Organizer for cables and accessories in a computer and method

Abstract

There is disclosed an organizing apparatus, to flexibly relocate the computer port or socket to the front, such that connection of computer peripherals becomes simpler. There are also disclosed apparatus accessories to flexibly relocate the computer port or socket to the front. The apparatus and the accessories can also be used to flexibly hold and secure electrical devices and electrical components at the front of the computer system. The organizing apparatus can be incorporated into a computer or computer casing. The organizing apparatus may also be provided with cable organizing means, wherein access cables of the computer system can be organized and stored within its housing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 135,517, filed May 1, 2002, entitled “Organizing Apparatus”, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 762,429, filed Feb. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,327, entitled “Organizer for Cables and Accessories in a Computer or Audio-Video System”, which in turn claims priority from PCT International Application Number PCT / UA99 / 00625, filed 3 Aug. 1999 (03.08.1999), which was published in English, which claims priority from Malaysian Patent Application No. PI9803779, filed 19 Aug. 1998 (19.08.1998), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to an organizing apparatus and more particularly to an organizing apparatus for use with the numerous cables and accessories in a computer or audio-video system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Computers...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Therefore, the present invention seeks to overcome problems associated with the prior art organizing apparatus. Generally, aspects of the present invention propose an attractive and ergonomically designed organizing apparatus for cable where excess cable can be systematically stored in a housing or in a compartment within a housing. The number and the size of compartments may also be varied due to the use of removable panels. The apparatus is also provided with communication sockets and ports where connection of any peripherals may be easily accomplished without the need to turn the back of the computer's CPU. Additionally, the apparatus is provided with a power distributing means which advantageously reduces the difficulty in finding adequate power supply outlet for multiplicity of equipment and peripherals used. In addition, the apparatus is provided with an accessory connection bay in the form of a recess and removable slide, and the accessory connection bay is featured at the front or side portion of the apparatus body so as to enable fixing and securing of switches, sockets, control devices and other electrical accessories, thereby eliminating the need of individually independent devices. Additionally, the accessories are mounted on an attachment mechanism in a form of plate and sliding portion for enabling easier fixing of the accessories to the accessory connection bay.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizing apparatus for use with a computer where the connection of peripherals and accessories to the computer can easily be accomplished through the relocation of the sockets and ports to the front and / or side portion of the apparatus.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizing apparatus for use with a computer where connection of peripherals and accessories are easily accomplished by providing a demountable attachment of accessories provided with a flexible attachment mechanism.

[0028] Also preferable, the accessory connection bay is configured at the front and side sections of the apparatus main body so as to enable fixing and securing of switches, sockets, control devices and other electrical accessories, thereby eliminating unnecessary usage of independent devices related to the accessories.

[0029] It is also preferable that apparatus may be configured so as to provide a multiple power outlet means where the power requirement of peripherals connected thereto may conveniently be met.

Problems solved by technology

The more peripherals that are connected, the messier the connection of cables becomes due to the various sizes and colors of cables used.

Generally, cables connecting the monitor to the central processing unit (CPU), the keyboard to the CPU and etc., are left extending and dangling from the back and are not properly organized.

Very often, the cables become entangled thus creating confusion should malfunction occur and there be a need to locate the cause of the malfunction, not to mention the potential danger posed to the user.

Often, adding connection of peripherals to the CPU becomes a problem, as all the necessary ports and sockets are located at the back of the CPU.

Most computers are quite heavy, especially the typical desk top computer, and not many people are willing to spend time and effort to perform such a job even if it will affect his / her productivity.

As an example, it would be generally easy to replace a printer with another, however as the connection is located at the back of the CPU and usually configured at a hard-to-reach place, the task becomes difficult and usually we left the task to be executed by the technician.

Some of these small accessories, such as printer selectors and extension cables are unnecessarily built with large casings, and these large casings definitely add more to the untidiness and the wasting of valuable space on the workstation.

While this prior art organizing device does fulfill the intended function, it does not fulfill the requirement of eliminating problems associated with connection of peripherals to the CPU.

This particular device is generally limited to be used for audio and video equipment.

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