Docking apparatus for a portable data processing unit including an arcuate support member with a card extension pivotally mounted on a base member

• US 5,452,180 A
• Filed: 07/15/1993
• Issued: 09/19/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: O'Connor, Clint H., Register, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Phillips, Michael W.
• Application Number:
  US08/092,178
• Time in Patent Office: 796 Days
• Field of Search: 16/223, 439/13, 439/164, 439/165, 439/326, 439/636, 439/637, 439/928, 364/708.1, D14/100, 361/679-686
• US Class Current: 361/679.44
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

An apparatus for docking a portable data processing unit is provided in which a cylindrically shaped, pivotal support member is attached to a base member for supporting the portable unit. An interface card extends from a cavity within the support member and is configured to electrically and mechanically engage within a card interface slot of the portable data processing unit. In addition to providing an electrical interface between the docking apparatus and the portable data processing unit, the interface card provides a mechanical guide for guiding the portable data processing unit into the support member and provides additional support for the portable data processing unit when engaged within the cavity of the support member. The docking unit is tiltable relative to the base member to accommodate a suitable viewing angle.

Claims

1. Apparatus for docking a portable data processing unit, said apparatus comprising:

a base member including a semi-circular groove formed in an upper surface thereof;

a support member pivotally attached to said base member and including an arcuate lower surface positioned adjacent to said upper surface of said base member within said semi-circular groove, wherein said support member further includes a cavity dimensioned to accommodate insertion of a portion of an exterior housing of said portable data processing unit; and

an interconnect member disposed within said cavity of said support member and capable of providing an electrical interface to said portable data processing unit when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said cavity of said support member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interconnect member includes an interface card which extends from said cavity of said support member and which is configured to extend in a corresponding port of said portable data processing unit when said portable data processing unit is inserted within cavity of said support member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support member is rotatably mounted on said base member to permit said portable data processing unit to be pivoted relative to said base member when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said cavity.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support member is cylindrically shaped with said cavity formed therein and is rotatable within said semi-circular groove of said base member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cavity defines a plurality of inner surfaces constructed and arranged to receive said portable data processing unit in a friction fit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a power terminal disposed on said support member for engaging a corresponding power terminal of said portable data processing unit when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said cavity, wherein said power terminal is for transferring electrical power from said base member to said portable data processing unit.

7. Apparatus for docking a portable data processing unit, said apparatus comprising:

a base member including a semi-circular groove formed in an upper surface thereof;

a support member pivotally attached to said base member and including a cavity dimensioned to accommodate insertion of a portion of an exterior housing of said portable data processing unit, wherein said cavity defines a plurality of inner surfaces constructed and arranged to receive said portable data processing unit in a friction fit wherein said support member includes an arcuate lower surface positioned along said semi-circular groove of said base member; and

an interface card disposed within said cavity and including a portion which extends beyond said cavity of said support member, wherein said interface card is dimensioned to protrude within a corresponding port of said portable data processing unit to thereby provide an electrical interface to said portable data processing unit when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said support member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said support member is rotatably mounted on said base member to permit said portable data processing unit to be pivoted relative to said base member when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said cavity.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a power terminal disposed on said support member for engaging a corresponding power terminal of said portable data processing unit when said portable data processing unit is inserted within said cavity, wherein said power terminal is for transferring electrical power from said base member to said portable data processing unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said support member is cylindrically shaped with said cavity formed therein and is rotatable within said semi-circular groove of said base member.