Docking assembly for a computer and method

Abstract

A docking assembly for a computer. The docking assembly includes a base station, and a computer-support assembly coupled to the base station. A method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portable computer comprising moving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to a computer-support assembly. The base station and the computer-support assembly are rotatably coupled to an arm assembly. The method additionally includes moving the computer-support assembly away from the base station while rotating about the arm assembly, and positioning the computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving a portable computer.

1 . A docking assembly for a computer, comprising: a base station, and a computer-support assembly coupled to said base station. 
   
   
       2 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  additionally comprising an arm assembly coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly. 
   
   
       3 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  wherein said computer-support assembly additionally comprises at least one engaging member. 
   
   
       4 . The docking assembly of  claim 2  wherein said arm assembly is rotatably coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly. 
   
   
       5 . The docking assembly of  claim 3  wherein said engaging member comprises a flexible engaging member. 
   
   
       6 . The docking assembly of  claim 3  wherein said at least one engaging member comprises a pair of opposed engaging members for engaging the base station. 
   
   
       7 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  wherein a top of the base station includes one or more of a capacitive input device, a key, a set of keys, a keypad and a keyboard. 
   
   
       8 . The docking assembly of  claim 5  wherein each of said engaging member comprises a structure defining an opening. 
   
   
       9 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  additionally comprising an arm assembly pivotally coupled to said base station and to said computer-support assembly. 
   
   
       10 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  wherein said arm assembly comprising a generally hollow arm. 
   
   
       11 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  additionally comprising at least one conductive wire passing through the hollow arm from said base station to said computer-support assembly. 
   
   
       12 . The docking assembly of  claim 1  additionally comprising a computer supported by said computer-support assembly. 
   
   
       13 . The docking assembly of  claim 6  wherein each of said engager has a structure defining a slot for slidably receiving a computer. 
   
   
       14 . A method for positioning a computer-support assembly for receiving a portable computer comprising:
 moving away from a base station at least one engager member bound to a computer-support assembly, said base station and said computer-support assembly are rotatably coupled to an arm assembly;   moving said computer-support assembly away from said base station while rotating about said arm assembly; and   positioning said computer-support assembly in a posture for receiving a portable computer.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said computer-support assembly comprises at least one computer connector. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  additionally comprising slidably engaging the engager member with a portable computer. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  additionally comprising connecting the portable computer to the computer connector.