US 5,966,284 A · Keyboard mounting apparatus for a portable computer

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting a keyboard to a portable computer, made up of an elastic member for lifting upwardly the keyboard from the bottom of the base; an indented part formed on at least one of the sides of the base plate; a setting member forming symmetrically on the opposite surface to the indented part, which will engage a locking hole formed on the side of the pocket; and a locking member, which is mounted inside the base, for coming out of the base to the pocket to engage the indented part through elasticity or release out of it to remove the keyboard from the base. Therefore, the keyboard mounting apparatus permits a user to easily attach a keyboard to and detach it from a pocket using a simple tool, such as a pen and resulting in preventing damage to a keyboard or base due to use of any metal tools.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A portable computer having a detachable keyboard comprising:

a housing accommodating a display panel and having a recess defining a pocket for mounting a keyboard;
said keyboard attached to a base plate having an cavity allowing said keyboard to be engaged by said housing;
an elastic member attached to said pocket biasing said keyboard to be disengaged with said pocket;
and
a lock mounted inside the base and projecting into said pocket for engaging said cavity in said base plate to secure said keyboard in said pocket, said lock comprising:
a side of said pocket bearing a hole;
an elongated body disposed in said base for engaging said base plate via said hole;
a spring positioned over said elongated body for biasing said elongated body in a position for engaging said base plate of said keyboard;
and
a latch attached to said elongated body for engaging said cavity in said base plate to secure said keyboard to said portable computer.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Keyboard mounting apparatus for a portable computer

Life of this patent

Keyboard mounting apparatus for a portable computer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19