Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7715186?dq=7,053,767
Timestamp: 2014-07-14 05:32:03
Document Index: 324033989

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 130', 'art 131', 'art 132', 'art 131', 'art 130', 'art 132', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'art 131', 'art 131', 'arts 134', 'art 131', 'arts 134', 'art 131', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 130', 'art 132', 'art 130', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'arts 135', 'art 132', 'arts 135', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'art 140', 'art 141', 'art 142', 'art 141', 'art 140', 'art 142', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 141', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 141', 'art 141', 'arts 144', 'art 141', 'arts 144', 'art 141', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'art 142', 'arts 145', 'art 142', 'arts 145', 'art 142', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140', 'art 140']

Patent US7715186 - Case of extending base for electronic device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA case of an extending base for an electronic device includes a body, a cover, and at least two link elements. The body has a hollow. The cover is disposed aside the hollow. Each link element has a first pivot part, a first block part, a second pivot part, and a first elastic member. The first pivot...http://www.google.com/patents/US7715186?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7715186 - Case of extending base for electronic deviceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7715186 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/707,912Publication dateMay 11, 2010Filing dateFeb 20, 2007Priority dateFeb 20, 2007Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20080198537Publication number11707912, 707912, US 7715186 B2, US 7715186B2, US-B2-7715186, US7715186 B2, US7715186B2InventorsPing-Huang Kuo, Yi-Hsun Hung, Ming-Chan Hsieh, Chia-Min ChengOriginal AssigneeInventec CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (25), Referenced by (1), Classifications (10), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetCase of extending base for electronic deviceUS 7715186 B2Abstract A case of an extending base for an electronic device includes a body, a cover, and at least two link elements. The body has a hollow. The cover is disposed aside the hollow. Each link element has a first pivot part, a first block part, a second pivot part, and a first elastic member. The first pivot part has a first end pivoted on the body and a second end connected to the first block part. The second pivot part has a first end pivoted on the cover and a second end connected to the first block part. The first elastic member provides a force to push the first block part from a first position to a second position so as to correspondingly push the cover. Herein, when the first block part is positioned at the first position, the first block part is separated from the body and the cover covers the body. In addition, when the first block part is positioned at the second position, the first block part is in contact with the body and the cover is separated from the body.
a body, which has at least one hollow;
a cover, which is disposed aside the hollow; and
at least two link elements, each of which has a first pivot part, a first block part, a second pivot part, and a first elastic member;
wherein the first pivot part has a first end pivoted on the body and a second end connected to the first block part, the second pivot part has a first end pivoted on the cover and a second end connected to the first block part, the first elastic member provides a force to push the first block part from a first position to a second position so as to correspondingly push the cover, the first block part is separated from the body and the cover covers the body when the first block part is positioned at the first position, and the first block part is in contact with the body and the cover is separated from the body when the first block part is positioned at the second position.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the body further includes at least two through holes for the second pivot parts to go through.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is a torsion spring.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the body further has at least one auxiliary positioning element having a third pivot part, a second block part, a fourth pivot part, and a second elastic member, the third pivot part has a first end pivoted on the body and a second end connected to the second block part, the fourth pivot part has a first end pivoted on the cover and a second end connected to the second block part, and the second elastic member provides a force to pull the second block part toward the third pivot part, thereby positioning the second block part at a first position or a second position.
5. The case of claim 4, wherein when the second block part is positioned at the first position, the second block part is separated from the body and the cover covers the body; and when the second block part is positioned at the second position, the first block part is in contact with the body and the cover is separated from the body.
6. The case of claim 4, wherein the first elastic member is an extension spring.
7. The case of claim 1, wherein the cover further has at least one hook to catch the body.
8. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is for an extending base for an electronic device. Description
The invention relates to a case and, in particular, to a case of an extending base for an electronic device.
Laptop computers have the advantages of being light and compact. For the sake of mobility, some of them have fewer peripheral input/output (I/O) ports in order to reduce the number of elements and the size. For non-mobile applications, the laptop computer can be connected to an I/O port extending base for complete peripheral I/O functions.
Generally speaking, the I/O port extending base has specific sizes for specific models of laptop computers. For example, the extending base for a 14-inch laptop computer usually cannot connect with a 15-inch laptop computer. In that case, the manufacturers have to make extending bases for each size laptop computer. This inevitably increases the product cost.
Moreover, various types of I/O ports (e.g., RS-232, RJ-45, PS2, VGA, USB, etc) on the usual extending base are directly exposed. Although it is easier for the user to plug in or unplug cables, the overall appearance of the laptop computer suffers due to the exposed I/O ports. Moreover, dust is likely to accumulate thereon. If these I/O ports are hidden inside a case, the appearance is improved. However, the space of such a case is limited and it is more difficult for the user to plug in or unplug cables.
Therefore, it is an important subject to provide a case of an extending base for an electronic device that can solve the above mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, the invention is to provide a case of an extending base for an electronic device that can be easily opened.
To achieve the above, the invention discloses a case of an extending base including a body, a cover, and at least two link elements. The body has a hollow, and the cover is disposed aside the hollow. Each link element has a first pivot part, a first block part, a second pivot part, and a first elastic member. The first pivot part has a first end pivoted on the body and a second end connected to the first block part. The second pivot part has a first end pivoted on the cover and a second end connected to the first block part. The first elastic member provides a force to push the first block part from a first position to a second position so as to correspondingly push the cover. Herein, when the first block part is positioned at the first position, the first block part is separated from the body and the cover covers the body. In addition, when the first block part is positioned at the second position, the first block part is in contact with the body and the cover is separated from the body.
As mentioned above, the case of an extending base for an electronic device according to the invention has the link elements to help to open its cover. The hollow of the body can be exposed once the cover is opened. Thus, it is convenient for the user to plug/remove cables into/from the I/O ports of the case.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a case of an extending base according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the link element in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is another schematic view of the case of an extending base according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the auxiliary positioning element in FIG. 3.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the case of an extending base for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the link element and the auxiliary positioning element inside the case 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosed case 1 of an extending base for an electronic device includes a body 11, a cover 12, and at least two link elements 13. The body 11 has a hollow 111, two bases 112, and two through holes 114. The cover 12 is disposed aside the hollow 111. Each link element 13 has a first block part 130, a first pivot part 131, a second pivot part 132, and a first elastic member 133. The first pivot part 131 has a first end pivoted on the body 11 and a second end connected to the first block part 130. The second pivot part 132 has a first end pivoted on the cover 12 and a second end connected to the first block part 130. The first elastic member 133 provides a force to push the first block part 130 from a first position to a second position so as to correspondingly push the cover 12.
When the first block part 130 is positioned at the first position, the first block part 130 is separated from the body 11 and the cover 12 covers the body 11. When the first block part 130 is pushed by the first elastic member 133 and then positioned at the second position, the first block part 130 is in contact with the body 11 and the cover 12 is separated from the body 11.
In this embodiment, the cover 12 and the first block part 130 of the link element 13 are respectively installed on two opposite surfaces of the body 11. The cover 12 is disposed on the outer surface of the body 11 and partially covers the hollow 111. The first block part 130 of the link element 13 is disposed on the inner surface of the body 11. To connect the link element 13 and the cover 12, the second pivot part 132 of the link element 13 goes through the through hole 114 and extends toward the hollow 111. In addition, the second pivot part 132 of the link element 13 pivots about the cover 12.
The first end of the first pivot part 131 pivots on the base 112 of the body 11. In more detailed, the base 112 has small holes 113, and the first pivot part 131 has protruding parts 134. The first end of the first pivot part 131 of the link element 13 can be pressed inward before it is put into the base 112. Accordingly, the protruding parts 134 of the link element 13 can be inserted into the small holes 113 on the base 112. Therefore, the link element 13 can rotate about the axis of the first end of the first pivot part 131, which is also the center of the small holes 113. In this case, the axis is parallel to the body 11.
The first elastic member 133 is a torsion spring disposed by the base 112. Its one end is connected to the first block part 130, and its other end is disposed on the body 11 or connected to the body 11. When the cover 12 covers the body 11, the first block part 130 is positioned at the first position (the first block part 130 is separated from the body 11). In this case, the first elastic member 133 is depressed and produces an elastic restoring force. To open the cover 12 with respect to the body 11, the link element 13 rotates along a first direction D1 so that the first block part 130 touches the body 11. Additionally, the second pivot part 132 pushes the cover 12 away from the hollow 111. The elastic restoring force helps rotate the link element 13 along the first direction D1. Therefore, the cover 12 can be readily opened, exposing the hollow 111. It this thus convenient for the user to plug/remove a cable into/from the I/O port in the hollow 111 of the body 1.
Moreover, the user can exert a force on the cover 12, so that it moves toward the body 11. In this case, the link element 13 rotates along a second direction D2, while the first block part 130 departs from the body 11 until the cover 12 covers the body 11.
Since the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member 133 tends to push the cover 12 away from the body 11, the cover 12 has a plurality of hooks 120 in order to fix the cover 12 to the body 11. The hooks 120 can catch the body 11, so that the cover 12 can be fixed to the body 11.
Moreover, the first end of the second pivot part 132 is pivoted on a base 121 of the cover 12. The base 121 has small holes 122, and the second pivot part 132 has protruding parts 135. The first end of the second pivot part 132 of the link element 13 can be pressed inward before it is put into the base 121. Accordingly, the protruding parts 135 of the link element 13 can be inserted into the small holes 122 on the base 121. Therefore, the link element 13 can rotate about the axis of the first end of the second pivot part 132, which is also the center of the small holes 122. In this case, the axis is parallel to the cover 12.
After the cover 12 is departed from the hollow 111, it can rotate about the first end of the second pivot part 132 to expose the whole hollow 111. This makes it convenient for the user to use elements disposed inside the hollow 111 of the body 11.
Moreover, FIG. 3 is another schematic view of the disclosed case of the extending base of an electronic device. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the auxiliary positioning element inside the case 3. To increase the stability between the cover 12 and the body 11 when the former covers or separates from the latter, the case 1 further includes an auxiliary positioning element 14. The auxiliary positioning element 14 has a second block part 140, a third pivot part 141, a fourth pivot part 142, and a second elastic member 143. The third pivot part 141 has a first end pivoted on the body 11 and a second end connected to the second block part 140. The fourth pivot part 142 has a first end pivoted on the cover 12 and a second end connected to the second block part 140. The second elastic member 143 provides a force to pull the second block part 140 toward the first end of the third pivot part 141. The second block 140 is thus positioned at the first position or the second position.
When the second block part 140 is positioned at the first position, the second block part 140 is separated from the body 11 and the cover 12 covers the body 11. When the second block part 140 is positioned at the second position, the second block part 140 is in contact with the body 11 and the cover 12 is separated from the body 11.
The first end of the third pivot part 141 is pivoted on a base 115 of the body 11. In the embodiment, the third pivot part 141 has protruding parts 144. The third pivot part 141 can be pressed inward before it is put into the base 115. The protruding parts 144 can be inserted into the small holes 116 on the base 115. Therefore, the auxiliary positioning element 14 can rotate about the axis of the first end of the first pivot part 141, which is also the center of the small holes 116. The rotational axis is parallel to the body 11.
The auxiliary positioning element 14 is disposed on the inner surface of the body 11. In order for the auxiliary positioning element 14 and the cover 12 to be combined together, the fourth pivot part 142 of the auxiliary positioning element 14 goes through a through hole 117 of the body 11 and extends toward the hollow 111. In addition, the fourth pivot part 142 of the auxiliary positioning element 14 pivots on the cover 12.
The first end of the fourth pivot part 142 is pivoted on a base 123 of the cover 12. The base 123 has small holes 124, and the fourth pivot part 142 has protruding parts 145. The second end on the fourth pivot part 142 of the auxiliary positioning element 14 can be pressed inward before it is put into the base 123. The protruding parts 145 of the auxiliary positioning element 14 can be inserted into the small holes 124 on the base 123. Therefore, the auxiliary positioning element 14 can rotate about the axis of the second end of the fourth pivot part 142, which is also the center of the small holes 124. The rotational axis is parallel to the cover 12.
The second elastic member 143 is an extension spring, with its both ends connecting to the base 115 and the second block part 140. The second elastic member 143 has a larger elastic restoring force than the first elastic member 133. The restoring forces of the two elastic members are in opposite directions.
When the second block part 140 is positioned at the first position, the second block part 140 is separated from the body 11 and the cover 12 covers the body 11. The second elastic member 143 pulls the second block part 140 so that the cover 12 stably covers the body 11.
When the second block part 140 is positioned at the second position, the second block part 140 is in contact with the body 11 and the cover 12 is separated from the body 11. The elastic restoring force of the second elastic member 143 has a zero or almost zero component along the second direction D2. Therefore, the second elastic member 143 does not pull the second block part 140 to rotate along the second direction D2.
Furthermore, to cover the body 11 with the cover 12, the second elastic member 143 with a larger elastic restoring force helps pull the second block part 140 to rotate along the second direction D2 and to move the cover 12 toward the hollow 111. Therefore, the second block part 140 departs from the body 11, and the cover 12 covers the body 11.
In this embodiment, the case 1 is the case of the extending base of an electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer). The hollow 111 of the body 11 accommodates the RS-232, RJ-45, PS2, VGA, and USB I/O ports. The user can plug/remove cables into/from the I/O ports.
In summary, the case of an extending base for an electronic device according to the invention has the link elements to help to open its cover. The hollow of the body can be exposed once the cover is opened. Thus, it is convenient for the user to plug/remove cables into/from the I/O ports of the case.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5159533 *May 7, 1991Oct 27, 1992Kuang Ma HPortable note-book computer expansion device with disk drivesUS5199888 *Jan 24, 1992Apr 6, 1993Compaq Computer CorporationApparatus for covering the electrical connectors of a notebook computerUS5460547 *Aug 10, 1993Oct 24, 1995Zenith Data Systems CorporationPort replicatorUS5568359 *May 24, 1995Oct 22, 1996Dell Usa, L.P.Portable computer desktop docking systemUS5574625 *Jul 25, 1995Nov 12, 1996Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaPortable information processing apparatus having multiple rotatable port coversUS5724226 *Jun 14, 1996Mar 3, 1998Compaq Computer CorporationHousing access door construction for a portable computer docking stationUS5738536 *Sep 20, 1996Apr 14, 1998Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaPortable electronic apparatus having a connector cover which can be housed in a caseUS5738537 *Jan 17, 1996Apr 14, 1998Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaExternal extension apparatus for extending the function of a portable electronic apparatusUS5837942 *Oct 4, 1995Nov 17, 1998Becker; Paul R.Computer CPU plug protector and coverUS6002581 *Aug 19, 1997Dec 14, 1999Gateway 2000, Inc.Lap top computer system with elevating port coverUS6043976 *Dec 23, 1997Mar 28, 2000Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.Docking base for a portable computerUS6501646 *Oct 20, 1999Dec 31, 2002Nec CorporationDocking apparatus for note-type personal computer having improved releasing functionUS6519142 *Oct 31, 2001Feb 11, 2003Inventec Appliances Corp.Electronic device having removable coverUS6674639 *Jan 18, 2002Jan 6, 2004High Tech Computer, Corp.Protective cover with ternary structureUS6709032 *Dec 3, 2002Mar 23, 2004Lite-On It CorporationCover-locking device for optical disk driveUS6757166 *Jun 11, 2002Jun 29, 2004Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp.System and method for multistage security of portable computing device and attachable expansion deviceUS6948966 *Nov 19, 2001Sep 27, 2005Fujitsu LimitedPortable-type information apparatusUS7123487 *May 30, 2003Oct 17, 2006Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.Card interface deviceUS7443661 *Jun 20, 2005Oct 28, 2008Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.Protection device for connectorsUS7503808 *Aug 29, 2007Mar 17, 2009Olympic Controls Corp.Connector device for computersUS7639495 *Apr 19, 2007Dec 29, 2009Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.Computer panel for protecting optical disc driveUS20020154478 *Jun 25, 2002Oct 24, 2002Hideki KamimakiInformation processing unit and information processing related unitsUS20040061996 *Aug 5, 2002Apr 1, 2004Dell Products L.P.Open access monitor stand with multiple APR mounting locationsUS20050286216 *Apr 28, 2005Dec 29, 2005Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Computer front bezelUS20060221561 *Jan 20, 2006Oct 5, 2006Qin GuoCover mechanism for data storage device* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS20130147332 *Apr 28, 2012Jun 13, 2013Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Housing for hard disk drive* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification361/679.4, 312/223.1, 361/679.41, 312/223.2, 361/679.45International ClassificationG06F1/16Cooperative ClassificationG06F1/1616, G06F1/1656European ClassificationG06F1/16P1F, G06F1/16P9ELegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionOct 16, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Feb 20, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: INVENTEC CORPORATION, TAIWANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KUO, PING-HUANG;HUNG, YI-HSUN;HSIEH, MING-CHAN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019001/0235Effective date: 20070125Owner name: INVENTEC CORPORATION,TAIWANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KUO, PING-HUANG;HUNG, YI-HSUN;HSIEH, MING-CHAN AND OTHERS;US-ASSIGNMENT DATABASE UPDATED:20100511;REEL/FRAME:19001/235RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google