Compact notebook computer having a foldable and collapsible keyb

Details Compact notebook computer having a foldable and collapsible keyb Compact notebook computer having a foldable and collapsible keyb

1994-06-30

1996-05-21

Phillips, Michael W.

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

400490, 400682, 200344, 200345, G06F 116, B41J 1156, H01H 1302, H05K 704

Patent

active

055195695

ABSTRACT:
A compact notebook computer, when opened, exposes a keyboard structure in a folded storage and transport orientation in which opposite end segments of the keyboard are inwardly pivoted onto a central segment of the keyboard, and the keys are in fully retracted, inoperative positions. To use the keyboard its end segments are outwardly pivoted to a use orientation in which they project outwardly beyond opposite ends of the computer base housing and are vertically aligned with the central keyboard segment. A top side portion of the keyboard structure is then horizontally shifted in a first direction relative to a base portion thereof. Via an interaction between cammed portions of scissored linkage arm assemblies that movably support the keys, and resilient key return members adjacent thereto, this shifting automatically raises the keyboard keys to fully extended operative positions thereof, thereby readying the keyboard for typing thereon. To return the keyboard structure to its storage and transport orientation, the top keyboard side portion is horizontally shifted relative to the base portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Via an interaction between the scissored linkage arm assemblies, and drive projections formed on the keyboard structure base portion, this shifting automatically retracts the keys to their original inoperative positions. The opposite keyboard end segments are then folded inwardly onto the central segment to permit the computer lid housing to be closed again.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3940758 (1976-02-01), Margolin
patent: 5141343 (1992-08-01), Roylance et al.
patent: 5187644 (1993-02-01), Crisan
patent: 5268545 (1993-12-01), Bruner
patent: 5329084 (1994-07-01), Watanabe et al.
patent: 5382762 (1995-01-01), Mochizuki
patent: 5424516 (1995-06-01), Emmons
Xerox Disclosure Journal, vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 139 and 140, "Folding Keyboard", Martin S. Maltz.
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 32, No. 10B, Mar. 1990, pp. 266 and 267, "Folding Computer".

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