Device for connecting a portable computer to a docking station

摘要

A device is provided that is substantially enclosed inside the chassis of a docking station to connect a portable computer to a docking station. A beam is rotatably mounted at one end on a boss located on the inner surface of the top side of the chassis. A second end of the beam projects through a groove in the side of the chassis to allow a user to easily manipulate the beam. A spring biases the second end of the beam towards the rear of the chassis. A shaft is attached to the beam and extends downward from the beam to engage a plate. The plate has at least two slots that are substantially perpendicular to the front of the chassis. Fasteners are inserted through the slots and secured to bosses to allow the plate to slide forward and backward. Two prongs extend from the plate to eccentrically engage two latching members that are pivotally mounted on the inside of the chassis of the docking station. The latching members have torsion springs biasing them into an orientation that secures the portable computer to the chassis of the docking station. Thus, when a user slides the beam towards the front of the chassis, the plate moves forward and rotates the latching members using the two prongs to release the portable computer from the docking station.