Portable computer docking unit having an inhibitor for inhibiting movement of a mechanical lock to a lock position

• US 5,870,283 A
• Filed: 03/28/1997
• Issued: 02/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte Limited (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Kobayashi, Masaki, Yokemura, Taketoshi, Maeda, Kazuhiko, Yanagisawa, Takashi
• Primary Examiner(s): Phillips, Michael W.
• Application Number:
  US08/828,453
• Time in Patent Office: 683 Days
• Field of Search: 364/708.1, 361/686, 70/58, 70/389, 70/158-173
• US Class Current: 361/679.44
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

Disclosed is a docking unit which includes a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position. A security key is provided for manipulating the mechanical lock to move between the unlock position and the lock position. The security key is (1) detachable from the mechanical lock at the lock position and (2) undetachable from the mechanical lock at the unlock position. The docking unit further includes a latch for securing a portable computer to the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the lock position and releasing the computer from the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the unlock position. The unit also includes an inhibitor for selectively inhibiting the mechanical lock from movement to the lock position.

Claims

1. A docking unit for a portable computer comprising:

a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position;

a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position;

said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position;

a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position; and

an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position.

2. The docking unit of claim 1, wherein said unit accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and further wherein said inhibitor inhibits removal of a mounted peripheral device from said unit.

3. In combination, a portable computer and a docking unit for supporting said portable computer comprising:

a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position;

a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position;

said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position;

a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position;

an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position; and

wherein the portable computer accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and said latch secures a mounted peripheral device in the computer in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said unit accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and further wherein said inhibitor inhibits removal of a mounted peripheral device from said unit.