Convertible computer apparatus acting as a desk-top computer or a docking station
US5396400A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system is provided that may be easily and relatively quickly converted between a stand-alone desktop configuration and a docking station configuration. The system includes a desktop computer housing having an external opening formed therein, and a plurality of associated computer peripheral devices such as a monitor and keyboard. A first electrical connector is supported within the computer and is electrically coupled to the peripheral devices. The system also includes a first motherboard having a second electrical connector supported thereon and electrically coupled thereto, and a notebook computer having a second motherboard therein and a third electrical connector supported thereon and electrically coupled thereto. Support rail structures are removably secured within the computer housing and extend inwardly from its external opening. The support rail structures have channel portions that slidably support opposite side edge portions of the first motherboard and the notebook computer and facilitate the operative interconnection between the first and second connectors when the first motherboard is inserted into the external computer housing opening to thereby couple the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.