In-monitor docking station to integrate a laptop computer into a desktop computer system

Abstract

An in-monitor docking station that enables a portable computer to be quickly and easily installed in a desktop environment includes a desktop monitor, and receives the portable computer through a door in the top of the monitor unit. The docking station is constructed with at least one electrical connector mate that receives the connector(s) of the laptop unit. An ejection mechanism, typically one or more springs, partially ejects the portable computer from the monitor unit when the latching unit actuator button is depressed. The only modification required for any portable computer to be compatible with the in-monitor docking station is a small recess in a bottom surface that receives the latch hook of the latching arm. Any additional components of a desktop system that are desired by the user can of course be added to the in-monitor docking station of the present invention, either in the unit itself, or as a peripheral device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.