Computer docking station for horizontal or vertical positioning
US6091602A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/08
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A computer docking station for docking a portable computer has an enclosure with a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and two opposing sides. A docking slot is formed between the top and bottom of the enclosure and is continuously open to the front and to one of the sides of the enclosure. The docking slot is sized to receive the portable computer, which may be inserted from the front, side, or diagonally. The docking slot has a width and depth such that the portable computer projects from the front and side of the docking station when docked. In this manner, modules exposed on the front and side of the portable computer are both equally accessible when the portable computer is docked. The docking station may be oriented horizontally or vertically according to user preference. A detachable foot can be employed to help support the docking station in the vertical position. The docking station has an electronic interface port to electronically interconnect with the portable computer when the portable computer is docked. The interface couples the portable computer to a primary circuit card, such as a PCI bus card, mounted within the docking station. The circuit card is aligned in a front …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.