Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus access regulation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-01
2001-04-10
Wiley, David A. (Department: 2155)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus access regulation
C710S108000, C361S689000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216195
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a docking station for a notebook computer, more particularly to a docking station that facilitates detaching of the notebook computer from the docking station.
2. Description of the Related Art
A docking station is used with a notebook computer as a way of expanding the functions of the notebook computer. Because the docking station is connected electrically and mechanically to the notebook computer, there is always a need to facilitate detaching of the notebook computer from the docking station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a docking station that permits convenient removal of a notebook computer therefrom.
According to this invention, a docking station is adapted for use with a notebook computer that has a rear wall provided with a first connector set. The rear wall defines a longitudinal axis. The docking station comprises a housing and an ejector device.
The housing has a front wall adapted to be disposed adjacent to and parallel to the rear wall of the notebook computer. The front wall is provided with a second connector set that is adapted to connect electrically and mechanically with the first connector set. The front wall is formed with an ejector opening. The housing is further formed with an access opening.
The ejector device includes an elongate linking arm, an ejecting member, and a biasing member. The linking arm is disposed in the housing and is parallel to the front wall. The linking arm is movable in the housing in a longitudinal direction between operated and non-operated positions. The linking arm has a connecting end and an operating end accessible via the access opening to permit movement of the linking arm from the non-operated position to the operated position. The ejecting member is disposed in the housing adjacent to the ejector opening. The ejecting member has a first pivot portion connected pivotally to the connecting end of the linking arm, a second pivot portion connected pivotally to the housing, and an ejecting portion that is retracted in the housing when the linking arm is in the non-operated position, and that extends out of the housing via the ejector opening so as to be adapted to push the rear wall of the notebook computer away from the front wall when the linking arm is in the operated position. The biasing member is used for biasing the linking arm to the non-operated position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5436792 (1995-07-01), Leman et al.
patent: 5535093 (1996-07-01), Noguchi et al.
patent: 5557562 (1996-09-01), Yoshiharu et al.
patent: 5882220 (1999-03-01), Horii et al.
patent: 5933321 (1999-08-01), Ruch et al.
patent: 6069790 (2000-05-01), Howell et al.
Chiang Chih-Wen
Chou Ming-Hsun
Huang Jui-Jung
Lee Chia-Chun
Compal Electronics Inc.
Pillsbury & Winthrop LLP
Wiley David A.
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