Latching Patents (Class 361/679.43)
  • Patent number: 8854805
    Abstract: Apparatus and devices for carrying a storage device and adapting it to a slot for a storage device having a different form factor. The system comprises an opening means for elastically deforming a shape of the system from an original shape so that the carrier may receive the storage device. The system also comprises restraining means for constraining the motion of the storage device within the system when the system returns to the original shape. Furthermore, the system comprises a spacing means for aligning the storage device with the slot while the storage device is restrained within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Dunham, Alan T. Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20140285963
    Abstract: An automatically-lockable, shock absorbing dock for a portable computer, the dock comprising: a top plate configured to receive a portable computer, said top plate comprising: an automatic locking mechanism for securing the portable computer to said top plate, a set of connectivity ports, and a port replicator configured to connect the portable computer to the set of connectivity ports; and multiple pairs of shock absorbers connected to a bottom surface of said top plate and configured to connect to a target surface, wherein each pair of shock absorbers is coaxially-positioned and connected to opposite sides of said bottom surface, and wherein each shock absorber has an essentially equal resiliency in its x, y and z axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Alex Vasilevsky
  • Publication number: 20140285962
    Abstract: A housing for a slate tablet computer is composed of a frame component and an input component. The frame component is removably attached to the input component. A support mechanism attached to the input component, wherein the support mechanism extends from the input component to oppose inadvertent rotating of the slate tablet computer housing around a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component. In an alternate implementation, a support mechanism attached to the frame component is used to prevent the inadvertent rotating of the slate tablet computer housing around a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kai Staats, Leonard Roach, Christopher Miller
  • Publication number: 20140268543
    Abstract: Disclosed is a docking station for holding a plurality of external connectors in position to interface with an electronic device including a main body having a first side and a second side, a positioning member extending vertically from the first side of the main body for receiving the electronic device, a stabilizing member extending horizontally on the second side, a first through-hole extending from the first side to the second side, and a fastening mechanism for securing an external connector in the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew Leigh Vroom, Benjamin Edwards Maskell
  • Patent number: 8837121
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism, which connects a first member and a second member, comprising: a plurality of bases, a plurality of shafts, which are provided at the plurality of bases one by one, and protrude from the bases, a plurality of shaft receiving units, which are provided in the second member, and include shaft holes into which the shafts are rotatably fitted, respectively, and a regulating stopper, wherein when a force is applied at the regulating stopper, the regulating stopper is bent from a position where the regulating stopper contacts with a regulated unit to a position where the regulating stopper does not contact with the regulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koyo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8830668
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whit, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8830664
    Abstract: A ground member of a personal electronic device includes a base and a first deflection arm formed of a portion of the base. The first deflection arm exposes a cutout portion of the base and is bent along a first bend line. The cutout portion is dimensioned to engage with a complementary dimensioned support member and the first deflection arm is configured to deflect and engage with the support member in response to insertion of the support member in the cutout portion. The ground member further includes a second deflection arm extending from the base and bent along a second bend line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Mitchell Kole, Charles B. Woodhull, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20140247551
    Abstract: An electronic device, including: a first body, a second body, a first coupling member and a second coupling member; in the case where the first body and the second body are located in a first relative position, the first body and the second body are coupled together by cooperation between the first coupling member and the second coupling member; and in the case where the first body and the second body are located in a second relative position different from the first relative position, the first body and the second body are decoupled from each other by cooperation between the first coupling member and the second coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaosong Xia, Liang Han
  • Patent number: 8824135
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a function expanding apparatus, including: a mounting base section adapted to receive an information processing apparatus placed thereon solely or together with a battery mounted on a bottom face of the information processing apparatus; and a first connector movable in response to presence or absence of the battery until the first connector is connected to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Tachibana
  • Patent number: 8817477
    Abstract: The assembly comprises: a car radio with a housing and a removable half front plate; a mounting sheath; means for securing the housing in the sheath; and means for unlocking the housing, said means comprising a tool suitable for being inserted in at least two orifices formed in the front face of the housing. These two orifices are formed in a central zone of the housing that is hidden by the front plate when it is mounted on the housing, and that is visible when the front plate is separated from the housing. The assembly has essentially no peripheral cover fitted thereto. The U-shaped tool makes it easy to extract the car radio using one hand in a single movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventors: Bertrand Vignau-Lous, Hocine Belkhoudja
  • Patent number: 8817456
    Abstract: A connection assembly comprises a bracket, a linkage element, a first elastic element, a trigger element, and a second elastic element. The first elastic element is connected with the bracket and the linkage element. One end of the trigger element is fixed on the bracket. The second elastic element is connected to the trigger element and the bracket. When the electronic apparatus is not connected to the dock, the linkage element is located at a first position of the trigger element, and the first elastic element stores a first elastic force. When the electronic apparatus is connected to the dock, the trigger element receives an external force so that the second elastic element stores a second elastic force, and the first elastic element releases the first elastic force to move the linkage element to a second position of the trigger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Hsien Lin, San-Feng Lin, Hui-Wen Chiu
  • Publication number: 20140233172
    Abstract: A mobile device interface platform, often referred to as a ‘docking station’. The docking station is universal in that a variety of different types, sizes and configurations of mobile devices may be immobily retained by the same engagement mechanism of the station. Where wireless mobile devices are accommodated by the docking station, the latitudinal reception affords a user a degree of imprecise placement and allows any number of wireless device types to be employed without regard to precise pin configurations or other non-wireless communicative coupling features. Nevertheless, a physically secure unitary association of the mobile device and docking station is present allowing for a functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together. The docking station may be employed for wirelessly acquiring data from the secured mobile device, sending data thereto, or even for wirelessly providing a power supply thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: William F. Ryann
  • Patent number: 8811001
    Abstract: A casing 1, a terminal plate 30 that is exchangeably mountable in an opening 23 formed in the casing 1; and a water sealing component 50 disposed around a terminal 31 formed on the terminal plate 30, are provided. A flange 24 is formed inside the opening 23 so as to surround a center of the opening and project toward the center of the opening. When the terminal plate 30 is mounted on the flange 24, an outer side surface of the terminal plate 30 is flush with a surface 21 of the casing in a portion where the opening is formed. With this structure, an electronic device can be obtained that is reliably waterproof and/or dustproof in a connection terminal portion that is exchangeable so as to enhance an expandability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Iwamoto, Jun Sato, Ryo Yonezawa, Toshiya Senoh, Kenichi Shindo, Masashi Toyota
  • Patent number: 8797736
    Abstract: A casing includes a casing module and a support module. The casing module includes two side plates spaced apart from each other, a top-plate unit disposed between and perpendicular to the side plates, and a bottom plate spaced apart from and parallel to the top-plate unit. The side plates, the top-plate unit and the bottom plate define a first accommodating space for receiving a first electronic device. The support module is disposed between the top-plate unit and the bottom plate, and is removably caught in the top-plate unit to divide the first accommodating space into two second accommodating spaces for receiving two second electronic devices that differ in size from the first electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chong-Xing Zhu, Te-Hsiung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8797765
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an angle adjustable device, which includes: a base having a fixing member disposed thereon, where the fixing member has a fixing surface; a switch mechanism having a locking ring, a first gear, and a second gear, while at least one block protrudes from the inner surface of the locking ring, with the first gear having a contact incline slidingly abutted by the block, where the contact incline is defined with a first end and a second end, where the first gear is received by the locking ring and capable of meshing with the second gear; and a rotator having at least one connecting member connected to the second gear. The instant disclosure also discloses an electronic display unit using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Cheng Lin, Ming-Jen Chen, Kuo-Kuang Liu
  • Publication number: 20140211408
    Abstract: A docking station can be coupled to a tablet computing device. A tablet computing device can include a home key that is disabled when the tablet is connected to the docking station. The docking station can include a release to separate the tablet computing device from the docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L. P.
    Inventors: Michael Delpier, Kevin L. Massaro, Stacy L. Wolff
  • Publication number: 20140211409
    Abstract: An example provides a computing device including an opening including a first magnetic element, and a computing base, comprising a post including a second magnetic element attracted. The post may insert into the opening to facilitate docking the computing device to the computing base, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to facilitate alignment of the post with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HEWLETT- PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Stacy L Wolff, Michael Delpier, Kevin Massaro
  • Patent number: 8792234
    Abstract: A docking station formed of a tray having a clamping portion coupled to a receiver portion for motion along a travel axis therebetween. A lever is coupled for moving the clamping portion between an expanded position spaced away from the receiver portion, and a retracted position adjacent to the receiver portion. The lever includes a preload portion that is adapted for preloading the clamping portion in the retracted position, and a latching portion that is coupled for retaining the clamping portion in the retracted position. The preload portion of the lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring. Optionally, the lever is a second class lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8780553
    Abstract: A cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Palmer, Michael Astanovsky, Ariel Rotman
  • Patent number: 8780549
    Abstract: An electronic device support has a receptacle with an electronic device receiving cavity and a first magnetic indexing part. A base is hingedly coupled to the receptacle and has a second magnetic indexing part. The first and second magnetic indexing parts are configured to allow the receptacle to rotate relative to the base when rotationally apart from a specified orientation and to magnetically support the receptacle when in the specified orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Leonardo Aldana
  • Patent number: 8773850
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station for a television receiver includes a support, a first connector, and a protruding portion. The support is configured to be attachably and detachably connected to a television receiver comprising a housing in which a display device is housed, and to support the housing. The first connector is configured to be electrically connected to a second connector of the television receiver. The protruding portion is configured to protrude from the support to support the support, and to enable an angle of a display screen of the display device to be set variably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minaguchi, Yasuyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140177162
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a tablet module and a docking base. The tablet module includes a slot, a sliding element and a plurality of first attracting elements. The sliding element is slidably disposed in the slot. The first attracting elements are adjacently disposed on the sliding element and have a first attracting side. The polarities of each two adjacent first attracting elements at the first attracting side are different. The docking base includes a bearing sheet and a plurality of second attracting elements. The bearing sheet is inserted to the slot and abuts against the sliding element. The second attracting elements are adjacently disposed on the hearing sheet and have a second attracting side. The polarities of each two adjacent second attracting elements at the second attracting side are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Yuan HO, Yung-Nien CHEN, Shih-Wen CHIANG, Shih-Huang WEI, Juei-Yuan WU, Yi-Ting LIN, Yuan-Min TSAO
  • Patent number: 8760878
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate accurate alignment of internal and external electronic components during assembly of an electronic device such that proper engagement of mating electrical connectors on the respective components is assured. To this end, a floating circuit board carrier mounts to an adaptor plate comprising a surface of the device housing and positions a circuit board such that it “floats” within the device housing. A modular component having posts molded or attached thereto is mounted to the adaptor plate such that the posts pass through clearance holes in the adaptor plate as well as through notches in the circuit board, thereby effecting proper relative alignment of the circuit board and the modular component as electrical connectors on the respective components are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lostoski, Gary D. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20140168885
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device that is contained within a case, in which the case includes a retractable connector access panel at least partially overlying a portion of a connector port of the electronic device, includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. An electrical connector is coupled to the base and configured to receive the connector port of the electronic device. A retraction member is coupled to the base and configured to retract the connector access panel to at least partially expose the connector port during docking of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20140168884
    Abstract: A docking station for a tablet device includes a security frame that is releasably connected to a pedestal. An upper head portion of the pedestal is rotatable through three degrees of freedom to allow for angular adjustment of the frame as it retains a tablet device. Electrical conductivity is maintained through the rotational connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hunter Wylie
  • Publication number: 20140168883
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally include apparatus for providing a positive locked connection for I/O devices to computing devices. In one embodiment, an external latching apparatus for an Input/Output (I/O) connection is provided. The external latching apparatus includes a main body and at least one latch. The main body includes a first surface configured to abut to an I/O card bracket and a second surface, parallel and spaced apart from the first surface. The at least one latch extends from the main body beyond the first surface. A plurality of parallel slots are formed in the second surface. Each slot is open on a bottom side of the body and is configured to receive a cable of an I/O cable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Trevor Boswell, Ravi Adusumilli, Eric McSherry
  • Patent number: 8717771
    Abstract: An electronic device including a case, a covering plate, at least one first fixing unit, at least one second fixing unit, a circuit board disposed in the case, and a plurality of screwing members is provided. The case covered by the covering plate has a first datum surface and a second datum surface, where a distance between the covering plate and the first datum surface is greater than a distance between the covering plate and the second datum surface. The first and the second fixing units are disposed on the first and the second datum surfaces respectively. The first fixing unit includes a first screwing boss and at least one first rib adjacent thereto. The second fixing unit includes a second screwing boss and at least one second rib adjacent thereto. The screwing members pass through the covering plate and are screwed to the corresponding first and second screwing bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 8699215
    Abstract: Flexible hinge spine techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Publication number: 20140092546
    Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) docking system includes an IHS chassis defining an alignment member passageway and an IHS connector opening. An IHS connector is movably coupled to the IHS chassis adjacent the IHS connector opening and resiliently biased into a retracted orientation. An alignment member securing device is moveably coupled to the IHS chassis adjacent the alignment member passageway and resiliently biased into a non-securing orientation. At least one docking actuator is located in the alignment passageway and coupled to the IHS connector and alignment member securing device. When the IHS chassis is docked with a docking station including a docking connector and an alignment member, the alignment member engages the at least one docking actuator to move the IHS connector relative to the IHS chassis to mate with the docking connector, and move the alignment member securing device relative to the IHS chassis to engage the alignment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Mark David Senatori
  • Patent number: 8681484
    Abstract: A connector structure includes a base body, a slider, a connector holder, a holder, a slider restriction portion and a connector holder restriction portion. In a state where the slider is not held to the base body by the holder, the slider restriction portion restricts a movement of the slider in one direction of one axis. In a state where the movement of the slider is restricted, the connector holder is separable from the slider in the one direction. The connector holder restriction portion restricts a position and an attitude taken by the connector holder separated from the slider within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventor: Tamaki Onodera
  • Patent number: 8677381
    Abstract: An optical drive installation device including: a support frame that disposes a removable optical drive to an installation position; a lock mechanism that has a locking member which can move to a locked position preventing the optical drive from being removed or an unlocked position not interfering with the optical drive being removed, and supports the optical drive at the installation position of the support frame when the locking member is set to the locked position; an unlocking mechanism that releases the lock mechanism from the locked position; and a pushing member that pushes the optical drive in the direction in which the optical drive is removed from the installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8636328
    Abstract: A retention device includes a first holder and a second holder. Two locking members downwardly extend from front and rear ends of the first holder. Each of the locking members and the first holder defines a guideway. An engaging portion extends from a side of the first holder. The second holder includes a handle to lock the engaging portion of the first holder. A number of latch portions extend from two ends of the second holder. The second holder can be arranged under the first holder via the latch portions of the second holder received in the guideway of the first holder, or the second holder can be juxtaposed with the first holder via the handle of the second holder locking the engaging portion of first holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 8638557
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device holder includes an upper holder frame shell, a bottom holder frame shell attached to the bottom side of the upper holder frame shell, three first clamping members respectively slidably mounted in respective sliding ways of the bottom holder frame shell for holding a mobile electronic device, a gear wheel rotatable to move the first clamping members in and out of the upper and bottom holder frame shells, a retractable second clamping member slidably mounted in one sliding way of the bottom holder frame shell and adjustable to one of a series of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Feng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8634189
    Abstract: Alignment posts that aid alignment of a peripheral slice to couple to the bottom surface of an information handling system also interface with a release so that actuation of the release translates to movement of the alignment posts relative to the peripheral slice so that the information handling system slides relative to the peripheral slice. Sliding of the peripheral slice relative to the information handling system releases attachment devices, such as hooks of the peripheral device that couple to attachment points of the information handling system so that the peripheral device decouples from the information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Eduardo Escamilla, Philip Seibert
  • Patent number: 8634188
    Abstract: A docking station for supporting a notebook computer. In one embodiment, an docking station includes a base, a platform on which the notebook computer can be placed, and a platform support armature that extends up from the base and supports the platform, wherein the armature can be pivoted to change the height of the platform and the platform can be pivoted independent of the armature to change an angle of inclination of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Edgar Diego Haren, Ann J Lai, Kevin L Massaro, Mark David Senatori, Ricardo Marquez, David Gough
  • Patent number: 8625286
    Abstract: A housing of a portable electronic device includes a first frame unit, a second frame unit, and a panel unit. The first frame unit includes a plurality of retaining members. The second frame unit includes a plurality of fastening members. The panel unit includes a plurality of holding members corresponding to the retaining members and a plurality of assembling members corresponding to the fastening member. The retaining members and the holding members are correspondingly assembled together to assemble the first frame unit to the panel unit, and the fastening members and the assembling members are correspondingly assembled together to assemble the second frame unit to the panel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Hai-Feng Zhu, Ping Gao, Quan-Long Chen
  • Patent number: 8611075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting dock with an integral jack for digital audio players, preferably that incorporate a built-in clip, including, but not limited to the iPod Shuffle® and iPod Nano® manufactured by Apple, Inc. The dock includes a tapered and beveled mounting stem that inserts into the audio player's clip and a jack that inserts into and provides electrical connection with the audio player's audio port. The stem and jack are positioned and aligned so as to enable simultaneous mounting and electrical connection with the audio player, thereby effecting connection with a desired output device, such as earphones, with one hand in a single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Zane Carter
  • Patent number: 8605425
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device includes a housing, an interface, and a disengagement mechanism. The housing defines a receiving portion for accommodating the electronic device. The interface is disposed in the receiving portion so as to be engageable with the electronic device. The disengagement mechanism is disposed in the housing and configured for applying spring pressure to disengage the electronic device from the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cong-Bing Zhou, Quan-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8599568
    Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Gupta, Joseph K. Huntzinger, Michael G. Coady, Curtis Allen Stapert, Kevin Earl Meyer, Timothy D. Garner, Jeffrey T. Bell, Robert L. Vadas, Donald G. Moeschberger, Rick L. Hatcher, Quan N. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130279109
    Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane L. Richardson, David J. Prince
  • Patent number: 8559170
    Abstract: A central processing unit (CPU) expansion card may be inserted into a first connector of a motherboard. The CPU expansion card includes a board, a CPU socket mounted on the board, a number of memory slots mounted on the board and electrically connected to the CPU socket, and a second connector electrically connected to the CPU socket and mounted on the bottom side of the board to be inserted into the first connector of the motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Tsung Lee, Yi-Cheng Tseng, Chun-Hsien Tsai, Feng-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 8547696
    Abstract: A latch module and an electronic device using the same are provided. The electronic device includes the latch module as well as first and second bodies that are opened and closed relative to each other. The latch module in the first body includes a pressing member, a linking member, and a latch. The pressing member is movably configured in and passes through the first body along a first axis. The linking member is pivoted to the first body. The pressing member leans against the linking member. The latch is configured in the first body along a second axis. The linking member leans against the latch. The pressing member moves relative to the first body along the first axis to press and rotate the linking member relative to the first body. Thus, the linking member presses the latch to move relative to the first body along the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Yun-Tang Lin
  • Patent number: 8537528
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal including a case having an inner space and a first opening formed at one end thereof to open the inner space, and a slider mounted to the case and slid through the first opening between a first state where a battery is disposed in the inner space and a second state where the battery is externally exposed, wherein the slider includes a slide unit configured to house the battery therein and slidably mounted to the case to be drawn out of the inner space, and a cover unit connected to the slide unit and configured to obscure the first opening in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yunjoo Lee, Jaichul Kim, Hyeongwoo Ji
  • Patent number: 8531835
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Albert V. Makley, Timothy S. Farrow, William F. Martin-Otto, Marc R. Pamley
  • Publication number: 20130223003
    Abstract: A docking station having a docking tray that is adapted for seating a portable electronic device therein with a docking port of the portable electronic device seated against an interface portion thereof, and the interface portion of the docking tray being formed with an interface outlet aperture positioned for alignment with the docking port of the portable electronic device. A connector retainer is coupleable for releasably urging individual ones of a plurality of different interfaces toward the interface portion of the docking tray and positioning a connection portion thereof adjacent to the interface outlet aperture and directed inwardly of the docking tray. An urging mechanism is adapted for urging the seated portable electronic device toward the interface portion of the docking tray and the interface outlet aperture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20130208417
    Abstract: A multi-display device can interface with two or more different types of docking stations. The device can determine the type of dock and change the pin outs for a connector to interface with that dock. Once docked, the device can determine a charge status for the device and the dock to present the status to the user. Further, the dock can enter one of several modes, including a call receipt mode and an entertainment mode. The modes allow for expanded functionality for the device while docked. Two particular docks, the laptop dock and the smart dock, provide special functionality with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Z124
    Inventor: Z124
  • Patent number: 8508931
    Abstract: A recorder set includes: a recorder which has a connection terminal electrically connected to external equipment, and a casing; and a holder which maintains an attitude of the recorder. The casing has an accommodation unit which accommodates the connection terminal therein, and an opening which allows the connection terminal to externally project therethrough. The holder includes an attachment unit which allows the recorder to be attached thereto in a predetermined attitude. The attachment unit includes a fit member which has an inner wall fitting the connection terminal in geometry. The fit member has an outer wall fittable in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Uchida
  • Patent number: 8472168
    Abstract: A package structure for packaging a portable electronic device is provided. The package structure includes a base portion, a supporting portion and a connector. The supporting portion is connected to the base portion. The supporting portion includes a first fixing element and a second fixing element, wherein when the package structure is in a supporting state, the supporting portion is folded and standing upright, the first fixing element is detachably connected to the second fixing element, and the portable electronic device is supported by the supporting portion. The connector is disposed on the supporting portion, wherein the portable electronic device is connected to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Su
  • Patent number: 8467182
    Abstract: A docking station including a housing and a linkage mechanism is provided. The housing has a supporting-surface and an inner-surface opposite to each other, in which the supporting-surface is suitable to support an electronic apparatus. The linkage mechanism includes a sliding-member disposed on the inner-surface, at least one latching-member slidably coupled to the sliding-member and a connector disposed on the sliding-member. The sliding-member slides back-and-forth along a sliding-path to bring the latching-member sliding back-and-forth along the sliding-path. The travel distance of the sliding-member on the sliding-path is greater than the travel distance of the latching-member on the sliding-path. The connector slides with the sliding-member and is protruded out of or hidden into the housing. The latching-member locks or unlocks the electronic apparatus and the connector is connected to or separated from the electronic apparatus with the sliding of the sliding-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130148289
    Abstract: Systems for securing mobile devices such as laptops are provided. Such systems are characterized by two end members, each with a male electrical connector, that engage opposite sides of mobile device, a crossbeam between the two end members that cradles the underside of the mobile device, and a mechanical linkage that is used to release the mobile device. In addition to a slim form factor, systems of the present invention can comprise registration posts to align a top edge of the mobile device to the crossbeam, a receptacle for a power adapter connector, and a locking mechanism to lock an end member to the crossbeam and optionally also lock the power adapter connector to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: infiniWing, Inc.
    Inventor: infiniWing, Inc.