Patent ID: 8243455
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A repository for docking a plurality of portable computers in storage within the repository, with each computer placed at a docking location and connected electrically to at least one electrical connector at the docking location, each computer including an electrical connector element for connection to a docking electrical connector element of a corresponding electrical connector along a predetermined coupling direction, the repository comprising: a plurality of docking bays, each docking bay being placed at a docking location and having an entrance at an upper level and a depth extending from the upper level to a lower level located at a predetermined vertical distance from the upper level; a support member at each docking bay for supporting a computer within the docking bay with the computer extending upwardly from the lower level toward the upper level; an alignment member at each docking bay for engaging the computer to align the computer with the predetermined coupling direction upon lowering the computer through the entrance and into the depth of the docking bay to place the computer in a fully seated position within the docking bay, such that a corresponding electrical connector element will be coupled with and electrically connected to the docking electrical connector element of a corresponding electrical connector upon placement of the computer into the fully seated position; and a retention member at each docking bay for engaging the computer, when supported upon the support member, to retain the computer aligned with the predetermined coupling direction while the computer is in the fully seated position; the predetermined vertical distance between the upper level and the lower level being such that upon movement of each computer toward a respective fully seated position within a corresponding docking bay, each computer will be biased by gravity toward and into retention in the fully seated position and will be maintained by gravity assistance in such retention during storage, with each corresponding electrical connector element coupled with and electrically connected to the docking connector element of a corresponding electrical connector.