Portable computer with hinged cover having a window
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorsSergey Gary Podwalny, Michael D. Derocher, Scott N. Hickman, Jan Hippen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A display cover is coupled to a portable computer by one of a variety of double-pivot hinges. Such arrangements permit the cover to be folded flush against the back of the computer, providing the screen protection benefits of a cover without the usually-attendant increase in computer "footprint. " The preferred cover includes a window that permits a portion of the display to be viewed even when the cover is closed. By such an arrangement, alert or status messages can be conveyed to the user without requiring that the cover be opened. In some embodiments, the user can respond to visual or other alert messages, again without opening the cover.
Claims13
A computer comprising:
- a housing;
- an input/output screen mounted in the housing;
- and
- a cover movable between first and second positions and secured in each position to the housing, in the first position the cover being arranged to overlie and protect the input/output screen, in the second position the cover exposing the input/output screen for use, the cover defining a window permitting a portion of the input/output screen to be viewed even when the cover is in the first position.
A computer comprising:
- a housing;
- 30 a display mounted in the housing;
- a cover movable to protect the display;
- a first hinged joint between the cover and an intermediate member;
- and
- a second hinged joint between the intermediate member and the housing, the second hinged joint having a pivot axis movable with respect to the housing,
- wherein the cover defines a window permitting a portion of the display to be viewed even when the cover overlies the display.
A computer comprising:
- a housing;
- an input/output screen mounted in the housing;
- a stylus for use with the input/output screen;
- a cover movable to protect the input/output screen,
- said cover defining a window permitting a portion of the display to be viewed even when the cover overlies the display;
- and
- a double pivot joint coupling the cover to the housing.
A method of operating a computer, the computer including a housing with an input/output screen mounted in a front thereof a cover, and a back, the method including the steps of:
- positioning the cover in a first position overlying the input/output screen when the input/output screen is to be protected;
- moving the cover to a second position lying flush against the back of the housing when the input/output screen is to be exposed for use;
- and
- viewing a portion of the input/output screen through an opening in the cover when the cover is positioned to overlie the input/output screen,
- wherein the cover is available to provide protection to the screen, but does not increase the footprint of the computer when open for use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.