Computer docking station with retractable release lever
US6185095A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer docking station for a portable computer has an enclosure to mate physically and electrically with the portable computer. The enclosure has a docking tray upon which the portable computer rests when docked. One or more slideable engagement members are mounted to slide on the docking tray to engage the portable computer when the computer is being docked. The engagement members slide as the computer is moved to the docked position to securely hold the portable computer in the docking station. A link mechanism internal of the enclosure is connected to move the engagement members between the undocked and docked positions. A lever is provided to allow a user to actuate the link mechanism. The lever is movable between an exposed position in which the lever is accessible to the user for actuating the mechanism and an unexposed position in which the lever is inaccessible to the user. In the unexposed position, the lever is retracted into the enclosure. A lever release mechanism is provided to transition the lever from the unexposed position to the exposed position. Upon actuation, the docking station informs the portable computer of an impending undocking action to give the porta…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.