Abstract:
Disclosed is a docking station for attaching a plurality of external connectors to an electronic device, comprising a connector module for interfacing with the electronic device, a first plug on the connector module, a second plug on the connector module, a first port on the connector module electrically connected to the first plug, a second port on the connector module electrically connected to the second plug, a base member for holding the connector module, a first indexing member on the base member, and a second indexing member on the connector module.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/306,960 filed Nov. 29, 2011 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/306,956 filed Nov. 29, 2011 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/562,121 filed Sep. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,108. All of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The embodiments of the invention relate to a docking station for an electronic device, and more particularly, to a docking station for laptop computers. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for positioning a plurality of electronic connectors to interface with a laptop computer. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A docking station for electronic devices refers to a peripheral which facilitates the connection of external connectors to a portable device. Such docking stations usually contain electronic connectors integrated into the body of the docking station that mate with the ports on the docked device. Output ports on the main body of the docking station essentially replicate the ports on the electronic device. The user can then attach connectors for external devices to the output ports of the docking station. Such docking stations are useful because they facilitate the easy insertion and removal of an electronic device without the need to individually connect and disconnect cables for external devices. 
         [0006]    Other docking station designs include a plurality of positioning voids in the main body of the docking station where a user can insert their own external connectors. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,108 to Vroom et. al. the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. The positioning voids are sized and positioned to match the size of a predetermined electrical connector and interface port on an electronic device. An integral fastening mechanism is provided which holds the connectors fast in their respective positioning voids. 
         [0007]    However, there are drawbacks to these technologies. For example, it can be challenging for non-technical users to insert and fasten external connectors into the multi-void docking station. Further, small variations in the size of the voids due to materials shrinkage and manufacturing tolerances can make properly installed external connectors fail to interface properly with the external device. Also, because the voids are precisely sized for particular external connectors, it is not possible to use external connectors which have bodies of varying sizes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a docking station for an electronic device having an improved connector interface that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0009]    An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a docking station with an integral port block having prepositioned electrical connectors. 
         [0010]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a precision positioning mechanism for the integral port block. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a docking station for an electronic device which is compatible with external connectors of varying sizes of external connectors. 
         [0012]    Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0013]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the docking station for an electronic device with improved connector interface includes a connector module for interfacing with the electronic device, a first plug on the connector module, a second plug on the connector module, a first port on the connector module electrically connected to the first plug, a second port on the connector module electrically connected to the second plug, a base member for holding the connector module, a first indexing member on the base member, and a second indexing member on the connector module. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the docking station for an electronic device with improved connector interface includes a connector module for interfacing with the electronic device, a first plug on the connector module, a second plug on the connector module, a first port on the connector module electrically connected to the first plug, a second port on the connector module electrically connected to the second plug, a base member for holding the connector module, a first indexing member on the base member, a second indexing member on the connector module, wherein the first indexing member interfaces with the second indexing member to position the connector module with respect to the base member, a third indexing member on the base member, a fourth indexing member on the connector module, and wherein the third indexing member interfaces with the fourth indexing member to position the connector module with respect to the base member. 
         [0015]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is an assembly view of a docking station according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a base member according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a base member joined with a connector module according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is side view of a docking station according to exemplary embodiments of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a shell according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an axonometric view of a docking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an axonometric view of a docking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is an assembly view of a docking station according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the docking station includes a base member  100 , a connector module  110 , and a shell  120 . The connector module  110  includes a plurality of plugs  130 , a plurality of ports  140 , and a plurality of indexing members  150 . The base member  100  also includes a plurality of indexing members  160 . The shell  170  can be fastened to the base member  100  with screws  170 . 
         [0030]    The plurality of ports  140  on the connector module  110  can replicate the ports on an electronic device (not shown). The each of the plurality of ports  140  can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of plugs  130  so that electrical signals from one of the plugs  130  are passed through to one of the ports  140 . The plugs  130  and ports  140  can be USB, MiniDisplay port, Firewire, VGA, DVI, HDMI, SATA, or other connector type. 
         [0031]    The plugs  130  on the connector module  110  can be positioned to match the location of the ports (not shown) on a predetermined electronic device (not shown). The connector module  110  can be sized and shaped to be inserted into the base member  100 , preferably when the docking station is manufactured. The connector module  110  can be held in place and oriented by a plurality of indexing members  160  on the base member  100  and indexing members  150  on the connector module  110 . The indexing members  150  can correspond to the indexing members  160  so each indexing member  150  can interface with exactly one indexing member  160  of the base member  100 . The interface of the indexing members  150  and  160  will be described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
         [0032]    The shell  120  can cover the base member  100  and the connector module  110 . The shell  120  can have an opening (not shown) on the top which is size to receive a predetermined electronic device and orient the electronic device to interface with the plugs  130  of the connector module  110 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a connector module according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connector module  110  includes a plurality of plugs  130   a - b , a plurality of ports  140   a - b , and a plurality of indexing members  150   a - f . Plug  130   a  can be electrically connected to port  140   a . Plug  130   b  can be electrically connected to port  140   b . The electrical connection between the ports  130   a - b  and  140   a - b  can be via printed circuit board. The electrical connection between the ports  130   a - b  and  140   a - b  can be via cable. The connector module  110  can be formed by insert injection molding (co-molding) whereby the plugs and ports and the electrical connections can be inserted into the mold for the connector module before molten plastic is injected. When molten plastic is injected into the mold, the ports, plugs, and electrical connectors are encased in plastic and held in their respective orientations. For the purposes of this application the terms “insert injection molding” and “co-molding” will have the same meaning as described above. 
         [0034]    The plurality of indexing members  150   a - f  are points or features on the body of the connector module  110  which can be used to position or align the connector module  110  within the base member. For example, indexing members  150   a ,  150   b , and  150   c , can be recesses or through-holes in the body of the connector module  110 . The indexing members  150   a ,  150   b , and  150   c  can interface with protrusions (not shown) on the base member not shown. An indexing member can also be a side wall of the connector module  150   d ,  150   e , and  150   f . The indexing members  150   d ,  150   e , and  150   f  can interface with corresponding peg, post, or protrusion-style indexing members (not shown) on the base member (not shown). While the indexing members  150   a ,  150   b , and  150   c  are illustrated in  FIG. 2  as recesses or through-holes, indexing members can also be recesses or protrusions in the surface or sidewalls of the connector module  110 . The indexing members need not be formed in the body of the connector module  110 . For example, the plugs  130   a  and  130   b  can be indexing members. Similarly, the ports  140   a  and  140   b  can be indexing members. Indexing members on the connector module  110  can interface with, correspond to, mate with, or match with complimentary indexing members on the base member. The indexing members can position the connector module  110  within the base member (not shown) and hold the connector module  110  in orientation for the plugs  130   a  and  130   b  to interface with an electronic device (not shown). 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a base member according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the base member  100  includes a plurality of indexing members  160   a - f , a screw stud  175 , a shell attachment point  180 , and a back wall  190 . The screw stud  175  can be cylindrical with a bore hole (not shown) down the middle for receiving a screw (not shown). The shell attachment point  180  can be a notch, a depression, or a cutout. The back wall  190  can have cutouts (not shown) to allow passage of the ports (not shown) of the connector module (not shown) so that a user can plug external connectors into the ports (not shown). 
         [0036]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a shell (not shown) which covers the base member. The shell can be screwed to the base member  100  at the screw stud  175 . The shell can be further attached to the base member  100  at the shell attachment point  180 . The shell may include a plastic tab or clip (not shown) which interfaces with the shell attachment point  180  to secure the shell to the base member. 
         [0037]    The indexing members  160   a - f  of the base member  100  can be used to position an connector module (not shown) within the base member  100 . For example, indexing members  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  can be studs, pegs, posts, or protrusions. The indexing members  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  can correspond to complimentary indexing members on the connector module (not shown). The complimentary indexing members on the connector module can be through holes, recesses, or cutouts. The indexing members  160   a ,  160   b , and  160   c  can interface with the complimentary indexing members of the connector module to secure, position, and orient the connector module within the base member  100 . The base member  100  can also include indexing members  160   d  and  160   e  which can be pegs or studs protruding from the bottom of the base member  100 . The indexing members  160   d  and  160   e  can interface with a sidewall of the connector module (not shown) to secure, position, and orient the connector module within the base member  100 . The base member  100  can further include an indexing member  160   f  which can be a wall, reinforcing rib, or other raised feature on the base member. The indexing member  160   f  can interface with a sidewall of the connector module (not shown) to secure, position, and orient the connector module within the base member  100 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a base member joined with a connector module according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the connector module  110  can be joined with the base member  100 . The plurality of ports  140   a - b  of the connector module  110  can project through an opening in the rear wall  190  of the base member  100 . The plurality of plugs  130   a - b  can be oriented vertically enabling gravity to assist a user in connecting an electronic device. 
         [0039]    The connector module  110  can be oriented and secured within the base member  100  by a plurality of indexing members  150   a - f  and  160   a - f . Indexing members  150   a - c  can be formed as recesses in the connector module  110 . Indexing members  160   a - c  can be pegs or posts formed on the base member  100 . Indexing members  160   a - c  of the base member  100  can interface with the indexing members  150   a - c  of the connector module. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , post-style indexing members  160   a - c  enter into hole-style indexing members  150   a - c . A sidewall indexing member  150   d - e  of the connector module  110  can interface with post-style indexing members  160   d - e . Indexing members  160   d - e  can also reinforce the connector module  110  from vertical loads when an electronic device is connected to plugs  130   a - b . Sidewall indexing member  150   f  of the connector module  110  can interface with the wall indexing member  160   f  of the base member  100 . The wall indexing member  160   f  can also reinforce the connector module  110  from horizontal loads when external connectors are inserted into the ports  140   a - b . For clarity of illustration, the connector module  110  and base member  100  of  FIG. 4  include a space or gap between indexing members  160   f  and  150   f . However, in preferred embodiments of the invention the indexing members  160   f  and  150   f  can be touching. 
         [0040]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a shell (not shown) which covers the base member. The shell can be screwed to the base member  100  at the screw stud  175 . The shell can be further attached to the base member  100  at the shell attachment point  180 . The shell may include a plastic tab or clip (not shown) which interfaces with the shell attachment point  180  to secure the shell to the base member. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is side view of a docking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the docking station includes a base member  100 , a connector module  110 , and a shell  120 . The base member  100  can position and orient the connector module  110 . The shell can cover the base member  100  and the connector module  110 . The shell can position and orient an electronic device to interface with the connector module  110 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a shell according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the shell  120  can include a liner  125 . The liner  125  can match the contour of an electronic device so that the electronic device is securely held in the docking station and the ports of the electronic device are aligned with the plugs of the connector module (not shown). In this way the liner  125  can serve as an indexing member to position and orient an electronic device. The liner  125  can be made of injection molded plastic. The liner  125  can be co-molded or over-molded with rubber or rubberized plastic to prevent damage and scratches to the electronic device when it is introduced into the liner  125  of the shell  120  of the docking station. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the connector module  110  includes a plurality of plugs  130   a  and  130   b , a plurality of ports  140   a  and  140   b , and electrical connections  115   a  and  115   b  therebetween. The electrical connections can be cables. Plug  130   a  can be electrically connected to port  140   a  with a cable  115   a . In preferred embodiments of the invention, plug  130   a , port  140   a , and  115   a  are assembled into a single unit and inserted into the mold cavity (not shown) for the connector module  110  prior to injection molding. When the connector module is formed via injection molding, the assembly of plug  130   a , port  140   a , and cable  115   a  are incased in plastic and held fast when the plastic cools. The plug  130   a  and port  140   a  can extend out of the connector module  110  so that external connectors and or electronic devices can be connected to them. Plug  130   b , port  140   b , and cable  115   b  can be formed in similar fashion. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the connector module  210  includes a plurality of plugs  230   a  and  230   b , a plurality of ports  240   a  and  240   b , and a circuit board  215  having electrical connections  215   a  and  215   b . The electrical connections  215   a  and  215   b  can be electrical traces on the circuit board  215 . The plugs  230   a  and  230   b  and the ports  240   a  and  240   b  can be soldered to the circuit board  215 . 
         [0045]    In preferred embodiments of the invention, plugs  230   a  and  230   b , ports  240   a  and  240   b , and circuit board  215  are assembled into a single unit and inserted into the mold cavity (not shown) for the connector module  210  prior to injection molding. When the connector module is formed via injection molding, the assembly of plugs  230   a  and  230   b , ports  240   a  and  240   b , and circuit board  215  are incased in plastic and held fast when the plastic cools. The plugs  230   a  and  230   b  ports  240   a  and  240   b  can extend out of the connector module  210  so that external connectors and or electronic devices can be connected to them. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a connector module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the connector module  310  includes a plurality of plugs  330   a - b , a plurality of ports  340   a - b , and a plurality of indexing members  350   a - f . Plug  330   a  can be electrically connected to port  340   a . Plug  330   b  can be electrically connected to port  340   b . Plug  330   c  can be electrically connected to port  340   c.    
         [0047]    The plurality of indexing members  350   a - f  are points or features on the body of the connector module  310  which can be used to position or align the connector module  310  within the base member. For example, indexing members  350   a ,  350   b , and  350   c , can be recesses or through-holes in the body of the connector module  310 . The indexing members  350   a ,  350   b , and  350   c  can interface with protrusions (not shown) on the base member (not shown). An indexing member can also be a side wall of the connector module  350   d ,  350   e , and  350   f . The indexing members  350   d ,  350   e , and  350   f  can interface with corresponding peg, post, or protrusion-style indexing members (not shown) on the base member (not shown). While the indexing members  350   a ,  350   b , and  350   c  are illustrated in  FIG. 9  as recesses or through-holes, indexing members can also be recesses or protrusions in the surface or sidewalls of the connector module  310 . The indexing members need not be formed in the body of the connector module  310 . For example, the plugs  330   a ,  330   b , or  330   c  can be indexing members. Similarly, the ports  340   a ,  340   b , and  340   c  can be indexing members. Indexing members on the connector module  310  can interface with, correspond to, mate with, or match with complimentary indexing members on the base member. The indexing members can position the connector module  310  within the base member (not shown) and hold the connector module  310  in orientation for the plugs  330   a ,  330   b , and  330   c  to interface with an electronic device (not shown). 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is an axonometric view of a docking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the docking station includes a shell  120 , a liner  125 , a cable retention mechanism  127 , and two plugs  130   a  and  130   b . The docking station also includes a connector module (not shown) and a base member (not shown). The liner  125  can be shaped to conform to the contours of the electronic device to be docked. The cable retention mechanism  127  can be formed as part of the shell  120 . The cable retention mechanism  127  can be used to secure a loose cable (not shown) that may be connected to the opposite side of the electronic device (not shown). The cable retention mechanism  127  can be sized to match the power cable for an Apple computer such as the MacBook Air. The cable retention mechanism  127  can be a groove which is narrower at the opening than at the base. When a cable is introduced into the cable retention mechanism  127 , the cable compresses slightly to pass through the narrow opening of the groove and is then retained in the between the walls of the groove. 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  is an axonometric view of a docking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the docking station includes a base member  100 , a shell  120 , a liner  125 , a perimeter foot  105 , and two ports  140   a  and  140   b . The docking station also includes a connector module (not shown). The shell  120  includes a cable retention mechanism  127 . The cable retention mechanism  127  can be used to secure a loose cable (not shown) that may be connected to the opposite side of the electronic device (not shown). The cable retention mechanism  127  can be sized to match the power cable for an Apple computer such as the MacBook Air. The back wall  190  of the base member  100  can have cutouts to allow external connectors (not shown) to be inserted into the ports  140   a  and  140   b.    
         [0050]    The perimeter foot  105  can be formed from rubber. The perimeter foot  105  can follow the edges of the base of the docking station to prevent the docking station from sliding or moving when placed on a smooth surface. The perimeter foot  105  can be formed in multiple parts as shown in  FIG. 11 . The perimeter foot  105  can be attached to the base member  100  or the shell  120 . 
         [0051]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the docking station for an electronic device having an improved connector interface without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.