Compact notebook computer with movable keyboard section

Details Compact notebook computer with movable keyboard section Compact notebook computer with movable keyboard section

1999-03-31

2001-07-17

Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C400S682000, C400S489000, CD14S140400, CD14S140400, CD14S140400

Reexamination Certificate

active

06262881

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates in general to notebook computers and in particular to a low-profile, miniature notebook computer having a base with a segmented keyboard, wherein a portion of the keyboard is movable relative to the base.
2. Background Art
Some users of notebook computers prefer them to be very small and lightweight. Unfortunately, small notebook computers typically have smaller than normal keyboards which are more difficult to use than those of their larger counterparts. One prior art device, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,659,307 and 5,543,787, solved this problem with a segmented, “butterfly-style” keyboard which deployed when the computer was opened. That computer required a rather complicated and expensive mechanism to enable automatic keyboard deployment. Moreover, it did not address the ergonomic issue of having the display positioned as far forward (toward the user) as possible to make it easier to use the computer in cramped conditions, such as on an airline seat back tray table. A notebook computer with an improved keyboard design for use under crowded conditions is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A low profile, miniature notebook computer has a base portion, a monitor portion and a display monitor which is pivotally mounted to the monitor portion. The base portion and the monitor portion are movable relative to one another between retracted and deployed positions. The computer also has a keyboard with keys which are divided between the base and monitor portions. As the monitor portion is deployed, it shifts to the left and forward relative to the stationary base portion. The monitor portion may be manually or automatically shifted between positions.
The computer also has a base plate with a stationary support foot which is flush with the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the retracted position, but which extends beyond the rear edge of the main body of the machine when it is in the deployed position. The support foot allows heavy components such as the batteries to be located near the rear edge of the machine to keep the front edge very thin and prevents the machine from tipping over when the display is opened up beyond 90 degrees. Although the computer has a symmetric appearance when it is not in operation, the movable keyboard sections, display monitor and support foot give the computer several asymmetric features when it is in the deployed position.


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