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US 7,256,990 B2Granted
Vertical docking method and system
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorsDavid W. Grunow, Patrick V. Illingworth, John A. Jeffries
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a method and system for detachably docking a portable device to a docking device, the docking device is placed on a stable surface. The docking device includes a pair of moveable rear latches and moveable front latches, which are operable to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device when docked. The portable device is aligned vertically on top of the docking device. A vertical force is applied on the portable device. When properly aligned a pair of alignment pins included in the docking device mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the two devices are docked. A release latch on the docking device is operable to undock the two devices.
Claims21
A method for detachably docking a portable device to a docking device, the method comprising:
- placing the docking device on a stable surface, wherein the docking device includes a pair of moveable rear latches and a pair of moveable front latches;
- aligning the portable device with the docking device in a substantially vertical direction;
- applying a substantially vertical force on the portable device to cause the docking, wherein the pair of moveable rear latches and the pair of moveable front latches are operable to resiliently spread apart in opposite directions to movably latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device when docked whereby the portable device is secured to the docking device;
- providing a plurality of side sections on the docking device, at least one of the side sections including an alignment fin;
- and
- indicating with a light emitting diode that is located on the portable device that the portable device and the docking device are properly docked and are communicating via an electrical connector.
3 more elements
A docking system operable to detachably dock a portable device, the system comprising:
- a pair of moveable rear latches and a pair of moveable front latches, wherein the pair of moveable rear latches and the pair of moveable front latches are operable to resiliently spread apart in opposite directions to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device in response to an application of a substantially vertical force on the portable device for docking whereby the portable device is secured to the docking device;
- a pair of alignment pins, wherein the pair of alignment pins are operable to mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the portable device is docked;
- a plurality of side sections on the docking device, at least one of the side sections including an alignment fin;
- and
- a light emitting diode located on the portable device and operable to indicate that the portable device and the docking device are properly docked and are communicating via an electrical connector.
2 more elements
An information handling system comprising:
- a portable device, wherein the portable device includes:
- a processor;
- a system bus;
- a memory coupled to the processor through the system bus;
- a light emitting diode;
- and
- a docking device having at least one peripheral device, wherein the docking device is operable to detachably dock the portable device, wherein the docking device includes:
- a pair of movable rear latches and a pair of movable front latches, wherein the pair of moveable rear latches and the pair of moveable front latches are operable to resiliently spread apart in opposite directions to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device in response to an application of a substantially vertical force on the portable device for docking whereby the portable device is secured to the docking device;
- a plurality of side sections on the docking device, at least one of the side sections including an alignment fin;
- a pair of alignment pins, wherein the pair of alignment pins are operable to mate with corresponding notches of the portable device when the portable device is docked;
- and
- a connector to electrically couple the processor and the at least one peripheral device when the portable device is docked, wherein
- the light emitting diode located on the portable device is operable to indicate that the portable device and the docking device are properly docked and are communicating via the electrical connector.
10 more elements
An information handling system comprising:
- a portable device, wherein the portable device includes:
- a chassis;
- a microprocessor mounted in the chassis;
- a storage coupled to the microprocessor;
- a light emitting diode;
- and
- a docking device having at least one peripheral device, wherein the docking device is operable to detachably dock the portable device, wherein the docking device includes:
- a pair of moveable rear latches and a pair of movable front latches, wherein the pair of moveable rear latches and the pair of moveable front latches are operable to resiliently spread apart in opposite directions to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device in response to an application of a substantially vertical force on the portable device for docking whereby the portable device is secured to the docking device;
- a plurality of side sections on the docking device, at least one of the side sections including an alignment fin;
- a pair of alignment pins, wherein the pair of alignment pins are operable to mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the portable device is docked;
- and
- a connector to electrically couple the processor and the at least one peripheral device when the portable device is docked, wherein
- the light emitting diode located on the portable device is operable to indicate that the portable device and the docking device are properly docked and are communicating via the electrical connector.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.