Ergonomic keyboard for a portable computer which is moveable between two positions

A portable computer comprising:

• a housing having a lid movable between open and closed positions;
• a keyboard mounted within the housing, the housing defining a lower support surface;
• a linkage coupled to the lid for moving the keyboard between a carrying position, where the keyboard is substantially parallel to the support surface, and an operating position, where the keyboard is inclined relative to the support surface;
• wherein the linkage is responsive to movement of the lid to move the keyboard towards the operating position as the lid is moved into the open position and to move the keyboard towards the carrying position as the lid is moved into the closed position;
• the housing comprises a hinge, the lid being pivotable about the hinge between the open and closed positions;
• and
• wherein the linkage comprises a cam attached to the lid for rotation therewith and a lever pivotally coupled to the main chassis about a pivot pin, the lever having first and second arms.

A portable computer comprising:

• a housing having a lid movable between open and closed positions;
• a keyboard mounted within the housing, the housing having a lower support surface;
• means, operatively coupled to the keyboard, for inclining the keyboard relative to the support surface as the lid is moved into the open position;
• and
• a disabling mechanism, coupled to the housing, for disabling the inclining means such that the keyboard remains substantially parallel to the support surface as the lid is moved between the open and closed positions.

A method for operating a portable computer comprising:

• providing a housing having a lid, a keyboard and a lower support surface;
• moving the lid from a closed position overlying the housing to an open position;
• pivoting the keyboard, in response to motion of the lid, from a carrying position, where the keyboard is substantially parallel to the support surface, and an operating position, where the keyboard is inclined relative to the support surface;
• and
• disabling the linkage such that the keyboard remains in the carrying position when the lid is opened.