Patent ID: 7556521

Claim:
A computer docking apparatus for use with a portable computer comprising a cradle member suitable for receiving a portable computer and a base member; an electrical contactor assembly configured to operably engage a corresponding terminal on a computer and attached to the base member; adjustment means that allow the position of the base member to be changed relative to the cradle member from a first position to a second position, such that the portable computer may be inserted into or removed from the cradle member when in the first position, and wherein moving the base member relative to the cradle member from the first position to the second position causes the electrical contactor assembly to engage the computer to allow the establishment of power and/or data-transfer connections between the docking apparatus and the computer, wherein the cradle member has alignment means that ensure that when the portable computer is fully inserted within the cradle member that the electrical contactor assembly is accurately aligned with a corresponding terminal on the computer, and wherein the alignment means comprises an aperture in the cradle member at least partly surrounded by a guide wall such that in use the electrical contactor assembly is guided by the wall when the base member is moved relative to the cradle member from the first position to the second position, and further wherein the contactor assembly is resiliently mounted with respect to the base member.