Modular computer system having an improved docking assembly

• US 5,329,427 A
• Filed: 03/01/1993
• Issued: 07/12/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tusk, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tusk, Inc.
• Inventors: Hogdahl, Per
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Whang, Young
• Application Number:
  US08/024,807
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 361/728, 361/729, 361/730, 361/733, 361/752, 361/754-756, 361/759, 361/785, 361/789, 361/801, 361/802, 361/803, 361/796, 364/708, 340/700, 439/31, 439/136, 439/137, 439/165
• US Class Current: 361/730
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1631 Panel PC, e.g. single housing hosting PC and display panel

Abstract

An improved apparatus for coupling a tiltable computer display to a base unit for controlling the viewing angle of the display. The improved apparatus includes a mounting area formed integrally along one edge of the computer display, the mounting area including a first electrical connector coupled to the display and a plurality of support apertures. A support flange is pivotally mounted to the base unit with a plurality of brackets. The support flange includes a second electrical connector for interfacing with the first electrical connector for electrically connecting the display to the base unit. The support flange also includes a plurality of support posts for engaging the support apertures. The apparatus also includes a device coupled between the support flange and the plurality of brackets for controlling the angular relationship if the support flange with respect to the base unit.

Claims

1. An improved apparatus for coupling a tiltable computer display having a display means to a base unit, for controlling a viewing angle of said display means, said improved apparatus comprising:

a mounting area formed integrally along one edge of said tiltable computer display, the mounting area including a first electrical connector means coupled to said display means and a plurality of support apertures;

a support flange pivotally mounted to said base unit with a plurality of brackets, said support flange including a second electrical connector for interfacing with said first electrical connector for electrically coupling said display means to said base unit, said support flange further including a plurality of support posts for engaging said support apertures; and

a control means coupled between said support flange and said plurality of brackets for controlling the angular relationship of said support flange with respect to said base unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for controlling the angular relationship of said support flange with respect to said base unit includes a plurality of tabs disposed along opposing ends of said support flange, said tabs extending in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of said support flange, said tabs incorporating a plurality of detents disposed with an angular offset with respect to each other wherein said detents are engaged by a spring biased bearing mounted in said plurality of brackets.