Docking module
First Claim
1. A docking module apparatus for electrically joining a computer to one or more elements of ancillary support hardware, comprising:
- a casing structure adapted for attachment to said computer having on one support surface a plurality of sets of complementary electrical connectors corresponding in number and location to mating sets of electrical connectors on a support surface on said computer, each connector having a plurality of mutually insulated contacts;
means for effecting alignment adjustment between said complementary sets of electrical connectors and said mating connectors;
manually operated toggle latch mechanisms for securing said apparatus to said computer and for completing the connection between the respective of said complementary electrical connectors and said mating connectors, said toggle latch mechanisms being disposed on opposite ends of said casing structure and having means thereon for grippingly engaging said computer; and
spring means for operating said computer engaging means and operative to impart an audible signal when said connectors are placed in accurate mutual alignment prior to the manual actuation of said toggle latch mechanisms.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A docking module facilitates conversion of a portable computer between a lap-top mode of operation and a desk-top mode of operation by permitting simultaneous attachment of the computer to a plurality of electrical connectors thereby eliminating the need for individual cable connections between the computer and the respective individual apparatus. Toggle latches that attach the docking module to the computer chassis contain spring biased latches designed to emit an audible signal indicating proper alignment between the complementary connectors on the facing surfaces of the docking module and the computer chassis, whereby toggling of the latches can be undertaken without danger of damaging the connectors.
210 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A docking module apparatus for electrically joining a computer to one or more elements of ancillary support hardware, comprising:
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a casing structure adapted for attachment to said computer having on one support surface a plurality of sets of complementary electrical connectors corresponding in number and location to mating sets of electrical connectors on a support surface on said computer, each connector having a plurality of mutually insulated contacts; means for effecting alignment adjustment between said complementary sets of electrical connectors and said mating connectors; manually operated toggle latch mechanisms for securing said apparatus to said computer and for completing the connection between the respective of said complementary electrical connectors and said mating connectors, said toggle latch mechanisms being disposed on opposite ends of said casing structure and having means thereon for grippingly engaging said computer; and spring means for operating said computer engaging means and operative to impart an audible signal when said connectors are placed in accurate mutual alignment prior to the manual actuation of said toggle latch mechanisms. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A docking module apparatus for joining a computer to one or more elements of ancillary support hardware, comprising:
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a casing structure adapted for attachment to said computer having on one support surface a plurality of sets of complementary electrical connectors corresponding in number and location to mating sets of connectors on a support surface on said computer; means for effecting alignment adjustment between said complementary sets of electrical connectors and said mating connectors; manually operated toggle latch mechanisms for securing said apparatus to said computer and for completing the connection between the respective of said complementary electrical connectors and said mating connectors, said toggle latch mechanisms being disposed on opposite ends of said casing structure and having means thereon for grippingly engaging said computer; and spring means for biasing said toggle latch mechanisms selectively into attaching or releasing relationship with said computer in response to alternate attaching and releasing manipulations of said toggle latch mechanisms. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification