throbber
PCT
`
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`
`
`
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`
`WO 95/24007
`(51) International Patent Classification 6;
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`GO06F 1/16, HOS5K 7/12
`
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`8 September 1995 (08.09.95)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/US95/02468|(81)Designated States: AM, AU, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CN, CZ,
`EE, FI, GE, HU, JP, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LT, LV,
`
`
`
`MD, MG, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, RO, RU, SI, SK,
`(22) International Filing Date:
`28 February 1995 (28.02.95)
`TJ, TT, UA, UZ, VN, European patent (AT, BE, CH, DE,
`
`DK,ES, FR, GB, GR,IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI
`
`
`patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE,
`(30) Priority Data:
`08/204,540
`2 March 1994 (02.03.94)
`US
`SN, TD, TG), ARIPO patent (KE, MW,SD, SZ, UG).
`
`
`
`
`(71)(72) Applicant and Inventor: LANE,Jeffrey, P. [US/US]; 395
`Otter Creek Court, Atlanta, GA 30328 (US).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`
`
`(74) Agents: PRATT,John,S. et al.; Kilpatrick & Cody, Suite 2800,
`1100 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309-4530 (US).
`
`(54) Title) MODULAR, RECONFIGURABLE DEVICES
`
`
`
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`A modular, reconfigurable system designed to permit coupling and decoupling of devices or components (14, 18) of varying types,
`including portable computers or other electrical devices,
`is disclosed. The system also is adapted to rotate about two adjacent, parallel
`axes (58, 62) permitting componentsto be positioned throughout approximately 0-360 degrees. The components (14, 18) are coupled by a
`connector (54).
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 1
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 1
`
`

`

`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international
`applications under the PCT.
`
`Viet Nam
`
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Treland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgystan
`Democratic People’s Republic
`of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakhstan
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Luxembourg
`Latvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Madagascar
`Mali
`Mongolia
`
`Austria
`Australia
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`Céte d'Ivoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Czechoslovakia
`Czech Republic
`Germany
`Denmark
`: Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New Zealand
`Poland
`Portugal
`Romania
`Russian Federation
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`United States of America
`Uzbekistan
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 2
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 2
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`

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`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`MODULAR, RECONFIGURABLE DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to modular devices and
`
`more particularly to reconfigurable portable
`computers and other electronic or similar
`
`apparatus.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Technological advances in the computing,
`electronics, and telecommunications industries have
`
`created devices useful to an ever-expanding number
`of users in a wider variety of operating
`Situations.
`Increased memory capacities,
`processing speeds, and telecommunications
`
`capabilities of "portable" computers, for example,
`have combined with decreased size and weight to
`contribute to greater use of these devices.
`The
`
`advent of multi-media apparatus and component
`commonality has also augmented the usefulness of
`
`many electronic devices, as has rapid improvement
`in quality and capability of individual components.
`These rapid improvements to components of an
`overall device have contributed to consumers
`
`desiring periodically to upgrade their systems
`merely by purchasing the improved components.
`
`Consumers also appear eager for access to
`reconfigurable components to meet the requirements
`of the varied locations and situations in which the
`
`components operate. Many existing electronic
`systems have components which can neither be
`
`decoupled nor reconfigured, however, and thus fail
`
`to address these and other consumer needs.
`
`U.S. Patent No. 5,103,376 to Blonder
`
`(incorporated herein in its entirety by this
`reference), for example, provides a laptop computer
`having keyboard and display portions whose
`
`-1-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 3
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 3
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`

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`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`The
`positions relative to a user can be reversed.
`computer includes a pair of dual-pivoting hinges,
`each capable of rotation about respective pins,
`to
`permit the reversal. According to the Blonder
`patent, however,
`the reversing portions are
`designed merely to facilitate information entry via
`
`both the keyboard and a graphics pen associated
`
`with the computer. As a result, neither the
`
`keyboard nor display is detachable from the
`
`10
`
`remainder of the device, and their
`
`reconfigurability is severely limited.
`U.S. Patent No. 5,034,858 to Kawamoto, et al.,
`
`also incorporated herein in its entirety by this
`reference, discloses electronic equipment having a
`
`The equipment also includes a
`separable keyboard.
`display that can be both rotated about an axis and
`
`tilted into place about a perpendicular axis for
`
`use. As with that disclosed in the Blonder patent,
`
`the display cannot be detached from the
`however,
`main equipment body. Additionally, neither the
`Blonder nor Kawamoto patent contemplates rotation
`
`two adjacent, parallel axes to permit
`about
`reconfiguration of components throughout
`
`approximately 0-360°.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention, by contrast, provides a
`modular, reconfigurable system designed to permit
`mechanical
`(and,
`if necessary, electrical) coupling
`and decoupling of devices or components of varying
`types. Because system elements can be decoupled,
`consumers can upgrade individual components as
`desired without having to purchase an entirely new
`system.
`Component redundancy can also be
`decreased, as a single electronic display, for
`example, can be coupled for use not only with
`computers but with appropriate audio-visual or
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`-2-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 4
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 4
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`WO 95/24007
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`PCT/US95/02468
`
`telecommunications equipment as well.
`
`In essence,
`
`the invention permits a user to "mix and match"
`
`electronic or other devices and components as
`needed.
`The innovative system also is adapted to rotate
`about at least two adjacent, parallel axes.
`
`Consequently,
`
`the present
`
`invention permits
`
`components to be repositioned about each other
`
`throughout approximately 0-360°, allowing use of a
`
`visual display not only in a standard laptop
`computer format but also in formats facilitating
`use of the display as, for example, a television or
`telecommunications monitor or a pen-based computing
`tablet.
`
`It is therefore an object of the present
`invention to provide a system composed of
`
`reconfigurable modules.
`
`It is another object of the present invention to
`
`provide a modular system permitting coupling and
`decoupling of devices and components, particularly
`electronic devices and components.
`It is also an object of the present invention to
`provide a system having two adjacent, parallel axes
`
`of rotation to facilitate component rotation about
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`approximately 0-360°.
`
`Other objects, features, and advantages of the
`
`present
`
`invention will become apparent with
`
`reference to the remainder of the written portion
`
`and the drawings of this application.
`
`30
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of. an exemplary
`
`modular device incorporating the technology of the
`
`present
`
`invention shown in a nominally "open"
`
`position.
`
`35
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of
`
`FIG. 1 shown in a nominally "closed" position.
`
`-3-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 5
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 5
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`

`

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`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`FIG.
`
`3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a
`
`connector of the present invention.
`
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the
`
`connector of FIG. 3.
`
`5
`
`FIGS. 5-9 are a series of fragmentary side
`
`cross-sectional views of the device of FIG. 1 shown
`
`in various configurations.
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of
`
`10
`
`FIG.
`1 having a support.
`FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a
`mechanism connected to the support of FIG. 10.
`
`FIGS. 12-13 are a series of side elevational
`
`views of the device of FIG. 10 shown in various
`
`configurations.
`
`15
`
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`coupling mechanism forming part of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate
`exemplary modular device incorporating the
`technology of the present invention shown ina
`
`nominally "open" position.
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of
`FIG. 15 shown in a nominally "closed" position.
`FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the device of
`FIG. 15 illustrating a coupling mechanism.
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the device of
`FIG. 15 illustrating an alternate coupling
`mechanism.
`
`FIGS. 19-28 are a series of side elevational
`
`views of an exemplary modular device incorporating
`the technology of the present invention shown in
`various configurations.
`FIG. 29 is an elevational view of a position
`
`indicator that can be incorporated in the modular
`
`35
`
`devices of the present invention.
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 6
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 6
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`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIGS. 1-2 illustrate generally an exemplary
`
`modular device 10 consistent with the present
`
`invention. As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may be a
`
`portable computer comprising first module 14 (e.g.
`a keyboard) and second module 18
`(e.g. a display).
`Also appearing in FIG. 1 are disk 22, a magnetic
`storage device which may be loaded into port 26,
`and compact disc 30 (which may be loaded into
`another port not shown in FIG. 1). An electronic
`
`mouse or other pointer 32 adapted to convert manual
`pressure to electronic signals capable of moving a
`cursor about the visual display 35 provided by
`
`10
`
`second module 18 may also be included, as may video
`camera 34.
`FIG.
`1 illustrates device 10 ina
`
`15
`
`nominally "open" position permitting access both to
`
`visual display 35 and keys 36, while FIG.
`
`2 shows
`
`device 10 in a nominally "closed" position.
`Torque-generating device 37, such as a spring,
`
`is
`
`20
`
`designed to retain second module 18 in a selected
`
`position relative to first module 14 when device 10
`is in use.
`
`Also shown in FIG.
`
`1
`
`(and FIG. 29) as part of
`
`second module 18 is position-indicating mechanism
`38. Mechanism 38 includes a moveable conductor 42
`
`25
`
`in a spherical cavity 46
`(such as liquid mercury)
`having contacts 50 spaced about its periphery.
`Conductor 42 responds via gravitational forces to
`Spatial reorientation of mechanism 38 by moving
`relative to contacts 50 (to contact at least one
`
`contact 50 to close its respective circuit).
`
`Including mechanism 38 as a component of either
`first or second modules 14 or 18 would thus permit
`
`it to indicate the spatial orientation of that
`module. Doing so would also allow mechanism 38 to
`assist device 10 (and its associated software)
`in
`
`determining, for example, whether the information
`
`30
`
`35
`
`-~5-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 7
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 7
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`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`to appear on visual display 35 should be in
`
`"landscape" or "portrait" position as the visual
`
`display 35 is spatially configured,
`
`the direction
`
`in which to move a curser of second module 18 when
`
`5
`
`a visual display, or whether to render keys 36 of
`
`first module 14 inoperable when unused.
`
`One or more connectors 54 operate to attach
`
`first and second modules 14 and 18. As shown in
`
`FIG. 3, for example, first module 14 defines a
`
`10
`
`primary axis of rotation 58, while second module 18
`
`defines a corresponding primary axis of rotation 62
`
`parallel to axis 58.
`
`In some embodiments of device
`
`10,
`
`the size of connector 54 is designed to be
`
`approximately equal to the combined thicknesses of
`
`15
`
`first module 14 and second module 18. As a result,
`
`in these embodiments the size of connector 54 is
`
`Significantly less than the length of either first
`
`module 14 or second module 18, placing parallel
`
`axes 58 and 62 essentially adjacent each other.
`
`20
`
`Connector 54 mechanically couples first module 14
`
`and second module 18 and can provide electrical
`
`coupling of the modules as well. Alternatively,
`
`first and second modules 14 and 18 may be coupled
`
`electrically using conventional means.
`
`25
`
`FIGS. 3-4 detail connector 54 of the present
`
`invention. Connector 54 comprises (moveable)
`
`leg
`
`66,
`
`(fixed)
`
`leg 70, pin 74, and spring 78 and
`
`defines tube 82 for permanently receiving axle 86
`
`embedded within second module 18.
`
`Leg 66 is
`
`30
`
`designed to pivot about pin 74, with its flared end
`90 biased by spring 78 toward a similar flared end
`94 of leg 70. As a consequence,
`legs 66 and 70 of
`
`connector 54, when fitted into slots 98 of first
`
`module 14, snap, or clamp, onto axle 102 of that
`
`35
`
`module and thereby connect first and second modules
`
`14 and 18.
`
`The camming action of connector 54
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 8
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 8
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`

`WO 95/24007
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`PCT/US95/02468
`
`forces axles 82 and 94 toward each other,
`
`facilitating attachment of the modules.
`Edge 106 of second module 18 may also include
`teeth 110 which are complementary to and designed
`to engage corresponding teeth 114 of edge 118 of
`first module 14.
`If present,
`teeth 110 and 114
`permit more consistent rotation of first and second
`modules 14 and 18. Engaging the teeth 110 and 114
`also permits use of a torque-generating device 37
`in only one of first and second modules 14 and 18,
`providing a commensurate savings in space, weight,
`and cost. Use of teeth 110 and 114 may also reduce
`
`stress on connectors 54, stabilizing device 10 when
`
`10
`
`in use by supporting the upper of first or second
`modules 14 or 18 along a greater length of the
`
`15
`
`lower of axes 58 or 62. Teeth 110 and 114
`
`20
`
`25
`
`additionally provide a convenient hand-grip surface
`for carrying first and second modules 14 and 18
`when device 10 is configured as in FIG. 2.
`
`Although slots 98 are shown in FIGS. 1-3 as
`formed at edge 118 of first module 14,
`they may
`additionally or alternatively appear along other
`edges or portions of first module 14 (e.g. slots
`98A of FIG. 1).
`If so placed,
`the slots would
`permit device 10 to be configured in other ways,
`including, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-
`23. Connector 54 could, moreover, be permanently
`
`connected to axle 102 rather than axle 86 or not
`
`permanently connected to either.
`FIGS. 5-9 show first and second modules 14 and
`
`30
`
`18 of device 10 in various configurations
`
`FIG.
`accessible using the present invention.
`shows second module 18 in an unrotated, or
`
`5
`
`35
`
`nominally closed, position relative to first module
`14, placing the first and second modules 14 and 18
`in parallel planes respectively intersecting axes
`58 and 62. This position protects visual display
`
`-7-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 9
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 9
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`35 and keys 36 from damage by securing them within
`
`the interior of device 10.
`
`FIG. 6, by contrast,
`
`illustrates second module 18 rotated about axis 62
`
`to form an obtuse angle relative to first module 14
`
`5
`
`(described above as a nominally "open" position),
`
`positions representative of those assumed by the
`
`displays and keyboards of many operating laptop
`
`computers.
`
`FIG.
`
`7 illustrates an alternative positioning,
`
`10
`
`in which second module 18 has been rotated
`
`approximately 180° relative to first module 14 to
`
`expose visual display 35.
`
`In FIG. 8,
`
`the rotation
`
`of second module 18 exceeds 270°, useful
`
`particularly when only visual display 35 need be
`accessible.
`FIG. 9, finally,
`shows second module
`
`15
`
`18 rotated approximately 360° relative to first
`
`module 14 (or vice-versa), exposing visual display
`
`35 for use as, for example, a tablet for pen-based
`
`computing.
`
`Providing an upper surface 120 for keys
`
`20
`
`36 of first module 14 essentially flush with (or
`
`not protruding beyond) its upper surface 121
`
`reduces the likelihood of damage to keys 36 in this
`
`configuration.
`
`FIG. 10 details support 122 that may be
`
`25
`
`incorporated into device 10.
`
`Support 122 rotates
`
`away from second module 18 and is held in position
`
`by mechanism 126 either to brace second module 18
`
`(see FIG. 12) or elevate, for instance, a keyboard
`
`used as first module 14 (see FIG. 13)
`
`to facilitate
`
`30
`
`information or data entry.
`
`By positioning support
`
`122 other than at edge 106 of second module 18,
`
`the
`
`edge 106 continues to be available for locating
`
`ports,
`
`jacks, or other useful or necessary devices.
`
`35
`
`If present, knobs 128 of support 122 may be fitted
`into recesses 130, with key 134, spring 138, and
`tension-adjustment screw 142 of mechanism 126
`utilized to retain them in place. As shown in FIG.
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 10
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 10
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`11, key 134 includes radial teeth 146 that engage
`
`similar teeth 150 on knob 128, with protrusion 154
`
`of key 134 fitting into keyway 158 for rotational
`
`Stability.
`
`FIG. 14 details an alternative connector 162,
`
`such as a ball joint, of the present invention.
`
`Unlike connector 54, connector 162 permits rotation
`
`about an axis perpendicular to axes 58 and 62.
`
`This in turn increases the versatility of device
`
`10
`
`10, allowing a wider variety of possible
`
`configurations to be assumed without having to
`detach first and second modules 14 and 18.
`
`FIGS. 15-19 illustrate more of the modular,
`
`reconfigurable nature of devices made according to
`
`15
`
`the present invention.
`
`Shown in FIGS. 15-19 is
`
`device 210, which may include first, second, and
`
`third modules 214, 218, and 222, respectively.
`
`First and second modules 214 and 218 may be
`
`connected as described earlier or using either of
`the mechanical connectors 226 and 230 shown in
`
`20
`
`FIGS. 17 and 18.
`
`If mechanical connectors 226 or
`
`230 are employed, electrical connections between
`
`first and second modules 214 and 218 may be made
`
`using conventional ribbon cable 234, for example.
`
`Third module 222 may be connected to either first
`
`module 214 or second module 218 (and switched back
`
`and forth as desired), with slots 238 along edges
`
`242 and 246 receiving connectors 250. Although
`keys 254 appear on first module 214 and visual
`display 258 is shown on second module 218, either
`
`or both modules could be electronic tablets,
`
`videotape or compact disc players, radios,
`television receivers, video game players, or other
`
`25
`
`30
`
`entertainment, educational, or scientific
`
`35
`
`instrumentation modules. Among other devices
`
`conceivable as first, second, and third modules
`
`214, 218, and 222 are communications modules
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 11
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 11
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`
`(including cellular telephones, portable facsimile,
`
`copying, scanning, and printing devices, digital
`
`dictaphones), digital still or video cameras,
`
`digital transducers and data recorders, bar-code
`readers, and other electronic equipment.
`FIG. 16
`illustrates recess 260 formed when device 210 is
`
`nominally "closed," which provides an area to which
`
`a user can apply pressure when opening the device
`
`210 manually.
`
`10
`
`FIGS. 19-28 detail various couplings of the
`
`first and second modules 14 and 18 (or 214 and 218)
`
`useful with the present invention.
`
`In the
`
`nominally closed position of FIG. 19, second module
`
`18 is unrotated relative to first module 14,
`
`15
`
`protecting visual display 35 of second module 18
`
`from damage by securing it within the interior of
`
`device 10.
`
`FIG. 27 shows second module 18 rotated
`
`' approximately 360° relative to first module 14 (or
`
`vice-versa), exposing visual display 35 for use as,
`
`20
`
`for example, a tablet for pen-based computing.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative positioning,
`
`in
`
`which second module 18 has been rotated
`
`approximately 180° relative to first module 14 to
`
`expose visual display 35. Other alternative
`positionings involving rotation of second module 18
`about axis 62 are detailed in FIG. 20 (in which
`
`second module 18 is rotated more than 90° to
`
`provide a standard "desktop" orientation) and in
`FIGS. 25 and 28 (in which second module 18 is
`
`rotated more than 270°, when only the visual
`display 35 need be accessible).
`FIG. 22, 23, and 24 detail additional
`
`alternative positionings of first module 14 and
`
`second module 18. Detaching connector 54 from
`
`35
`
`first module 14 and reattaching it about a
`
`secondary axis 262 of that module (if first module
`14 is adapted for such axis to be present) permits
`
`-10-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 12
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 12
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`WO 95/24007
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`
`device 10 to be configured as shown in FIG. 22,
`while thereafter detaching connector 54 from second
`module 18 and reattaching it about secondary axis
`
`266 (again if that module is adapted to permit
`
`5
`
`attachment about
`
`the axis) reconfigures device 10
`
`as illustrated in FIG. 23. Similarly, reattaching
`
`connector 54 about secondary axis 266 of second
`
`module 18 while retaining its connection about axis
`
`58 of first module 14 configures device 10
`
`10
`
`according to FIG. 24.
`
`FIG. 26, finally,
`
`illustrates the detachable mechanical connection
`
`between first module 14 and second module 18,
`
`permitting visual display 35 to be visible and
`
`device 10 to operate with merely an electrical
`
`15
`
`connector 270 between the first and second modules
`
`14 and 18.
`
`The foregoing is provided for purposes of
`
`“illustrating, explaining, and describing
`
`embodiments of the present invention.
`
`20 Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments
`
`will be apparent to those skilled in the art and
`
`may be made without departing from the scope or
`
`spirit of the invention.
`
`-1l1-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 13
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 13
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`I claim:
`
`1.
`
`A modular, reconfigurable system
`
`comprising:
`
`a.
`
`a first electronic module defining a
`
`first axis of rotation;
`
`b.
`
`a second electronic module defining a
`
`Cc.
`
`d.
`
`second axis of rotation parallel to
`
`the first axis of rotation;
`
`means for connecting the first and
`
`second electronic modules; and
`
`means for retaining the second
`electronic module in a selected
`
`position relative to the first
`
`electronic module.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`
`connecting means intersects the first and
`
`second axes of rotation and permits
`
`rotation of the second electronic module
`
`approximately 0-360° about the first
`electronic module.
`
`A system according to claim 1 further
`
`comprising means for hindering the first
`
`electronic module from rotating about the
`
`first axis of rotation.
`
`A system according to claim 1 further
`comprising means for hindering the second
`electronic module from rotating about the
`second axis of rotation.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`connecting means comprises means for
`
`detachably connecting the first and second
`
`electronic modules.
`
`-12-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 14
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 14
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`
`first electronic module defines a secondary
`
`axis of rotation.
`
`in which the
`A system according to claim 6
`connecting means intersects the secondary
`
`axis of rotation.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which:
`
`a.
`
`the first electronic module comprises
`
`a curved surface radial to the first
`
`axis of rotation, which curved surface
`
`includes a plurality of first teeth;
`and
`
`b.
`
`the second electronic module comprises
`
`a curved surface radial to the second
`
`axis of rotation, which curved surface
`
`includes a plurality of second teeth
`
`complementary to and engaging the
`first teeth.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`
`second electronic module comprises an
`
`integral position indicator, which position
`
`indicator comprises:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`a fluid conductor;
`
`a housing for the conductor, which
`
`housing:
`
`i.
`
`is adapted to permit the
`
`conductor to move responsive to
`
`reorientation of the second
`
`electronic module; and
`
`ii.
`
`comprises a plurality of
`
`electrical contacts, each adapted
`to contact the fluid conductor as
`
`a function of the orientation of
`
`the second electronic module.
`
`--13-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 15
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 15
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`10.
`
`A system according to claim 1 further
`
`comprising means, connected to the second
`
`electronic module, for supporting the first
`
`electronic module.
`
`li.
`
`A system according to claim 10 in which the
`
`supporting means comprises:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`an extension adapted to rotate about
`
`the second axis of rotation; and
`
`means for retaining the extension in a
`
`selected position.
`
`12.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`first electronic module:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`defines a surface; and
`
`comprises a keyboard having a
`plurality of keys, each key having:
`i.
`an upper surface not protruding
`beyond the surface of the first
`
`electronic module; and
`
`ii.
`
`a recessed portion for
`
`accommodating a fingertip of a
`user.
`
`13.
`
`A system according to claim 12 in which the
`first electronic module further comprises
`
`an electronic cursor-moving device
`
`comprising:
`a.
`an upper surface flush with the
`surface of the first electronic
`
`module, for receiving pressure from
`
`the fingertip of the user; and
`means for translating the fingertip
`
`b.
`
`pressure into motion of an electronic
`cursor.
`
`-14-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 16
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 16
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`14.
`
`A system according to claim 1 further
`
`comprising means for selectively hindering
`
`the first electronic module from rotating
`
`about the first axis of rotation and in
`
`which the connecting means:
`
`a.
`
`intersects the first and second axes
`
`of rotation; and
`
`b.
`
`comprises means for detachably
`
`connecting the first and second
`
`electronic modules.
`
`15.
`
`A system according to claim 14 in which the
`first electronic module defines a secondary
`
`axis of rotation and the connecting means
`
`intersects the secondary axis of rotation.
`
`16.
`
`A system according to claim 14 further
`comprising means, connected to the first
`electronic module, for supporting the first
`
`electronic module, which supporting means
`
`comprises:
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`an extension adapted to rotate about
`
`the first axis of rotation; and
`
`means for retaining the extension ina
`
`selected position.
`
`17.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which (1)
`the second electronic module defines a
`
`third axis of rotation perpendicular to the
`
`first and second axes of rotation and (2)
`
`the connecting means permits rotation of
`
`the second electronic module about the
`
`third axis of rotation.
`
`18.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`connecting means comprises:
`
`-15-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 17
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 17
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`a.
`
`a fixed leg connected to the second
`
`electronic module and having a length
`
`and a recess;
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`a spring positioned within the recess;
`
`a pin spanning at least a portion of
`
`the length of the fixed leg; and
`
`d.
`
`a moveable leg contacted by the spring
`
`and adapted to pivot about the pin.
`
`19.
`
`A system according to claim 11 in which the
`
`extension-retaining means comprises a key
`
`positioned within the second electronic
`
`module and having a surface adapted to
`
`engage the extension.
`
`20.
`
`A system according to claim 1 in which the
`
`first electronic module comprises a
`
`generally curved surface radial to the
`
`first axis of rotation, which generally
`
`curved surface comprises a recess.
`
`ai.
`
`A modular system comprising:
`a.
`a keyboard;
`
`b.
`
`a visual display mechanically and
`
`electrically connected to the
`
`keyboard; and
`
`c.
`
`a telephone mechanically connected to
`
`at least one of the keyboard and
`
`visual display.
`
`22.
`
`A modular, reconfigurable system
`
`comprising:
`
`a.
`
`a first module defining:
`
`1.
`
`ii.
`
`a first primary axis of rotation;
`
`a secondary axis of rotation; and
`
`iii. a curved surface radial to the
`
`first primary axis of rotation,
`
`-16-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 18
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 18
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`which curved surface includes a
`
`plurality of first teeth;
`
`a second module defining:
`i.
`a second primary axis of rotation
`parallel to the first primary
`
`axis of rotation; and
`
`ii.
`
`a curved surface radial to the
`
`second primary axis of rotation,
`
`which curved surface includes a
`
`plurality of second teeth
`
`complementary to and engaging the
`
`first teeth;
`
`means,
`
`intersecting at least two of
`
`the first and second primary axes of
`
`rotation and the secondary axis of
`rotation, for detachably connecting
`
`the first and second modules;
`
`torque-generating means for retaining
`the second module in a selected
`
`position relative to the first module;
`
`means for selectively hindering the
`first module from rotating about the
`first primary axis of rotation; and
`
`means, connected to the first module,
`
`for supporting the first module, which
`
`means comprises:
`
`i.
`
`an extension adapted to rotate
`
`about the first primary axis of
`
`rotation; and
`
`ii. means for retaining the extension
`
`in a selected position.
`
`-17-
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 19
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 19
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`.
`;
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 20
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 20
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`2/9
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 21
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 21
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`FIG 5
`
`FIC 6
`
` FIG7
`
`.
`
`FICGc3
`
`FIG 9
`
`3/9
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 22
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 22
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`4/9
`SUBSTITUTESHEET (RULE 26)1. _ Exhibit 1006 - Page 23
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 23
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`
`
`\. FIGAA
`
`.
`
`5/9
`|
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 24
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 24
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`=3Shia2——
`
`ylrora a
`| cornSerie
`\ aerine
`
`|
`
`6/9
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 25
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 25
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`
`
` _)eyee
`
`
`\"\ aEepISSpr
`
`SOa
`
`
`NEbe a=
`eed =
`pan om
`
`
`N
`
`—N
`
`
`_ aeSie0
`
`
`
`
`210__ a
`
`
`
`v=risSOA
`
`
`
`
`
`eoOOREFea =
`
`
`
`
`
`hS
`
`7/9
`SUBSTITUTESHEET (RULE 26) HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006- Page 26
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 26
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`FIG 49
`
`FIG 20|mI|||
`
`FIC 2A
`
`\\ 266
`
`262
`ec“> FIG 22
`
`
`
`FIG 23
`
`FIG 24
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE26)
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 27
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 27
`
`

`

`WO 95/24007
`
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`—___» FG PS ¢—_» FIG 26
`
`FIG 27
`
`FIG 23
`
`Yll
` Uy
`
`SY
`
`.
`
`/9
`SUBSTITUTEdeer (RULE 26)
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 28
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1006 - Page 28
`
`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Incernational application No.
`PCT/US95/02468
`
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`A.
`:GO6F 1/16; HOSK 7/12
`IPC(6)
`US CL
`:361/683-.
`According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B.
`FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed byclassification symbols)
`U.S.
`:
`
`361/680-683; 364/708.1; 439/928
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentationto the extentthat such documents are included in thefields searched
`
`Telephone No. 703) 308-3191
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used)
`
`C.
`
`DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category*
`
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`Relevantto claim No.
`
`US, A, 5,268,817 (MIYAGAWAET AL) 07 December 1993,
`Figures 8A-11B and column 6, line 66- column 9, line 59.
`
`6, 7, 15, 16
`
`US, A, 5,034,858 (KAWAMOTO ET AL) 23 JULY 1991,
`Figures 9-15 and column 4,line 1- column 5, line 23.
`
`6, 7, 15
`
`US, A, 5,235,495 (BLAIR ET AL) 10 August 1993, see the
`entire document.
`
`16
`
`[|
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. CJ
`Special categories of cited documents:
`documentdefining the general state of the art which is not considered
`to be of particular relevance
`earlier documentpublished on orafter the international filing date
`document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is
`cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other
`special reason (as specified)
`document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other
`means
`
`See patent family annex.
`later document published after the international filing date or priority
`date and not in conflictwith the application but cited to unders

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