Abstract:
A computer docking station devised to save desktop space while also eliminating the presence of permanent cables that can clutter the work surface is disclosed. The computer docking station utilizes a split design, with a lower dock subassembly positioned beneath the work surface for housing the permanent cables necessary for the computer workstation to operate and an upper dock subassembly comprising one or more data ports positioned on top of the work surface. A monitor arm mount can be attached to, or integrated into, the upper dock subassembly, thereby alleviating the need for a separate monitor arm mount without negatively impacting the docking station&#39;s footprint.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Advances in processors, battery life, and visual displays have vastly improved the performance possibilities of laptop computers. With wireless mobility and connectivity becoming a necessity in today&#39;s business environment, many businesses and entrepreneurs have chosen to use laptop computers in lieu of desktops in the workplace. However, laptops typically have smaller keyboards than the standard keyboards utilized with desktops, and a standard mouse is generally preferred by users in the office environment over the built-in touchpad or tricks of laptop computers. In addition, prolonged use of a laptop alone can be an uncomfortable experience for the user. 
         [0002]    A docking station allows laptop computers to become a substitute for a desktop computer without sacrificing the mobile computing functionality of the machine. For example, port replicator-type docking stations allow multiple peripherals—such as a keyboard, a printer, a mouse, and/or one or more monitors—to be connected to the laptop simultaneously by simply connecting the laptop to the docking station. Thus, the user can get access to an external full-sized keyboard, standard mouse, full-size monitor(s), a printer/scanner and a wired network connection when working in the office environment. Ergonomic positioning of the external keyboard and monitor allow the user to assume a more comfortable, neutral posture at the workstation, thus reducing the musculoskeletal stress typically associated with the prolonged use of laptop computers. 
         [0003]    In a typical office configuration, the docking station will be located on the work surface to allow the user to easily connect the laptop to the dock. However, while this location provides the convenience of a quick and easy connection to the laptop, the docking station can take up valuable workspace, regardless of whether a vertical stand-alone docking station or a horizontal style docking station is utilized. Moreover, current generation docking stations positioned on the work surface leave the permanent cables exposed on the work surface, creating a cluttered work environment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The invention disclosed herein is directed to a computer docking station devised to save desktop space while also eliminating the presence of permanent cables that can clutter the work surface. Whereas prior art computer docking stations typically are unitary units that take up valuable space on the work surface, the computer docking station of the present invention significantly reduces the docking station&#39;s desktop footprint by utilizing a split design, with a lower dock subassembly positioned beneath the work surface for housing the permanent cables necessary for the computer workstation to operate, and an upper dock subassembly comprising one or more data ports positioned on top of the work surface. In certain embodiments, a monitor arm mount can also be integrated into the upper dock subassembly, thereby alleviating the need for a separate monitor arm mount without negatively impacting the docking station&#39;s footprint. The split-design computer docking station of the present invention provides for improved accessibility to commonly used ports such as universal serial bus (USB) ports, high-speed charging port(s) and audio/microphone ports, while eliminating unsightly permanent cables (e.g., power, video, and network cables) from the desktop, which not only improves aesthetics and the amount of available desk space, but also eliminates the safety hazard of having cables on the work surface and prevents users from intentionally or unintentionally tampering with permanent cables. 
         [0005]    The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every possible implementation. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a computer docking station. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the computer docking station is mounted to a table. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the computer docking station is mounted to a table. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a left side view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a right side view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a rear view of an embodiment of the upper dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a left side view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a right side view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a rear view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a front view of an embodiment of the lower dock subassembly of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a from perspective view of the computer docking station shown in  FIG. 1  further comprising an embodiment of a cable management system attached to either side of the lower dock subassembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a partial rear perspective view of the cable management system shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is an exploded rear perspective view of the cable management system shown in  FIG. 18 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include, other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including,” “having,” or “featuring,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, right and left, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
         [0028]    Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary embodiment of the computer docking station is depicted in  FIGS. 1-19 . Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the computer docking station  1  can comprise an upper dock subassembly  20  connected to a lower dock subassembly  40 . The upper dock subassembly  20  is designed to house active data port connectors (i.e., frequently connected/disconnected), while the lower dock subassembly  40  is designed to house passive data port connectors (i.e., infrequently connected/disconnected). The upper dock subassembly  20  can include a data port hub  21 , a monitor arm mount  29 , and a bracket  25 . The monitor arm mount  29  is preferably attached or integrated into the top of the data port hub  21 , while the bracket  25  is preferably attached to the rear or bottom of the data port hub  21 . The lower dock subassembly  40  can include a housing  41 , a clamp bracket  42 , and a screw  43 . The housing  41  and clamp bracket  42  can be attached to the bracket  25  of the upper dock subassembly  20  with one or more fasteners. Meanwhile, the screw  43  is threadingly engaged with the clamp bracket  42 . In order to secure the computer docking station  1  to a work surface or table  100 , the user can rotate the screw  43  until the screw&#39;s distal end comes into contact with the underside of the work surface  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the housing  41  of the lower dock subassembly  40  is attached to the bracket  25  of the upper dock subassembly  20  with a sufficient space in-between to accommodate a work surface  100  of varying thicknesses. 
         [0029]    A variety of alternative mechanisms can be utilized to mount the lower dock subassembly  40  and the upper dock subassembly  20  to the work surface. For example, in a first alternative embodiment, the clamp bracket  42  and screw  43  can be replaced with a fixed bracket that permanently attaches the computer docking station  1  to the work surface, in a second alternative embodiment, the clamp bracket  42  and screw  43  can be replaced with a means for removably mounting the computer docking station  1  to a slat wall. In a third alternative embodiment, the computer docking station  1  can utilize separate brackets to mount the lower dock subassembly  40  and the upper dock subassembly  20  to the work surface, thereby allowing for greater flexibility in mounting locations for each subassembly. In a fourth alternative embodiment, the upper dock subassembly  20  can be secured to the work surface, while the lower dock subassembly  40  is free hanging from a flexible connector to the upper dock subassembly  20 , thereby allowing the user to quickly adjust the positioning of the lower dock subassembly  40  relative to the upper dock subassembly  20 . While  FIGS. 1-19  depict the upper and lower dock subassemblies  20 , 40  positioned in a horizontal orientation, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that either or both of the dock subassemblies  20 , 40  can alternatively be positioned in a vertical orientation. 
         [0030]    The active data port connectors of the upper dock subassembly  20  can be linked to the internal components of the lower dock subassembly  40  via one or more bridge cables  6 . In a preferred embodiment, a single bridge cable  6  is utilized to connect the active data port connectors of the upper dock subassembly  20  to the internal components of the lower dock subassembly  40 . In alternative embodiments, multiple bridge cables  6  can be utilized to link the various data ports, or the bridge cable(s)  6  can be replaced with wireless connection. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6-10 , the upper dock subassembly  20  can feature a data port hub  21 , a monitor arm mount  29 , a bracket  25 , and one or more data ports  32 - 36 . The data port hub  21  can comprise a hub cover  21   a  attached to a hub base  21   c  for housing an upper subassembly printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  22 , while also providing sufficient rigidity to support the weight of one or more monitors attached to the upper dock subassembly  20 . The hub cover  21   a  the hub base  21   c , the bracket  25 , and the monitor arm mount  29  can be connected with one or more fasteners  23 , can be molded with snap-fit joints, or can be attached by any other means known in the art. In certain embodiments, a bracket cover  26  can be utilized to secure and hide the one or more bridge cables  6  linking the active data port connectors of the upper dock subassembly  20  to the internal components of the lower dock subassembly  40 . 
         [0032]    In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 , the upper subassembly PCBA  22  can feature an indicator light  31  and one or more data ports  32 - 36 . The indicator light  31  functions to provide the user feedback regarding the operation status of the computer docking station  1 . Data port  32  can be an audio combo jack port, while data ports  33 ,  34  and  35  preferably are USB-A 3.0 SS (SuperSpeed, 0.9 A) data ports which allow users to connect USB peripherals and mobile devices to the user&#39;s laptop via the computer docking station  1 . In an exemplary embodiment, data port  33  is a USB 3.0 BC 1.2 (1.5 A) charging port, while data ports  34  and  35  are USB-C ports capable to be used far both connectivity and power. Data port  36  can comprise a USB 3.0 B-Type upstream connector port designed to be linked to the user&#39;s laptop. The USB 3.0 B-Type upstream connector port  36  allows for the transfer of data, video and audio information between the computer and peripherals through the computer docking station  1 , as well as the transfer of power when USB C-Type connector cables are utilized. In alternative embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily acknowledge that the locations and types of data ports  32 - 36  can easily be modified to adapt to changing technologies and uses of the data ports. For example, the back of the data port hub can be used to accommodate one or more of the data ports  32 - 36 . In certain embodiments the upper subassembly PCBA  22  can also feature a wireless charging platform for mobile devices. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-16 , the housing  41  of the lower dock subassembly  40  can comprise a clamp foot  41   a , a top member  41   b  and a bottom member  41   c . The clamp foot  41   a  is attached to the top member  41   b , while the top member  41   b  is attached to the bottom member  41   c  to provide a housing for the lower subassembly PCBA  45 . The clamp foot  41   a , the top member  41   b  and the bottom member  41  can be connected with one or more fasteners  49 , can be molded with snap-fit joints, or can be attached by any other can known in the art. 
         [0034]    In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 , the lower subassembly PCBA  45  features one or more power and data ports  51 - 58 . Data port  51  can comprise a RJ145 100 Mbit Ethernet connector for providing the user&#39;s laptop with a wired internet connection through the computer docking station  1 . Data port  52  can comprise a Display Port connector and data port  53  can comprise an HDMI connector for allowing monitor(s) to be connected to the computer docking station  1 . Alternatively, these data port could be a DVI, HDMI or USB-C type connectors/ports. Data ports  54   a - e  can be USB-A 3.0 SS (SuperSpeed, 0.9 A) data ports which allow users to connect USB peripherals to the user&#39;s laptop via the computer docking station  1 . In alternative embodiments, data ports  54   a - e  can be any type of USB port, including but not limited to USB 3.0 BC 1.2 (1.5 A) charging ports and USB-C ports. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , in an exemplary embodiment data port  55  can comprise a DC power connector through which power is supplied to the lower dock subassembly  40 . Data port  56  can comprise USB-A 3.0 SS data bridge cable connector capable of being mated to the bridge cable  6  for transferring data between the upper subassembly PCBA  22  of the upper dock subassembly  20  and the lower subassembly PCBA  45  of the lower dock subassembly  40 . Alternatively, Data port  56  can comprise a USB-C connector or can be replaced with a wireless communication mechanism. Data port  57  can comprise a USB-A mini 3.0 audio combo bridge cable connector or a USB-C port/connector to allow the transfer of audio data between the upper dock subassembly  20  and the lower dock subassembly  40 . Lastly, data port  58  can comprise a DC power bridge cable connector, or alternatively a USB-C connector, for providing power to the upper dock subassembly  20  and attached laptop. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17-19 , the computer docking station  1  can further comprise a cable management enclosure  80  attached to either, or both, sides of the lower dock subassembly  40 . The cable management enclosure  80  features an upper cable housing  81  mated with snap joints to a lower lid  82 . The upper housing  81  preferably has three internal hooks allowing the user to wrap any cable slack around the hooks for storage within the cable management enclosure  80 . Adhesive or mechanical-based listening strips  84  (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) can be utilized to secure the upper cable housing  81  to the undersurface of the work surface  100 . The cable management enclosure  80  may also contain an alignment tab  85  for aligning and securing the cable housing  81  to the housing  41  of the lower dock subassembly  40 . A flexible hinge insert  86  can be utilized to releasably connect the lower lid  82  to the cable housing  81  so as to allow a user to access the cable management enclosure  80  by folding down the lower lid  82 . 
         [0037]    The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Many modifications of the embodiments described herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.