Patent Publication Number: US-2016231789-A1

Title: Tablet computer accessory bar

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     As compared to laptop computers and desktop computers, tablet computers are compact and lightweight. However, due to their compact nature, tablet computers lack many features or capabilities available in laptop and desktop computers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an example expanded tablet computer system comprising a tablet computer accessory bar for use with a tablet computer. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the example expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 1  with the tablet computer accessory bar connected to the tablet computer. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side elevational view of the example expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of another implementation of the tablet computer accessory bar of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of another implementation of the expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the example expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an example method that may be carried out by the expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of another example method that may be carried out with the expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an example implementation of the expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 4 , illustrating a tablet computer accessory bar disconnected from the tablet computer. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of the example expanded tablet computer system of  FIG. 8  illustrating the tablet computer accessory bar connected to the tablet computer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example tablet computer accessory bar  20  for use with a tablet computer  22  having a tablet edge  24  and a hook receiving opening  26  along tablet edge  24 . Tablet computer accessory bar  20  provides additional accessory features or functions  28  for tablet computer  22 . Examples of different accessory functions that may be provided by tablet computer accessory bar  20  comprise a supplemental or alternative speaker, an alternative or additional battery, a memory card slot, and accessory communication port and a suspension anchor for connection to a suspension line such as a lanyard, a shoulder or band strap and the like. 
     Accessory bar  20  mates with tablet edge  24 .  FIGS. 2 and 2A  illustrate accessory bar  20  connected to tablet computer  22 . As shown by the example illustrated in  FIG. 2A , accessory bar  20  comprises a top face  30  and a bottom face  32 . Top face  30  is parallel to top face  34  and display panel  35  of tablet computer  22  when accessory bar  20  is connected to tablet computer  22 . Bottom face  32  is parallel to and coplanar with bottom face  36  of tablet computer  22  when accessory bar  20  is connected to tablet computer  22 . Because bottom face  32  is parallel to and coplanar with bottom face  36  of tablet computer  22 , accessory bar  20  when connected a tablet computer  22  forms a continuous bottom support surface that is level, allowing the expanded tablet computer system  40  formed by accessory bar  20  and tablet computer  22  to horizontally rest upon a flat underlying surface with minimal rocking. 
     As shown by  FIGS. 2 and 2A , in the example illustrated, accessory bar  20  has side accessory edges  42  which are parallel to and contiguous with side tablet edges  44  of tablet computer  22 . In the example illustrated, top face  30  of accessory bar  20  is also contiguous with top face  34  of tablet computer  22 . As a result, accessory bar  20  matches a thickness and a width of tablet computer  22  to avoid or minimize outwardly projecting edges, shoulders avoids surfaces which might otherwise catch upon other objects when tablet computer  22  is being transported or stored. In addition, the expanded tablet computer system  40  formed by the combination of accessory bar  20  and tablet computer  22  is sleek and more closely resembles a single integral unit. In other implementations, accessory bar  20  may be narrower than tablet computer  22  or wider than tablet  22 . In other implementations, top face  30  is recessed below or projects above top face  34  of tablet computer  22 . Although illustrated as being connected to tablet computer  22  along the shorter side edge of tablet computer  22 , in other implementations, accessory bar  20  is alternatively connected to a longer side edge of tablet computer  22 . 
     As shown by  FIGS. 1 and 2 , tablet computer accessory bar  20  is configured to be releasably connected to tablet computer  22  utilizing connector  50 . In the example illustrated, connector  50  comprises a movable hook  52  and release actuator  54 . Hook  52  extends from accessory bar edge or accessory edge  56  of connector bar  20  so as to be receivable within opening  26  of tablet computer  22  when accessory bar  20  is connected to tablet computer  22 . In the example illustrated, hook  52  is insertable into opening  26  and is movable in directions indicated by arrows  58  while within opening  26 , parallel to edge  56 , for movement between as disconnected state in which hook  52  is withdrawn from an internal catch shoulder surface  60  within opening  26  and a computer connected state in which hook  52  engages the internal catch shoulder surface  60  within opening  26 . 
     Release actuator  54  comprises a mechanism operably coupled to hook  52  and located to be manually engaged or manually contacted to move hook  52  between the disconnected state and the connected state. In one implementation, hook  52  is resiliently biased towards the connected state (shown in broken lines), wherein release actuator  54  moves hook  52  against the bias towards the disconnected state. In one implementation, release actuator  54  comprises a sliding bar operably coupled to hook  52  to move hook  52  against the resilient bias (such as provided by spring) from the connecting position or state to the disconnected position or state. 
     In other implementations, release actuator  54  may comprise a pushbutton and a mechanical transmission operably coupling release actuator  54  to hook  52 . In yet other implementations, release actuator  54  may comprise as switch, button or other input by which a powered actuator, such as a solenoid, maybe actuated to move hook  52  between the connected and disconnected positions or states. When in the disconnected position or state, hook  52  is insertable into mouth  62  of tablet computer  22 . Release of release actuator  54  allows hook  52  to resiliently return to the connecting position or state (shown broken lines) while within opening  26  so as to engage surface  60  to releasably retain accessory bar  20  to tablet computer  22 . Although accessory bar  20  is illustrated as comprising a single connector  50  or a single hook  52  actuated by release actuator  54 , in other implementations, accessory bar  20  may include multiple connectors  50  or multiple hooks  52  actuated by a single release actuator  54 , wherein tablet computer  22  has a corresponding number of openings  26  corresponding to such hooks  52 . 
       FIG. 3  schematically illustrates accessory bar  120 , an example implementation of accessory bar  20 . Accessory bar  120  is similar to accessory bar  20  except that accessory bar  120  is illustrated as specifically including connector  150 , an example implementation of connector  50 . Connector  150  comprises hook  152 , bias  153  and release actuator  154 . 
     Hook  152  is movably supported and guided relative to the body  155  of accessory bar  120  in the direction indicated by arrows  159  by one or more internal grooves, tracks, bearings or the like. Hook  152  is movable between a tablet computer connecting or retention position and a disconnected or insertion/releasing position. Hook  152  projects from body  155  and is shaped and sized for reception within opening  26  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) or a similarly configured opening. In the example illustrated, hook  152  comprises a ramped, inclined, angled or sloped cam surface  160  which may be positioned in contact with an edge of opening  26  to interact with tablet computer  22  to move hook  152  against bias  153  toward the disconnected position, facilitating insertion of hook  152  into opening  26  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and subsequent return to a connected state under the force of bias  153 . In other implementations, surface  160  may have other shapes. 
     Bias  153  resiliently biases hook  152  towards the connected position or state in which hook  152  engages a catching surface  60  within aperture  26 . In the example illustrated, bias  153  comprises a compression spring captured between an internal surface of body  155  and hook  152 , wherein movement of hook  152  towards a disconnected state compresses the compression spring serving as bias  153 . In other implementations, bias  153  may comprise a tension spring which is stretched as hook  152  moves from the connected state towards the disconnected state. In yet other implementations, instead of hook  152  being linearly movable between the connected state and the disconnected state, hook  152  may be rotatable between a connected state and a disconnected state or rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position. In such an implementation, hook  152  is resiliently biased to the extended or connected state by a torsion spring captured between an internal structure of body  155  and hook  152 . 
     Release actuator  154  comprises a manually engageable or manually contactable structure operably coupled to hook  152  to move hook  152  against bias  153  from a connecting state to a disconnected or insertion/releasing state. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. 
     In the example illustrated, release actuator  154  comprises a bar slidable or linearly movable within an elongate channel  164  in the direction indicated by arrows  167 . The sliding bar serving as release actuator  154  is operably coupled to hook  152  by one or more force transmitting structures serving as a transmission. As noted above, in other implementations, release actuator  154  may alternatively comprise a dial rotatable so as to rotate hook  152  against the bias  153  between a tablet computer connecting and retaining state and a disconnected, release/insertion state. 
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates expanded tablet computer system  240  formed by accessory bar  220  and tablet computer  222 . Tablet computer  222  comprises display  300 , speaker  301 , battery  302 , memory  304 , communication port  306 , controller  308  and connector interfaces  310 . Display  300  comprises a display panel or display screen by which video, graphics and the like may be visibly presented to a user. In one implementation display  300  covers substantially in entirety of a top or upper surface of tablet computer  222 . In one implementation, display  300  comprises a touch screen, facilitating input of commands, selections and data. Speaker  301  receives audio signals from controller  308  and amplifies such audible signals. 
     Battery  302  comprises a rechargeable battery internally housed within tablet computer  222  for powering tablet computer  222 . In some implementations, battery  302  may additionally power components of accessory bar  220 . In one implementation, battery  302  comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery. In another implementation, battery  302  may comprise other types of batteries. 
     Memory  304  comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium which stores data, instructions for the control of tablet computer  222  and executable applications or programs for tablet computer  222 . In one implementation, memory  304  further stores executable instructions for the operation of one or more components of accessory bar  220 . In one implementation, memory  344  may comprise a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In one implementation, memory  304  comprises an integrated circuit or flash memory. In one implementation, memory  304  is built into the housing of tablet computer  222 . In yet another implementation, memory  304  or portions of memory  304  comprises a removal memory card received within a memory card slot or the like in tablet computer  222 . 
     Communication port  306  comprises a port by which electronic signals representing data or instructions are transmitted between tablet computer  222  and accessory bar  220 . In some implementations, power is also transmitted through communication port  306  to or from accessory bar  220 . Because communication port  306  comprises a female receptacle for receiving corresponding communications plug extending from accessory bar  220 , communication port  306  is less conspicuous and is less likely to catch up on external objects when tablet computer  222  is disconnected from and used independent of accessory bar  220 . 
     Controller  308  comprises one or more processing units to carry out instructions stored in memory  304  to direct the display of graphs and data using display  300  as well as provide sound through one or both of speakers  301  and through supplemental speakers provided in accessory bar  220 . For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller  308  may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. In addition to controlling the operation of tablet computer  222 , controller  308  receives additional inputs and is capable of accessing additional memory provided by accessory bar  220 . 
     Connector interfaces  310  comprise structures extending along edge  224  and configured to interact with corresponding connector interfaces or portions of accessory bar  220  so as to releasably retain and secure accessory bar  220  to and along edge  224  of tablet computer  222 . In the example illustrated, connector interfaces  310  are located on opposite sides of communication port  306  for releasable interconnection of accessory bar  220  and tablet computer  222 . In other implementations, tablet computer  222  may include a single connector interface  310  or greater than two connector interfaces  310 . In one implementation, connector interface  310  comprises an opening and catch surface such as opening  26  and surface  60  described above with respect to tablet computer  22 . 
     Accessory bar  220  releasably connects to tablet computer  22  and includes multiple auxiliary or accessory features/functions. Accessory bar comprises connector  250 , communication/power interface  348 , memory card slot  350 , communication ports  352 , battery  353 , speaker  354 , input  356 , suspension anchors  360  and suspension  362 . Connector  250  connects accessory bar  220  to tablet computer  222 . As shown by  FIG. 5 , accessory bar  220  mates with edge  224  of tablet computer  222  to form expanded tablet computer system  240 . Accessory bar comprises a top face  230  and a bottom face  232 . Top face  230  is parallel to top face  234  and display panel  300  of tablet computer  222  when edge  225  of accessory bar  220  is positioned in abutment with edge  224  and connected to tablet computer  222 . Bottom face  232  is parallel to and coplanar with bottom face  236  of tablet computer  22  when accessory bar  220  is connected to tablet computer  222 . Because bottom face  232  is parallel to and coplanar with bottom face  236  of tablet computer  222 , accessory bar  220  when connected a tablet computer  222  forms a bottom support surface that is level and substantially flat, allowing the expanded tablet computer system  240  formed by accessory bar  220  and tablet computer  222  to horizontally rest upon a flat underlying surface with minimal rocking. 
     As shown by  FIG. 4 , in the example illustrated, accessory bar  220  has side edges  242  which are parallel to and contiguous with side edges  244  of tablet computer  222 . In the example illustrated, top face  230  of accessory bar  220  is also contiguous with top face  234  of tablet computer  22 . As a result, accessory bar  220  matches a thickness and a width of tablet computer  222  to avoid or minimize outwardly projecting edges, shoulders avoids surfaces which might otherwise catch upon other objects when tablet computer  222  is being transported or stored. In addition, the expanded tablet computer system  240  formed by the combination of accessory bar  220  and tablet computer  222  is sleek and more closely resembles a single integral unit. In other implementations, accessory bar  220  may be narrower than tablet computer  222  or wider than tablet  222 . In other implementations, top lace  230  is recessed below or projects above top face  234  of tablet computer  222 . Although illustrated as being connected to tablet computer  222  alone the shorter side of tablet computer  222 , in other implementations, accessory bar  220  is alternatively connected to a longer side of tablet computer  222 . 
     In the example illustrated, connector  250  is similar to connector  150  shown in  FIG. 3  except that connector  250  comprises a pair of hooks  252  (schematically shown), each of hooks  252  being operably coupled to a single release actuator  254 . Each of hooks  252  is resiliently biased by a spring  153  (shown  FIG. 3 ) towards a tablet computer connected state or position and is movable against the bias of spring  153  towards a disconnected, insertion/release position or state in response to engagement of release actuator  254 . Each of hooks  252  extends from edge  225  of connector bar  220  so as to be receivable within openings provided by connector interfaces  310  of tablet computer  222  when accessory bar  220  is connected to tablet computer  222 . 
     Communication/power interface  348  comprises a structure which interfaces with tablet computer  222  to facilitate the transmission of data/control signals and power between accessory bar  220  and tablet computer  222 . In the example illustrated, interface  348  comprises a plug for ejecting from edge  225  of accessory bar  220  which is receivable within communication port  306  of tablet computer  222 . Data signal and power transmission lines pass through interface  348 . In one implementation, such data/control signals are transmitted in a wired fashion. In another implementation, data/control signals are transmitted in a wireless fashion, such as via optical signals or radiofrequency signals, from accessory bar  242  to an interconnected tablet computer  222 . 
     Memory card slot  350  comprises a slot to receive a flash memory card. Memory card slot  350  is located within and along edge  370  of accessory bar  220  opposite to edge  225 . As schematically illustrated memory card slat  350  is connected through interface  348  to controller  308  of tablet computer  222 . As a result, controller  308  of tablet computer  222  is able to access contents of a memory card inserted within memory card slot  350 , expanding the memory capabilities of tablet computer  222 . 
     Communication ports  352  comprise female receptacles or openings along edge  370  facing away from edge  225  of accessory bar  220 . In one implementation, communication ports  352  may comprise universal serial bus (USB ports) or other input/output ports. As schematically illustrated, communication ports  352  are connected through interface  348  to controller  308  of tablet computer  222 . As a result, other devices may be connected to tablet computer  222  using the different types of communication ports  352  provided along edge  370  of accessory bar  220 . Although accessory bar  220  is illustrated as comprising two ports  352 , in other implementations accessory bar  220  may include additional or fewer of such communication ports  352 . 
     Battery  353  comprises a battery carried by accessory bar  220 . In one implementation, batting  353  is rechargeable. In one implementation, battery  353  comprises a lithium-ion battery. In yet other implementations, battery  353  may comprise other forms of rechargeable batteries. Battery  353  is connected to tablet  222  through power transmitting lines extending across interface  348 . Battery  353  powers speaker  354  and further supplies auxiliary power to tablet computer  222 . 
     Speaker  354  is housed within accessory bar  242  and is connected to controller  308  through interface  348  so as to receive audio signals from controller  308  of tablet computer  222  and so as to amplify audio signals from tablet computer  222 . Speaker  354  cooperates with speaker  301  provide improved sound as compared to sound emanating from just speaker  301  alone. 
     Input  356  comprises input device carried by accessory bar  220  facilitating input of data, instructions, commands or selections. In one implementation, input  356  comprises a toggle bar, switch or pushbutton. In the example illustrated, input  356  is used by a user to instruct controller  308  to turn speaker  354  on when enhanced sound is desired or alternatively off when battery power is to be conserved. In another implementation, input  356  is directly connected to speaker  354  so as to turn speaker  354  on an off. In some implementations, input  356  may be omitted. 
     In one implementation, controller  308 , following instructions contained in memory  304 , automatically controls the operation of speaker  354  based upon power levels of battery  302  and battery  353 . For example, in one implementation, controller  308  carries out method  400  set forth in  FIG. 6 . As indicated by step  410  in FIG.  6 , controller  308  monitors power levels of battery  302  and  353 . As indicated by step  412 , based upon remaining power within battery  302  and  353 , controller  308  automatically turns off speaker  354  when such better levels fall below a predefined threshold. In another implementation, controller  308  may automatically disable speaker  354  or cut off power to speaker  354  when battery levels within battery  353  fall below a predefined threshold. In yet another implementation, controller  308  displays prompts and allows a user to operate speaker  354  in one of two modes: a first mode in which speaker  354  draws power from battery  358  as well as battery  302  and a second mode in which speaker  354  is limited to drawing power from battery  358  such that speaker  354  does riot drain power from tablet computer  222 . In other implementations, such control of speaker  354  may carried out in response to control signals generated by a separate processing unit carried by accessory bar  220 . 
     Suspension anchors  360  comprise structures carried by accessory bar  220 , wherein such structures are located, sized and shaped to connect to and support. suspension  362 . In the example illustrated, suspension anchors  360  comprise ears on opposite side edges of accessory bar  220 , such ears having portions to which suspension  362  may be connected. In one implementation, anchors  360  may comprise eyelets, rings or other structures through which suspension  362  may be tied or anchored. Suspension  362  comprises a strap, lanyard, or other structure extending from suspension anchors  360 . In one implementation, suspension  362  has a length to suspend the combined extended tablet computer system  240  from a person&#39;s neck or shoulder. In another implementation, suspension  362  allows the expanded tablet computer system  242  be manually carried. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating an example method  500  that may he carried out by the expanded tablet computer system  240  with accessory bar  220 . As indicated by step  502 , accessory bar  220  is releasably connected to tablet computer  222 . In one of limitation, releasable connection of accessory bar  222  tablet computer  222  is achieved by engaging release actuator  254  to move the hooks  252  into insertion position, inserting such hooks  252  into apertures of interfaces  310  and then releasing the release actuator  254  such that hooks  252  are resiliently moved to a connected state, securing accessory bar  220  to tablet computer  222 . 
     As indicated by step  504 , accessory bar  220  receives external signals through communication ports  352 . As indicated by step  506 , such external signals received by communication ports  352  are transmitted to tablet computer  222  across communication interlace  348 . As a result, accessory bar  220  provides tablet computer  222  with a larger array of different types of communication ports  352 , increasing the versatility of tablet computer  222 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate expanded tablet computer system  640 , an example implementation of expanded tablet computer system  240 . Expanded tablet computer system  640  comprises tablet computer accessory bar  620  and tablet computer  622 .  FIG. 8  illustrates accessory bar  620  connected to suspension  362  while being separated or disconnected from tablet computer  622 .  FIG. 9  illustrates accessory bar  620  connected to tablet computer  622  without suspension  362 . Tablet computer  622  is similar to tablet computer  222  described above. 
     Tablet computer accessory bar  620  is similar to accessory bar  220  except that tablet computer accessory bar  620  is illustrated as specifically comprising communication ports  652  in lieu of communication ports  352 . Those remaining components of expanded tablet computer system  640  which correspond to components of expanded tablet computer system  240  are numbered similarly. Tablet computer accessory bar  620  is releasably mountable to tablet computer  622  and provides tablet computer  622  with an additional memory slot  354  receiving a memory card  670  and a multitude of additional communication ports  652  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) that allow a larger array of communication input/output lines  672  with different connector styles. As with accessory bar  220 , accessory bar  620  also provides auxiliary or supplemental battery power with battery  653  and supplemental speakers  654 . In other implementations, tablet computer accessory bar  620  may alternatively omit one or more of the above-described accessory features or functions. For example, in other implementations, accessory bar  620  may omit suspension anchors  360 , may omit speaker  654 , may omit memory slot  350 , may omit one or more of communication ports  652  or may omit battery  653 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.