a2) United States Patent
`(10) Patent No:=US 6,771,494 B2
`Shimano
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Aug.3, 2004
`
`
`US006771494B2
`
`(54) PORTABLE COMPUTER USABLE IN
`LAPTOP AND TABLET CONFIGURATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/023,228
`
`5/1999 Haneda et al. ww. 345/11
`5,900,848 A *
`6/1999 Kuzunukiet al.
`5,917,475 A
`11/1999 Tang
`5,987,704 A
`9/2000 Goto et al. wee eee 361/1
`6,122,152 A *
`(75)
`Inventor: Kenji Shimano, Tokyo (JP)
`10/2000 Hongetal.
`6,141,208 A
`3/2001 Bovio etal.
`6,202,256 BL
`.
`.
`*
`.
`.
`4/2001 Hawkinset al.
`6,219,681 Bl
`(73) Assignee: goshiba America Tnformation
`
`
`
`ystems, Irvine,CA(US)Inc., 6,256,194 BL 7/2001 Choi et al.
`
`“
`:
`.
`:
`:
`.
`6,262,885 Bl *
`7/2001 E
`tal...
`
`
`
`(*) Notice:—Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6275376 Bi * 82001 Moonmn. 361/683
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`6,297,947 Bl
`10/2001 Howell etal.
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`6,300,921 Bl
`10/2001 Moriconietal.
`6,301,768 B1
`10/2001 Toeniskoetter
`6,304,433 B2
`10/2001 O'Neal et al.
`6,394,431 Bl
`5/2002 Smith
`2001/0001859 Al
`5/2001 Hawkinsetal.
`2003/0106724 Al *
`6/2003 Masamitsu et al.
`* cited by examiner
`.
`Primary Examiner—Lisa Lea-Edmonds
`
`Filed:
`
`(22)
`(6 )
`5
`
`‘5 ie ‘a teeteeeseenceeeeaeencs31/681sreeoi: oe 1re
`; 345/173; 345/905;
`361/681; D14/304.
`(58) Field of Search ea 361/680-683,
`361/686; D14/304, 305; 345/173, 905,
`178, 179
`
`2
`
`Se
`
`CM. cece
`
`(56)
`
`.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`.
`27300,013 A . soon Hawkins et a
`ne “
`toeo4 pavagawaef& ae 361/681
`5335142 A
`8/1994 Anderson
`5,408,165 A
`3/1996 Tseng
`5,668,570 A *
`9/1997 Ditzik oo eee 345/173
`5,768,163 A
`6/1998 Smith, II
`
`Dec. 17, 2001
`D
`Prior
`Publ
`ior
`ication
`US 2003/0112588 Al Jun. 19, 2003
`7
`
`Data
`
`...... 178/18.03
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
`—-(S7)
`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 maybe coupledso that the display
`unit can be moved relative to the base unit to place the
`portable computer in a desired configuration.
`
`17 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`IPR2021-00786
`
`LiTL Exhibit 2009
`LiTL Exhibit 2009
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`Lenovo v. LiTL
`IPR2021-00786
`
`

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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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`US 6,771,494 B2
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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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`DIRECTION ONE
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`FIG.2(a)
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`DIRECTION TWO
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`32
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`FIG.2(b)
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`WY
`PNY
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`“ ~
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`FIG.2(c)
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`——4
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`7Sleel
`Olbo«Of
`ASS_eee\s
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`o¢
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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(c)
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`0
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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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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 6 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,771,494 B2 One a er
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`FIG.6(a)
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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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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`FIG.6(c)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 9 of 17
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`reer Toco=
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`eteAeo
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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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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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 11 of 17
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`FIG.10(a)
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`wo
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`FIG. 10(b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 12 of 17
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`ANNA
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`viA)
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`)yCyYY
`Ray
`vdeo
`WAAAY
`ANG
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`WAY
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`FIG. 11 (a)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 13 of 17
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`LILI
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`| SUMOUUOIOD(=)
` WL
`SUELO
`UCUsue
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`FIG. 11 (b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 14 of 17
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`15
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`97
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`10
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`1.St
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`70
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`FIG. 12(b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 15 of 17
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`FIG. 13(c)
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`Sheet 16 of 17
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`98
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`FIG.13(d)
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`FIG.13(e)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 3, 2004
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`Sheet 17 of 17
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`FIG. 14(a)
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`98 104
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`FIG.14(b)
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`1
`PORTABLE COMPUTER USABLEIN
`LAPTOP AND TABLET CONFIGURATIONS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Portable computers, including laptop computersor note-
`book computers, have increased in popularity since their
`introduction to the electronics market. Recent increases in
`
`2
`US. 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 thatis 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 computerto be
`pivoted between an open and closed position. Theelectrical
`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 memorycost, 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 Moon reference does
`to use portable computers in many complex applications
`not disclose any meansfor holding the portable computerin
`where performanceis critical 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
`Hawkins 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 allowthe 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 exposed to different lighting conditions.
`arm assemblyis pivotally attached to one end of the forward
`5.
`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 advancesin technology and input devices nowallow
`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 axesofrotation parallel to the
`of a touch screen to input data is sometimesreferred to as
`width of the display and housing when the 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
`keyboardis 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 ofthese PDAs,a
`transportation, and may also 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 many users prefer a tablet-type portable computer
`device) and a tablet mode (where no keyboard is used to
`with a stylus as an input device, manyother 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 computeris
`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 degreesrelative to
`the base unit. Each gear assembly involves two toothed
`gears, and deformable braking mechanismsfor 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 gearfails, affecting the
`stability of the rotating display unit. Further, according to the
`Tang reference, the gear must protrude from the sidesof 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 computer in 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 viewof the portable computer in
`the closed configuration accordingto a first embodiment of
`the present invention,
`FIG.4(b) presents a side viewof the portable computer in
`the laptop configuration accordingto a first embodiment of
`the present invention;
`
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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`device, or some other primary input device(s) separate from
`the display device. The display device may be used as a
`secondary input device, possibly in conjunction with an
`electronic stylus or similar device.
`In the laptop
`configuration, the user may input data using the primary
`input device and may receive information from the laptop
`via the display device. In the tablet configuration, the user
`mayreceive information from the display device and may
`use the display device as a secondary input device. In this
`configuration, the user maybe prevented from accessing the
`keyboard or other primary input device(s), e.g., by placing
`the display device over the keyboard or other primary input
`device(s). The technology for using a display device as a
`touchscreen is well knownin the art. In particular, U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,917,475 to Kuzunuki et al. describes a display device
`that may be used as a touchscreen to transmit handwriting
`input to circuitry capable of interpreting the handwriting as
`recognized characters.
`In embodiments of the present
`invention, such circuitry may include a combination of
`processors,integrated circuits, gate arrays, memories, soft-
`ware and the like. In the closed configuration, the display
`device and the keyboard or other primary input device(s)
`may be enclosed so as to prevent the user from accessing
`either and to prevent damage to the portable computer
`during transportation or storage.
`As illustrated in FIG. 1, embodiments of the portable
`computer may havea display unit 10 and a base unit 12. The
`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 mayinclude
`a keyboard 18, a pointing device 20 and/or some other
`primary input device. In embodimentsofthe invention, the
`display unit 10, the base unit 12 or both mayalso 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
`
`elementsofthe 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 shown in 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 may rotate relative
`to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the
`B hinge 30 is fixedly coupled to the display unit 10 and
`anotherportion 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 coupled to either the base unit 12 or the display
`unit 10.
`
`The portable computer may be placed in a “closed
`configuration,” whichprotects 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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`FIG. 4(c) presents a side view of the portable computerin
`the tablet configuration according to a first embodiment of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 5 presents a top perspective view of the portable
`computer in the tablet configuration according to a first
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 illustrates
`a latching assembly according to an
`embodimentof the
`present invention;
`FIG. 7 presents a side view of the portable computer in a
`closed configuration according to a second embodiment o
`the present
`invention;
`FIG. 8(a) presents a top view of the portable computer in
`a laptop configuration according to a second embodimento
`the present
`invention;
`FIG. 8(b) presents a side view of the portable computerin
`a laptop configuration according to a second embodimento
`the present
`invention;
`FIG. 9(a) presents a top view of the portable computerin
`a tablet configuration according to a second embodiment o
`the present
`invention;
`FIG. 9(b) presents a side view of the portable computerin
`a tablet configuration according to a second embodiment o
`the present
`invention;
`FIGS. 10(a) and 10(5)illustrate a portable computerin the
`closed configuration accordingto a third embodimentofthe
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 11(a) and 11()illustrate a portable computerin the
`laptop configuration according to a third embodimentofthe
`invention
`
`FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) illustrate a portable computerin the
`tablet configuration according to a third embodimentof the
`invention
`
`FIG. 13(a) illustrates a top view of a portion of a hinging
`assembly as it would appear when the portable computer is
`in the laptop configuration according to a third embodiment
`of the invention;
`FIG. 13(5)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 accordingto a third embodimentofthe invention;
`FIG. 13(d) illustrates a cross-sectional top viewof a shaft
`that may be included in a hinging assembly according to a
`third embodiment of 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
`embodiment of 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 and that the term “portable computer”is meant to
`encompass other 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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`US 6,771,494 B2
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`5
`placed in the closed configuration when it is being stored or
`transported or is otherwise not being operated. The portable
`computer may be operated in either of two configurations,
`the “laptop configuration” or the “tablet configuration.”
`These three configurations are further described below.
`FIGS. 2(a)-2(c) and 4(a)-4(c)illustrate how the A hinge
`32 mayberotated to allow the display unit 10 to betilted
`relative to the base unit 12 to place the portable computerin
`one of the three configurations. FIG. 2(a) illustrates the use
`of A and B hinges in the portable computer in the closed
`configuration according to an embodiment of the present
`invention. FIG. 4(a) presents a side view of the portable
`computer
`in the closed configuration according to an
`embodimentof the presentinvention. The portable computer
`maybe placed in a closed configuration where the display
`unit 10 rests directly in contact with the base unit 12 so that
`the display 14, the keyboard 18, and the pointing device 20
`are in between the display unit 10 and the base unit 12. In
`the closed configuration, the display unit 10 is rotated 0
`degreesrelative to the base unit 12.
`In order to move the portable computer from the tablet
`configuration past the laptop configuration to the closed
`configuration, the A hinge 32 and the B hinge 30 may be
`rotated, either individually or simultaneously. In embodi-
`ments of the invention, one of the hinges mayberotated to
`transition the portable computer from the closed configura-
`tion to the laptop configuration, and the other hinge may be
`rotated to transition the portable computer from the laptop
`configuration to the tablet configuration. For example, in the
`embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, when the portable com-
`puter is in the closed configuration, a user may apply a
`separating force to rotate said display unit 10 relative to said
`base unit 12. The initial application ofthis separating force
`may cause only the A hinge 32 to rotate until the portable
`computer reachesthe laptop configuration. One embodiment
`in which the hinges rotate individually is described in
`greater detail with respect to FIG. 3.
`In embodiments of the invention, the rotational range of
`the A hinge 32 may be limited to an upper limit that is
`reached when the portable computer is in the laptop con-
`figuration. For example,
`in the embodiment shown,
`the
`rotational range of the A hinge 32 may be limited such that
`no further rotation of the A hinge 32 occurs after the display
`unit 10 forms about a 110° angle with said base unit 12. In
`embodiments of the invention, the range ofrotation of the A
`hinge 32 maybe limited bya physical stop, which maybe
`located on an externalor internal surface of the A hinge 32
`and/or on a surface of the display unit 10 or base unit 12.
`FIG. 1 illustrates the portable computer in the laptop
`configuration. In the laptop configuration, the bottom sur-
`face 15 of the base unit 12 mayrest on a planar surface (such
`as a desktop, a user’s lap or palm, or a similar substantially
`flat surface) and the display unit 10 maybe rotated approxi-
`mately 90° relative to the base unit 12. In the embodiment
`shown,this “laptop tilt angle” formed between the display
`unit 10 and the base unit 12 is actually closer to 110°, and
`it should be understood that the laptop tilt angle may be
`selected so as to optimize user comfort and displayscreen 14
`visibility while the portable computer is being used in the
`laptop mode.
`In this embodiment of the invention,
`the
`portable computer maybeplaced in the laptop configuration
`by rotating hinge A 32 in direction 1 about a horizontal axis
`so as to tilt the display unit 10 relative to the base unit 12
`until the laptoptilt angle is reached (as shownin FIGS. 2(a),
`2(b) 4(a) and 4()). In the laptop configuration, the user may
`utilize the pointing device 20 or keyboard 18 to send user
`input signals to the CPU (not shown), which maybe in the
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`base unit 12. The results of the user’s interaction and other
`output from the CPU may be shown to the user on the
`display screen 14.
`It should be understood that whenthe useris utilizing the
`portable computerin the laptop configuration, the user may
`make minor adjustments (e.g., up to about 15 degrees in
`either direction) to the tilt angle of the display unit 10 for
`optimal viewing ease, etc. Such adjustments should not be
`considered different configurations of the portable computer
`and shall be considered part of the “laptop configuration”
`throughoutthis description of embodiments of the invention.
`FIG.3 illustrates a cross section of the A hinge 32 and B
`hinge 30 according to an embodiment ofthe present inven-
`tion. In embodiments of the invention, the A hinge 32 may
`have a low friction device 38 surrounding the A hinge shaft
`37. However, the A hinge 32 may allowa different friction
`in each direction. In embodimentsofthe invention, a direc-
`tional clutch 40 maybe used to allow the A hinge32to rotate
`with different levels of friction when rotated in opposite
`directions. For example, the directional clutch 40 may allow
`the A hinge 32 to rotate with a low level of friction in an
`opening (clockwise) direction (shown as direction one in
`FIG. 2(b)) and may engagea higherleveloffriction in the
`closing (counterclockwise) direction (shown as direction
`two in FIG. 2(b)).
`In alternative embodiments of the
`invention, the B hinge 30 mayhave a lowerleveloffriction
`resisting its rotation than the A hinge 32, causing the B hinge
`30 to move before the A hinge 30.
`As a result, whenthe A hinge 32is being rotated to move
`the display unit 10 in the opening direction,
`the friction
`resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 may be less than the
`friction resisting rotation of the B hinge 30. Accordingly,
`when a separating force is initially applied to the display unit
`10 and the base unit 12, the A hinge 32 rotates first and the
`B hinge 30 does notrotate. Thus, when the display unit 10
`is first moved to change the portable computer from the
`closed configuration to the laptop configuration, the A hinge
`32 rotates first and allows movement ofthe display unit 10
`to approximately 110 degrees relative to the base unit 12.
`The A hinge 32 may have sufficient friction resisting
`rotation in either the opening orthe closing direction to keep
`the display unit 10 of the portable computer
`tilted. The
`minimum friction necessary to maintain the display unit in
`the tilted position maybe calculated based on the weightof
`the display unit 10 and the laptoptilt angle of the display unit
`in the laptop configuration. In embodiments in which the
`base unit 12 rests partially on the A hinge 32 as shown in
`FIGS. 1-5 and as described in greater detail below, the
`minimum friction force required may also depend upon the
`weight of the base unit 12 and the angle between the base
`unit 12 and the surface upon whichitrests.
`Conversely, when the display unit 10 is moved in the
`closing direction to change the portable computer from the
`tablet configuration to either the laptop configuration orthe
`closed configuration, the friction resisting rotation of the A
`hinge 32 maybe stronger than the friction resisting rotation
`of the B hinge 30 due to engagementofthe directional clutch
`40. Thus,
`in the closing direction,
`the friction resisting
`rotation of the A hinge 32 maybe greater than the friction
`resisting rotation of the B hinge 30, so that the B hinge 30
`rotates first when a closing force is applied. Accordingly,a
`closing force applied to the display unit 10 and the base unit
`12 causes the B hinge 30 to rotate first and allows the
`portable computer to move to the laptop configuration from
`the tablet configuration. When the portable computer
`reaches the laptop configuration, the B hinge’s rotation may
`be complete (ie., the B hinge 30 mayreach a lowerlimit of
`
`
`
`

`

`US 6,771,494 B2
`
`7
`its range ofrotation) and the A hinge 32 maybeginto rotate
`in direction 2 to place the display unit 10 on top ofthe base
`unit 12 to reach the closed configuration. The latching
`assembly 60, described below with respect to FIGS. 6(a)-6
`(e), may be usedto hold both the display unit 10 and the base
`unit 12 together in the closed configuration.
`In addition, when the portable computer is operating in
`the laptop configuration, the base unit 12 maytilt at a slight
`angle with respect to it’s supporting surface and may par-
`tially rest on the A hinge 32 to allow for comfortable usage
`of the keyboard 18. FIGS. 2(b) and 4(5) illustrate the tilting
`of the base unit 12 according to an embodiment of the
`present invention. As the A hinge 32 is rotated to place the
`display unit 10 at the laptop tilt angle (approximately 110
`degrees in the embodiment shown) relative to the base unit
`12, the B hinge 30 may movefrom a position above (and to
`the right of) the A hinge 32 to a position below (and to the
`
`right) of the A hinge 32. As a result, the rear portion of the
`
`
`
`base unit 12 maybe elevated off
`of the support surface,
`while the front portion of the base unit 12 continues to rest
`on the support surface. In alternative embodiments of the
`invention, the B hinge 30 may begin at a position above and
`to the left of the A hinge 32 in the closed configuration and
`may moveto a position belowandto the left of the A hinge
`32 in the laptop configuration.
`Furthermore, as mentioned above, in embodiments of the
`invention,
`the B hinge 30 may be rotated to change the
`portable computer from the closed configuration to the
`laptop configuration and the A hinge 32 maynotrotate
`during this transition.
`In other embodiments of the
`invention, the rotation of the A hinge 32 and the B hinge 30
`may not be isolated during the transition from the closed
`configuration to the laptop configuration to the tablet con-
`figuration.
`As discussed above, in the illustrated embodimentof the
`invention, the B hinge 30 may notrotate initially when the
`portable computer is being opened to put
`the portable
`computer in the laptop configuration from the closed con-
`figuration. When movingthe display unit 10 in the opening
`direction to place the portable computer into either the
`laptop configuration or the tablet configuration, the A hinge
`32 may rotate first because the friction force resisting
`rotation of the A hinge 32 is less than thatresisting rotation
`of the B hinge 30. FIG. 2(5)illustrates how the B hinge 30
`has notrotated significantly even though the display unit 10
`has beentilted to the laptoptilt angle relative to the base unit
`12. The B hinge 30 may begin to rotate when the A hinge 32
`reaches an upper limit in its range of rotation. As discussed
`above, this upper limit mayresult from the location of a
`physical stop on an external or internal surface of the A
`hinge 32. The lower limit of the range of rotation will
`generally correspond to the portable computer reaching the
`closed configuration, in whichcase, the base unit 12 mayact
`as a physical stop to create the lower limit.
`FIGS. 2(c) and 4(c) illustrate the location of the A hinge
`32 and B hinge 30 when the portable computer is in the
`tablet configuration. In the tablet configuration, the display
`unit 10 is tilted 360 degreesrelative to the bottom disclosure
`12 from its original starting position in the closed configu-
`ration. In the tablet configuration, the bottom surface 15 of
`the base unit 12 rests next to the rear surface 17 of the
`display unit 10, while the keyboard 18 and the pointing
`device 20 rest on the planar surface on which the portable
`computer rests. FIG. 5 presents a top perspective viewof the
`portable computerin the tablet configuration according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`In moving from the laptop configuration to the tablet
`configuration, the B hinge 30is rotated to its full extent to
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`allow the display unit 10 to tilt 360 degreesrelative to the
`base unit 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2(c). Accordingly, the
`range ofrotation of the B hinge 30 may have an upperlimit
`imposed by the location of the bottom surface of the base
`unit 12. In the embodiment shown,the B hinge 30 may have
`a rotation range of about 250 degrees. As shownin FIG. 3,
`a friction force may be applied to the B hinge shaft 36 by a
`high friction device 34. In embodimentsof the invention, the
`B hinge 30 may experience the same amountof friction
`when rotating in either direction. The high friction device
`34, low friction device 38 and directional clutch 40 may be
`selected such that the amountoffriction resisting rotation of
`the B hinge 30 maybeselected so as to be greater than the
`amountoffriction resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 in the
`opening direction and less than the amount of friction
`resisting rotation of the A hinge 32 in the closing direction.
`When moving the portable computer from the laptop con-
`figuration to the tablet configuration (i.e., moving the dis-
`play unit 10 in the opening direction), the B hinge 30 may
`start to rotate once the A hinge 32 has completedits full
`range of rotation. Conversely, when moving the portable
`computer from the tablet configuration to the laptop
`configuration, the B hinge 30 mayrotate initially and the A
`hinge 32 maybegin to rotate only when the B hinge 30 has
`reached the lower limit of its range of rotation. As with the
`upperlimit applied to the range ofrotation of the A hinge 32,
`this lower limit may be applied by a physical stop on an
`external or an internal surface of the B hinge 30 and/or a
`surface of the display unit 10 or the base unit 12.
`The keyboard 18, pointing device 20 or other primary
`input device(s) maynotbe utilizable in the tablet mode and
`the user may input data using the display screen 14 as a
`touchscreen. The user may use an electronic stylus or a
`similar device in conjunction with the touchscreen.
`In
`embodiments of the invention, a software lockout may
`prevent the keyboard 18 and pointing device 20 from being
`utilized when the portable computeris in the tablet mode. In
`alternative embodiments of the invention, the keyboard 18,
`pointing device 20 and other primary input device(s) may be
`in a recessed region of the base unit 12 so that these input
`devices do not rest on the support surface. The latter
`embodiment may be additionally beneficial insofar as it
`protects the primary input devices from damage during use
`of the portable computer in the tablet configuration.
`FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) illustrate a latching assembly 60 accord-
`ing to an embodimentofthe present invention. In embodi-
`ments of the invention (including those described in the
`subsections above), the portable computer maybe secured in
`the closed configuration,the tablet configuration or both by
`the latching assembly 60. The latching a