first position for mounting the mobile computing device within the dock to create a first physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one fourth communications port, and a second position for mounting the mobile computing device and the keyboard module to create a second physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port and a third physical data connection via the at least one third communications port and the at least one fourth communications port.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one lock tab including a stationary portion and a locking portion, the stationary portion coupled to the adjustable dock, the locking portion rotationally coupled to the stationary portion at a point of inflection and having a free position and a locking position, the locking portion configured to rotate at the point of inflection and lock into at least one slot in the mobile computing device, the locking portion limited in rotation away from the at least one slot by a hook feature.

12. The system of claim 8, the secure Personal information number Entry Device (PED) module further including at least one of:

a swipe slot for reading a magnetic-stripe card and an insertion slot for reading a smart card.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

at least two corner protectors including a first corner protector and a second corner protector, each of the at least two corner protectors including at least one strap anchor and at least one strap attachment point.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener;

a means for partially covering the hand of a user, the covering means including at least two openings for the strap means to penetrate while attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

15. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to be worn over a shoulder of a user for carrying the mobile information handling apparatus while the strap means is attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to distribute the weight of the mobile computing device across a hand of a user proximal to the mobile computing device.

17. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a fan module connected to the mobile computing device for cooling the mobile computing device, the fan module incorporated in a back cover panel of the mobile computing device, wherein the fan module is controlled via a firmware interface of the mobile computing device.

18. A mobile information handling system, comprising:

a mobile computing device including at least one first communications port;

a secure Personal information number Entry Device (PED) module including a module cover piece for encapsulating an electronic circuitry of the secure PED module, the module cover piece configured for attachment to a front cover of the mobile computing device via a plurality of screws, the PED module including;

a keypad configured for entry of a personal identification number;

a cover for the mobile information handling system, the cover constructed of a single piece of material;

a display means for displaying information entered on the enclosed keypad, the displaying on a visible screen area of the mobile information handling apparatus;

wherein the keypad is enclosed in proximity to the cover, the enclosed keypad accessible through openings in the cover.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

a keyboard module for providing alpha-numeric data entry to the mobile computing device, the keyboard module including at least one second communications port and at least one third communications port, the at least one second communications port positioned, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, to couple with the at least one first communications port, the at least one third communications port positioned to couple, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, with at least one fourth communications port of an adjustable dock, the keyboard module configured to create a physical connection, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, between the mobile computing device and the adjustable dock,

wherein the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port are configured to create a first physical data connection.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

an adjustable dock for mounting at least one of the mobile computing device and the keyboard module, the adjustable dock including at least one fourth communications port, the adjustable dock configurable in two or more of;

a first position for mounting the mobile computing device within the dock to create a first physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one fourth communications port, and a second position for mounting the mobile computing device and the keyboard module to create a second physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port and a third physical data connection via the at least one third communications port and the at least one fourth communications port.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising:

at least one lock tab including a stationary portion and a locking portion, the stationary portion coupled to the adjustable dock, the locking portion rotationally coupled to the stationary portion at a point of inflection and having a free position and a locking position, the locking portion configured to rotate at the point of inflection and lock into at least one slot in the mobile computing device, the locking portion limited in rotation away from the at least one slot by a hook feature.

22. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

a fan module connected to the mobile computing device for cooling the mobile computing device, the fan module incorporated in a back cover panel of the mobile computing device, wherein the fan module is controlled via a firmware interface of the mobile computing device.

23. The system of claim 18, the secure Personal information number Entry Device (PED) module further including at least one of:

a swipe slot for reading a magnetic-stripe card and an insertion slot for reading a smart card.

24. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

at least two corner protectors including a first corner protector and a second corner protector, each of the at least two corner protectors including at least one strap anchor and at least one strap attachment point.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener;

a means for partially covering the hand of a user, the covering means including at least two openings for the strap means to penetrate while attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

26. The system of claim 24, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to be worn over a shoulder of a user for carrying the mobile information handling system while the strap means is attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector.

27. The system of claim 24, further comprising:

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to distribute the weight of the mobile computing device across a hand of a user proximal to the mobile computing device.

28. The system of claim 18, the at least one first communications port further comprising:

an external antenna module mountable to a housing of the mobile computing device, the antenna module communicating with the mobile computing device via a first signal and a second signal, the first signal conducted by a first connection and the second signal conducted by a second connection, the first connection made by a conductive cradle slidably inserted into a card slot of the mobile computing device, the conductive cradle configured to

     1) receive and couple to a data card,

     2) align the data card into the card slot and

     3) conduct the first signal from the data card to at least one tab, the at least one tab configured to conduct the first signal from the antenna module while in proximity with a flexible grounding portion of the antenna module, the flexible grounding portion, while the antenna module is mounted to the mobile computing device configured to

     1) prevent movement of the conductive cradle and

     2) conduct the first signal, the second connection made by an insulated cable.

29. A mobile information handling system, comprising:

a mobile computing device including at least one first communications port;

a keyboard module for providing alpha-numeric data entry to the mobile computing device, the keyboard module including at least one second communications port and at least one third communications port;

an adjustable dock for mounting at least one of the mobile computing device and the keyboard module, the adjustable dock including at least one fourth communications port, the adjustable dock configurable in two or more of;

a first position for mounting the mobile computing device within the dock to create a first physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one fourth communications port, and a second position for mounting the mobile computing device and the keyboard module to create a second physical data connection via the at least one first communications port and the at least one second communications port and a third physical data connection via the at least one third communications port and the at least one fourth communications port, the at least one second communications port positioned, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, to couple with the at least one first communications port, the at least one third communications port positioned to couple, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device, with the at least one fourth communications port of the adjustable dock, the keyboard module configured to create a physical connection, as the keyboard module is mounted to the mobile computing device and to the adjustable dock, between the mobile computing device and the adjustable dock;

at least one lock tab including a stationary portion and a locking portion, the stationary portion coupled to the adjustable dock, the locking portion rotationally coupled to the stationary portion at a point of inflection and having a free position and a locking position, the locking portion configured to rotate at the point of inflection and lock into at least one slot in the mobile computing device, the locking portion limited in rotation away from the at least one slot by a hook feature;

at least two corner protectors including a first corner protector and a second corner protector, each of the at least two corner protectors including at least one strap anchor and at least one strap attachment point;

a strap means including a first hook fastener and a second hook fastener, wherein the strap means is configured to be worn over a shoulder of a user for carrying the mobile information handling system while the strap means is attached to the first corner protector and the second corner protector; and

an external antenna module mountable to a housing of the mobile computing device, the antenna module communicating with the mobile computing device via a first signal and a second signal, the first signal conducted by a first connection and the second signal conducted by a second connection, the first connection made by a conductive cradle slidably inserted into a card slot of the mobile computing device, the conductive cradle configured to

     1) receive and couple to a data card,

     2) align the data card into the card slot and

     3) conduct the first signal from the data card to at least one tab, the at least one tab configured to conduct the first signal from the antenna module while in proximity with a flexible grounding portion of the antenna module, the flexible grounding portion, while the antenna module is mounted to the mobile computing device configured to

     1) prevent movement of the conductive cradle and

     2) conduct the first signal, the second connection made by an insulated cable;

a fan module connected to the mobile computing device for cooling the mobile computing device, the fan module incorporated in a back cover panel of the mobile computing device, wherein the fan module is controlled via a firmware interface of the mobile computing device.