Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2002-08-12
2004-11-16
Duong, Hung Van (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C312S223300, C340S457100, C400S684000, C248S221120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06819552
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable computer system. More particularly, the present invention provides a pop-up enclosure system which provides protection for a portable electronic device, e.g., a portable computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Because advances in technology have enabled the miniaturization of the components required to build computer systems, new categories of computer systems have been created. One of the newer categories of computer systems developed is the portable, palmtop, or “handheld” computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of handheld computer systems include electronic address books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and the like.
A handheld computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the user's hand. As a result, handheld computers are portable and therefore readily carried about in a user's briefcase, purse, and in some instances, in a user's pocket. By virtue of its size, the handheld computer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionally convenient.
Many of today's portable computer systems are configured with a variety of externally disposed ports which may be wired, wireless expansion, accessory, and/or communication. For example, some parts are infra-red ports, expansion slots, display and sound controls, communication interface, e.g., serial interface and/or printer ports, USB connectivity, rotatable and/or extendible antennas, power connectors, and others which provide enhanced user interaction with a portable electronic device. The above listed components are commonly referred to as input/outputs or I/Os.
However, by virtue of the external disposition of the above-mentioned I/Os, they are susceptible to damage from such actions as being accidentally dropped or kicked, inadvertently being improperly touched or interconnected, and the like. Further, external disposition of I/Os can permit incidental debris, e.g., dust particles, pieces of paper, dirt, small bits of gum, etc., and water or other liquids to be lodged within an I/O. Additionally, depending upon the portable electronic device, some debris can work its way into the device, which can cause a malfunction or a failure of a portable electronic device. Exposed I/Os can also become weathered or corroded by direct exposure to the elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a need exists for a mechanism that provides protection to externally disposed I/Os of a portable electronic device. A further need exists for a mechanism that achieves the above listed need and which further provides ready access to those I/Os being protected.
Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to providing a pop-up enclosure system that provides protection to externally disposed I/Os of a portable electronic device and which further enables ready access to those I/Os. In one embodiment, the enclosure system can be push-push activated.
In one embodiment, the enclosure system includes an encasing structure having an opening and configured to receive and have disposed therewithin the handheld computer system. The enclosure system further includes a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The lifting device is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower the handheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasing structure, when the handheld computer system is coupled to the lifting device. The encasing structure protects I/Os externally disposed on side surfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computer system is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting device enables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure to provide access to the I/Os.
In one embodiment, the user may push down on the computer system to “pop” it down within the enclosure. In the closed state, the I/O ports are protected. When closed in this state, the user can also push down on the system, thereby releasing the mechanism causing the system to “pop” out of the enclosure. In this way, the system is a push-push mechanism for protecting externally disposed I/O ports on the computer system.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4851812 (1989-07-01), Holmberg
patent: 5212628 (1993-05-01), Bradbury
patent: 5510953 (1996-04-01), Merkel
Lam Lawrence
Nguyen Huy
Duong Hung Van
palmOne, Inc.
Wagner , Murabito & Hao LLP
LandOfFree
Enclosure system for a portable electronic device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Enclosure system for a portable electronic device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Enclosure system for a portable electronic device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3346174