Automatic opening mechanism for docking station connector cover
US6123557A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism for automatically opening a docking connector cover (DCC) of a portable computer is provided. A docking station is provided with a boss projecting therefrom. A cover of a portable computer (300) includes an activation hole (111) for receiving the boss therethrough when the computer is docked onto the docking station. The cover further includes a connecting bar (105) slideably mounted thereon, including an angled end (106) and a first hook (220). The cover also includes a DCC (200) for selectively covering a connector slot of the computer. The DCC is mounted on the cover to be slideable in a direction generally perpendicular to the sliding direction of the connecting bar. The DCC includes a second hook (150a) selectively engageable with the first hook of the connecting bar, and the second hook is attached to a biasing means, such as a spring 170. When the DCC is closed, the first hook of the connecting bar and the second hook of the DCC are engaged with each other. When the computer is docked onto the docking station, the boss projects through the activation hole through the computer cover to thereby contact the angled end of the connecting bar to slide the connecting ba…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.