Patent ID: 6061233
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
A docking station for a portable computer, said docking station comprising:a housing comprising:a structure having a front side, bearing a port that interfaces with said portable computer, and bearing a plurality of peripheral ports that can interface with a peripheral device; anda tray attached to said structure, having a top side, and extending from said front side of said structure to support said portable computer while said portable computer is interfaced with said chassis; andsaid top side of said tray bearing a counterbored hollow, said counterbored hollow forming a seating surface;a mechanism that engages said front side of said structure with said portable computer while said portable computer is seated on said top side of said tray;a vertical restraint slidably engaged said counterbored hollow, said vertical restraint comprising:a body having a top surface;a flange attached to said top surface of said body and seatable on said seating surface;a latch slidably engaged inside of said body and protruding through said flange; andan elastic member positioned inside said body and biasing said latch outward from said chassis; andsaid vertical restraint engaging a bottom surface of said portable computer while said portable computer is engaged with said mechanism.