Patent US6151218A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6151218A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Physical security system for portable computer/port replicator
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
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Filing: 1998-08-21
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Granted: 2000-11-21
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Expires: 2018-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A docking system, including a portable computer and a docking unit, operates by latching the portable computer to the docking unit. A docking bay arrangement is used so that the portable computer's keyboard is accessible and usable by the user. A latch control system, which is controlled from the portable computer, provides security by preventing removal of the portable computer from the docking unit by unauthorized persons. This prevents theft, since the docking unit in turn is secured to the work area by a cable system.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott Pirdy
- 👤 Allan Scott Baucom
- 👤 Richard Hennessy
- 👤 Scott Giordano
- 👤 Sergio Parise
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:19
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1632
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A docking system for a portable computer and docking unit, the portable computer having a rear side with communication ports disposed thereon, a bottom side with a first electrical connector disposed thereon and coupled to the communication ports, and a front side, the docking system comprising: a docking bay for receiving the portable computer, the docking bay having an upwardly facing uncovered top side with a second electrical connector disposed thereon and mateable with the first electrical connector; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay, the latching system including first and second latch structures respectively and releasably interlockable with front and rear portions of the portable computer to prevent upward removal thereof from the docking bay and decoupling of the first and second electrical connectors; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system via software control from the portable computer wherein, said docking system further comprising an undock request member, which when activated by a user, initiates unlocking of the latching system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A docking system for a portable computer and docking unit, the portable computer having a rear side with communication ports disposed thereon, a bottom side with a first electrical connector disposed thereon and coupled to the communication ports, and a front side, the docking system comprising: a docking bay for receiving the portable computer, the docking bay having an upwardly facing uncovered top side with a second electrical connector disposed thereon and mateable with the first electrical connector; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay, the latching system including first and second latch structures respectively and releasably interlockable with front and rear portions of the portable computer to prevent upward removal thereof from the docking bay and decoupling of the first and second electrical connectors; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system via software control from the portable computer wherein, said docking system further comprising an undock request member, which when activated by a user, initiates unlocking of the latching system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A docking system as described in claim 1, further comprising a cable connector port adapted to receive a cable that secures the docking unit to a work area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A docking system as described in claim 1, further comprising docking detection system for sensing docking of the portable computer into the docking bay.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A docking system as described in claim 3, wherein the docking detection system senses docking via mating of electrical connectors connecting the docking unit to the portable computer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A docking system as described in claim 4, wherein the latch control system locks the latching system in response to receiving a dock signal from the docking detection system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A docking system as described in claim 1, further comprising a microcontroller that initiates a prompt for the user to enter a password at the portable computer in response to detecting activation of the undock request member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A docking system as described in claim 6, further comprising at least one latch release button, wherein the microcontroller frees the latch release button to be depressed by a user to enable decoupling of the portable computer from the docking unit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A docking system as described in claim 7, wherein the user enters the password via an operating system of the portable computer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A docking system as described in claim 7, wherein the portable computer comprises a middle docking unit which is secured in the docking bay by the latching system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A docking system as described in claim 1 wherein the docking bay has an upstanding rear wall structure operative to block access to the communication ports on the docked portable computer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
A docking system for a portable computer and docking unit, the docking system comprising: a docking bay having a top side for receiving the portable computer, a rear portion, and a cutout area extending downwardly through the top side of the docking bay and forming with the rear portion a carrying handle for the docking unit; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
A docking system for a portable computer and docking unit, the docking system comprising: a docking bay having a top side for receiving the portable computer, a rear portion, and a cutout area extending downwardly through the top side of the docking bay and forming with the rear portion a carrying handle for the docking unit; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
81 words
A docking system for a portable computer and a docking unit, the docking system comprising: a docking bay having a top side for receiving the portable computer; a battery cradle recess formed in the top side of the docking bay for receiving a battery and having an electrical charging connector mateable with a charging connector on the received battery; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
81 words
A docking system for a portable computer and a docking unit, the docking system comprising: a docking bay having a top side for receiving the portable computer; a battery cradle recess formed in the top side of the docking bay for receiving a battery and having an electrical charging connector mateable with a charging connector on the received battery; a latching system for securing the portable computer in the docking bay; and a latch control system for unlocking the latching system.
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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) | 2003-11-21 | 2004-05-22 | 2004-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-11-21 | 2008-05-22 | 2008-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-11-21 | 2012-05-22 | 2012-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |