US5870283A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable computer docking unit having an inhibitor for inhibiting movement of a mechanical lock to a lock position
Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1997-03-28
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Granted: 1999-02-09
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Expires: 2017-03-28
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a docking unit which includes a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position. A security key is provided for manipulating the mechanical lock to move between the unlock position and the lock position. The security key is (1) detachable from the mechanical lock at the lock position and (2) undetachable from the mechanical lock at the unlock position. The docking unit further includes a latch for securing a portable computer to the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the lock position and releasing the computer from the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the unlock position. The unit also includes an inhibitor for selectively inhibiting the mechanical lock from movement to the lock position.
Inventors
- 👤 Kazuhiko Maeda
- 👤 Masaki Kobayashi
- 👤 Taketoshi Yokemura
- 👤 Takashi Yanagisawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:20
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1632; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A docking unit for a portable computer comprising: a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position; a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position; said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position; a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position; and an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A docking unit for a portable computer comprising: a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position; a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position; said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position; a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position; and an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The docking unit of claim 1, wherein said unit accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and further wherein said inhibitor inhibits removal of a mounted peripheral device from said unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
156 words
In combination, a portable computer and a docking unit for supporting said portable computer comprising: a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position; a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position; said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position; a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position; an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position; and wherein the portable computer accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and said latch secures a mounted peripheral device in the computer in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
156 words
In combination, a portable computer and a docking unit for supporting said portable computer comprising: a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position; a security key for manipulating said mechanical lock to move between said unlock position and said lock position; said security key being (1) detachable from said mechanical lock at said lock position and (2) undetachable from said mechanical lock at said unlock position; a latch securing said portable computer to said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position and releasing the computer from said unit in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said unlock position; an inhibitor selectively inhibiting said mechanical lock from movement to said lock position; and wherein the portable computer accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and said latch secures a mounted peripheral device in the computer in response to positioning of said mechanical lock in said lock position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination of claim 3, wherein said unit accommodates mounting of a peripheral device and further wherein said inhibitor inhibits removal of a mounted peripheral device from said unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5450271A
Cited
US5555487A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-08-10 | 2003-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-08 | 2006-08-10 | 2007-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-08 | 2010-08-10 | 2011-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |