Patent ID: 8315048

Claim:
A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that includes a docking connector, the docking station comprising: a body having a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the portable computer and having a connector operable to electrically couple with the docking connector of the portable computer; and an arm portion spaced from the cradle portion; and a latching member coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first, retracted position within the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second, extended position from the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station; wherein the latching member automatically moves from the second position to the first position as the portable computer is inserted into the docking station, and automatically moves from the first position to the second position once the portable computer is fully inserted into the docking station; and wherein the latching member includes a cam surface engageable by the portable computer as the portable computer is being inserted into the docking station to automatically move the latching member from the second position to the first position.