.
`United States Patent
`Blonder
`
`115)
`
`US005 103376A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,103,376
`’
`9
`Apr. 7, 1992
`
`4,697,385 10/1987 Zachariasen ....... ee 16/229 X
`[54] DUAL POSITION COMPUTER
`4,859,092
`8/1989 Makita occ 248/923 X
`ARRANGEMENT
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Inventor: Greg E. Blonder, Summit, N.J.
`[75]
`60-160418
`8/1985 Japan...scsesceeseseseessees 364/708
`[73] Assignee:
`AT&TBell Laboratories, Murray
`60-189525
`9/1985 Japan ...ccseeccecccessesesseteees 364/708
`Hill, NJ.
`Primary Examiner—Leo P. Picard
`[21] Appl. No.: 656,379
`Assistant Examiner—Michael W.Phillips
`.
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—David R. Padnes
`[22] Filed:
`Feb. 19, 1991
`[SY]
`Int. CLS eee HO5K 5/02; GO6F 1/00;
`7)
`ABSTRACT
`E0sD 13/30
`
`94eeOak©) 361/393; 361/380; . A computerincluding a keyboard portion and a display
`248/918; 16/229; 16/231; 364/708
`portion is interconnected in a manner which provides
`[58] Field of Search .................. 248/918, 923; 16/229,
`dual positions operational. In one position the keyboard
`16/230, 231; 364/708; 361/380, 390, 391, 392,
`portion may be horizontally positioned to facilitate the
`393, 394, 395, 399_—entry of data via the keyboard. In the other position, the
`[56]
`References Cited
`Aspley portionmay be horizontallyPositione’ to facil
`the interac-
`data or graphic designs via
`the entry of
`e
`.
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`tion of a graphics pen over the display. Advanta-
`1,972,575
`9/1934 Schmidt ......ccceeseecees 16/229 X
`geously,
`the interconnection mechanism which pro-
`
`eeeoe rfooo Steinbach eecsenisessaneesnsnnenenns:soon ’ vides the two positions maintains the readability of the
`
`690,
`/
`chindlauer ..
`:
`:
`oo.
`4178657 12/1979 Way, Jr. nc 16/229
`display and the keyboard portions in either of the two
`
`
`4,532,673
`8/1985 Kim we
`os
`positions.
`4,589,659
`5/1986
`4,594,750
`6/1986
`
`7 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`LiTL Exhibit 2012
`LiTL Exhibit 2012
`HP Inc. v. LiTL
`HP Inc. v. LiTL
`IPR2024-00404
`IPR2024-00404
`
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`Apr. 7, 1992
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`U.S. Patent
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`FIG.5
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`U.S. Patent
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`1
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`5,103,376
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`DUAL POSITION COMPUTER ARRANGEMENT
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`Thepresent invention relates to computers and, more
`particularly. to computers having interconnected com-
`ponents, such as laptop computers.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`Computers, such as personal and laptop, typically
`comprise a keyboard and a display portion. In laptop
`and personal computers, data is generally entered into
`the computer via the keyboard. In addition, graphics
`pens, including light pens, capacitive-sensing and elec-
`tromagnetic devices, are often added to this system to
`provide computer data entry in the form of graphical
`designs. or alphanumeric characters. When data is pri-
`marily entered via the keyboard, such entry is facili-
`tated when the keyboard and display are respectively
`disposed in a horizontal and vertical position relative to
`the user. When data is primarily entered via the graph-
`ics pen, however, such entryis facilitated by a reversal
`of the above-described positions of the keyboard and
`display portions relative to the computer user. The
`problem in present computers with reversing the posi-
`tion of the keyboard and display portions relative to. a
`computeruser by simply rotating the computeris that in
`one position the graphics and keyboard characters are
`in their normal orientation relative to the computer
`user; and in the other, the desired positions are upside
`downand reversed relative to the computer user. While
`the graphics image on the display can be inverted and
`reversed via the addition of hardware and software as
`the position ofthe display portion is changedrelative to
`the computeruser, ‘he problem of the upside-down and
`reversed position of the keyboard characters remains
`and has never been addressed.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`Thepresent invention relates to a computer arrange-
`ment wherein the position of the keyboard and display
`portions can be reversed so as to provide optimum
`positioning relative to a computer user for data entry
`via the keyboard in one mode and optimum data entry
`via a graphics pen in another mode. In the disclosed
`embodiments, the reversal of the display and keyboard
`positions relative to the computeruser is provided by a
`mechanism interconnecting those portions which main-
`tains the left-to-right readability of the characters on the
`display and keyboard portions in each of the modes or
`positions. In the disclosed embodiments, the computer
`keyboard and display portions form a dihedron and the
`interconnecting mechanism is suchthat either the top or
`bottom edge of the keyboard is at the vertex of the
`dihedron.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views ofa first embodi-
`ment of the present invention respectively arranged in
`first and second positions or modes;
`FIG.3 is a sequence of viewsofthe first embodiment
`showing the steps for converting from the first to the
`second mode;
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the portion
`of FIG. 1 which reveals the interconnecting mecha-
`nism;
`
`60
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`65
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`2
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment
`of the present invention; and
`FIG. 6 is a perspective viewof a portion of the inter-
`connecting mechanism utilized in the embodiment of
`FIG. §.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a laptop computer 100
`including a keyboard portion 101 and a display portion
`102 is shown. Computer 100 also includes a graphics
`pen 103 which interacts with the display portion using
`any of a number of well-known mechanismsto enter
`data or graphical designs. In regard to the former,it is
`envisioned that with character recognition systems,
`data can be entered into the computerbyliterally writ-
`ing the data across the display screen using the graphics
`pen.
`The keyboard and display portions form a dihedron,
`with the keyboard and display portions each forming a
`plane thereof. In addition, computer 100 also includes a
`pair of dual-pivoting hinges 104, 105 located at corre-
`sponding and opposite sides of the keyboard and display
`portions. The keyboard and display portions are electri-
`cally interconnected by well-known means
`(not
`shown). For example, the hinges can be fabricated to
`house the necessary electrical and/or optical intercon-
`nections between the keyboard and display portions.
`Each hinge incorporates a pair of pins 106 and 107
`which respectively extend from the keyboard and dis-
`play portions. The pairs of pins in hinges 104 and 105
`are respectively interconnected by members 108 and
`109, with member 108 including a longitudinal slot 110
`to advantageously provide a modeselecting and lock-
`ing mechanism, as will be described.
`Each hinge provides rotational capability about both
`of its included pair of pins so as to facilitate two modes
`or operating positions. In the first mode, as shown in
`FIG. 1, the keyboard and display portions are respec-
`tively horizontally and vertically disposed so as to facil-
`itate data entry into the computer via the keyboard for
`a computer user 120. Edge 111 of the keyboard portion
`in the first mode is adjacentto the display portion andis
`at the vertex of the dihedron formed by the keyboard
`and display portions. In the second mode, as shown in
`FIG.2, the position of the keyboard and display por-
`tions are reversed so that the display portion is now
`horizontally disposed. Note that in the second mode,
`edge 111 of the keyboard portion is remote from the
`display portion and edge 112 of the keyboardportionis
`adjacent to the display portion and at the vertex of the
`dihedron. For purposes of this description, the term
`“at” a vertex means coincident with or close to the
`vertex. This horizontal position of the display portion in
`the second modefacilitates data entry via graphics pen
`103 for computer user 120. It should be noted that, in
`accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the opera-
`tion of the hinge provides the two modes of operation
`and maintains the readability of the display and key-
`board in each mode.In addition,the relative position of
`the keys on the keyboard, such as the space bar 113,
`special function keys 114, and cursor movement keys
`115, is also maintained.
`FIG. 3 shows the operation of the hinge and the
`conversion from one mode to another. As shown in
`position 301, computer 100 is operational with the dis-
`play portion in a vertical position. By closing the dis-
`play portion-over the keyboard portion as shown in
`position 302, the compact structure of position 303 is
`
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`keyboard and display portions in horizontal and vertical
`obtained. Position 303 is ideally suited for laptop com-
`positions, respectively. Finally, when control knob 507
`puters, as both the keys of the keyboard and the screen
`is pointed toward “lock”, all of the pins are extended
`of the display portion are protected in a compact struc-
`and the computer can’t be opened. This is the desired
`ture. Now, by inverting the computer, as shown in
`position for transporting the computer.
`successive positions 304, 305, and 306, and sliding ele-
`FIG. 6 shows the mechanism attached to control
`ment 401 to the “pen” position, as will be discussed in
`knob 507 to provide selective pin retraction. This mech-
`reference to FIG. 4, computer 100 can be re-opened
`anism includes two rack gears 601 and 602 which en-
`using hinge 103 to provide the second mode, as shown
`gage with pinion teeth formed in the circumference of
`in position 307.
`control knob 507. Each of pins 502 and 504 is formed
`Refer now to FIG. 4 which showsan exploded view
`with a circumferencial slot 603 which engages with a
`of dual-pivoting hinge 104. To provide mode selection
`rail member attached to a side of an associated rack
`and a locking mechanism, hinge 104 operates in combi-
`gear. One such rail member 604 is shown in FIG.6, the
`nation with sliding element 401 and spacer 402. Element
`other rail memberbeing on the underside or hidden side
`401 has a first end portion 403 which extends through
`of rack gear 602. As the control knob is rotated toward
`slot 110 in member 108 and a second end 404 which
`the word “pen” in FIG. 5, the movement of the rack
`engages with slots 405 and 406 in the keyboard and
`gear displaces rail structure 604 to selectively move or
`display portions. Each ofslots 405 and 406 has an open
`retract pin 502. In similar fashion, as the contro! knobis
`channel portion 407 which extends downwardly at an
`rotated toward the word “keyboard” in FIG. 5, the
`angle from a surface ofeither the keyboard or display to
`movement of the rack gear displaces the rail structure
`intersect with a closed channel portion 408. The locking
`on the underside of rack gear 602 to retract pin 504.
`mechanism can be engaged when the keyboard and
`It should, of course, be understood that while the
`display portions are folded one overthe other, as shown
`present invention has been described with respect to
`in position 303 of FIG.3, by centrally positioning slid-
`specific embodiments, other arrangements will be ap-
`ing element 401in slot 110 so that end 403 is positioned
`parent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
`near the word “lock” on member 108. Whenthesliding
`while in the disclosed embodiments, the keyboard and
`element is so positioned,
`its protrusions 409 and 410
`display portions are disposed at an angle of approxi-
`respectively engage with the closed channel portion 408
`mately 90° relative to one anotherin either of the two
`of slots 405 and 406 to prevent inadvertent opening of
`operating modes, such angle can be varied to suit the
`the computer. By positioning the sliding element in an
`preference of a computer user. Or, for example, while
`off-center position in slot 110, either the first or second
`the keyboard in the disclosed embodiments includes a
`modecan be selected. For example, if the first mode of
`plurality of individual keys, the keyboard can take other
`FIG. 1 is desired, the sliding elementis positioned at the
`forms including a display screen wherein different por-
`end of slot 110 adjacent to the word “keyboard” on
`tions of the screen are associated with different alphanu-
`member 108. Whenthesliding elementis so positioned,
`meric characters which can be selected by touching the
`protrusion 409 engages with closed channel portion 408
`display screen.
`of slot 405. As a result, rotation of hinge 104 is permit-
`I claim:
`ted only about pin 107. In similar fashion, the second
`1. A computer comprising
`mode shownin FIG.2 is provided bypositioning slid-
`a keyboard portion having a top edge and a bottom
`ing element 401 adjacent to the word “pen” on member
`edge;
`108 so protrusion 410 engages with closed channel por-
`a display portion; and
`tion 408 of slot 406. As a result, rotation of hinge 104 is
`meansfor interconnecting said keyboard and display
`only permitted about pin 106.
`FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment 200 of a com-
`portions to form a dihedron, said interconnecting
`meansbeing such thata selected either one ofsaid
`puter arrangement in accordance with the present in-
`edges is at the vertex of said dihedron, said inter-
`vention. This embodimentis identicalto thefirst except
`connecting means being connected to said key-
`for the replacement of the dual-pivoting hinge structure
`board and display portions and maintaining said
`with a retractable pin structure which operates in re-
`dihedron uponits formation.
`sponse to a rotating knob. As shownin FIG. 5, there are
`2. The computer of claim 1 wherein said intercon-
`four pins designated as 501, 502, 503.and 504 on oneside
`necting meansis a dual pivoting hinge which provides
`805 of computer arrangement 200. Two hinge pins 508
`rotational capability about two axes.
`and 509, which are positioned similarly to pins 106 and
`3. The computer of claim 1 wherein said intercon-
`107 in FIGS. 1 and 2, are located on side 506 which is
`necting means incorporates a locking mechanism which
`opposite to side 505. Pins 501 and 503 extend into the
`when activated maintains said keyboard and display
`display portion, while pins 502 and 504 extend into the
`portions in a predetermined position.
`keyboard portion. Pins 502 and 503 are selectably re-
`4. The computer of claim 1 wherein said intercon-
`tractable by the rotation of knob $07.
`necting means includes pins which protrude into said
`Referring to side 505, when contro! knob 507 is
`keyboard and display portions and are selectively re-
`pointed toward the word “pen”, pins 501, 503 and 504
`tractable.
`protrudeinto the bodyofthe display and keyboard. Pin
`60
`5. A computer arrangement comprising
`$02 is withdrawn by a mechanism attached to the con-
`a keyboard portion includingaplurality of keys, each
`trol knob so that the keyboard portion can be pivoted
`key in said plurality having associated characters
`around pin 504. When opened, the keyboard portionis
`written thereon;
`in a vertical position and the display is in a horizontal
`position. In similar fashion, when control knob 507 is
`a display screen; and
`means for interconnecting said keyboard portion and
`pointed to the word “keyboard”, pins 501, 502 and 504
`said display screen said interconnecting means
`protrude into the body of the display and keyboard
`being connected to said keyboard portion and said
`portions and pin $03 is withdrawn. This permits rota-
`display screen and providing a first and a second
`tion of the display portion about pin 501 to provide the
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`position of said keyboard portion relative to said
`display screen, said first and second positions being
`such that said characters are in a right-side-upori-
`entation relative to a computeruser in eachofsaid
`positions, said keyboard portion being adjacent to
`said computer user in said first position and said
`display screen being adjacent to and visible to said
`computeruser in said second position.
`6. The computer arrangementof claim 5 wherein said
`
`6
`interconnecting mechanism is a dual pivoting hinge
`which provides rotational capability about two axes.
`7. The computer arrangementof claim 5 whereinsaid
`dual pivoting hinge incorporates a locking mechanism
`which can selectively lock said computer arrangement
`when arrangedin said first and second positions.
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