Cradle assembly for portable computing devices and method
First Claim
1. A cradle for securing a portable electronic device, comprising:
- a base;
a first mating member carried by the base and configured to removably receive and pivotally support a first end of a portable electronic device on the base;
a second mating member carried by the base in spaced-apart and urgably movable fore/aft relation with the first mating member including a sloped contact face and a biasing spring, the second mating member configured to secure the portable electronic device to the base by pivotally moving a second end of the portable electronic device about the first mating member for latched engagement with the second mating member, the biasing spring configured to bias the second mating member into a load position toward the first mating member, the sloped contact face configured at the load location to be engaged by the portable electronic device during loading, the second mating member being urged away from the first mating member to receive a second end of the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device being releasably retained between the first and second mating members upon engagement therebetween.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention comprises a cradle assembly for supporting a portable electronic device. The assembly includes a base constructed and arranged to receive the portable electronic device. The assembly also includes a first mating member pivotally carried on the base and configured to mate with a complementary mating member of the device. A second mating member is also included, and is configured in spaced apart relation with the first mating member and movably carried on the base, the first and second mating members cooperating to releasably retain the device therealong. In another form, the invention comprises a base, a mating member carried in movable relation on the base, and an electrical connector configured to engage with a complementary electrical connector on a device after it is mated with the mating member via a complementary mating member. In yet another form, the assembly includes a portable electronic device having first and second mating members for mating and demating with complementary base mating members. In even yet another form, the invention comprises a method for removably retaining a portable electronic device to a cradle assembly.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A cradle for securing a portable electronic device, comprising:
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a base; a first mating member carried by the base and configured to removably receive and pivotally support a first end of a portable electronic device on the base; a second mating member carried by the base in spaced-apart and urgably movable fore/aft relation with the first mating member including a sloped contact face and a biasing spring, the second mating member configured to secure the portable electronic device to the base by pivotally moving a second end of the portable electronic device about the first mating member for latched engagement with the second mating member, the biasing spring configured to bias the second mating member into a load position toward the first mating member, the sloped contact face configured at the load location to be engaged by the portable electronic device during loading, the second mating member being urged away from the first mating member to receive a second end of the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device being releasably retained between the first and second mating members upon engagement therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A cradle for securing a portable electronic device, comprising:
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a base constructed and arranged to retain a portable electronic device; a first member adapted to slidably mate with and pivotally carry a first end of the portable electronic device; and a second member carried by the base for movement relative to the first member, the second member having a sloped contact face adapted to engage with the portable electronic device when mated with the first member for pivotal movement so as to bias the second member apart from the first member until urged into latched engagement therebetween such that the portable electronic device is releasably retained between the first and second members. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A combination cradle and portable electronic device, comprising:
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a portable electronic device having a housing including a first complementary mating member and a second complementary mating member; a cradle including a base, a first mating member carried by the base, and a second mating member carried by the base spaced apart from the first mating member, the first mating member adapted to mate with the first complementary mating member and pivotally support a received first end of the portable electronic device on the base, and the second mating member having a sloped contact face configured to mate in urged engagement with the portable electronic device as the portable electronic device is pivoted about the first mating member, the second mating member adapted to movably bias away from the first mating member responsive to the portable electronic device being pivoted into engagement with the contact face of the second mating member, the second mating member configured to latch into engagement with the second complementary mating member to secure the portable electronic device to the cradle. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A docking station, comprising:
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a base; a connector pivotally carried by the base and configured to pivotally support a portable electronic device relative to the base; and a latch assembly carried by the base in spaced-apart relation with the connector and having a bevelled face configured to engage with the portable electronic device at a location spaced apart from the connector, the latch assembly adapted for movement away from the connector as the portable electronic device is pivotally urged in contact with the bevelled face such that the latch assembly engages the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device between the connector and the latch assembly. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification