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:
Aug. 31, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 09, 1997
Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A latch apparatus for a docking station includes a first member connected to a pivot connection on a base portion of the docking station and a second member connected to the first member. The second member is substantially curved so as to form a mechanical moment. A third member is connected to the second member and to a lever. the latch apparatus is operable to decrease an initial rest angle between the first member and the base portion of the docking station and thereby substantially reduce lateral friction forces which develop when the base portion of the docking station is moving laterally. The latch apparatus is further provides mechanical advantage via the mechanical moment which decreases the amount of force required to be applied to the lever to accomplish a given amount of work.