Cable docking system and method for a computer

[0002] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a cable docking system and method for a computer, more particularly, to such a system in which a cable connector can be locked in electrical engagement with the computer.

[0003] Docking stations and port replicators for portable computers, such as laptop computers and notebook computers, are very popular. Recent designs include cable docking systems according to which the traditional docking stations and port replicators are eliminated in favor of a docking box that is stored underneath the desk or on the floor, and is connected to the portable computer by a connecting cable.

[0004] The docking box contains essentially the same electronics as a docking station or port replicator, as well as ports, terminals, connectors, and the like to permit connection to monitors, printers, etc. in the same manner as the docking stations and port replicators. One end of a connecting cable is connected to the docking box, and the other end of the cable is provided with a connector, usually of the multipin variety, that is connected to the portable computer. Thus, rather than being docked, the portable computer is simply connected to the latter end of the connecting cable. Thus, the connection can be made quickly and easily, and considerable desk space is saved when compared to the conventional docking stations and port replicators.

[0005] However, security issues are raised with these types of cable docking systems because it is fairly easy for an unauthorized person to simply disconnect the cable from the portable computer and abscond with the computer.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a cable docking system which provides increased security.

[0007] To this end, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a cable docking system and method according to which a connector is secured to one end of a cable, a terminal on the connector is engaged with a corresponding terminal on a computer, or other signal generating device, and a locking mechanism locks the connector or device with the terminals in engagement.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a computer according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a isometric view of the computer of FIG. 1 shown in connection with the cable docking system according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0010] FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged isometric views of a portion of the cable docking system of FIG. 2, shown disconnected and connected, respectively.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 in connection with a portable computer, referred to, in general, by the reference numeral 10. The computer 10 includes a chassis 12 in which a motherboard 14 is mounted. A processor 16 is connected to the motherboard 14, and a plurality of memory devices, or modules, 18 and two input/output (I/O) devices 20 are mounted on the motherboard. Two buses 22aand 22bare also provided on the motherboard 14 and connect the processor 16 to the memory modules 18 and to the input/output devices 20, respectively. The memory modules 18 provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the processor 16.

[0012] A power supply 24 is connected to the motherboard 14, and a pair of cable assemblies 26aand 26vconnect to the motherboard 14 to a hard drive unit 28aand a disk drive 28b,respectively. It is understood that other components, electrical traces, electrical circuits and related devices (not shown) are provided in the chassis 12. Because these are all conventional, they will not be described in any further detail.

[0013] A computer system including the computer 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The computer 10 is in the form of a portable computer, such as a laptop computer or notebook computer, which contains the above components in addition to a conventional keyboard and display (not shown). The computer 10 is shown resting on a table 30, and a docking box 32 is mounted underneath the table. In the latter context, two tabs 32aand 32bare provided that extend from either side of the box 32 for bolting the box to the table.

[0014] One end of a cable 36 has a multipin connector 38 attached thereto which is adapted to be connected to the computer 10 in a manner to be described. The other end of the cable 36 can be permanently attached to the box 32, or can have a connector, similar or identical to the connector 38, for attaching to an appropriate terminal on the box. The cable 36 is preferably constructed of a relatively heavy, reinforced steel braiding shielding material to increase its resistance to cutting.

[0015] Two cables 40 and 42 are provided that have connectors 44 and 46, respectively attached to one end thereof for connecting to ancillary equipment, such as a monitor, keyboard, printer, or the like (not shown). The other ends of the cables 40 and 42 can be permanently attached to the box 32, or can have a connector, similar to the connectors 44 and 46, for attaching to an appropriate terminal or receptacle on the box 32.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 3, the rear end of the computer 10 is provided with a conventional female terminal, or receptacle, 50. Also provided are two posts 52 and 54 extending from the latter end of the computer and adjacent the respective ends of the terminal 50. The post 52 is provided with a central bore 52aand the post 54 is provided with a slot 54a,for reasons to be described.

[0017] The connector 38 includes a body member 56 having a conventional male terminal 58 formed on its leading end for insertion in the terminal 50 of the computer 10 to electrically connect the connector 38, and therefore the cable 36 and the docking box 32, to the terminal 50, and therefore the computer 10. Thus, signals from the computer 10 can be transferred to the docking box 32 for operating the above-mentioned ancillary equipment. Because the terminals 50 and 58 are conventional, they will not be described in detail.

[0018] A pin 60 projects outwardly from a side portion of the body member 56, and is adapted to be inserted into the bore 52aof the post 52. The pin 60 functions as a guide to properly align the terminal 58 relative to the terminal 50.

[0019] A locking mechanism 64 is provided in the other side portion of the body member 56 and includes a pin 66 mounted for rotation in the latter side portion. The leading end portion of the pin 66 projects outwardly from the body member 56 and is provided with a cross piece 66athat extends perpendicular to the axis of the pin and is attached to the pin in any know manner. The locking mechanism 64 also includes a key 68 that extends in a properly configured opening in the other end of the latter side portion of the body member 56. The arrangement is such that rotation of the key causes corresponding rotation of the pin 66 and the cross piece 66afor approximately ninety degrees.

[0020] Although shown in phantom in the drawings, it is understood that an additional slot 54bis provided in the interior of the post 54 that extends perpendicular to the slot 54a.Therefore, when the pin 66 and the cross piece 66a are inserted in the slot 54aand rotated approximately ninety degrees by the key 68, the cross piece 66amoves into the additional slot to retain the crosspiece, and therefore the pin, in the post 54, as shown in FIG. 4. The connector 38, and therefore the terminal 58 are thus locked to the computer 10 as shown with the terminals 50 and 58 in engagement, The key 68 can then be removed to insure that the connector 38 is retained in its locked position. Of course, the connector 38 can be unlocked from the terminal 50 by simply reversing the above steps. This type of looking mechanism is known as a “Kensington Lock” and is, per se, fully disclosed at the website (www.kensington.com) of the Kensington Technology Group, with the disclosure hereby being Incorporated by reference.

[0021] Therefore, security against theft of the computer system disclosed above, including the computer and the locking system, is limited only by the strength and resistance to cutting of the cable and thus makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for an intruder to remove the computer from the locking system and abscond with the computer.

[0022] It is understood that variations may be made in the above without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the above embodiment is not limited to the particular locking mechanism 64. Also, the locking mechanism could include a lock that is password-activated by the software in the computer. Further, the docking box 32 can be disposed at other locations such as the floor adjacent the desk 30. Still further, the bore 52acould be internally threaded and the pin 60 could be externally threaded and rotatably mounted in the side portion of the body member to enable it to be rotated to place it in threaded engagement with the bore. Moreover, the locking mechanism 64 can also be used in connection with the post 52 of the computer 10. Also, the end of the cable 36 opposite the end that is connected to the connector 38 can be connected to the box 32 by a connector which can be conventional, or which can be identical to the connector 38 to enable the connector to be looked to the box in the above manner. Further, the terminals 50 and 58 can be replaced with terminals of a different type to establish the electrical connection between the cable 36 and the computer 10. Still further, the computer 10 does not necessarily have to be a portable computer and the embodiment described above is equally applicable to other environments according to which an electrical signal transferring cable is locked to a electrical signal generating device other than a computer.

[0023] Other modifications, changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the disclosure will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.