Supporting adapter for portable computer system

Abstract

An adapter operable to support a computing device is provided. The adapter includes a support plate. The support plate has a top surface and a bottom surface. A connector is provided from the bottom surface to removably mount the support plate to a support stand. A latch is also provided from the top surface to secure a computing device to the support plate.

1 . An adapter operable to support a computing device, comprising: 
 a support plate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface;    a connector provided from said bottom surface, adapted to removably mount said support plate to a support stand; and    a latch provided from said top surface, operable to engage a cooperating opening in a computing device to secure a computing device to said top surface of said support plate.    
   
   
       2 . The adapter of  claim 1  wherein the computing device is a portable computing device.  
   
   
       3 . The adapter of  claim 1  wherein said connector includes a threaded stud exposed at said bottom surface, said threaded stud adapted to engage a cooperating threaded opening of the support stand.  
   
   
       4 . The adapter of  claim 1  wherein said connector includes a threaded opening exposed at said bottom surface, said threaded opening adapted to engage a cooperating threaded member of the support stand.  
   
   
       5 . An assembly including the adapter of  claim 1 , having a support stand including a tripod mounted to said connector at said bottom surface such that said top surface of said support plate faces away from said support stand.  
   
   
       6 . The adapter of  claim 6  wherein the support stand includes a photography tripod.  
   
   
       7 . (original) The adapter of  claim 2  wherein said latch is operable to engage a secure keyhole provided in a bottom surface of the portable computing device.  
   
   
       8 . The adapter of  claim 7  wherein a plurality of said latches are provided from said top surface.  
   
   
       9 . The adapter of  claim 8  further comprising one or more pivots operable to guide the portable computing device to an engaging position with said adapter.  
   
   
       10 . The adapter of  claim 2  wherein said support plate further comprises one or more sidewalls extending upwardly from said top surface, said one or more sidewalls having dimensions such that when said adapter is attached to the portable computing device, said one or more sidewalls does not obstruct elements of the portable computing device normally available for use in normal operation.  
   
   
       11 . The adapter of  claim 2  further comprising a plurality of interior electrical connectors for mating with corresponding electrical connectors of the portable computing device and a plurality of exterior electrical connectors coupled to said interior electrical connectors, said exterior electrical connectors adapted to mate with a plurality of corresponding cables, thereby connecting the electrical connectors of the portable computing device to the corresponding cables.  
   
   
       12 . The adapter of  claim 11  wherein said adapter is further operable to function as a port replicator for the portable computing device.  
   
   
       13 . The adapter of  claim 12  wherein said adapter is further operable to function as a docking station for the portable computing device.  
   
   
       14 . An adapter operable to support a computing device, comprising: 
 a support plate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface;    a connector provided from said bottom surface, adapted to removably mount said support plate to a support stand;    a latch provided from said top surface, operable to engage a cooperating opening in a computing device to secure a computing device to said top surface of said support plate;    a plurality of interior electrical connectors for mating with corresponding electrical connectors of the portable computing device; and    a plurality of exterior electrical connectors coupled to said interior electrical connectors, said exterior electrical connectors adapted to mate with a plurality of corresponding cables, thereby connecting the electrical connectors of said portable computing device to the corresponding cables.    
   
   
       15 . The adapter of  claim 14  wherein the computing device is a portable computing device having a secure keyhole in a bottom surface thereof, wherein said latch engages the secure keyhole in the portable computing device.  
   
   
       16 . The adapter of  claim 14  wherein said connector includes a threaded stud extending outwardly from said bottom surface of said support plate, said threaded stud adapted to engage a cooperating threaded opening of the support stand.  
   
   
       17 . The adapter of  claim 14  wherein said connector includes a threaded opening extending inwardly from said bottom surface of said support plate, said threaded opening adapted to engage a cooperating threaded member of the support stand.  
   
   
       18 . An assembly including the adapter of  claim 14 , having a support stand mounted to said connector at said bottom surface such that said top surface of said support plate faces away from said support stand.  
   
   
       19 . The adapter of  claim 14  wherein a plurality of said latches are provided from said top surface, said latches operable to engage a plurality of secure keyholes of the portable computing device.  
   
   
       20 . An adapter operable to support a computing device, comprising: 
 a support plate having a top surface and a side surface adjacent said top surface;    a connector provided from said side surface, adapted to removably mount said support plate to a cooperating support, the cooperating support oriented in a substantially vertical direction; and    a latch provided from said top surface, said latch operable to engage a cooperating opening in a computing device to secure a computing device to said top surface of said support plate.