US4788658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for connecting computer components
Assignee: Dell USA LP
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Filing: 1986-07-03
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Granted: 1988-11-29
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Expires: 2006-07-03
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates primarily to a new apparatus that can be used to electrically and/or physically connect computer components. More particularly, the present invention is directed to apparatus which can be used to quickly and easily connect a small portable computer to peripheral equipment such as a modem, mass storage device, printer, display or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles E. Hanebuth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:54
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1632; G06F1/18; G06F1/181
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
Apparatus for temporarily mechanically containing and electrically connecting plural computer components together into a unitary assembly, comprising: (a) a portable lap-top computer module, said computer module including a first housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, opposite side surfaces and a back surface, one of said surfaces including a first electrical connector member; (b) a first peripheral equipment assembly, said assembly including a second housing defining a U-shaped channel for receiving and containing said lap-top computer module within said U-shaped channel, and at least one peripheral component contained within said second housing and capable of being used in conjunction with said lap-top computer; and (c) said first peripheral equipment assembly including means receiving said first electrical connector for electrically coupling said lap-top computer with said peripheral equipment assembly for transmission of power and data representing signals between said lap-top computer and said peripheral equipment assembly when said lap-top computer is fitted into said U-shaped channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
Apparatus for temporarily mechanically containing and electrically connecting plural computer components together into a unitary assembly, comprising: (a) a portable lap-top computer module, said computer module including a first housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, opposite side surfaces and a back surface, one of said surfaces including a first electrical connector member; (b) a first peripheral equipment assembly, said assembly including a second housing defining a U-shaped channel for receiving and containing said lap-top computer module within said U-shaped channel, and at least one peripheral component contained within said second housing and capable of being used in conjunction with said lap-top computer; and (c) said first peripheral equipment assembly including means receiving said first electrical connector for electrically coupling said lap-top computer with said peripheral equipment assembly for transmission of power and data representing signals between said lap-top computer and said peripheral equipment assembly when said lap-top computer is fitted into said U-shaped channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lap-top computer contains a plurality of components including processing means, memory means, display means, and data entry means each of which are electrically connected to said first connector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for receiving said first electrical connector comprises a second connector for electrically connecting the peripheral components contained within said second housing to said first connector member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said U-shaped channel is dimensioned for properly aligning the lap-top computer and the peripheral equipment assembly so that said first connector and said second connector mate with one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 4 and further including an alignment pin associated with the peripheral equipment assembly and a corresponding pin receiving bore associated with the lap-top computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further including: (a) a second peripheral equipment assembly comprised of a third housing and at least one additional peripheral component electrically connected to said lap-top computer and said second peripheral equipment assembly dimensioned to fit together within said U-shaped channel of said first peripheral equipment assembly; and (b) means for electrically connecting said second peripheral equipment assembly to said lap-top computer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first peripheral equipment assembly includes printing means, memory means and display means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first peripheral equipment assembly includes printing means and memory means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-11-29 | 1992-05-30 | 1992-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-11-29 | 1996-05-30 | 1996-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-11-29 | 2000-05-30 | 2000-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |