United States Patent 19
`Flint et al.
`
`III IIII
`USO0555967OA
`11
`Patent Number:
`5,559,670
`45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 24, 1996
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`T3)
`
`CONVERTIBLE DISPLAY COMPUTER
`
`Inventors: Ephraim B. Flint, Garrison; Alphonso
`P. Lanzetta, Marlboro; Lawrence S.
`Mok, Brewster, all of N.Y.
`
`Assignee: International Business Machines
`Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.
`
`Appl. No.: 324,567
`
`5,268,817 12/1993 Miyagawa et al. ..................... 36A681
`5,276,589
`/ 1994 Bartlett et al. .......................... 361/681
`5,390,075 2/1995 English et al. .......................... 361/683
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0454.120 10/1991 European Pat. Off. .......... G06F 1/16
`406019577 1/1994 Japan ..............ys was a so we sess as so G06F 1/16
`Primary Examiner-Leo P. Picard
`Assistant Examiner Lynn D. Feild
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Daniel P. Morris; Alvin J. Riddles
`
`21
`22
`51
`52
`
`58)
`
`(56)
`
`6
`Int. Cl. ................................ H05K 5/03; G06F 1/16
`The invention is a convertible display computer structure in
`361/681; 364/708.1; 439/31;
`which the display is centrally pivoted in a frame that in turn
`361/679
`?
`is hinged on one side on the keyboard so that the display can
`Field of Search ..................................... 361/679, 680,
`be positioned to face toward the user when the frame is
`361/681, 682, 683; 364/708.1; 439/23,
`positioned to be essentially vertical with respect to the
`25, 28, 31; G06F 1/16
`keyboard and when it is desired to provide graphic infor
`mation entry, the display can be turned over so as to serve
`References Cited
`as a writing surface when the hinged frame is positioned
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`OWer the keyboard. The conversion from keyboard to graphic
`stylus input is accomplished by rotating the display on the
`5,103,376 4/1992 Blonder ................................... 361/393
`pivot mountings and then closing the frame over the key
`5,115,374 5/1992 Hongoh
`313 board with the display surface up and in the proper orien
`5,205,017 4/1993 Wang ........................................ 16/237
`tation
`5,224,060
`6/1993 Ma .............
`... 364f708.1
`5,233,502 8/1993 Beatty et al. ........................... 36/729
`5,267,123 11/1993 Boothroyd et al...................... 361/680
`
`
`
`6 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`Lenovo EX-1038, Page 001
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 24, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`5,559,670
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1038, Page 002
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 24, 1996
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`5,559,670
`
`
`
`Lenovo EX-1038, Page 003
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
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`

`

`5,559,670
`
`1
`CONVERTIBLE DISPLAY COMPUTER
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The invention relates to computers and in particular to a
`computer with a display element operable in convertible
`positions.
`
`5
`
`2
`can be positioned to face toward the user when the frame is
`positioned to be essentially vertical with respect to the
`keyboard and when it is desired to provide graphic infor
`mation entry the display can be turned over so as to serve as
`a writing surface when the hinged frame is Positioned over
`the keyboard. The conversion from keyboard to graphic
`stylus input is accomplished by rotating the display on the
`pivot mountings and then closing the frame over the key
`board with the display surface up and in the proper orien
`tation.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the computer structure of
`the invention with the display part facing the user.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the computer structure of
`the invention with the display part in the process of being
`converted.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the computer structure of
`the invention with the display part converted and in position
`for graphic input.
`FIG. 4 is an illustration of conductive ring electrical
`connections to pivotal members.
`FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrations of a contact pin form of
`electrical connection to the display part.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of
`the convertible display computer of the invention. In FIG. 1
`there is a standard keyboard part I and a display part 2 that
`is made up of a display element 3 mounted in a frame 4
`having a top portion 5, a bottom portion 6 adjacent the
`keyboard 1 and left 7 and right8 sides. The frame 4 is hinged
`to the keyboard 1, by elements 9 and 10, only element 9
`being visible in this view. The electrical wiring for the
`display element 3 pass in the frame 4 to the computer in the
`support portion 11 for the keyboard 1. The display element
`3 may be of the standard, plasma, liquid crystal or other flat
`display type. A touch screen surface is provided where touch
`input is to be involved. In operation the information is
`displayed on the display element 3 reading from left to right.
`In accordance with the invention the display element 3 is
`convertible from the display position to a supported, prop
`erly oriented graphical input position. The convertibility is
`achieved by mounting the display element 3 in an element
`12 that surrounds the display element 3, has a clearance fit
`with respect to the display area opening 13 which extends
`through the frame 4 and has pivot members 14 and 15. The
`pivot members 14 and 15, shown dotted, are located at the
`centerpoint of the sides 7 and 8, and extend into bearing
`openings, not shown, in the frame 4. With this construction
`the display element 3 is pivotally supported for turning over
`so that the display element 3 face can be toward or away
`from the user. Manually operated latch members 16 and 17
`are positioned in each side of the frame 4 and when moved
`toward the display element 3, each move an interposer
`element, not visible in this figure, into engagement with an
`opening in the element 12, also not visible in this figure, that
`locks the pivotal movement of the display element 3 into the
`forward or reversed position.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the computer of the
`invention with the display element thereof in an intermediate
`position as it is being changed from the forward to the
`reversed position. Referring to FIG. 2, in which the same
`reference numerals are used for like elements. The display
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND
`RELATON TO THE PRIOR ART
`In the development of computers, particularly of the types
`known in the art as laptop or notebook, efforts have been
`directed to providing as many features as possible in a small
`and light weight package. The most efficient and physically
`rugged universal package that has evolved in the art is one
`in which the display screen portion is hinged on the portion
`of the keyboard away from the user; so that it can be
`positioned essentially vertical with respect to the keyboard
`when in use and can be folded down over the keyboard when
`not in use.
`A feature of being able to manually enter graphical
`information into the computer is becoming a desirable
`addition. A hand written or pictorial entry is considered
`graphical information. The entry can be accomplished with
`the universal package through using a graphic stylus
`together with the addition of a touch screen surface on the
`display element or through the use of a stylus that provides
`a signal that interacts with the display. The technology of the
`touch screen and the graphic stylus are well developed in the
`art.
`When, however, the manually entered graphical informa
`tion is to be introduced on a computer arranged using the
`general universal type of package, provision must be made
`to have a place for the writing on the display, and for
`maintaining the orientation of that writing the same as the
`orientation of the display when displaying keyboard entered
`information.
`One approach to the problem is provided in the artin U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,103,376 wherein a special supporting hinge
`mechanism permits positioning either the keyboard part or
`the display part on a supporting surface while the other part
`is held in essentially vertical relationship to the part that is
`on the supporting surface.
`Another approach to the problem is provided in the
`structure shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,502. In this structure
`the display is a modular and reversible insert type element
`that can be placed in a frame that is hinged on the keyboard
`so that the display surface can, by taking the display out and
`reversing it, serve as the top surface of the cover, when the
`frame is folded down over the keyboard.
`A further approach to the combined support and orienta
`tion reversal problems is the use Of a special pivotal hinge
`that permits the display to be turned over and then reposi
`tioned over the keyboard. This structure is shown in U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,205,017.
`In all the approaches to the Problems heretofore in the art
`significant changes in structure and interruptions in use
`resulting from repositioning the parts of the computer are
`involved in being able to manually introduce graphical
`information through the display part.
`
`O
`
`15
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`20
`
`25
`
`30
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`35
`
`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The invention is a convertible display computer structure
`in which the display is centrally pivoted in a frame that in
`turnishinged on one side on the keyboard so that the display
`
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`3
`element 3 is surrounded by, and is retained in, the element
`12 which performs the functions of supporting pivot mem
`bers 14 and 15, shown dotted, at the midpoints of each side.
`The pivots 14 and 15 in turn extend into and are supported
`by bearing openings; not visible in this figure, in the sides 7
`and 8 of the frame 4. In the view provided by FIG. 2 the
`display element 3 is partially rotated between forward and
`reversed. The edge 18 that was adjacent to the bottom 6 of
`the frame 4 in FIG. 1 having been moved in the direction of
`the top 5 of the frame 4. In FIG. 2, more of the the latches
`16 and 17 and their functions are visible. At the completion
`of the rotation, the edge 18 will be adjacent to the top 5 of
`the frame 4 in the display opening 13. The latches 16 and 17
`are each moved in the direction of the display opening 13,
`which in turn moves interposers 19 and 30 of which only 20
`is visible in this Figure, into openings in the member 12 to
`lock the display element 3 into position. In the view of FIG.
`2 openings 21 and 22 are visible. When the display element
`3 is in the reversed position with the edge 18 adjacent the top
`5 of the frame 4 the interposer of the latch 16 is in the
`opening 21 when in the locked position. Similarly, when the
`display element 3 is in the forward position as shown in FIG.
`1, the edge 18 is adjacent the bottom 6 of the frame 4 and
`the interposer of the latch 16 is in the opening 22 when in
`the locked position.
`When the display element 3 is locked in the reversed
`position facing away from the user, the top 5 of the frame 4
`is drawn toward the user. The frame 4 and display element
`3 assembly, moving on the hinges 9 and 10, comes down and
`cover the keyboard 1, thereby positioning the display ele
`ment 3, in supported position for writing and with proper
`orientation or left to right information entry.
`In FIG. 3 the computer of the invention is shown in
`perspective with the frame 4 and display element 3 assembly
`folded down over the keyboard 1. The display element 3
`faces up and as a result of the travel into the folded position
`the edge 18 is next to the user and the same orientation for
`information display or input is maintained. In FIG. 3 the
`same reference numerals are employed for like elements
`from the earlier figures.
`Referring to FIG. 3, the face of display element 3 is in
`supported and properly oriented position for left to right
`information entry through a graphic stylus shown symboli
`cally as element 23. Where the display element 3 is of the
`type that responds to the graphic stylus type of interaction,
`the stylus 23 is supplied with signals through a conductor
`connected to the computer 11 and shown symbolically as
`element 24. Where the display element 3 is of the type
`having a pressure responsive touch screen over the face, the
`stylus 23 merely concentrates and focuses manual pressure
`and the element 24 is not required.
`Electrical connections between the display element 3 and
`the completer 11 usually involve wiring in the frame 4 that
`goes from the portion of the computer 11 at the hinge 9 and
`10 region to edge terminals on the display element 3.
`In a preferred embodiment the connections are made
`through the pivoting members 14 and 15 through the use of
`conductive ring and spring loaded brush type technology
`standard in the electrical equipment art. An example is
`illustrated in connection with FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4 a
`perspective depiction is provided of a portion of the side 8
`of the frame 4 where the pivot member 15 of the element 12
`passes through the bearing opening in the frame 4. Inside the
`frame 4 the pivot member 15 is equipped with a series of
`conductive rings, of which three, 25, 26 and 27 are shown,
`insulated from each other and each with an insulated con
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
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`65
`
`5,559,670
`
`10
`
`15
`
`4
`nection not shown to an edge terminal of the display element
`3 through the pivot member 15. Connection is made to the
`computer 11 via conductors 28, 29 and 30 which contact the
`conductive rings 25, 26 and 27 through spring loaded
`brushes 31, 32 and 33 respectively. The brushes being
`mounted in a brush holding block 34 as is standard in the
`electrical equipment art. In the structure depicted in FIG. 4
`electrical continuity is maintained through 360 degree rota
`tion of the display element 3 and as many conductors as
`desired may be accommodated through the use of additional
`conductive rings and their placement on both pivot members
`14 and 15. While the conductive ring structure is illustrated
`around the periphery of the pivotal member 15, it will be
`apparent that the conductive rings may alternatively be on
`the inside surface of a larger diameter pivotal member with
`the brushes mounted on a member that extends into a bore
`35 shown dotted in the end 36 of the pivotal member.
`Where it is desirable to provide the connections at the
`edge of the display element 3 such as at the edge 18 of the
`element 12, a spring loaded pin connection that is registered
`in contact by the fact that the display element 3 is locked by
`the latch interposers and openings 21, 22 etc. may be
`employed. Such a situation is illustrated in connection with
`FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5 across sectional view is provided
`of the intersection of a portion of element 12 at the opening
`face of the display opening 13 of the frame 4. In the surface
`labelled 13, a contact 37, connected to a terminal of the
`display element 3, is urged into contact with a contact 38 in
`the element 12. The contact 38 is tinder spring 39 loading,
`so that when the element 12 is locked into position the
`contacts are aligned and electrical continuity to the computer
`11 is through conductor 40. As many contact combinations
`as needed may be employed. In FIG. 6, in a perspective view
`the contact pair 37,38 are shown in the corner of the display
`element 3, with the conductor 40 shown dotted.
`What has been described is a convertible display com
`puter structure in which the display is centrally pivoted in a
`frame that in turn is hinged on one side on the keyboard so
`that the display can be turned over and positioned above the
`keyboard for support and maintenance of left to right
`information orientation when it is desired to enter graphic
`information through the display.
`What is claimed is:
`1. In a computer of the type having a computer base that
`supports a keyboard with a display element and graphic
`input element combination that as a unit reversibly rotates
`on central pivot members on each side of said unit and which
`pivot members extend into a frame with a hinged attachment
`of said frame at an edge of said computer base, the improve
`ment comprising,
`an electrical connection, through at least one conductive
`ring and brush at said pivot members, and,
`a spring loaded, contact at said frame edge, between at
`least one of said display element and said graphic input
`element and wiring to said computer base, in said
`frame.
`2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said conductive
`ring and brush includes at least one ring on at least one of
`each said pivot members with a holder supported brush in
`contact with each said ring.
`3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said spring
`loaded, edge contact includes at least one electrically con
`nected spring loaded contact member positioned in said
`frame and an edge terminal positioned in an edge of said
`display and graphic input unit, and is electrically connected
`to said display and graphic input unit.
`4. A computer of the notebook or laptop type wherein a
`superimposed display and graphic input part as a unit in a
`
`Lenovo EX-1038, Page 005
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
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`5,559,670
`
`5
`frame reversably rotates on centrally positioned side pivot
`members, said frame being hinged on and foldable over a
`computer base that supports a keyboard, the improvement
`comprising,
`providing, in said frame an electrical interconnection
`between said display and graphical input part and
`wiring to said computer base, using at least one of
`conductive ring and brush at said pivot members, and,
`a spring loaded contact at said frame edge.
`5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said conductive
`ring and brush includes at least one ring on at least one of
`
`10
`
`6
`each said pivot members with a holder supported brush in
`contact with each said ring.
`6. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said spring loaded
`edge contact includes at least one electrically connected
`spring loaded contact member positioned in said frame and
`an edge terminal positioned in an edge of said display and
`graphic input part and electrically connected to said display
`and graphic input part.
`
`ck
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`k
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`:
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`k
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`sk
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`Lenovo EX-1038, Page 006
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
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