Hand-held computer and communications apparatus
AssigneeTherefore Limited
InventorMartin P. Riddiford
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Combined computer and communications apparatus is described which is constructed with a two-part casing, the parts (1, 2) being hinged together. When folded together, the entire unit can act like a mobile phone (FIG. 1) and when unfolded (FIG. 2) a keyboard (5) is exposed enabling it to act as a palmtop computer. In accordance with the invention, the keyboard (5) is folded about a line running substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rows of keys. One casing portion (1) may have a window (4) through which a screen (3) mounted on the other casing portion (2) may be viewed when the unit is folded.
Claims9
A palmtop computer apparatus including a display screen and a foldable landscape format keyboard, both mounted in a two-part foldable casing, wherein the apparatus contains two hinge axes about which the parts of the casing and the keyboard fold are substantially perpendicular to the direction of rows of keys on the keyboard, and the keys of the keyboard are located on both parts of the two-part casing, wherein the two hinge axes comprise a plate, a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, with said first pivot axis being spaced from said second pivot axis such that each section of the two-part foldable casing pivots relative to the hinge axes.
A combined computer and communications apparatus including a display screen and a foldable landscape format keyboard, both mounted in a two-part foldable casing, wherein the apparatus contains two hinge axes about which the parts of the casing and the keyboard fold are substantially perpendicular to the direction of rows of keys on the keyboard, and the keys of the keyboard are located on both parts of the two-part casing, wherein the two hinge axes comprise a plate, a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, with said first pivot axis being spaced from said second pivot axis such that each section of the two-part foldable casing pivots relative to the hinge axes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.