Abstract:
A notebook computer incorporating a fold out port group incorporating a plurality of I/O ports is herein provided. The port group is hingedly attached to the computer and pivots between a first, stored position and a second, extended position. In the second, extended position, the port group permits convenient access to the ports thereon and further defines a leg to elevate one end of the computer. Ports may be accessible while the port group is in the first, stored position as well. In one embodiment, the port group, while in the first position, is stored within a slot on the bottom of the computer housing. In another embodiment, the port group selectively covers the rear surface of the computer in the stored position and pivots to expose the rear surface when placed in the extended position. The port group may be interchangeable with other port groups to customize the computer for a particular market or particular application.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to a retractable port group for use with a portable computer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years, the consumer electronics industry has experienced nothing short of dramatic growth. This growth is attributable, at least in part, to the seemingly constant miniaturization of electronic components. One industry where miniaturization has contributed to substantial growth is portable computers. For example, a portable computer purchased today is not only more powerful and less expensive than a computer purchased just two to three years ago, but it is also significantly smaller and much lighter. In some instances, these full-featured portable computers—commonly referred to as “notebooks” —weigh only a few pounds and have a footprint barely larger than a letter-size sheet of paper. 
     In addition to smaller footprints, advances in semiconductor design and LCD displays have permitted manufacturers to similarly reduce the thickness of these computers. The downsizing trend is continuing as even smaller computers (referred to by such names as sub-notebooks, mini-notebooks, and palm and hand-held computers) become available. While the present invention is applicable to most any portable computer or, for that matter, any portable electronic device, the inventor perceives that it is particularly advantageous for use with notebook computers and the remainder of this discussion will focus on the same. 
     While smaller and thinner notebooks are desirable from the standpoint of portability, drawbacks do exist. In particular, while technological advances have led to a reduction in the size of many computer components, a large number of older, “legacy” devices (i.e., older equipment for which new computers must generally maintain backwards compatibility) have remained virtually unchanged. For example, floppy disk and CD-ROM drives must still accommodate the same media sizes used years ago. Instead of trying to integrate these now relatively large devices into the notebook computer, many manufacturers merely provide them as separate, external components. When needed, the devices are connected to ports on the computer with special cables. These external devices are advantageous as they are not part of the computer housing or chassis and thus do not directly contribute to the size and weight of the computer itself. 
     Yet another problem with smaller computers is how to conveniently and effectively include the full complement of input/output (I/O) ports necessary for interconnecting both legacy devices as well as more contemporary peripherals. To remain compatible with the vast majority of devices, notebook computers generally include legacy ports for interconnecting external devices such as mice, keyboards, monitors, and printers. These ports, defined years ago, are relatively large and bulky by today&#39;s standards, especially with respect to notebook computer having a thin housing. In addition to these legacy ports, modern peripherals require yet even additional ports including USB (universal serial bus), infrared, network (10baseT), and audio/video to name a few. Ultimately, the sheer size and quantity of these ports make it difficult to conveniently incorporate all or even most on today&#39;s smaller computers. This problem is further aggravated by the need to provide proprietary ports for connecting external disk drives and CD-ROMS as already discussed above. 
     One solution to this problem has been to utilize a separate port module or cable having a variety of built-in ports wherein the cable connects to a small, space-efficient connector on the computer housing. Another option is to use a port replicator or docking station which connects to the computer via a similar high density connector and provides the required ports on the replicator/docking station chassis. 
     While these devices expand small form factor computers (i.e., computers having a relatively reduced size, configuration, or physical arrangement) into multi-I/O port devices, they are generally perceived to be inconvenient. In particular, to utilize the additional ports, the user must carry the port module/replicator with the computer. Not only does this add additional travel weight, it also requires that the user keep up with yet another peripheral item which can be easily lost or misplaced. 
     Thus, there are unresolved issues with current notebook computers. In particular, what is needed is a notebook computer which has a full complement of I/O ports. What is further needed is a computer that provides these ports without the need for specialized cables or external port expanders. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To address these and other needs, the inventor devised a novel fold out port group movable between a stored position and an extended position. In one embodiment, a port group for use with a portable electronic device is disclosed. The port group comprises one or more ports for electrically interconnecting external equipment to the device, wherein the port group is pivotally connectable to the device for pivoting between a first, stored position and a second, extended position. 
     In another embodiment, a method for attaching external peripherals to a notebook computer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a notebook computer having a port group which has one or more ports for electrically interconnecting the external peripherals to the computer. The port group is pivotally connected to the computer for pivoting between a first, stored position and a second, extended position. The method further comprises connecting an external peripheral to the one or more ports. 
     In another embodiment, a portable computer system is provided. The computer system comprises a portable computer having a housing with an upper surface and a lower surface. The computer further comprises an input device coupled to the upper surface and a first plurality of ports for electrically interconnecting the system to external equipment, the first plurality of ports being located on the housing. The computer still further includes a port group having a second plurality of ports for electrically interconnecting the system to external equipment. The port group is pivotally connected to the housing about a pivot axis for pivoting between a first, stored position and a second, extended position. 
     Advantageously, the present invention allows a notebook computer to accommodate numerous I/O ports without the need for a separate port replicator, docking station, or proprietary branch cable. In addition, the fold out port group serves to selectively elevate the notebook computer keyboard, eliminating the need for a separate movable foot. Furthermore, by providing the ports on a fold out port group, additional ports are provided without adversely affecting the overall thickness of the notebook computer. Accordingly, the present invention permits the construction of a small form factor notebook computer having a full complement of conveniently accessible, integral I/O ports. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention described herein will be further characterized with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook computer having a fold out port group according to one embodiment of the present invention, the port group shown in a first or stored position; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 with the port group shown in a second or extended position; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the notebook computer of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the notebook computer of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of a notebook computer having a fold out port group in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 illustrating electrical interconnection between the computer and the port group in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the notebook computer of FIG. 1 illustrating electrical interconnection between the computer and the port group in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged, schematic side elevation view of the computer of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic partial rear view of the computer of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a notebook computer having a fold out port group in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the port group being shown in a first or stored position; and 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the notebook computer of FIG. 11 with the port group shown in a second or extended position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Broadly speaking, the instant invention allows numerous I/O ports to be physically located on a small footprint, slim notebook computer. The invention provides these ports without the use of a conventional port replicator, docking station, or proprietary branching cable. 
     To obtain the needed space for these I/O ports, a fold out port group as further described below is provided. In addition to providing additional ports, the port group also functions as a leg to elevate one end of the computer housing when desired. While the invention is shown and described with reference to a notebook computer, the applicant perceives it is equally applicable to most any portable electronic device that requires connection to external equipment or peripherals including but not limited to keyboards, speakers, monitor, printers, audio/video equipment and the like. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are offered not to limit but rather to teach the invention sufficiently to enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. Where appropriate to avoid obscuring the invention, the discussion may also omit certain information that is not pertinent to the invention or that is otherwise known to those of skill in the art. 
     A notebook computer or computer system  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.  1 . The computer comprises input devices such as a keyboard  102  and a touchpad  104  coupled to a first or upper surface  106  of a housing  108 . 
     The housing, in one embodiment, defines a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a second or lower surface  107  defining the bottom of the housing and four side or edge surfaces  110  defining the perimeter. It is noted that throughout this specification, the terms upper, lower, front, back, side, and the like are used to describe the illustrated embodiments. These terms are provided for descriptive purposes only and by no means limit the scope of the invention. To simplify the discussion, the edge surfaces  110  will be specifically identified as front surface  110   f , rear surface  110   r , and side surface  110   s . A flip-up display screen  112  is hingedly connected to the housing  108  generally along the intersection of the upper surface  106  and the rear surface  110   r . The rear surface  110   r  comprises various I/O ports  114  necessary to interface the computer  100  to external devices (not shown). It is noted that while different port configurations are shown, they are generically referred to herein as input/output or “I/O ports.” They may include ports adapted for most any device and utilizing most any communication protocol including: RS-232, IEEE 1394, parallel, infrared, PS/2, USB, audio/video, RJ45 (network), RJ-11 (modem), small computer system interface (SCSI), national television standards committee (NTSC), and various proprietary connectors (docking station, port replicator) to name a few. 
     While it is not necessary to provide every connector, it is commercially advantageous to make the notebook computer  100  as versatile as possible. Consumers are more willing to purchase a portable computer when they are convinced that the unit is fully functional with both legacy as well as more modern peripherals. When the expandability of the computer is limited or requires external port expanders to connect with certain devices, the notebook may be perceived to be less versatile than a full-featured computer. Accordingly, the ability to incorporate many ports on a small notebook computer is highly desirable. 
     In general, ports are located along the edge surfaces  110 . While some notebooks utilize the front and side surfaces  100   f ,  110   s  for some smaller ports, most ports are located on the rear surface  110   r . This is because the front and side surfaces typically have limited space available due to internal components such as PCMCIA cards, batteries and disk drives which are typically mounted and accessed along these sides. In addition, large cables extending from the sides or front of the computer interfere with the immediate work space and furthermore create an aesthetically undesirable appearance. Thus, most notebooks incorporate the majority of ports on the rear surface  110   r.    
     In a modern notebook computer, the rear surface is generally 9-11 inches wide and 0.5-1.0 inches high. Even when efficiently utilized, this surface provides only minimal area for port installation. The present invention includes additional area for port installation by including a fold-out port group  116  as shown in one embodiment in FIGS. 1-6. When in a first or stored position, the port group  116  lies within a slot  118  in the lower surface  107  as shown in FIGS. 1,  3  and  5 . That is, the port group  116  is stored within the physical envelope of the housing  108 . However, when additional ports are needed, the port group  116  may be selectively pivoted to a second or extended position as shown in FIGS. 2,  4  and  6 . 
     The port group  116  moves between the first and second position by pivoting about a pivot axis defined by a hinge  120  (see FIGS.  3  and  4 ). The hinge may include detents (not shown) to retain the port group  116  in the stored, extended, or any intermediate position. As further described below, the ports incorporated on the port group  116  may be operational in either the stored or extended positions or, for that matter, in any intermediate position. The hinge  120 , in one embodiment, is constructed in a manner similar to those hinges used on conventional notebook computer display screens. 
     Referring particularly to FIGS. 3-6, the port group  116  also serves a secondary function of raising the rear of the housing  108 . When in the stored position, the housing  108  rests atop a work surface  122  on a plurality of isolation feet  124  (see FIG. 3) such that the keyboard  102  is generally parallel to the work surface  122 . However, when the port group is pivoted to the extended position as shown in FIG. 4, the housing is elevated along the rear, resulting in an angled keyboard orientation which some users find more comfortable. To isolate the computer  100  from the surface  122  when the port group is extended, the port group includes, in one embodiment, an isolation pad  125  made of a material similar to the feet  124 . The port group  116  has a thickness  123  designed to accommodate the deepest port connector to be located on the port group. In one embodiment, the thickness is approximately ten millimeters, which is sufficient to accommodate deep connectors such as game ports. However, port groups of other thicknesses are equally within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring still to FIGS. 3-6, the port group  116  comprises a first side  126  and a second side  128 . When the port group  116  is in the stored position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first side  126  is accessible from beneath the computer  100  while the second side  128  is hidden. Access to the first side  126  when the port group is in the stored position is advantageous for interconnecting an external peripheral  129  as shown in FIG.  3 . Here, a cable  131  passes through an aperture  127  in the work surface and connects the peripheral  129  to the port  114 ′. In another embodiment, a port  114 ′ on the first side  126  is used to interconnect the computer  100  to a wall-mounted or bottom-connecting docking station. In this case, one port  114   d  (see FIG. 5) on the surface  126  is configured for interconnection with the docking station. 
     While only the first side  126  is accessible when the port group is stored, both sides  126 ,  128  are accessible when the port group is extended as shown in FIG.  4 . Accordingly, I/O ports  114 ′ may be utilized on both sides  126 ,  128 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, the additional ports  114 ′ provided by the first side  126  of the port group  116  are illustrated in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention. As the figure shows, the port group  116  can approximately double the space available for I/O ports without increasing the overall size envelope of the notebook computer  100 . 
     FIG. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of the port group  116 . Here, the port group comprises two separate groups  116 ′. By providing separate port groups, the slot  118  is not continuous across the entire housing  108 . In addition to allowing a structurally stiffer housing, the multiple group configuration provides a pass-through area  130  for cables that interconnect to the second side  128  (not shown) of the port group. Furthermore, the separate port groups  116 ′ provide a convenient method of segregating related ports  114 ′. While the embodiment illustrated incorporates two port groups  116 ′, other embodiments having other numbers of groups are also possible and are within the scope of the invention. 
     Having described the mechanical configuration of one exemplary embodiment of the invention, attention is now directed to interconnecting means for electrically interconnecting the housing  108  with the ports  114 ′ located on the port group  116 . For clarity, the following description explains electrical interconnection of a single exemplary conductor. Those of skill in the art will realize that a plurality of conductors generally corresponding to the total number of conductors on each I/O port  114 ′ will be required. 
     Referring first to FIG. 8, one embodiment of the invention utilizes a flat ribbon cable  132 . Flat ribbon cables are known in the art and are commonly used on notebook computers to electrically couple hinged display screens. The cable  132  is advantageous as it provides, a constant connection between the ports  114 ′ and the motherboard electronics  134 . Accordingly, the ports are active when the port group is in the stored, extended, or any intermediate position. 
     In another embodiment, electrical interconnection is provided by a series of discreet electrical connections as illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. Referring first to FIG. 9, the port group  116  comprises a first series of conductors  136   s  and a second series of conductors  136   e . The housing  108 , in turn, comprises a first series of mating conductors  138   s  and a second series of mating conductors  138   e . Once again, to avoid confusion, the interconnection of only one conductor will be described. 
     With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a schematic view of the interconnection between the port  114 ′ and the motherboard electronics  134  is illustrated. The I/O port  114 ′ comprises a plurality of conductors  140  which are electrically coupled to both conductors  136   s ,  136   e . The mating conductors  138   s ,  138   e  are positioned to contact the respective conductors  136   s ,  136   e  depending on the position of the port group  116 . For example, when the port group is in the extended position, the conductor  136   e  contacts the conductor  138   e  while, when the port group is stored, the conductor  136   s  contacts the conductor  138   s . Both the conductors  138   e ,  138   s  are interconnected and electrically coupled to the motherboard electronics  134 . Accordingly, electrical interconnection is provided between the conductor  140  and the motherboard electronics  134  when the port group is in either the stored or extended position. 
     To ensure an adequate electrical connection is maintained, the conductor  138  is, in one embodiment, biased towards the respective connector  136 . The conductor may be a thin, stiff wire that is biased by deformation of the wire  138  itself or, alternatively, by other conventional means. In one embodiment, a torsion spring (not shown), biases the conductor  138  in the direction  142  about a pivot  141 . 
     Although described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, other embodiments of the interconnecting means are also possible. For example, a plurality of separate wires or cables may be used to interconnect the housing and the port group. In another embodiment, the port group has a connector that engages a mating connector on the housing whenever the port group is either stored or extended. This connector provides electrical interconnection for all the ports located on the port group. Thus, the embodiments discussed herein and illustrated in the figures are exemplary only. Any interconnecting means that provides electrical coupling of the port group to the housing while permitting pivoting of the port group relative thereto is within the scope of the invention. 
     While the port group  116  shown in FIGS. 1-11 folds outwardly from underneath the computer  100 , other embodiments of the present invention are also possible. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a notebook computer  200  having a housing  208  comprising a first or upper surface  206  and a second or lower surface  207 . The housing further includes a plurality of side surfaces  210  including a rear surface  210   r . Located on the surface  210   r  are a plurality of ports  214 . A port group  216  is hingedly coupled to housing  208  generally at the intersection of the lower surface  207  and a rear surface  210   r . The port group  216  is shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped and includes a first side  226 , a second side  227 , a third side  228 , and a fourth side  229 . The port group  216  may include additional ports  214  on one or more of the sides  226 ,  227 ,  228 , or  229 . For clarity, ports on the first side  226  are labeled  214   a  while those on the second, third, and fourth sides are labeled  214   b ,  214   c , and  214   d  respectively. 
     When the port group  216  is in a first, stored position (as shown in FIG.  12 ), the first side  226  is adjacent to the surface  210   r . When the port group is pivoted to a second, extended position (as shown in FIG.  13 ), the port group folds underneath the rear of the housing  208 . To accommodate the port group in the extended position, the housing, in one embodiment, includes a slot  218  which receives the side  229 . 
     In the stored position as shown in FIG. 12, ports  214  and  214   a , located on the surface  210   r  and the first side  226  respectively, are inaccessible. This provides a convenient method of selectively protecting fragile ports by merely moving the port group  216  to the stored position. Further, by providing a locking device (not shown), the port group  216  can be used to prevent access to the ports  214  and  214   a . When desired, frequently accessed ports  214   c  may be provided on the side  228  so that they remain accessible when the port group is closed. 
     When the port group is in the extended position, the ports  214  on the surface  210   r  are exposed. In addition, ports  214   a  which were inaccessible when in the stored position, are now available. Thus, when in the extended position, the port group  216  provides a port configuration (when viewed from the rear of the computer  200 ) substantially similar to that shown in FIG.  6 . 
     As with the previously discussed embodiments, the port group  216  also forms a leg to elevate the rear side of the housing  208 . When stored, the housing rests on isolation pads  224 . However, when the port group is extended, the housing rests at the rear end on a pad  225 . This orientation presents a sloped keyboard for more convenient operation. 
     The port group  216  may be electrically interconnected to the motherboard electronics via a flat ribbon cable (not shown) or independent interconnects ( 236   s  and  238   s  for the stored position and  236   e  and  238   e  for the extended position) as already discussed herein with respect to conductors  136   e ,  136   s ,  138   e , and  138   s.    
     The port group  216  offers a further advantage in that the hinge  220  is external to the housing  208 . Accordingly, the hinge, in one embodiment, permits the port group  216  to be easily de-coupled from the housing  208 . De-coupling the port group permits the user to reduce the footprint of the computer. Further, by permitting removal of the port group, specialized modules may be interchanged. For example, one port group module could provide ports necessary for audio/video capture or playback while another port group module could provide more standard I/O ports (serial, parallel, PS2). Other customized port group modules are also possible. While the port group  216  is described as detachable, this feature is by no means limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-13. Thus, the port group  116  shown in FIGS. 1-6 and the port group  116 ′ shown in FIG. 7 could also be detachably connected to the respective housings. 
     Advantageously, the present invention allows a notebook computer to accommodate numerous I/O ports without the need for a separate port replicator, docking station, or proprietary branch cable. In addition, the fold out port group serves to selectively elevate the notebook computer keyboard, eliminating the need for a separate movable foot. Furthermore, by providing the ports on a fold out port group, additional ports are provided without adversely affecting the overall thickness of the notebook computer. Accordingly, the present invention permits the construction of a small form factor notebook computer having a full complement of conveniently accessible, integral I/O ports. 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations of the various parts and assemblies can certainly be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is limited only by the following claims, and equivalents thereto.