Abstract: A docking device for a portable computer including an enclosure having a support surface for supporting a portable computer thereon. An orifice plate is attached to the enclosure adjacent to the support surface. The orifice plate includes a plurality of orifices formed therethrough and the orifice plate is recessed with respect to the support surface. An air duct including an outlet portion is attached to an interior portion of the enclosure adjacent to the orifice plate. A blower is attached to an inlet portion of the air duct. The blower is operable to pressurize the air duct such that air is expelled through the orifices. The embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the skin temperature of the computer and the operating temperature of heat generating internal components. In addition, the processor can be operated at higher speeds for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A monitor stand which allows placement of a computer monitor above or to the side of the base of the docking apparatus. In one embodiment, the monitor stand includes spaced-apart side channel members and adjacent transverse channel members extending between the side members. Each transverse channel member has opposing ends attached to each respective side channel member. A first one of the adjacent transverse channel members is inverted with respect to a second one of the adjacent transverse channel members. A principal advantage of the embodiments presented herein is that the monitor stand can support the sustained loading of even the largest commercially available computer monitors without exhibiting appreciable deflection.