Patent · US Expired

Computer underside docking method and apparatus

US6135801A · kind A · utility

43Cited by
4References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 30, 1998
Grant dateOct 24, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 30, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S439/929
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

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