US5838539A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Docking module for portable computers
Assignee: Rateze Remote Mgmt LLC
•
Filing: 1995-11-08
•
Granted: 1998-11-17
•
Expires: 2015-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A docking module can electrically connect a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices. Engagement devices can alternately pull and push the portable computer relative to the housing. A sliding deck projects from the housing and is adapted to underlie and pull the portable computer toward the housing. The module has a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on panels on opposite sides of a housing. These panels are separately mounted at front and rear openings in the housing. A standard blank panel can have holes formed in it in a variety connector patterns to accommodate a variety of portable computers. Accordingly, the module is readily adapted to a portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on one of the panels, without a need to modify the housing. Also the docking module can be customized by using a standard reciprocating mechanism and selecting a customized mating implement to attach to the reciprocating mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey Doss
- 👤 Roy Kenneth Fischer
- 👤 Randall Ronald Toltzman
- 👤 Christopher Harold Davey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1632
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means having a spaced pair of retractable implements, said retractable implements being operable while retracting to straddle and laterally position said portable computer, said engagement means including a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing, said spaced pair of implements being mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and being positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means having a spaced pair of retractable implements, said retractable implements being operable while retracting to straddle and laterally position said portable computer, said engagement means including a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing, said spaced pair of implements being mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and being positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A docking module according to claim 1 wherein said transverse member is slidably mounted in said housing with a tongue and groove joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A docking module according to claim 1 wherein said implements are detachably secured to said transverse member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A docking module according to claim 3 wherein said implements comprise: a pair of guide walls for straddling said portable computer, each of said guide walls having an ejection stud positioned to rearwardly abut the portable computer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A docking module according to claim 3 wherein each of said implements comprises: a bar with a distal catch for hooking into the portable computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A docking module according to claim 2 wherein said engagement means comprises: a cam rotatably mounted in said housing for reciprocating said transverse member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 6 wherein said cam has a manually operable arm projecting outwardly through said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A docking module according to claim 1 wherein said engagement means comprises: subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A docking module according to claim 1 wherein said engagement means comprises: a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing: a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to push said portable computer; and subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A docking module according to claim 9 wherein said engagement means comprises: drive means coupled to said implements and said subjacent means for reciprocating said implements and said subjacent means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A docking module according to claim 10 wherein said subjacent means comprises: a sliding deck adapted to underlie and engage said portable computer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 11 wherein said sliding deck comprises: an outer rail for holding said portable computer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A docking module according to claim 11 wherein said sliding deck comprises: a stud for engaging said portable computer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A docking module according to claim 11 wherein said housing has a front portal, said sliding deck connecting through said front portal to said drive means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
A docking module according to claim 14 wherein said drive means comprises: a hinge member hinged to said sliding deck to allow said deck to swing upwardly in the absence of said portable computer to reduce area occupied by said module.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A docking module according to claim 10 wherein said drive means comprises: a cam rotatably mounted in said housing for reciprocating said transverse member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A docking module according to claim 16 wherein said cam has a spaced pair of camming surfaces one for reciprocating said subjacent means, the other for reciprocating said implements.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 17 wherein said cam has a manually operable arm projecting outwardly through said housing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A docking module according to claim 16 wherein said cam has an angularly spaced pair of camming slots.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
128 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, and including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing; and (b) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer, said implements having a pair of guide walls for straddling said portable computer, each of said guide walls having an ejection stud positioned to rearwardly abut the portable computer, said implements being detachably secured to said transverse member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
128 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, and including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing; and (b) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer, said implements having a pair of guide walls for straddling said portable computer, each of said guide walls having an ejection stud positioned to rearwardly abut the portable computer, said implements being detachably secured to said transverse member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
120 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a front and a rear opening; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing: a pair of panels separately mounted at the front and rear openings, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing said engagement means having a pair of retractable implements, said retractable implements being operable while retracting to straddle and laterally position said portable computer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
120 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a front and a rear opening; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing: a pair of panels separately mounted at the front and rear openings, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing said engagement means having a pair of retractable implements, said retractable implements being operable while retracting to straddle and laterally position said portable computer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
51 words
A docking module according to claim 21 wherein said engagement means comprises: a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing; and a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A docking module according to claim 21 wherein said engagement means comprises: subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
A docking module according to claim 23 wherein said housing comprises: a pair of complementary shells embracing said panels.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
63 words
A docking module according to claim 24 wherein said panels have a plurality of holes, said connectors being mounted in registry with said holes, said module comprising: at least one spacer mounted in registry with one of said holes between one of said panels and a prominent one of said connectors, so that connections can be made in recesses of the portable computer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A docking module according to claim 23 wherein said panels each comprise: a plate bored with a plurality of holes, said connectors being mounted in registry with said holes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 21 wherein said housing comprises: a stamped base with at least one side wall.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
89 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing; a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing: and a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
89 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing; a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing: and a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
A docking module according to claim 28 wherein said subjacent means comprises: a sliding deck adapted to underlie and engage said portable computer; and drive means for reciprocating said sliding deck.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 29 wherein said sliding deck comprises: an outer rail for holding said portable computer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
A docking module according to claim 29 wherein said sliding deck comprises: a stud for engaging said portable computer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
A docking module according to claim 29 wherein said housing has a front portal, said sliding deck connecting through said front portal to said drive means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
A docking module according to claim 32 wherein said housing comprises: a spaced pair of stubs projecting from opposite sides of said front portal for guiding said sliding deck.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
A docking module according to claim 32 wherein said drive means comprises: a hinge member hinged to said sliding deck to allow said deck to swing upwardly in the absence of said portable computer to reduce area occupied by said module.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
46 words
A docking module according to claim 34 wherein said housing comprises: a spaced pair of stubs projecting from opposite sides of said front portal each having a ledge for guiding said hinge member, said sliding deck having a rear cowl sized to slidably overlie said stubs.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 28 wherein said housing comprises: a stamped base with at least one side wall.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
101 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a spaced pair of panels; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite ones of said panels; and a housing having a front and a rear opening, said panels being separately mounted at the front and rear openings, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing, the connectors being electrically interconnected in pairs separately mounted on opposite sides of said housing.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
101 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a spaced pair of panels; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite ones of said panels; and a housing having a front and a rear opening, said panels being separately mounted at the front and rear openings, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing, the connectors being electrically interconnected in pairs separately mounted on opposite sides of said housing.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
A docking module according to claim 37 wherein said housing comprises: a pair of complementary shells embracing said panels.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
A docking module according to claim 38 wherein at least one of said shells has a groove for holding at least one of said panels.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
A docking module according to claim 38 wherein each of said shells has a spaced pair of grooves for holding different ones of said panels.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
63 words
A docking module according to claim 38 wherein said panels have a plurality of holes, said connectors being mounted in registry with said holes, said module comprising: at least one spacer mounted in registry with one of said holes between one of said panels and a prominent one of said connectors, so that connections can be made in recesses of the portable computer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
A docking module according to claim 37 wherein said panels each comprise: a plate bored with a plurality of holes, said connectors being mounted in registry with said holes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
A docking module according to claim 37 wherein said housing comprises: a stamped base with at least one side wall.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
118 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing; and (b) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer, said implements being detachably secured to said transverse member, each of said implements having a bar with a distal catch for hooking into the portable computer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
118 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing; and (b) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to engage said portable computer, said implements being detachably secured to said transverse member, each of said implements having a bar with a distal catch for hooking into the portable computer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
168 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing wherein, said engagement means including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing, (b) subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing, (c) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to push said portable computer, and (d) drive means coupled to said implements and said subjacent means for reciprocating said implements and said subjacent means, said drive means having a cam rotatably mounted in said housing for reciprocating said transverse member, said cam having a spaced pair of camming surfaces, one for reciprocating said subjacent means, the other for reciprocating said implements.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
168 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing wherein, said engagement means including: (a) a transverse member mounted to reciprocate in said housing, (b) subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing, (c) a spaced pair of implements mounted on opposite ends of said transverse member and positioned and sized to project through said housing in order to push said portable computer, and (d) drive means coupled to said implements and said subjacent means for reciprocating said implements and said subjacent means, said drive means having a cam rotatably mounted in said housing for reciprocating said transverse member, said cam having a spaced pair of camming surfaces, one for reciprocating said subjacent means, the other for reciprocating said implements.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
134 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a pair of complementary shells with a front and a rear opening; a pair of panels separately mounted at the front and rear openings of said housing, said complementary shells embracing said panels; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means including a subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
134 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a pair of complementary shells with a front and a rear opening; a pair of panels separately mounted at the front and rear openings of said housing, said complementary shells embracing said panels; a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing, so that said module is readily adapted to the portable computer by selecting a mounting pattern for the connectors on at least one of said panels without modifying said housing; and engagement means for alternatively pulling and pushing said portable computer relative to said housing, said engagement means including a subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
122 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a front portal, a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing, said subjacent means including: (a) a sliding deck adapted to underlie and engage said portable computer, (b) a hinge member hinged to said sliding deck to allow said deck to swing upwardly in the absence of said portable computer to reduce area occupied by said module, and (c) drive means for reciprocating said sliding deck, said sliding deck connecting through said front portal to said drive means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
122 words
A docking module for electrically connecting a portable computer to a plurality of ancillary support devices, comprising: a housing having a front portal, a plurality of electrically interconnected connectors mounted on opposite sides of said housing; and subjacent means projecting from said housing and adapted to underlie and pull said portable computer toward said housing, said subjacent means including: (a) a sliding deck adapted to underlie and engage said portable computer, (b) a hinge member hinged to said sliding deck to allow said deck to swing upwardly in the absence of said portable computer to reduce area occupied by said module, and (c) drive means for reciprocating said sliding deck, said sliding deck connecting through said front portal to said drive means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-16 | 2002-05-18 | 2002-11-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-16 | 2006-05-18 | 2006-11-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-16 | 2010-05-18 | 2010-11-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |