Abstract:
The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer&#39;s line of portable (“notebook” or “laptop”) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf). An identification system, which labels the different trays and cross-references them to the corresponding portable computers, allows for future changes in the manufacturer&#39;s product line, in which a new model of portable computer requires either a new tray or one of the previously existing trays. The invention is advantageous to manufacturers because it reduces the number and variety of docking station products required for use with the manufacturer&#39;s portable computers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to the field of personal computers. More specifically, the invention relates to docking station and peripheral technology for facilitating use of portable computers as “desktop replacements.” 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable computers, colloquially referred to as “laptop” or “notebook” computers, have increased in power, speed, and memory capacity to the point where they offer functionality comparable to that of desktop-style personal computers. However, because portable computers have been designed for small size and low weight, their keyboards and displays have been limited in size, making the portable computers less convenient to use. 
     Accordingly, their features and accessories have been designed with suitable interfaces to allow a user to use the same large-size displays and full-size keyboards as would normally be used with a desktop machine. In particular, docking stations have been developed, to hold all of the electrical connections between the keyboard, display, network connection, etc., with the computer. Thus, all a user has to do is “dock” the portable computer with the docking station, and the computer is ready to directly interface with all of the peripherals. It will be understood that there must be physical compatibility between the portable computer and its docking station. 
     There is a drawback, however, that portable computers, even within a given manufacturer&#39;s line, vary considerably in size, configuration, etc. Thus, conventionally it has been necessary for a portable computer manufacturer to have a whole line of docking stations, commensurate with its line of portable computers. Accordingly, manufacturers have had to maintain lines of functionally identical but physically different docking station models. Also, when a manufacturer develops a new line of portable computers, it must also develop a new line of docking stations. 
     There is an additional issue related to user convenience. To disengage the unit or swap units, the user must decouple the connectors. This involves both the user&#39;s time, and the effort the user must employ to disengage the connectors by overcoming their insertion force. 
     Therefore, there remains a need for a docking system which fully solves the problems of interchangeability and manufacturability discussed above, and which also provides user convenience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To overcome the drawback described above, the invention provides a standardized docking station module (a “first” module), embodying most of the peripheral interfaces, etc., required for coupling the docking station to the peripheral devices. The invention also provides a set of portable-computer-model-specific adapter modules (“second” modules), preferably configured as “trays,” which accommodate respective portable computer models within the manufacturer&#39;s product line. 
     A user will have a particular model of computer, the corresponding adapter module, and the standard docking station. The user installs the adapter module into the docking station, and couples the docking station to the peripherals. From then on, the module accommodates the computer&#39;s unique configuration when the user docks the computer. 
     As a result, the invention advantageously allows the manufacturer to minimize the cost and design complexity of its docking accessories. For a given new model of computer, all the manufacturer has to do is provide a new second module for use with the same standard docking station. All features which change with the computer model are resident within the second module. This will generally just be features relating to the physical dimensions of the computer. All features which stay the same from one computer to the next, such as standard peripheral interfaces, reside on the first module. Thus, manufacturing costs and design manpower are conserved. 
     Also, when the user obtains a new computer, he/she can still use the existing peripherals and the docking module coupled to them. The user need only obtain a new docking module specific to that new computer. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art apparatus. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3 are cutaway side views showing the operation of the apparatus of FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 4,  5 , and  6  are front-end views of a docking apparatus according to the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of several second docking modules, showing legends. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 are simplified side views showing a coupling/decoupling structure for the first and second docking modules of the invention, in the coupled and uncoupled states, respectively. 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 are simplified side views showing a preferred coupling/decoupling structure for the first and second docking modules of the invention, in the coupled and uncoupled states, respectively. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     There are three problems to be solved: 
     1. how to make it possible to dock different kinds of notebooks (different height and width, different connector locations) in one docking station. 
     2. how to easily and comfortably insert and remove adapter trays (trays that adapt the docking station to different portables) from a docking station, keeping the mechanism and trays as simple as possible. 
     3. how to identify which tray has to be used for which portable, knowing that product names will change with time. 
     A Prior Art Docking Tray 
     A conventional docking station apparatus is shown in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 . The apparatus includes a first module  2  and a second module  4 . The second module  4  is configured generally as a tray, for holding a notebook computer  6  (FIG.  2 ). The second module  4  includes rails  8  for aligning the notebook  6 , and locking features including tabs  10  and a retractable pin  12 , for securing the notebook  6  in place. 
     The first module  2  includes an interface connector  14 , to allow coupling to peripheral devices (not shown) such as a monitor or a keyboard. An interface structure  16  is provided on the second module, through which the docked notebook computer  6  interfaces with the connector  14  and the peripheral devices. The interface structure  16  of the second module  4  includes a connector  18  for coupling to the notebook  6 , a connector  20  for coupling with the connector  14  of the first module  2 , and electrical connections for coupling the connectors  18  and  20 . For simplicity, the electrical connections are not shown, but it will be understood that they include pin-to-pin wiring for signals of equivalent interfaces, and/or rewiring for compatibility between connectors of two different standard interfaces. 
     It will thus be understood that the second module  4  is a mechanically complex unit. Manufacture of the unit disadvantageously requires assembly of both physical and electrical parts. Also, the complexity of the unit places burdens on the user, for set-up and use. 
     The Invention 
     A docking apparatus according to the invention reduces the mechanical and electrical complexity of the conventional apparatus. In accordance with the invention, the second module is configured to hold the docked notebook computer at a correct vertical and lateral placement such that the connector of the notebook is aligned for direct coupling with the connector on the first module. 
     The invention provides the advantage that different notebook computers can all use the standard first module, and further that the second module need only be a mechanically simple structure, such as a molded piece of plastic. Accordingly, manufacturing costs for the second module are saved, and the user has a less complex structure to deal with. 
     FIGS. 4,  5 , and  6  are simplified schematic front-end views of a docking apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing, for added comprehension, a docking apparatus generally as given in FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     FIG. 4 shows a first docking module  22 , having a physical configuration generally similar to the first module  2  of FIGS. 1-3, in that the first module  22  is configured to accept a generally tray-like second module, which will bear the notebook computer. A connector  24 , for coupling the notebook to peripheral devices, is positioned on an interface structure  26 , which extends upward from a surface  28 . The surface  28 , in this front-end view, extends out from the drawing, and forms a bed for receiving the second module. 
     In FIGS. 5,  6 , and  7 , a second docking module is added to the first module of FIG.  4 . FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sections of two different second docking modules,  30  and  32  respectively. FIG. 7 shows one of the second docking modules, cross-hatched for easy visibility. The docking modules  30  and  32  are configured to hold their respective notebook computers in predetermined positions. Any suitable structure, such as rails  34  and  36 , may be used for positioning the notebooks laterally. Other suitable structures, such as surfaces  38  and  40 , hold the notebooks at predetermined heights. 
     Each of the second docking modules  30  and  32  are customized for respective different notebook computers. In accordance with the invention, the second docking modules have dimensions which take into account the different dimensions of the respective notebooks. By doing so, the second modules position the different notebooks so that, whichever notebook is used, the notebook&#39;s peripheral interface lines up with the interface connector  24 . 
     Consider, for instance, two different notebook computer models whose interface connectors are at different elevations above the bottom surface of the notebooks. In accordance with the invention, the second modules lift the notebooks up to two different heights, so that in both cases their connectors line up with the connector  24 . 
     For instance, compare the trays  30  and  32  shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The surface  38  of the tray  30  is shown as being lower than the surface  40  of the tray  32 . If the tray  30  holds a bigger notebook, with a connecter higher above its bottom surface, then the notebook&#39;s connector will be the same height as the connector of a thinner notebook held by the tray  32 . 
     Similarly, differences in the lateral position of connectors on different notebooks can be compensated for by designing different trays with the rails (e.g., the rails  34  and  36 , suitably displaced to the left or right. 
     The trays of FIGS. 5 and 6 are shown as having gaps  42  and  44  beneath them, between them and the surface  28  of the first module  22 . In other embodiments, the trays could be thicker, so the space is taken up by tray material. 
     Preferably, an undocking apparatus is provided on the first module, since the undocking process is not tray-specific. Undocking a computer from the docking apparatus of FIG. 7 is done by urging the computer forward, along the rails  34 . Responsive to user manipulation of a release lever  43 , one or more ejectors  45  push against the computer, to disengage the computer from the connector  24 . 
     What the Trays are Made of 
     In a preferred embodiment, the trays are made of molded plastic material, for easy and inexpensive manufacturing. However, any suitable material such as epoxy may be molded for use. Also, the trays can be made of stamped sheet material such as sheet metal, suitably contoured to position the notebooks appropriately. 
     It is a noteworthy feature of the invention that the trays are simple to manufacture out of a single material, and do not require assembly. 
     Another noteworthy feature is that, in many preferred embodiments, the second modules are flat enough for easy storage in a set. They may be stored in a stack on a flat surface, or on a rack, just as magazines would be stored. This gives the user easy access to a selection of trays, to pick out the one the user needs. 
     Tray Legends 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the different trays have tray legends, such as large letters of the alphabet (“A”, “B”, “C”, etc.), which are easily visible and allow users to tell easily which tray is to be used with which notebook computer. The legends may conveniently be positioned on the undersides of the trays, or at other suitable locations thereon. 
     The legends may be formed on the tray material itself. This is a preferred embodiment, for trays made of molded plastic or the like. Alternatively, the legends may be applied to the trays as labels, appliques, etc. 
     The trays preferably also bear a cross-referencing legend, such as a matrix, that explains which tray goes with which portable computer. Thus, even if a user picks up the wrong tray first, he/she can read the matrix to identify which tray he/she needs, and then simply look at the tray legends, quickly to find the right one. 
     The tray legends may include model numbers, or the like, for identifying which tray is to be used with which notebook. However, it is contemplated that the trays may be useful with successive generations of notebook computers, whose model numbers will not be known at the time the trays are made. For instance, in an initial product offering, tray “A” goes with model 1000, tray “B” goes with model 2000, and tray “C” goes with model 3000. Then, later on, model 4000, which also goes with tray “B”, is released. The “A”, “B”, and “C” tray legends need not change, but there is a need for updating the cross-referencing legend to indicate that model 4000 also uses tray “B”. 
     To allow updating for future notebook models, the cross-referencing legend is preferably provided on an attachable and removable label, such as an adhesive label. When a docking station is sold new, a label showing the cross-referencing for the current line of notebook computer products is provided. Later, when a new tray for a newly developed notebook is sold, a new label comes with it. Alternatively, when a new notebook, compatible with an existing tray, is sold, a new label is provided with the new notebook. Since labels are inexpensive and easy to print up, it may be administratively easy and cost effective to provide a new label with each new notebook. A purchaser who does not have or use a docking station can simply discard the label. 
     The labels can also have blank space, to allow the users to update the label themselves by writing new information (trays, corresponding product names or model numbers) in the blank space. 
     FIG. 8 is a simplified perspective view of three trays. A user having a docking station for use with several different notebooks might have just such a collection of trays on hand for the various users to select from. Tray legends are shown as large, easily visible block letters “A”, “B”, and “C”. Also, cross-referencing legends are shown as labels  46 . Because the legend information is provided conspicuously, for easy finding and reading, a user can easily select the desired tray and couple it to the first docking module for convenient docking and use of the user&#39;s notebook. 
     Installation, Latching 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 are side views of first and second docking modules, showing one embodiment of a coupling/decoupling arrangement for first and second modules according to the invention. 
     In general, the second module should be easy to place in position, and to couple and decouple, with simple, intuitive user hand movements and manipulations. Preferably, the coupling/decoupling should be mechanically simple, so that the second modules will be simple and inexpensive to manufacture. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, a first docking module  48  and a second docking module  50 , again preferably configured as a tray, are shown. The first docking module  48  includes an engaging structure, here shown as a tab  52  near a front end  54  thereof, and an aperture  56  near a back end  58  thereof. The coupling/decoupling structure further includes a biasing structure, here shown as a spring  60 . 
     The second docking module  50  also includes an engaging structure, here shown as a hook  62  mounted on a switch  63 , and a tab  64 . The switch  63  slides forward and backward (that is, to the right and to the left, respectively, in the side view of FIGS.  9  and  10 ). The second docking module  50  further includes a biasing structure, here shown as a surface  66 . 
     Let us first consider FIG.  9 . When the decoupled tray  50  is placed into position, in preparation for coupling with the first module  48 , the surface  66  engages the spring  60 . Spring tension from the spring  60  urges the tray  50  away from the first module  48 , in a generally upward direction. 
     The user couples the tray  50  to the first module  48  by engaging the engaging structures. In this case, the user first inserts the tab  64  into the aperture  56 , and then depresses the tray  50 , overcoming the upward bias force from the spring  60 . Then, the user pushes the switch  63  away from him/her. This causes the hook  62  to engage with the tab  52 . After the user releases the tray  50 , the spring  60  urges the hook  62  against the tab  52 , and the tab  64  against the aperture  56 , thereby holding the tray  50  in place. This is shown in FIG.  10 . 
     Decoupling works conversely. When the user pushes the switch  63  to draw it back toward him/her, the hook  62  disengages from the tab  52 . The spring  60  pushes the tray  50  upward, releasing the tray  50 . 
     FIGS. 11,  12   
     There are numerous ways of configuring the type of mechanism just described. In particular, if the latching switch  63  is placed on the first module, further manufacturing costs on the second module are saved. Such a switch may be accessed by the user through an aperture in the second module. This embodiment advantageously keeps the second module a single piece, which can be made from molded plastic or the like, and requires no assembly. 
     For instance, in FIGS. 11 and 12, there are shown coupled and decoupled views, respectively, of such an embodiment. FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional side views, so that an aperture  70  in the tray  50  is shown as a gap. 
     Elements numbered similarly to those of FIGS. 9 and 10 are equivalent. 
     In this embodiment, however, a hook  68  is formed on the side of the second module  50  facing the first module. The aperture  70  in the second module  50  gives the user finger access to a slider switch  72 , which is movably disposed on the first module  48  for a reciprocating, back-and-forth range of motion. 
     The switch  72  bears a tab  74  which engages the hook  68  to hold the tray  50  in place (FIG.  11 ), or disengages from the hook  68  to release the tray  50  (FIG.  12 ). Accordingly, the apparatus of FIGS. 11 and 12 functions in much the same way as that of FIGS. 9 and 10. However, the tray  50  is now simpler in structure, and provides easy, inexpensive manufacturability. 
     Alternative Embodiments of the Invention 
     Persons skilled in the art will be able to conceive numerous other docking module structures that offer the same advantages as that disclosed above, based on the ideas and concepts given in this disclosure, and on the particular embodiments described. Such other structures will fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     For instance, while the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 couple end decouple the second docking module vertically, it would also be possible to slide a tray-type second docking module in horizontally (that is, from left to right in the side view of FIGS.  9  and  10 ). The first docking module may include a mechanical structure comparable to that of a front-end-loading videocassette recorder, an automobile cassette tape player, etc. In such a structure, when the second docking module is pushed forward against a bias, it pops perpendicularly (e.g., downward) into engagement. The user presses a release button to push the second docking module out of engagement, and then the bias pops the second docking module back out.