Desktop computer system having reduced footprint semi-mobile CPU unit
AssigneeCompaq Computer Corporation
InventorsRobert T. Faranda, Bradford G. Chapin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A desktop computer system is provided with a semi-mobile CPU unit having a portable computer form factor to thereby substantially reduce the desktop area required for the CPU unit. The CPU unit utilizes portable computer internal components, but is constructed without an internal battery pack or power conversion system, and without an integral display, keyboard or pointing device. A recessed support bar is exteriorly carried by an end wall of the CPU unit housing and may be pivoted outwardly therefrom to form a bracing base structure facilitating the repositioning of the CPU unit from a horizontal desktop orientation to a vertical tower orientation.
Claims46
A reduced footprint desktop CPU unit comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- electrical computer components closely received within said housing and being at least predominantly portable computer electrical components, said components including an I/O system for coupling said CPU unit to external desktop computer peripheral devices including a keyboard, monitor and pointing device, said electrical computer components not including an integral keyboard, display device or pointing device, and the interior of said housing being devoid of a power supply/transformer structure.
Electronic apparatus comprising:
- an elongated, generally rectangular housing with an end portion having an end wall extending between opposite top and bottom side walls, said housing being positionable on a horizontal support surface in (1) a horizontal desktop orientation in which said bottom side wall rests upon said support surface, and (2) a vertical tower orientation in which said end wall rests upon said support surface;
- a plurality of electronic components operatively disposed within said housing;
- and
- an elongated bracing member having a longitudinally central portion pivotally secured to said end wall, said bracing member being pivotable to a stabilizing position in which opposite end portions thereof project outwardly beyond said top and bottom side walls to engage said support surface and stabilize said housing when said housing is in said vertical tower orientation on said support surface.
An electronic apparatus comprising:
- an elongated, generally rectangular housing with an end portion having an end wall extending between opposite top and bottom side walls, the housing being positionable on a horizontal support surface in (1) a horizontal desktop orientation in which the bottom side wall rests on the horizontal support surface, and (2) a vertical tower orientation in which the end wall rests on the horizontal support surface, wherein the electronic apparatus is a desktop computer CPU unit and the housing has a portable notebook computer form factor;
- a plurality of electronic components operatively disposed within the housing;
- an elongated bracing member having opposite end portions and a longitudinally central portion pivotally secured to the end wall, wherein the bracing member is pivotable to a stabilizing position in which the opposite end portions project outwardly beyond the opposite top and bottom side walls to engage the horizontal support surface and to stabilize the housing on the horizontal support surface while the housing is positioned in the vertical tower orientation.
A desktop computer system comprising:
- a desktop CPU unit including:
- a housing;
- and
- electrical computer components closely received within said housing, said electrical computer components being at least predominantly portable computer electrical components and including an I/O system, a data storage device, and a microprocessor for retrieving data from said data storage device, but not including an integral keyboard, display or pointing device, and the interior of said housing being devoid of a power supply/transformer structure;
- a desktop computer keyboard operatively associateable with said I/O system;
- a desktop computer display device operatively associateable with said I/O system;
- and
- a desktop computer pointing device operatively associateable with said I/O system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.