US 7,976,337 B1Granted

Palmtop computer docking system with USB cable assembly

AssigneePalm, Inc.

InventorsMichael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, John Byrne

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Abstract

A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a palmtop computer connection mechanism that is connected to a USB connector and that is connected to a power connection mechanism via an electrical cable. Power is provided via the power connection mechanism. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the USB connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A cable assembly, comprising:

a docking cradle housing comprising a button, a back surface, an opening extending through said back surface, and a connection mechanism located inside of said docking cradle housing and electrically coupled to said button;
a first cable comprising a first end and a second end;
a second cable comprising a first end and a second end;
a third cable;
a first connector coupled to said first end of said first cable, wherein said first connector is connected through said opening to said connection mechanism to form an electrical coupling to a first computing device;
a second connector coupled to said first end of said second cable, wherein said second connector is operable for removably coupling to a second computing device, wherein said first cable and said second cable facilitate data synchronization between said first computing device and said second computing device, wherein said data synchronization is operable to update content of said first computing device with content of said second computing device and vice versa;
and
a power receiving unit coupled to said second end of said first cable and further coupled to said second end of said second cable, and wherein said power receiving unit comprises a housing and a power connector which receives power from a power source, via said third cable coupled to said power connector, for transmission to said first connector independent from power received from said second computing device via said second cable, wherein said second end of said second cable is integrated into said housing of said power receiving unit.

5 more elements

A cable assembly, comprising:

a docking cradle housing comprising a button, a back surface, an opening extending through said back surface, and a connection mechanism located inside of said docking cradle housing and electrically coupled to said button;
a first cable comprising a first end and a second end;
a second cable comprising a first end and a second end;
a power cable;
a first connector coupled to said first end of said first cable, wherein said first connector is connected through said opening to said connection mechanism to form an electrical coupling to a first computing device;
a second connector coupled to said first end of said second cable, wherein said second connector is operable for removably coupling to a second computing device, wherein said first cable and said second cable facilitate data synchronization between said first computing device and said second computing device, wherein said data synchronization is operable to update content of said first computing device with content of said second computing device and vice versa;
and
a power receiving unit coupled to said second end of said first cable, and wherein said power receiving unit is further coupled to said second end of said second cable, and wherein said power receiving unit comprises a housing and a power connector which receives power from a power source, via said power cable coupled to said power connector, for transmission to said first connector independent from power received from said second computing device via said second cable, wherein said second end of said second cable is integrated into said housing of said power receiving unit.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/222,123Filed 16 Aug 2002 · division
Priority: 7 Mar 2001
Granted: 12 Jul 2011
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

G06F 1/1632
For portable computers: external expansion units, e.g. docking stations
G06F 1/26
Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00: power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
H01R 31/02
Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart: intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel,…
H01R 31/06
Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart: intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter