Computer underside docking method and apparatus

• US 6,135,801 A
• Filed: 04/30/1998
• Issued: 10/24/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Derocher, Michael D., Helot, Jacques H.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US09/071,126
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 439/142, 439/341, 439/372, 439/928, 439/376
• US Class Current: 439/341
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/629 Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances separate tools or apparatus H01R43/26
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/929 Connecting base plate or shelf type holder

Abstract

Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer'"'"'s docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

Claims

1. A docking station for a portable computer, comprising:

a platform having a first surface upon which an undersurface of the portable computer rests while docked at the docking station;

a docking connector extending through the first surface while the computer is docked, the docking connector serving as an electrical interface with the portable computer;

a ramp having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion rotatably coupled to the platform, the ramp having a relaxed position in which the distal portion is elevated relative to the platform and a depressed position in which the distal portion is rotated down to the platform upward surface, wherein the docking connector protrudes beyond a height of the ramp relative to the platform while the ramp is in the depressed position and protrudes less than the height of the ramp relative to the platform while the ramp is in the relaxed position, wherein the docking connector is positioned relative to the ramp so as not to contact the portable computer while the ramp is in the relaxed position; and

a guide rail for aligning the computer relative to the docking station during docking.

2. The docking station of claim 1, in which the guide rail is located on the ramp, and in which the ramp has an opening through which the docking connector protrudes while the ramp is in the depressed position.

3. The docking station of claim 1, in which the ramp comprises a hooking mechanism for mating into an opening in the portable computer while the portable computer is docked to the docking station.

4. The docking station of claim 1, in which the ramp serves as the guide rail for aligning the computer relative to the docking station during docking.

5. The docking station of claim 1, in which the ramp has an opening aligned with the docking connector and has a door for the opening, wherein while the ramp is in the relaxed position the door blocks the opening protecting the docking connector.

6. A docking station and portable computer combination,

the portable computer having an undersurface upon which the portable computer rests, the portable computer having a first opening at the undersurface, the portable computer including a first docking connector located within the first opening and a guide structure;

the docking station comprising;

a platform having a first surface upon which the portable computer undersurface rests while docked at the docking station;

a second docking connector extending through the first surface while the computer is docked, the second docking connector serving as an electrical interface with the portable computer;

a ramp having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion rotatably coupled to the platform, the ramp having a relaxed position in which the distal portion is elevated relative to the platform and a depressed position in which the distal portion is rotated down to the platform upward surface, wherein the second docking connector protrudes beyond a height of the ramp relative to the platform while the ramp is in the depressed position and protrudes less than the height of the ramp relative to the platform while the ramp is in the relaxed position, wherein the second docking connector is positioned relative to the ramp so as not to contact the portable computer while the ramp is in the relaxed position; and

a guide rail for mating with the guide structure of the portable computer during docking of the portable computer to the docking station.

7. The combination of claim 6, in which the guide rail is located on the ramp, and in which the ramp has an opening through which the second docking connector protrudes while the ramp is in the depressed position.

8. The combination of claim 6, in which the portable computer includes a second opening, in which the ramp comprises a hooking mechanism for mating into the second opening while the portable computer is docked to the docking station.

9. The combination of claim 6, in which the ramp serves as the guide rail for aligning the portable computer relative to the docking station during docking.

10. The combination of claim 6, in which the portable computer includes a second opening, in which the docking station further comprises a hooking mechanism for mating into the second opening in the portable computer while the portable computer is docked to the docking station, and wherein the hooking mechanism moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

11. The combination of claim 6, in which the ramp has an opening aligned with the second docking connector and includes a door for the ramp opening, wherein while the ramp is in the relaxed position the door blocks the ramp opening protecting the docking connector.

12. The combination of claim 6, in which the portable computer further includes a door blocking the first opening, and in which the docking station comprises means for opening the door during docking of the portable computer to the docking station.