Computer peripheral engagement/disengagement mechanism

{
  "publication_number": "US5580182A",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A",
  "title": "Computer peripheral engagement/disengagement mechanism",
  "abstract": "Disclosed is an engagement/disengagement mechanism provided on a peripheral allowing the peripheral to be engaged with and disengaged from a notebook computer effortlessly without the need of extra tools. To attach the peripheral to the back of the notebook computer, the user needs just to align the connector and hooks on the peripheral with the counterpart connector and opening on the back of the notebook computer, and then push forcibly the peripheral against the back of the notebook computer. To detach the peripheral from the notebook computer, the user needs just to push the presser down and then pull the peripheral backwards to make the detachment. It is this simple to make the engagement and disengagement between the peripheral and the notebook computer.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An engagement/disengagement mechanism provided on a first device having a first connector for engaging the first device with a second device having a second connector coupled with the first connector on the first device, comprising: (a) a presser substantially L-shaped in cross section, having a pressing part for the user to press thereon and an exerting part, said presser further including elastic means allowing said presser to restore to the original position after being pressed down; (b) a pushing member provided near the first connector and having one end coupled to the exerting part of said presser such that when said presser is at down position said pushing member is shifted in position to cause the other end of said pushing member to protrude to the outside of the first device and thereby push against the second device to help separating the first conenctor from the second connector; (c) at least a hook elastically pivoted for engagement with the second device; (d) disengagement actuating means, coupled between said pushing member and said hook, for pivotally moving said hook so as to release the engagement of the hook with the second device; and (e) a linking bar fixed on said pushing member, said disengagement actuating means comprising a substantially L-shaped slot provided on said linking bar and a protrusion provided on said hook.",
    "2. An engagement/disengagement mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially L-shaped slot has an oblique portion allowing said protrusion to travel along said substantially L-shaped slot so as to pull said hook inward.",
    "3. An engagement/disengagement mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said presser is coupled with a spiral spring for restoring said presser to its original position after said presser being pressed down.",
    "4. An engagement/disengagement mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said linking bar is coupled with a spiral spring for restoring said linking bar to its original position after being shifted in position by the pressing down of said presser.",
    "5. An engagement/disengagement mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hook is coupled with a spiral spring for restoring said hook to its original position after being pivoted to one side.",
    "6. An engagement/disengagement mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pushing member is provided beneath the first connector."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "G06F 1/1632",
    "H01R 13/6275",
    "Y10T 292/1061",
    "Y10T 403/59",
    "Y10T 403/599"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "INVENTEC CORP"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1995-06-07",
  "publication_date": "1996-12-03",
  "grant_date": "1996-12-03",
  "priority_date": "1995-06-07",
  "application_number": "US-46743295-A",
  "family_id": "23855679",
  "citations": [
    "US4893263A",
    "US4901261A",
    "US4940414A",
    "US5465191A",
    "US5472351A"
  ]
}