Patent ID: 8397176

Claim:
An application framework implemented in a computer having a processor for executing instructions stored in non-transitory tangible computer readable memory, the instructions when executed providing: an application window relating to an application provided on a predetermined portion of a display forming part of the computer system having: a working area comprising a first predetermined portion of the application window; and a docker designated area comprising a second predetermined portion of the application window, the second predetermined portion being less than a complete area of the application window; one or more flyout buttons for activating a dockable drop-down dialog; a drop-down system including: drop-down functionality for dropping a dialog, as the dockable drop-down dialog, from the one or more flyout buttons, wherein the dialog presents a plurality of user interface components allowing the user to work with the dialog; and tear-off functionality for tearing-off the dockable drop-down dialog; a docking system including: floating functionality for floating the tom-off dockable drop-down dialog on the working area of the application window; and docking functionality for docking the tom-off dockable drop-down dialog within the docker designated area of the application window, the docking functionality automatically arranging the location of the dockable drop-down dialog within the docker designated area, and a merge function for selectively enabling and disabling the docking functionality for the dockable drop-down dialog with the docker designated area.