(10) Patent No.:
`a2) United States Patent
`US 6,771,494 B2
`
`
` Shimano (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 3, 2004
`
`US006771494B2
`
`(54) PORTABLE COMPUTER USABLEIN
`LAPTOP AND TABLET CONFIGURATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/023,228
`
`Filed:
`
`(22)
`(65)
`
`Data
`
`Dec. 17, 2001
`D
`Pr
`Publ
`ior Publication
`US 2003/0112588 A1 Jun. 19, 2003
`GO6F 1/16
`Int. Cl”
`51)
`eeeeetence cee eneeeseeeneeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
`)
`(
`/
`nt.
`©
`(52) U.S. Ch cece 361/681; 345/173; 345/905;
`361/681; D14/304.
`(58) Field of Search ........ vrerreenteseneeeen is 361/680-683,
`361/686; D14/304, 305; 345/173, 905,
`178, 179
`
`5/1999 Haneda et al. ow... 345/1.1
`5,900,848 A *
`6/1999 Kuzunukietal.
`5,917,475 A
`11/1999 Tang
`5,987,704 A
`9/2000 Goto et al. wi. 361/1
`6,122,152 A *
`(75)
`Inventor: Kenji Shimano, Tokyo (JP)
`10/2000 Hongetal.
`6,141,208 A
`3/2001 Bovioetal.
`6,202,256 B1
`:
`.
`*
`*
`:
`4/2001 Hawkinset al.
`6,219,681 Bl
`(73) Assignee: qoshiba America Information
`
`
`
`Inc.,ystems, Irvine,CA(US) 6,256,194 Bl 7/2001. Choiet al.
`
`:
`.
`:
`.
`.
`6,262,885 B1 *
`7/2001 E
`tale cee 361/683
`(*) Notice:
`Subjectto any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`6.275.376 Bl *
`32001 Moon vee 301/683
`patent sath)by0°" adjusted under 35
`6,297,947 B1
`10/2001 Howell et al.
`ol,
`y
`ays.
`6,300,921 B1
`10/2001 Moriconietal.
`6,301,768 B1
`10/2001 Toeniskoetter
`6,304,433 B2
`10/2001 O’Nealet al.
`6,394,431 BL
`5/2002 Smith
`2001/0001859 A1
`5/2001 Hawkinsetal.
`2003/0106724 Ail *
`6/2003 Masamitsuetal. ...... 178/18.03
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Lisa Lea-Edmonds
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Embodiments of the present
`invention are directed to a
`portable computer, such as a laptop or notebook computer,
`a subnotebook computer, a personal digital assistant, a
`wireless phone or the like, that can be set up in a closed
`configuration, a laptop configuration or a tablet configura-
`tion. The portable computer may include a base unit having
`a primary input device, such as a keyboard or pointing
`device, and a display unit having a display device. The base
`unit and the display unit may be coupled so that the display
`unit can be moved relative to the base unit to place the
`portable computer in a desired configuration.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1993 Hawkinset al.
`5,200,913 A .
`t004 wayagawacal sree 361/681
`ose “
`5,335.1aA 8/1994 Anderson
`5,498,165 A
`3/1996 Tseng
`5,668,570 A *
`9/1997 Ditzik wee 345/173
`5,768,163 A
`6/1998 Smith, I
`
`17 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`IPR2021-00681
`
`LiTL Exhibit 2010
`LiTL Exhibit 2010
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`IPR2021-00681
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 1 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 2 of 17
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`FIG.2(a)
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`DIRECTION TWO
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`FIG.2(b)
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`DIRECTION ONE
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 17 FIG.3
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 4 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`FIG.4(b)
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`FIG.4(c)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 5 of 17
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`Sheet 6 of 17
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`FIG.6(b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 7 of 17
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`FIG.6(c)
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`Sheet 9 of 17
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`Sheet 10 of 17
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`FIG.9(a)
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`FIG.9(b)
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`Sheet 11 of 17
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`epeeahDeemerEbeneeranstereoeee
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`FIG. 10(a)
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`FIG. 10(b)
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`Sheet 12 of 17
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`FIG. 11 (a)
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`Sheet 13 of 17
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`Sheet 14 of 17
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`FIG. 12(b)
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`Sheet 15 of 17
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`FIG.13(c)
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`FIG.13(d)
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`FIG.13(e)
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`Sheet 17 of 17
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`FIG. 14(b)
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`FIG.14(c)
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`1
`PORTABLE COMPUTER USABLE IN
`LAPTOP AND TABLET CONFIGURATIONS
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`Portable computers, including laptop computers or note-
`book computers, have increased in popularity since their
`introduction to the electronics market. Recent increases in
`
`2
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,376 to Moon discloses a portable
`computer in which the display unit (including the display
`screen) is supported on a support block that is affixed to a
`shaft capable of rotating about a vertical axis. The support
`block also forms a portion of a multi-part shaft that rotates
`about a horizontal axis to allow the portable computer to be
`pivoted between an open and closed position. The electrical
`cable connecting the base unit and the display unit is passed
`around and along the vertical shaft. Because the portable
`processor speed and decreases in memory cost, memorysize
`computer described in the Moonreference does not include
`and processor power consumption have allowed portable
`any means for limiting rotation of the display about the
`computers to operate at
`increased performance levels.
`vertical axis, the user may damagethe cable by rotating the
`Because of this increased performance, users are now able
`display about this axis. Moreover, the Moonreference does
`to use portable computers in many complex applications
`not disclose any meansfor holding the portable computer in
`where performanceiscritical instead of relying only on high
`any particular configuration.
`performance desktop computers.
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,200,913, 5,333,116, and 6,219,681 to
`The increased popularity of portable computers can also
`IJawkins and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/0001859
`be attributed to quality improvements and reductionsin size
`also to Hawkins disclose a portable computer in which the
`and weight of other components, such as displays. The
`display unit, including the LCD display, may be moved and
`image quality of the displays on portable computers has
`folded to allow the display unit to be utilized in tablet mode.
`improved to a level similar or equal to that of desktop
`The display unit is placed on top of the keyboard. The
`computers. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are utilized in
`display unit or display is pivotally mounted to a base
`many portable computers because LCDs are lightweight,
`housing by means of a pair of forward hinge and arm
`have low power consumption, and retain a good quality of
`assemblies and a rear hinge plate. Each forward hinge and
`display even when exposedto different lighting conditions.
`25
`arm assemblyis pivotally attached to one end of the forward
`In the past, portable computers were only able to accept
`portion of the display side wall to formafirst pivot. The
`input via a keyboard, a mouse, or a built-in pointing device.
`other end of the hinge is pivotally attached to the housing
`Recent advances in technology and input devices now allow
`adjacent
`to the side margin region conveniently located
`for users to input data on a touch screen via a person’s digits
`between the front and rear edge of the keyboard. When the
`or an electronic stylus using pre-defined input screens. In
`computer is open and in laptop mode, the rear hinge plate
`addition, the electronic stylus may be used in conjunction
`assists in providing lateral stability to the display. The rear
`with optical character recognition (OCR) software. The use
`hinge plate also provides two axesof rotation parallel to the
`of a touch screen to input data is sometimesreferred to as
`width of the display and housing whenthe laptop is rotated
`operating in “tablet mode,” because the computer is being
`to the tablet mode. The Hawkinsreference requires a com-
`utilized in a similar mannerto a tablet of paper. Because the
`plex and awkward combination of mechanicalparts to place
`keyboard is not essential for data input in a computer being
`the computer in tablet mode.
`In addition,
`the Hawkins
`used in tablet mode,
`the size of the keyboard has been
`reference does not provide for the portable computer to be
`reduced in some portable computers and even eliminated in
`placed in a closed mode.
`the standard configuration of smaller portable computers,
`Accordingly, a need exists for a portable computer that
`such as the handheld computers commonly referred to as
`may be placed in a closed configuration for secure
`personaldigital assistants (PDA). In some of these PDAs, a
`transportation, and mayalso be utilized in both a laptop
`virtual keyboard may be used by an operator with a stylus.
`mode (where a user inputs data via a keyboard or pointing
`While manyusers prefer a tablet-type portable computer
`device) and a tablet mode (where no keyboard is used to
`with a stylus as an input device, many other users prefer to
`input data).
`have a portable computer with a full keyboard configuration
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`depending upon the application for which the computer is
`being utilized. Therefore, users desire a portable computer
`that can be configured to operate either as a normal laptop
`computer with keyboard or pointing device input (“laptop
`configuration”), or as a tablet computer with an electronic
`stylus or other touchscreen-type input device and/or OCR
`software. It is also generally desirable that the display of the
`portable computer be protected when the portable computer
`is being transported.
`US. Pat. No. 5,987,704 to Tang, discloses a portable
`computer having a display unit with a display screen and
`base unit with a keyboard, where hinging gear assemblies
`allow the display unit to be rotated 360 degrees relative to
`the base unit. Each gear assembly involves two toothed
`gears, and deformable braking mechanisms for each of the
`gears. The braking mechanisms mustbe activated to hold the
`gears in a rotational position relative to each other. The use
`of toothed gears provides for low performance, because
`slippage will occur if a tooth of a gear fails, affecting the
`stability of the rotating display unit. Further, according to the
`Tang reference, the gear must protrude from the sides of the
`display and base units, increasing the likelihood of damage
`to these parts.
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates the portable computer utilized in the
`laptop configuration according to an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 2(a) illustrates the use of A and B hinges in the
`portable computerin the closed configuration according to a
`first embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2(b) illustrates the use of A and B hinges in the
`portable computer in the laptop configuration according to a
`first embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2(c) illustrates the location of the A and B hinges
`when the portable computer is in the tablet configuration
`according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of both the A and B hinge
`assemblies according to a first embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 4(a) presents a side view of the portable computerin
`the closed configuration according to a first embodimentof
`the present invention,
`FIG. 4(5)presents a side view of the portable computerin
`the laptop configuration according to a first embodimentof
`the present invention;
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`FIGS. 11(@) and 11(d)illustrate a portable computer in the
`laptop configuration according to a third embodimentof the
`invention
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`4
`device, or some other primary input device(s) separate from
`FIG. 4(c) presents a side view of the portable computer in
`the display device. The display device may be used as a
`the tablet configuration according to a first embodiment of
`secondary input device, possibly in conjunction with an
`the present invention;
`electronic stylus or similar device.
`In the laptop
`FIG. 5 presents a top perspective view of the portable
`configuration, the user may input data using the primary
`computer in the tablet configuration according toafirst
`input device and may receive information from the laptop
`embodimentof the present invention;
`via the display device. In the tablet configuration, the user
`FIG. 6 illustrates a latching assembly according to an
`may receive information from the display device and may
`embodimentof the present invention;
`use the display device as a secondary input device. In this
`FIG. 7 presents a side view of the portable computer in a
`configuration, the user may be prevented from accessing the
`closed configuration according to a second embodiment of
`keyboard or other primary input device(s), e.g., by placing
`the present invention;
`the display device over the keyboard or other primary input
`FIG. 8(a) presents a top view of the portable computer in
`device(s). The technology for using a display device as a
`a laptop configuration according to a second embodiment of
`touchscreen is well knownintheart. In particular, U.S. Pat.
`the present invention;
`No. 5,917,475 to Kuzunukiet al. describes a display device
`that may be used as a touchscreen to transmit handwriting
`FIG. 8(6) presents a side view of the portable computer in
`input to circuitry capable of interpreting the handwriting as
`a laptop configuration according to a second embodiment of
`recognized characters.
`In embodiments of the present
`the present invention;
`invention, such circuitry may include a combination of
`FIG. 9(a) presents a top view of the portable computer in
`processors, integrated circuits, gate arrays, memories, soft-
`a tablet configuration according to a second embodimentof
`ware and the like. In the closed configuration, the display
`the present invention;
`device and the keyboard or other primary input device(s)
`FIG. 9(b) presents a side view of the portable computer in
`may be enclosed so as to prevent the user from accessing
`a tablet configuration according to a second embodimentof
`either and to prevent damage to the portable computer
`the present invention;
`during transportation or storage.
`FIGS. 10(a) and 10(6)illustrate a portable computerin the
`As illustrated in FIG. 1, embodiments of the portable
`closed configuration according to a third embodimentof the
`computer may havea display unit 10 and a base unit 12. The
`invention.
`display unit 10 may be connected to the base unit 12
`utilizing a hinging assembly 13. Alternatively, as illustrated
`in connection with FIGS. 7 to 9, a cover unit 52 may connect
`the display unit 10 to a base unit 12 having a keyboard 18
`or other primary input device.
`In embodiments of the
`invention, the display unit 10 may include a display screen
`14 and a display screen frame 16. The base unit may include
`a keyboard 18, a pointing device 20 and/or some other
`primary input device. In embodiments of the invention, the
`display unit 10, the base unit 12 or both may also include a
`central processing unit (not shown) and or a memory (not
`shown). The portable computer may also include an elec-
`trical connection between elements of the base unit 12 and
`
`FIGS. 12(a) and 12(6)illustrate a portable computerin the
`tablet configuration according to a third embodimentof the
`invention
`
`FIG. 13(q) illustrates a top view of a portion of a hinging
`assembly as it would appear when the portable computeris
`in the laptop configuration according to a third embodiment
`of the invention;
`FIG. 13(b)illustrates a top view of a portion of a hinging
`assembly and a locking mechanism according to a third
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 13(c) illustrates a top view of a portion of a hinging
`assembly according to a third embodimentof the invention;
`FIG. 13(d) illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a shaft
`that may be included in a hinging assembly according to a
`third embodimentof the invention;
`FIG. 13(e) illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a
`hinging assemble according to a third embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 14(a)-14(c) show a locking mechanism at various
`stages as the portable computer is changed from the laptop
`configuration to the tablet configuration according to a third
`embodimentof the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The present invention is directed to a portable computer
`that may be placed in a closed configuration, a laptop
`configuration, and a tablet configuration. While the term
`“portable computer” is used, it should be understood that
`this term is not limited to traditional laptop and notebook
`computers andthat the term “portable computer” is meantto
`encompassother electronic devices having input processing
`capabilities, such as, subnotebook computers, PDAs, wire-
`less telephones, and the like. The portable computer may
`include a display device and a keyboard, a mouse,a pointing
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`elements of the display unit 10 so that signals representative
`of user input, data, control commands, status information
`and the like may be passed therebetween.
`Embodiments of Type Shown in FIGS. 1-6
`In embodiments of the present invention, the display unit
`10 of the portable computer may be connected to the base
`unit 12 utilizing a hinging assembly 13. As shownin FIGS.
`1-6, the display unit 10 includes a display screen 14 and a
`display screen frame 16 that includes a back surface 17. The
`base unit may include a keyboard 18, a pointing device 20,
`a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), and a memory
`(not shown). A hinging assembly 13, including an A hinge
`32, a B hinge 30 and an armature 33, may couple the base
`unit 12 to the display unit 10 so that they mayrotate relative
`to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the
`B hinge 30 is fixedly coupled to the display unit 10 and
`another portion of the B hinge 30 is fixedly coupled to the
`armature 33. Similarly, a portion of the A hinge 32 is fixedly
`coupled to the base unit 12 and another portion of the A
`hingeis fixedly coupled to the armature 33. For both hinges,
`the portion connected to the armature 33 rotates in relation
`to the portion coupledto either the base unit 12 or the display
`unit 10.
`
`The portable computer may be placed in a “closed
`configuration,” which protects the display screen 14 and the
`keyboard 18, pointing device 20 or other primary input
`device(s) form damage. The portable computer may be
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`base unit 12. The results of the user’s interaction and other
`placed in the closed configuration whenit is being stored or
`output from the CPU may be shown to the user on the
`transported or is otherwise not being operated. The portable
`display screen 14.
`computer may be operated in either of two configurations,
`It should be understood that when the user is utilizing the
`the “laptop configuration” or the “tablet configuration.”
`portable computer in the laptop configuration, the user may
`These three configurations are further described below.
`make minor adjustments (e.g., up to about 15 degrees in
`FIGS. 2(a)—2(c) and 4(a)-4(c) illustrate how the A hinge
`either direction) to the tilt angle of the display unit 10 for
`32 maybe rotated to allow the display unit 10 to betilted
`optimal viewing ease, etc. Such adjustments should not be
`relative to the base unit 12 to place the portable computer in
`one of the three configurations. FIG. 2(@) illustrates the use
`considered different configurations of the portable computer
`and shall be considered part of the “laptop configuration”
`of A and B hinges in the portable computer in the closed
`throughoutthis description of embodimentsof the invention.
`configuration according to an embodiment of the present
`invention. FIG. 4(a) presents a side view of the portable
`FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the A hinge 32 and B
`hinge 30 according to an embodimentof the present inven-
`computer
`in the closed configuration according to an
`tion. In embodiments of the invention, the A hinge 32 may
`embodimentof the present invention. The portable computer
`have a low friction device 38 surrounding the A hinge shaft
`may be placed in a closed configuration where the display
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`unit 10 rests directly in contact with the base unit 12 so that 37. However, the A hinge 32 may allowadifferent friction
`in each direction. In embodiments of the invention, a direc-
`the display 14, the keyboard 18, and the pointing device 20
`are in between the display unit 10 and the base unit 12. In
`tional clutch 40 maybe used to allow the A hinge 32 to rotate
`the closed configuration, the display umit 10 is rotated 0
`with different levels of friction when rotated in opposite
`degrees relative to the base unit 12.
`directions. For example, the directional clutch 40 may allow
`In order to move the portable computer from the tablet
`the A hinge 32 to rotate with a low level of friction in an
`opening (clockwise) direction (shown as direction one in
`configuration past the laptop configuration to the closed
`FIG. 2(b)) and may engage a higherlevel offriction in the
`configuration, the A hinge 32 and the B hinge 30 may be
`closing (counterclockwise) direction (shown as direction
`rotated, either individually or simultaneously. In embodi-
`two in FIG. 2(b)).
`In alternative embodiments of the
`ments of the invention, one of the hinges mayberotated to
`transition the portable computer from the closed configura-
`invention, the B hinge 30 may havea lowerlevelof friction
`tion to the laptop configuration, and the other hinge may be
`resisting its rotation than the A hinge 32, causing the B hinge
`rotated to transition the portable computer from the laptop
`30 to movebefore the A hinge 30.
`configuration to the tablet configuration. For example, in the
`As aresult, when the A hinge 32 is being rotated to move
`embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, when the portable com-
`the display unit 10 in the opening direction,
`the friction
`puter is in the closed configuration, a user may apply a
`resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 may be less than the
`separating force to rotate said display unit 10 relative to said
`friction resisting rotation of the B hinge 30. Accordingly,
`base unit 12. The initial application of this separating force
`whena separating force is initially applied to the display unit
`may cause only the A hinge 32 to rotate until the portable
`10 and the base unit 12, the A hinge 32 rotates first and the
`computer reaches the laptop configuration. One embodiment
`B hinge 30 docs not rotate. Thus, when the display unit 10
`in which the hinges rotate individually is described in
`is first moved to change the portable computer from the
`greater detail with respect to FIG. 3.
`closed configuration to the laptop configuration, the A hinge
`In embodiments of the invention, the rotational range of
`32 rotates first and allows movementof the display unit 10
`the A hinge 32 may be limited to an upper limit that is
`to approximately 110 degrees relative to the base unit 12.
`reached when the portable computer is in the laptop con-
`The A hinge 32 may have sufficient friction resisting
`figuration. For example,
`in the embodiment shown,
`the
`rotation in either the opening or the closing direction to keep
`rotational range of the A hinge 32 may be limited such that
`the display unit 10 of the portable computer tilted. The
`no further rotation of the A hinge 32 occursafter the display
`minimum friction necessary to maintain the display unit in
`unit 10 forms about a 110° angle with said base unit 12. In
`the tilted position may be calculated based on the weight of
`embodiments of the invention, the range of rotation of the A
`the display unit 10 and thelaptop tilt angle of the display umit
`hinge 32 may be limited by a physical stop, which may be
`in the laptop configuration. In embodiments in which the
`located on an external or internal surface of the A hinge 32
`base unit 12 rests partially on the A hinge 32 as shown in
`and/or on a surface of the display unit 10 or base unit 12.
`FIGS. 1-5 and as described in greater detail below,
`the
`FIG. 1 illustrates the portable computer in the laptop
`minimum friction force required may also depend upon the
`configuration. In the laptop configuration, the bottom sur-
`weight of the base unit 12 and the angle between the base
`face 15 ofthe base unit 12 mayrest on a planar surface (such
`unit 12 and the surface upon whichitrests.
`as a desktop, a user’s lap or palm, or a similar substantially
`Conversely, when the display unit 10 is moved in the
`flat surface) and the display unit 10 may be rotated approxi-
`closing direction to change the portable computer from the
`mately 90° relative to the base unit 12. In the embodiment
`tablet configuration to either the laptop configuration or the
`shown,this “laptop tilt angle” formed between the display
`closed configuration, the friction resisting rotation of the A
`unit 10 and the base unit 12 is actually closer to 110°, and
`hinge 32 maybe stronger than thefriction resisting rotation
`it should be understood that the laptop tilt angle may be
`of the B hinge 30 due to engagementofthe directional clutch
`selected so as to optimize user comfort and display screen 14
`40. Thus,
`in the closing direction,
`the friction resisting
`visibility while the portable computer is being used in the
`rotation of the A hinge 32 may be greater than the friction
`laptop mode.
`In this embodiment of the invention,
`the
`resisting rotation of the B hinge 30, so that the B hinge 30
`portable computer maybeplaced in the laptop configuration
`rotates first when a closing force is applied. Accordingly, a
`by rotating hinge A 32 in direction 1 about a horizontal axis
`closing force applied to the display unit 10 and the base unit
`so as to tilt the display unit 10 relative to the base unit 12
`12 causes the B hinge 30 to rotate first and allows the
`until the laptop tilt angle is reached (as shownin FIGS. 2(a),
`portable computer to moveto the laptop configuration from
`2(b) 4(a) and 4(b)). In the laptop configuration, the user may
`the tablet configuration. When the portable computer
`utilize the pointing device 20 or keyboard 18 to send user
`reachesthe laptop configuration, the B hinge’s rotation may
`input signals to the CPU (not shown), which may bein the
`be complete (i.e., the B hinge 30 may reach a lowerlimit of
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`10
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`15
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`30
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`35
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`its range of rotation) and the A hinge 32 may begin torotate
`allow the display unit 10 to tilt 360 degrees relative to the
`in direction 2 to place the display unit 10 on top of the base
`base unit 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2(c). Accordingly, the
`unit 12 to reach the closed configuration. The latching
`range of rotation of the B hinge 30 may have an upperlimit
`assembly 60, described below with respect to FIGS. 6(a)-6
`imposed by the location of the bottom surface of the base
`(e), may be used to hold both the display unit 10 and the base
`unit 12. In the embodiment shown,the B hinge 30 may have
`unit 12 together in the closed configuration.
`a rotation range of about 250 degrees. As shown in FIG. 3,
`In addition, when the portable computer is operating in
`a friction force may be applied to the B hinge shaft 36 by a
`the laptop configuration, the base unit 12 maytilt at a slight
`high friction device 34. In embodiments of the invention, the
`angle with respect to it’s supporting surface and may par-
`B hinge 30 may experience the same amount of friction
`tially rest on the A hinge 32 to allow for comfortable usage
`whenrotating in either direction. The high friction device
`of the keyboard 18. FIGS. 2(b) and 4(5)illustrate thetilting
`34, lowfriction device 38 and directional clutch 40 may be
`of the base unit 12 according to an embodiment of the
`selected such that the amountoffriction resisting rotation of
`present invention. As the A hinge 32 is rotated to place the
`the B hinge 30 maybe selected so as to be greater than the
`display unit 10 at the laptop tilt angle (approximately 110
`amount offriction resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 in the
`degrees in the embodiment shown)relative to the base unit
`opening direction and less than the amount
`offriction
`12, the B hinge 30 may move from a position above (and to
`resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 in the closing direction.
`the right of) the A hinge 32 to a position below (andto the
`When moving the portable computer from the laptop con-
`right) of the A hinge 32. Asaresult, the rear portion of the
`figuration to the tablet configuration (i.e., moving the dis-
`base unit 12 may be elevated off of the support surface,
`play unit 10 in the opening direction), the B hinge 30 may
`while the front portion of the base unit 12 continuesto rest
`on the support surface. In alternative embodiments of the
`start to rotate once the A hinge 32 has completed its full
`invention, the B hinge 30 may beginat a position above and
`range of rotation. Conversely, when moving the portable
`to the left of the A hinge 32 in the closed configuration and
`computer from the tablet configuration to the laptop
`may moveto a position below andto the left of the A hinge
`configuration, the B hinge 30 may rotate initially and the A
`32 in the laptop configuration.
`hinge 32 may begin to rotate only when the B hinge 30 has
`Furthermore, as mentioned above, in embodiments of the
`reached the lowerlimit of its range of rotation. As with the
`invention,
`the B hinge 30 may berotated to change the
`upper limit applied to the rangeofrotation of the A hinge 32,
`portable computer from the closed configuration to the
`this lower limit may be applied by a physical stop on an
`laptop configuration and the A hinge 32 may notrotate
`external or an internal surface of the B hinge 30 and/or a
`during this transition.
`In other embodiments of the
`surface of the display unit 10 or the base unit 12.
`invention, the rotation of the A hinge 32 and the B hinge 30
`The keyboard 18, pointing device 20 or other primary
`input device(s) may not be utilizable in the tablet mode and
`may not be isolated during the transition from the closed
`configuration to the laptop configuration to the tablet con-
`the user may input data using the display screen 14 as a
`figuration.
`touchscreen. The user may use an electronic stylus or a
`As discussed above, in the illustrated embodimentof the
`similar device in conjunction with the touchscreen.
`In
`invention, the B hinge 30 may notrotate initially when the
`embodiments of the invention, a software lockout may
`portable computer is being opened to put
`the portable
`prevent the keyboard 18 and pointing device 20 from being
`computer in the laptop configuration from the closed con-
`utilized when the portable computeris in the tablet mode. In
`figuration. When moving the display unit 10 in the opening
`alternative embodiments of the invention, the keyboard 18,
`pointing device 20 and other primary input device(s) may be
`direction to place the portable computer into either the
`laptop configuration or the tablet configuration, the A hinge
`in a recessed region of the base unit 12 so that these input
`32 may rotate first because the friction force resisting
`devices do not rest on the support surface. The latter
`rotation of the A hinge 32 is less than that resisting rotation
`embodiment may be additionally beneficial insofar as it
`of the B hinge 30. FIG. 2(b) illustrates how the B hinge 30
`protects the primary input devices from damage during use
`has not rotated significantly even though the display unit 10
`of the portable computer in the tablet configuration.
`FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) illustrate a latching assembly 60 accord-
`has beentilted to the laptop tilt angle relative to the base unit
`12. The B hinge 30 may begin to rotate when the A hinge 32
`ing to an embodimentof the present invention. In embodi-
`ments of the invention (including those described in the
`reaches an upper limit in its range of rotation. As discussed
`subsections above), the portable computer may be secured in
`above, this upper limit may result from the location of a
`physical stop on an external or internal surface of the A
`the closed configuration, the tablet configuration or both by
`hinge 32. The lower limit of the range of rotation will
`the latching assembly 60. The latching assembly 60 may
`generally correspond to the portable computer reaching the
`include a latching arm 68 having a projectionthat fits within
`a cavity (72, 74) in a latching block 78 when the latching
`closed configuration, in which case, the base unit 12 mayact
`as a physical stop to create the lower limit.
`assemblyis in a closedstate. In the embodiment shown,the
`FIGS. 2(c) and 4(c)illustrate the location of the A hinge
`latching arm 68 may be mounted on an upperlatch body 62
`32 and B hinge 30 when the portable computer is in the
`connected to the display unit 10, and the latching block 78
`tablet configuration. In the tablet configuration, the display
`may be mounted on a lower latch body 64 connected to the
`base unit 12. However,
`in alternative embodiments the
`unit 10 is tilted 360 degrees relative to the bottom disclosure
`12 from its original starting position in the closed configu-
`locations of the upper latch bod