Abstract: A protective cover for a laptop computer having a screen portion and an attached keyboard portion. The cover has a bottom shell for placement on the keyboard portion, or a top shell for placement on the screen portion, or both a bottom shell and a top shell. The cover also has at least one removable locking clip that attaches to the bottom shell when the keyboard portion is placed in the bottom shell, or attaches to the top shell when placed on the screen portion. The locking clip has at least one protruding flange that inserts into a slot in the bottom shell or top shell to internally lock the shell to the keyboard portion or the screen portion. A tool can be inserted into the slot to compress the protruding flange to unlock the bottom shell or top shell from the keyboard portion or the screen portion.

Abstract: A docking station for supporting an electronic device includes a body having a cradle portion. A latching mechanism is coupled with the body and movable between a first position configured to permit insertion of the electronic device into the docking station, and a second position configured to secure the electronic device in the docking station. The latching mechanism includes an activation portion configured to contact a first surface of the electronic device and to automatically move, via the contact during insertion of the electronic device into the docking station, from an activation portion first position extending from the body, to an activation portion second position. The latching mechanism further includes a latch portion configured to engage a second surface of the electronic device when the latching mechanism is in the second position. The latch portion is movable in response to movement of the activation portion.

Abstract: A computer docking station for supporting a portable computer includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the portable computer, and an arm portion spaced from the cradle portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The computer moves the latching member from the second position to the first position, in a direction toward the cradle portion, as the computer is inserted into the docking station and the latching member automatically moves from the first position to the second position, in a direction away from the cradle portion, as the computer is fully inserted into the docking station.

Abstract: A cover for surrounding both an electronic device and a support on which the electronic device is retained includes a first portion defining a back of the cover to be positioned behind the electronic device and behind the support. The first portion includes at least one aperture for receiving a mounting member configured to mount the support to a structure. The cover further includes a second portion defining a front of the cover. The second portion defines therein a cavity sized and configured such that when connected to the first portion about an outer periphery of the second portion, the cavity encloses the electronic device and the support. A heating element is coupled to the second portion and operable to heat the cavity.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device includes a cradle portion for supporting a first edge of the portable electronic device, a body portion extending away from the cradle portion, and a latching portion coupled to the body portion for securing a second edge of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is supported in the docking station. The latching portion includes a first latch movable relative to the body portion between a latched position and an unlatched position, a second latch spaced from the first latch and movable relative to the body portion between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a control bar coupled to each of the first and second latches such that movement of the control bar by a user simultaneously moves both the first and second latches to the unlatched positions.

Abstract: A computer docking station for supporting a portable computer includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the portable computer, and an arm portion spaced from the cradle portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The computer moves the latching member from the second position to the first position, in a direction toward the cradle portion, as the computer is inserted into the docking station and the latching member automatically moves from the first position to the second position, in a direction away from the cradle portion, as the computer is fully inserted into the docking station.

Abstract: A keyboard mounting assembly includes a base having a base upper surface and a downwardly-extending base skirt adjacent at least one side of the base upper surface. The base skirt has a recessed portion offset inwardly from the peripheral edge of the base upper surface and formed underneath the base upper surface. The assembly further includes a keyboard tray having a support portion configured to support a keyboard. The support portion has a tray upper surface and a downwardly-extending tray skirt extending along at least a portion of one peripheral edge of the tray upper surface. The tray skirt has a projection extending inwardly from an interior surface of the tray skirt and configured for receipt within the recessed portion of the base skirt when the base is coupled to the keyboard tray. The assembly further includes an interlock mechanism between the base and the keyboard tray.

Abstract: A computer docking station for supporting a portable computer includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the portable computer, and an arm portion spaced from the cradle portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The latching member engages the handle portion of the portable computer in the second position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a connecting subassembly having first and second exterior arms, and an interior arm having first and second ends disposed between the first and second exterior arms. The first end of the interior arm and a portion of the first exterior arm define a first socket. The second end of the interior arm and a portion of the second exterior arm define a second socket. First and second mounting members disposed in the respective first and second sockets.

Abstract: A universal laptop computer mount for mounting a laptop thereon includes a mounting surface member and at least one hold down member which is pivotably mounted, slidably mounted or both pivotably and slidably mounted on the mounting surface member for securing the laptop computer to the mounting surface member. The at least one hold down member may include at least first and second clips located on opposite sides, front and rear portions or on all sides of the mounting surface to secure the laptop in place. The mounting surface member may include first and second mounting surface members wherein the second mounting surface member is slidable with respect to the first mounting surface member. The method of assembly of the mount and of securing a laptop or other object to the mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a connecting subassembly having first and second exterior arms, and an interior arm having first and second ends disposed between the first and second exterior arms. The first end of the interior arm and a portion of the first exterior arm define a first socket. The second end of the interior arm and a portion of the second exterior arm define a second socket. First and second mounting members disposed in the respective first and second sockets.

Abstract: A universal laptop computer mount for mounting a laptop thereon includes a mounting surface member and at least one hold down member which is pivotably mounted, slidably mounted or both pivotably and slidably mounted on the mounting surface member for securing the laptop computer to the mounting surface member. The at least one hold down member may include at least first and second clips located on opposite sides, front and rear portions or on all sides of the mounting surface to secure the laptop in place. The mounting surface member may include first and second mounting surface members wherein the second mounting surface member is slidable with respect to the first mounting surface member. The method of assembly of the mount and of securing a laptop or other object to the mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the in-dash mounting and support of a personal computer, a display unit, a keyboard or other piece of similar electronic equipment in a motor vehicle which provides means for pivoting, sliding and locking the position of the bracket assembly and electronic equipment mounted thereto relative to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The invention improves the ability of a driver or passenger to adjust and maintain the relative orientation of in-dash mounted electronic equipment for improving the ease with which electronic equipment may be utilized.