Patent ID: 7085132
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A vertical docking apparatus comprising: a docking receiver member having a docking surface, the docking receiver member including a battery cavity open to the docking surface; a guide member extending vertically from an edge of the docking surface; a plurality of elongated locating members extending vertically from the docking surface; a first connector extending vertically from the docking surface; a plurality of locking members mounted on the docking surface; a plurality of locating receivers for receiving the locating members; a docking member having a mating surface for engagement with the docking surface, the elongated locating members engaging the locating receivers positioned on the mating surface for maintaining the docking surface substantially parallel to the mating surface during a relative movement of the docking member and the docking receiver member; a second connector extending vertically from the mating surface; and a plurality of locking member receivers mounted on the mating surface, whereby primary engagement of the docking member with the guide member and secondary engagement of the of the locating members with the locating receivers aligns the first and second connectors for seating and for engagement of the locking members and the locking member receivers, the locking members being automatically simultaneously actuated by an ejection device for disengagement of the docking member and the docking receiver member; and wherein at least one of the locking members is oriented to the function in a first direction and at least one of the locking members is oriented to the function in a second direction opposite the first direction so that a battery placed in the cavity is secured in the cavity due to the locking members moving in opposite directions to disengage the docking member and the docking receiver member.