Patent · US Expired

Latch apparatus and attachment system

US5946186A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
7References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 9, 1997
Grant dateAug 31, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 9, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/362
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A latch apparatus for a docking station includes a first member connected to a pivot connection on a base portion of the docking station and a second member connected to the first member. The second member is substantially curved so as to form a mechanical moment. A third member is connected to the second member and to a lever. the latch apparatus is operable to decrease an initial rest angle between the first member and the base portion of the docking station and thereby substantially reduce lateral friction forces which develop when the base portion of the docking station is moving laterally. The latch apparatus is further provides mechanical advantage via the mechanical moment which decreases the amount of force required to be applied to the lever to accomplish a given amount of work.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.