The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 13, 1996
Christopher Cavello, Austin, TX (US);
Dell U.S.A., L.P., Austin, TX (US);
Abstract
A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers, each of the portable computers having a portable computer connector positioned on its rear end. The docking apparatus comprises a base having a first end and a second end, with an electronics enclosure positioned on the base between the first end and the second end. The electronics enclosure has a first end positioned to extend generally perpendicularly from a first side to a second side of the base and generally perpendicularly upwardly from the base to form a wall with a docking apparatus connector being positioned on the wall and configured to matingly engage the portable computer connector. A receiver for at least one of the portable computers is positioned on the base and configured to matingly engage the bottom and the first and second sides of at least one portable computer to position the portable computer for mating engagement of the portable computer connector and the docking apparatus connector. The receiver may be configured as a part of the base of the docking apparatus. The base includes a receptacle and the receiver includes a manual lock which engages the receptacle. Alternatively, the receiver may be formed to be removably positioned on the base of the docking apparatus or by removably positioning attachments which are configured to matingly engage one or more portable computers on the base. The receiver may also comprise a plurality of extendable members which are extendable to engage and support a portable computer in a desired position.