(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`Us 6,266,236 B1
`
`Ku et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Jul. 24, 2001
`
`U8006266236B1
`
`(54) APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`CONNECTING AND ARTICULATING
`DISPLAY IN A PORTABLE COMPUTER
`HAVING MULTIPLE DISPLAY
`ORIENTATIONS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Edmond Ku, Sunnyvale; Richard
`Huang, Mountain View; Jenny Schlee,
`La Honda; Joshua Morensteln, San
`Francisco; Sonja Schiefer, Palo Alto,
`all Of CA (Us)
`
`(73) Assignee: VADEM, San Jose, CA (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`.
`.
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U~S~C~ 154(b) by 0 days~
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/334,278
`.
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 16, 1999
`
`(22)
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation—in—part of application No. 08/970,343, filed on
`Nov. 14, 1997, now Pat. No. 6,005,767, and a continuation-
`115—539“ 0f application N0~ 29/075,862: filed on Aug. 27:
`1’ ’ 7’ now Pat‘ NO‘ Des‘ 416’003‘
`Int. Cl.7 ........................................................ G06F 1/16
`(51)
`(52) US. Cl.
`....................... 361/681, 361/682; 312/223.1,
`312/2231); 345/169; 345/905
`(58) Field of Search ..................................... 361/681—683;
`312/2231—2236; 345/169, 905
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`4,438,458
`4,517,660
`4,523,087
`
`5/1982 Dennison, Jr. et a1.
`......... 340/365 R
`3/1984 Miinscher ............................. 358/254
`
`5/1985 Fushimoto et a1.
`..... 364/708
`6/1985 Benton ................................. 235/379
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0149 762 A1
`0246 021 A2
`0251 492 A2
`0307 892 A2
`0355 203 A2
`0749 762 A2
`61—131356
`—
`1 131913
`3-41326
`
`11/1984 (EP)
`................................. G06F/1/00
`
`5/1987 (EP) .......... G06F/1/00
`
`5/1987 (EP) .......... G06F/1/00
`9/1988 (EP)
`................................. G06F/1/00
`................................. GOGF/l/OO
`12/1988 (EP)
`
`12/1996 (EP)
`’
`””””” 39/26
`8/1986 (JP) ..
`.G06F/1/00
`
`(JP) ..
`..... GO6F/1/00
`5/1989
`,
`4/1991 (JP) .................................. G06F/1/16
`
`Primary Examiner—Leo P. Picard
`Assistant Examiner—Hung Van Duong
`(74) Attorney, Agent,
`or Firm—Flehr Hohbach Test
`Albritton & Herbert LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`A portablc computcr. Thc computcr includcs a basc, a
`disrflay member, ahd ah arm assembly (30leng the disrflay
`member to the base. The arm assembly includes a pair of
`spaced arm portions and a rigid connecting portion extend—
`ing between the arm portions. The arm portions each have a
`first end pivotally coupled to the base edge for movement of
`the arm assembly between a closed position with the aim
`portion substantially parallel to the base and an open posi-
`tion Vth the arm portion oriented at an angle relative to the
`base, and a second end pivotally coupled to the display edge
`[or pivotal movement of the display member relative to the
`arm portion to move the display member between a plurality
`of positions relative to the arm member.
`
`4,238,792
`
`12/1980 Cohen et a1.
`
`........................ 340/707
`
`38 Claims, 20 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`E
`
`108
`
`106
`
`54
`
`16
`
`» 92
`
`1 94
`
`31
`
`58 o
`
`52
`
`o
`
`70
`
`60
`
`22
`
`1
`54
`
`36
`
`38H»38
`.
`——_
`W .
`
`7’,
`\
`/ b-
`‘V
`k 20
`
`18
`
`1 1O
`
`12
`
`LiTL Exhibit 2011
`LiTL Exhibit 2011
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`IPR2021-00681
`
`IPR2021-00681
`
`

`

`US 6,266,236 131
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`45719456
`497513274?)
`7
`,
`7
`,
`4,720,781
`4,742,478
`4,785,564
`4,830,328
`4,839,837
`4,851,812
`4,859,092
`4,861,970
`4,864,523
`4,885,430
`4,903,222
`,
`4,949,079
`4,960,256
`4 978 949
`9
`9
`5,002,184
`5,100,098
`
`5,103,376
`5,115,374
`5,168,423
`5,200,913
`
`2/1986 P31115911 et 3L ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 179/2 C
`153:: EOkOI 6‘ a1~
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2733;: 2%:
`0X """"""""""""""""""""" ,
`/,
`,
`/,
`. 364/200
`1/1988 Crossland et a1.
`
`.
`.....
`. 364/708
`5/1988 Nrgro, Jr. et a1.
`
`11/1988 Gurtler ......................
`40/448
`. 248/639
`5/1989 Takach, Jr. et a1.
`
`6/1989 Chang .......................
`364/708
`7/1989 Holmberg ............................ 340/407
`.
`,
`
`8/1989 Makrta ..
`400/83
`,
`8/1989 Hwang ..
`235/10
`
`.
`......
`. 364/708
`9/1989 Sasakl
`.
`12/1989 Krnser, Jr. et al.
`. 174/254
`
`,
`,
`2/1990 Carter et all.
`.
`. 364/708
`,
`,
`,
`,
`
`8/1990 Loebner
`......
`. 340/706
`.
`10/1990 Chrhara et al.
`.
`. 248/284
`12/1990 Herron et a].
`- 340/7“
`
`3/1991 Lloyd .......
`.206/305
`.
`_
`. 248/91/
`3/1992 Hawknls
`
`4/1992 Blonder .
`. 361/393
`5/1992 Hongoh
`. 361/393
`
`12/1992 Ohgami et a1.
`. 361/394
`4/1993 Hawkins et a1.
`..................... 364/708
`
`........................ 361/729
`8/1993 Beatty et a1.
`5,233,502
`361/680
`8/1993 Blair et a1.
`5,235,495
`
`. 364/708.1
`9/1993 Oshiba ..
`5,243,549
`10/1993 Ma ...............
`. 364/708.1
`5,255,214
`11/1993 Boothroyd etal. .................. 361/680
`5,267,123
`1/1994 Bartlett et a1.
`....................... 361/681
`5,276,589
`,
`,
`
`. 361/681
`5/1994 Ixukl ..........
`5,308,174 *
`,
`,
`9.
`9
`.
`,
`,
`,
`8/1994 Anderson .....
`361/681
`5,335,142
`
`,
`12/1994 Goodrrch et a1.
`. 364/708.1
`5,375,076
`
`.
`4/1995 Mlyagawa et a1.
`.
`361/681
`5,410,447
`
`.
`1/1996 Mlyagawa et al.
`361/681
`5,481,430
`
`. 364/708.1
`3/1996 Tseng ...........
`5,498,165
`7
`4/1996 Ran—O et a1.
`. 248/688
`5,503,361
`.
`.
`.
`5/1996 Klklms et al.
`395/893
`5,522,089
`9/1996 Herman et al.
`400/489
`5,553,953
`,
`12/1996 Oguchl et al.
`361/683
`5,583,744
`.
`7/1997 Shroya ct al.
`361/681
`5,644,469 *
`.
`.
`9/1997 DltZIk ...........
`. 361/681
`5,668,570
`9/1997 Nakamura et a1.
`.................. 361/683
`5,668,695
`.
`6/1998 Smrth, H .............. 364/705.1
`5,768,163
`7/1998 Brauel
`361/683
`5,781,407
`
`1
`6 005 767 * 12/1999 K t
`361/681
`,
`,
`ue a.
`
`
`
`.....................
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`N9sz
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`
`
`Figure 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`
`
`Figure 13
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 7 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 8 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 9 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`14
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`
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`
`
`Figure 15
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 10 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
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`12
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`
`
`Figure 16
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 11 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`58
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`54
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`58
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`52
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`56
`
`Figure 17
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 12 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`56
`
`Figure18
`
`“>198
`
`Figure20
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`m
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 14 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`
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`Figure 21
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 15 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 16 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`com6%.Nm
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`R2am
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`mm
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 24, 2001
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`Sheet 17 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
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`3,4
`I
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`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 18 0f 20
`
`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`115
`
`Figure 29
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 19 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`
`
`Figure 30
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 24, 2001
`
`Sheet 20 0f 20
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`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`
`
`3eat
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`

`

`US 6,266,236 Bl
`
`1
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`CONNECTING AND ARTICULATING
`DISPLAY IN A PORTABLE COMPUTER
`HAVING MULTIPLE DISPLAY
`ORIENTATIONS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part application of
`US. patent application Ser. No. 08/970,343 filed Nov. 14,
`1997, US. Pat. No. 6,005,767 and US. Design patent
`application Ser. No. 29/075,862 filed Aug. 27, 1997, US.
`Pat. No. D416,003 each herein incorporated by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates in general to a portable
`computer and, more particularly to a computer having a
`display screen which may be used to input information, and
`in which the display screen may be moved into a plurality of
`distict operating positions.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Portable computing devices, including computers, laptop
`computers, notebook and subnotebook computers, and per-
`sonal data organizers (PDA’s) are typically unitary devices
`having a clam-shell configuration, with a base including the
`keyboard, optional hard drive and floppy disk drive unit, and
`other electrical components including a central processing
`unit CPU and memory, and a display component pivotally
`coupled to the base by a hinge. The display is movable about
`the hinge between a closed position, with the display screen
`positioned adjacent the keyboard, and an open position, with
`the display screen inclined at a viewing angle. With its
`reduced size and weight, this type of device is conveniently
`portable, allowing an individual to carry the computer and
`use the computer at different locations.
`The reduced size, while improving the portability of the
`device, often creates discomfort when the computer is used
`for extended periods of time. For example, the user may
`have difficulty in orienting the display at a convenient
`viewing angle. With its clamshell configuration, the screen
`is positioned just above the keyboard, requiring the user to
`open the screen to an angle of at least 140° to conveniently
`View the screen without straining the neck, shoulders and
`upper back. However, in some situations factors such as the
`available space, lighting and the like may prevent the user
`from sufficiently opening the computer to conveniently View
`the display screen. It may also be difficult to place the
`display screen at the preferred viewing distance and still
`eliminate distracting reflections from environmental light
`sources. A portable computer in which the angle and height
`of the display may be adjusted relative to the base is
`desirable.
`
`With some portable computers, the display is provided by
`a touch sensitive screen which may be used to input infor-
`mation by touching specific areas of the screen with an
`instrumcnt or finger. An cxamplc of such computcrs is a
`notebook computer where data is entered solely through the
`touch sensitive screen, eliminating the need for a keyboard.
`Other types of computers include both a keyboard and a
`touch sensitive screen, providing the user with the option of
`entering data through the screen or keyboard.
`US. Pat. No. 5,268,817 discloses an example of a por-
`table computer which includes a keyboard and a touch
`sensitive screen. The display screen is mounted in an outer
`frame, which is in turn hingedly attached to the base in a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`clamshell configuration. The display screen is pivotal within
`the outer frame to orient the screen in a first position, with
`the screen facing in the general direction of the keyboard,
`and a second position flipped 180° relative to the first
`position. With the screen in the first position, the display
`may be moved between open and closed positions by
`pivoting the outer frame relative to the base in the same
`manner as standard portable computers. When the display
`screen is flipped 180° and the outer frame pivoted to the
`closed position covering the keyboard, the display screen is
`exposed such that
`the computer functions as a standard
`notebook computer. The disclosed computer combines the
`advantages of a notebook computer, where the individual
`enters information in the same matter as writing the infor-
`mation on a notepad, with the advantages of standard
`portable computer. However, the disadvantages created by
`the reduced size of the computer are present in the disclosed
`computer. A computer in which the screen may be conve-
`niently adjusted to a variety of positions, including one in
`which the display covers the keyboard with the screen
`exposed, is desirable.
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`It is a primary object of this invention to provide a
`portable computer having an articulated display.
`It is another object of this invention to provide a portable
`computer in which the display may be retained in a selected
`one of a plurality of different positions.
`It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
`portable computer in which the display may be lowered onto
`the keyboard in a position leaving the screen exposed.
`It is still another object of this invention to provide a
`portable computer in which the height and angle of the
`display relative to the base may be adjusted to a convenient
`viewing position.
`A more general object of this invention is to provide a
`portable computer which is lightweight and convenient to
`transport, and which may be economically manufactured
`and maintained.
`
`In summary, this invention provides a lightweight por-
`tablc computer which is particularly convcnicnt to usc. Thc
`computer includes a base having an upper surface with a
`keyboard, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge joining the
`upper and bottom surfaces and a display having a front
`surface including a screen for displaying information, a back
`surface, and a peripheral edge joining the front and back
`surfaces. The display is coupled to the base by an arm
`assembly including a pair of spaced arm portions and a rigid
`connecting portion extending between the arm portions. The
`arm portions each have a first end pivotally coupled to the
`base edge for movement of the arm assembly between a
`closed position, with the arm portion substantially parallel to
`the base, and an open position, with the arm portion oriented
`at an angle relative to the base. The arm portions each have
`a second end pivotally coupled to the display edge for
`pivotal movement of the display member relative to the arm
`portion to move the display member between a plurality of
`positions relative to the arm member.
`Additional objects and features of the invention will be
`more readily apparent from the following detailed descrip-
`tion and appended claims when taken in conjunction with
`the drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a perspective View of an
`embodiment of the inventive portable computer in a note-
`book mode configuration.
`
`

`

`US 6,266,236 B]
`
`3
`FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a perspective view of an
`embodiment of the inventive portable computer in a pen,
`stylus, or tablet mode configuration.
`FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a perspective view of an
`embodiment of the inventive portable computer in a pre-
`sentation mode configuration.
`FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a portable computer
`constructed in accordance with the present invention, shown
`with the display in an open position.
`FIG. 5 is a top plan View of the computer of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the computer of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 7 is a first side Views similar to FIG. 6, shown with
`the display in other positions.
`FIG. 8 is a second side View showing a side opposite that
`shown in FIG. 7.
`
`FIG. 9 is a top plan View of the computer of FIG. 4, shown
`with the display overlying the base in one tablet operating
`mode position.
`FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, shown with the display
`overlying the base in a second closed storage or traveling
`mode position.
`FIG. 11 is a bottom plan View of the computer of FIG. 4.
`FIG. 12 is a front end View of the computer of FIG. 4,
`shown with the display overlying the base in a closed storage
`or traveling mode configuration.
`FIG. 13 is a first side view of the portable computer of
`FIG. 4, shown with the display overlying the base.
`FIG. 14 is an opposite side view of the portable computer
`of FIG. 4, shown with the display overlying the base.
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially
`along lines 12—12 of FIG. 5.
`FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially
`along lines 13—13 of FIG. 8.
`FIG. 17 is an illustration showing a plan view of the
`externally visible structure of an embodiment of the inven-
`tive arm assembly.
`FIG. 18 is illustration of some internal structure on the
`opposite face of the arm assembly shown in FIG. 17.
`FIGS. 1951—198 show detail and partial sectional views of
`the arm structure in FIG. 18.
`
`FIG. 20 is an alternative view of the arm assembly from
`a viewpoint location indicated in FIG. 18.
`FIG. 21 is a perspective View of the alternative embodi-
`ment of a friction hinge.
`FIG. 22 is an end view of the friction hinge assembly of
`FIG. 21.
`
`FIG. 23 is an exploded assembly drawing in partial
`sectional view of the friction hinge in FIG. 21.
`FIG. 24 is an end View illustration of an open end of the
`friction hinge housing showing the domed or peaked ceiling
`portion of the chamber that is sized to carry first and second
`sets of flat or leaf springs.
`FIG. 25 is an illustration showing a non-detent position of
`the friction hinge of FIG. 21 in which flat portions of the
`hinge shaft are not aligned adjacent to the leaf springs and
`the hinge is able to rotate with an applied friction force
`against the round portion of the shaft.
`FIG. 26 is an illustration showing a detent position of the
`friction hinge of FIG. 21 in which flat portions of the hinge
`shaft are aligned adjacent to the leaf springs to provide a
`latching action.
`FIG. 27 is an illustration showing some internal structure
`of the arm assembly assembled to a portion of base with a
`friction hinge.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 28 is an illustration showing a more detailed view of
`the manner in which an embodiment of the friction hinge is
`attached to the display support arm by a screw and the
`combination of mating arm protrusion and friction hinge
`notch.
`
`FIG. 29 is an illustration showing details of the manner in
`which an embodiment of the friction hinge is attached to the
`arm and to a display mounting bracket.
`FIG. 30 is an illustration showing an alternative view of
`an embodiment of the friction hinge for attaching the display
`to the arm.
`
`FIG. 31 is an illustration showing a partial seconal View
`down the longitudinal axis of arm and further showing the
`manner in which a ribbon cable connector is routed from the
`
`into the arm, and from the arm into the display
`base,
`housing.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
`OF THE INVENTION
`
`to the present
`Reference will now be made in detail
`embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the
`accompanying figures. Turning now to the drawings,
`wherein like components are designated by like reference
`numbers throughout the various figures, attention is first
`directed to FIGS. 1—3.
`
`The inventive computer advantageously provides three
`user modes corresponding to physical configurations of the
`constituent parts, particularly to the relative orientation of
`the display screen front surface relative to the base, and the
`relationship between the base (and the display screen)
`relative to a supporting surface and the user. These three
`operating mode configurations are referred to as a notebook
`mode configuration (See perspective illustration in FIG. 1),
`a tablet mode configuration (See perspective illustration in
`FIG. 2), and a presentation mode configuration (See per-
`spective illustration in FIG. 3). A closed mode is also
`provided for storage and transport or when computer 10 is
`not being used (See FIG. 12). Each of these three named
`mode configurations are associated with a range of
`movement, and intermediate configurations are also pro-
`vidcd. Thc computcr 10 may readily bc configurcd by a uscr
`to any of the operating mode configurations during use,
`without
`tools, and without
`interrupting the computing
`session, as there is no need to power-down, suspend, or
`otherwise alter the computing session to adjust the physical
`configuration of the computer.
`In the descriptions that
`follow, the relative directions and orientations (for example,
`up, down, front, rear, top, and bottom) generally refer to
`orientations of the computer when in the notebook mode
`configuration, but the meaning will be clear to those skilled
`in the art with reference to the drawings. We first describe
`certain features of computer 10 with primary reference to the
`notebook configuration mode relative to FIGS. 4—6 which
`shows three views (front elevational view, top plan view, and
`side elevational view) of computer 10 in an open notebook
`mode configuration.
`Portable computer 10, constructed in accordance with this
`invention, is particularly convenient to store, transport and
`use. The computer 10 generally includes a base 12, a display
`member 14, and an arm assembly coupling the display 14 to
`the base 12. The base 12 houses the internal working
`components of the computer, including the Central Process-
`ing Unit (CPU), optional hard drive, memory chips, includ-
`ing ROM and RAM, optional floppy disk drive unit, optional
`PC card slot(s),
`internal modem,
`infrared (IrDA) port,
`battery, electrical connectors and the like. Advantageously,
`
`

`

`US 6,266,236 B]
`
`5
`the computer may be a single chip or “computer on a chip”
`or “system on a chip” type implementation to reduce size
`and weight of internal components, and power conservation
`procedures are implemented such that battery life of up to 20
`hours or more is realized. The internal working electronic
`components of the computer 10 are well known and there-
`fore are not described in further detail; however, certain
`internal structural and mechanical features as well as opera-
`tional features are novel and described in detail hereinafter.
`
`One embodiment of the inventive portable computing device
`is configured for minimum size and weight eliminates the
`hard disc drive and floppy disc drive units and provides
`operating system (for example DOS, Windows 95, Windows
`98, Windows 2000, or Windows CE) and predetermined
`software applications (for example, word processing, phone
`list, organizer, e-mail, graphics, and the like) in ROM.
`(Microsoft Windows CE is particularly suited for loading
`and executing from ROM and RAM without benefit of a
`hard disk drive.) Although not shown in detail, the base 12
`is provided with a number of exterior ports as is known in
`the art
`to facilitate connection of the computer 10 to a
`printer, docking station of a desk top computer, peripheral
`devices, telephone line and the like.
`In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the base 12
`has a generally rectangular configuration including an upper
`surface 18 and a bottom surface 20 which is positionable on
`a support surface. The base is provided with removable
`doors 19 and 21 which provide access to the interior of the
`base for insertion of RAM chips (so that memory may be
`increased at user discretion) and removal and replacement of
`the battery (See FIG. 11 showing the bottom of computer 10
`in the closed or storage mode configuration). The base
`includes side edges 22 and 24 which may be provided with
`the opening of the optional disk drive unit(s) as well as one
`or more of the external ports. Akeyboard 26 is positioned at
`the front end portion 28 of the base 12. In the preferred
`embodiment of the invention,
`the keyboard 26 is curved
`about an axis generally designated 28 intersecting the
`middle of the keyboard. This curved keyboard 26 allows the
`hands and wrists to be placed over the keys of the keyboard
`at a larger more natural angle than they would with a small
`keyboard having a non-curvcd array of keys. In one cmbodi-
`merit of the invention, the keyboard is 85% of the standard
`full sized QWERTY keyboard; however, the keyboard may
`be sized otherwise,
`including larger (for example 100%
`scale) and smaller scale). With this configuration, the key-
`board 26 ergonomically positions the hands of the user with
`the elbows extending outwardly from the body. A standard,
`rectangular keyboard may be used instead of keyboard 26,
`although the shape of the standard keyboard has a tendency
`to cause the user to distort his wrists inwardly, particularly
`when the overall size of the base and keyboard are reduced.
`A port may also be optionally provided to attach external
`keyboard and/or pointing device to the computer.
`The display 14 generally includes a front surface 31
`including a display screen 34, a back surface 32 and a
`peripheral edge 33.
`In the present embodiment of the
`invention, the screen 34 is a touch sensitive screen which
`both displays data and which may be used to input data into
`the computer. However, it is to be understood that in other
`embodiments of the invention the computer may include a
`screen which is only capable of displaying information. In
`such configurations,
`input
`to the computer may be by
`keyboard input and or other pointing device such as mouse,
`trackball, joy stick, or other touch sensitive pointing device.
`Voice navigation and/or input may also be provided and such
`systems, such as systems by IBM, Dragon System,
`for
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`example, may be used. The screen 34 used in computer 10
`of this embodiment is a backlit color Liquid Crystal Display
`(LCD) manufactured by Sharp to have a reduced thickness
`and weight. Touch sensitive screens are also available from
`other manufacturers, including Toshiba. As is known in the
`art, data may be entered through the screen 34 using an
`implement such as a touch stylus 36 or the user’s finger
`including data, graphics, icons, pointer and other images
`which appear on the screen provide a Graphical User inter-
`face (GUI) and are controlled by software, with the dis-
`played images typically including designated areas which
`may be contacted to input, edit, or otherwise access infor-
`mation. When the user touches one of the designated areas
`of the screen image, the touch sensitive screen 34 transmits
`a signal to the working components of the computer as is
`known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the front
`surface 31 of the display includes at least one clip retainer
`38 for holding the stylus 36 when it is not in use, retaining
`the stylus in convenient reach of the user. The upper surface
`18 of the base 12 is formed with a recess 40 shaped to
`receive the stylus 36 and clip retainer 38 when the computer
`is closed by moving the front surface 31 of the display 14
`onto the base 12. The closed storage or traveling mode
`configuration is illustrated in a front end elevational view of
`the computer in FIG. 12, showing with the display overlying
`the base. FIGS. 13 and 14 provide two different side views
`of the portable computer shown with the display overlying
`the base. However, it is to be understood that other means
`may be employed to retain the stylus, and the stylus may be
`releasably attached to the base or arm assembly of the
`computer instead of the display or eliminated entirely so that
`an external stylus or the user’s finger alone is used for
`pointing.
`When the display 14 is closed onto the base 12 with the
`screen 34 facing the upper surface 18, the back surface 32
`of the display 14 and the bottom surface 20 of the base 12
`provide a protective outer cover. If additional protection is
`desired,
`the closed computer 10 may be slipped into a
`protective case (not shown).
`The arm assembly or frame body 16 couples the display
`member 14 to the base 12 such that the display member 14
`may be moved to a plurality of different positions. FIGS.
`4—6, 7, and 9 show examples of open positions in which the
`display 14 is tilted at a viewing angle and the keyboard 26
`is exposed for use. Both the height and angle of the display
`14 relative to the base 12 may be adjusted. FIG. 8 shows an
`example of a position where the display 14 is suspended
`above the upper surface 18 of the base, allowing the display
`14 to be oriented at an angle greater than 90° without
`significantly increasing overall footprint of the computer 10.
`FIG. 7 shows an example of another open position in which
`the lower edge of the display 14 rests on the upper surface
`18 of the base. In this position, the display 14 does not
`increase the footprint of the computer 10. The ability to
`move the display to the positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are
`of particular advantage in when operated in cramped
`conditions, such as while traveling on an airplane, or during
`a meeting or other circumstance where the computer 10
`must be as unobtrusive as possible.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment, which includes a touch sensitive screen 34, the
`computer 10 may also be adjusted so that the screen 34 is
`exposed when the display 14 is lowered onto the upper
`surface 18 of the base 12 as shown in FIG. 9. In this position,
`the computer 10 functions as a notepad computer and data
`is entered entirely through the touch sensitive screen. This
`position is also referred to as the pen, stylus, or tablet mode
`configuration and is illustrated in a perspective view in FIG.
`
`

`

`US 6,266,236 B1
`
`7
`2. In one embodiment, the touch sensitive screen is config-
`ured to display a virtual keyboard such that areas of the
`screen display keys (such as the QWERTY pattern), and
`when touched transmit the letter, number, or other character
`to the CPU as if an actual keyboard were provided. This
`allows the touch sensitive screen to be used for graphical
`(stylus) inputs as well as keyboard inputs without changing
`the configuration of the computer. The available positions
`are not to be limited to those shown in the figures.
`The U-shaped arm assembly or frame body 16 generally
`includes a pair of spaced lateral arm portions 52, 54 and a
`base or connecting portion 56 extending between the arm
`portions 52, 54. The upper ends 58 of the arm portions 52,
`54 are pivotally coupled to the peripheral edge 33 of the
`display. In the preferred modification of the invention, the
`arms 52, 54 are coupled to the sides of the display at the
`approximate midpoint between the upper and lower edges of
`the display. With this configuration, the weight of the display
`14 is balanced relative to the arm assembly 16 such that the
`display 14 may be easily supported at the selected angle
`relative to the arm assembly. However, it is to be understood
`that the position where the arm assembly 16 attaches to the
`display member 14 may be adjusted within the scope of this
`invention. In this embodiment, the display 14 may be moved
`from a zero position shown for example in FIG. 4, where the
`display is substantially parallel to the arm portions with the
`screen 34 facing forward, to a position flipped 180° from the
`zero position, with the display 14 parallel to the arm portions
`52, 54 and the screen 34 facing rearwardly. Preferably,
`rotation greater than 180° from the zero position in either
`direction is prohibited to reduce stresses on the electrical
`connectors between the display member 14 and the base 12.
`This 180° flipped orientation provides a presentation
`mode configuration in which the base 12 and the display 14
`are disposed at an angle 6 (non-parallel and typically
`between about 10° and about 120°, but more usually
`between about 30° and about 90°) relative to each other and
`the front surface 31 of display screen 34 faces outward.
`While in this configuration, computer 10 may be placed on
`a supportive surface (such as a desk top, table, or the like
`surface) with the normally front edge surface of the periph-
`eral cdgc joining the upper and bottom surfaccs of base 12,
`and the normally upward (notebook mode configuration, See
`FIG. 1) or forward facing (tablet mode configuration, See
`FIG. 2) peripheral edge 33 of display 14 facing downward
`against the supportive surface. Resilient pads may optionally
`be provided at the contact points to cushion the contact and
`provide non—skip contact areas. This presentation mode
`configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3. Advantageously, flip-
`ping the display screen by 180° relative to the arm portions
`52, 54 and at the same time flipping the computer 10 onto
`its front peripheral edges places the front surface of display
`screen 34 facing outward and in proper orientation for
`reading displayed text and graphics without any geometrical
`rectification or correction of the displayed information.
`In one embodiment of the invention, lower ends 60 of the
`arm portions 52, 54 are pivotally coupled to the side edges
`22, 24 of the base at the rear end portion of the base 12, and
`arm portions 52, 54 of the display frame body 16 are
`pivotally coupled to the display member 14, by friction
`hinges 72 and 74, as described in greater detail hereinafter.
`Desirably, the friction characteristics of the friction hinges
`74 attaching arm portions 52, 54 to display member 34 are
`set differently from the friction characteristics of the friction
`hinges 72 attaching arm portions 52, 54 to base 12 so that
`friction hinges 72 have a lower friction coefficient and pivot
`more easily than friction hinges 74. This differential friction
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`characteristic assists in maintaining display member 34
`aligned parallel with arm portions 52, 54 when computer 10
`is in prese