U.S. patent application number 10/158707 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-31 for replaceable cover for handheld computer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Krieger, John William, Lewis, Randall Clark.
Application Number | 20030142471 10/158707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27616236 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030142471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krieger, John William ; et
al. |
July 31, 2003 |
Replaceable cover for handheld computer
Abstract
A handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover removably
connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The universal
hinge assembly includes a tubular member or arm having a proximal
end fixedly (non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and a
distal end pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The pivotal
coupling may comprise a ball and socket arrangement, a pin and slot
arrangement, or any other type of coupling arrangement that enables
universal pivoting movement and releasable attachment between the
cover and the housing. The cover may include a cushion designed to
abut a display screen mounted in the housing when the cover is in a
closed position. A method of reconfiguring an encasement of a
handheld computer having a cover releasably coupled thereto
includes removing the first cover and replacing it with a second
cover of a different type.
Inventors: |
Krieger, John William;
(Oxnard, CA) ; Lewis, Randall Clark; (Simi Valley,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 3800
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5308
US
|
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
27616236 |
Appl. No.: |
10/158707 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60352785 |
Jan 29, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.3 ;
348/E7.079; 348/E7.081; 361/679.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4788 20130101;
G06F 2200/1634 20130101; H04N 21/41407 20130101; H04N 7/147
20130101; H04N 21/4438 20130101; H04N 21/6175 20130101; G06F 1/1626
20130101; H04M 1/0283 20130101; G06F 1/166 20130101; H04M 2250/02
20130101; H04M 1/0208 20130101; H04N 7/142 20130101; H04N 21/6125
20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; Y10T 16/524 20150115; H04M 1/72412
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 ;
361/681 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; and a cover
releasably connected to the housing by a universal hinge
assembly.
2. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the universal hinge
assembly allows universal pivotal motion between the cover and the
housing.
3. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the cover has an inner
surface that faces a display screen when the cover is in a closed
position, and wherein the inner surface of the cover faces a rear
face of the housing when the cover is in an open position.
4. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the cover has an inner
surface that faces a display screen when the cover is in a closed
position, and wherein the inner surface of the cover engages a
horizontal work surface when the cover is in a stand position that
maintains the housing at an inclined angle relative to the work
surface.
5. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the universal hinge
assembly comprises a ball and socket arrangement.
6. The handheld computer of claim 5, wherein the ball and socket
arrangement includes a ball connected to the cover and a
corresponding socket formed in an edge of the housing.
7. The handheld computer of claim 6, further including a pair of
movable pads located within the socket on opposite sides of the
ball for releasably receiving the ball therebetween.
8. The handheld computer of claim 7, wherein the pads are
resiliently biased inwardly against the ball.
9. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the ball has a
non-spherical outer surface.
10. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the ball has an outer
surface including one or more depressions.
11. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the universal hinge
assembly comprises a pin and slot arrangement.
12. The handheld computer of claim 11, wherein the pin and slot
arrangement includes a pin connected to the cover and a
corresponding slot formed in an edge of the housing.
13. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the universal hinge
assembly includes a tubular member fixedly coupled to a first edge
of the cover and pivotally coupled to a second edge of the
housing.
14. The handheld computer of claim 13, wherein the pivotal coupling
is provided by a ball and socket arrangement.
15. The handheld computer of claim 14, wherein the ball and socket
arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of the tubular
member and a corresponding socket provided in the second edge of
the housing.
16. The handheld computer of claim 13, wherein the pivotal coupling
is formed by a pin and slot arrangement.
17. The handheld computer of claim 16, wherein the pin and slot
arrangement includes a pin provided on a distal end of the tubular
member and a corresponding slot provided in the second edge of the
housing.
18. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; a first cover
configured for releasable coupling to the housing; and a second
cover configured for releasable coupling to the housing, wherein
the first and second covers are of different types and one of the
first and second covers is releasably coupled to the housing.
19. The handheld computer of claim 18, wherein the first and second
covers differ from each other by having different indicia on outer
surfaces thereof.
20. The handheld computer of claim 19, wherein the indicia on the
outer surfaces of the first and second covers are selected from
colors, patterns, textures, designs, pictorial images, graphic
image, relief image, and combinations thereof.
21. The handheld computer of claim 19, wherein the indicia on the
outer surfaces of the first and second covers are selected from
business identifiers, sports team identifiers, educational school
identifiers, names or initials, logos, and combinations
thereof.
22. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; and a cover
releasably connected to the housing by a hinge assembly that allows
universal pivoting movement between the cover and the housing.
23. The handheld computer of claim 22, wherein the hinge assembly
comprises a ball and socket arrangement.
24. The handheld computer of claim 23, wherein the ball and socket
arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of a tubular
member attached to the cover and a corresponding socket provided in
an edge of the housing.
25. The handheld computer of claim 24, wherein the socket includes
a pair of pads slidably mounted in the socket on opposite sides of
the ball and biased into contact therewith.
26. The handheld computer of claim 22, wherein the hinge assembly
comprises a pin and slot arrangement.
27. The handheld computer of claim 26, wherein the pin and slot
arrangement includes a pin provided on a distal end of a tubular
member attached to the cover and a corresponding slot provided in
an edge of the housing.
28. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; a cover; and means
for releasably coupling the cover to the housing to provide
universal pivoting motion between the cover and the housing.
29. The handheld computer of claim 28, wherein the coupling means
comprises a ball and socket arrangement.
30. The handheld computer of claim 29, wherein the ball and socket
arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of a tubular
member attached to the cover and a corresponding socket provided in
an edge of the housing.
31. The handheld computer of claim 30, wherein the socket includes
a pair of pads slidably mounted in the socket on opposite sides of
the ball and biased into contact therewith.
32. The handheld computer of claim 28, wherein the coupling means
comprises a rod and groove arrangement.
33. The handheld computer of claim 32, wherein the rod and groove
arrangement includes a rod provided on a distal end of a tubular
member attached to the cover and a corresponding groove provided in
an edge of the housing.
34. A method of reconfiguring a handheld computer, the computer
including a housing and a first cover releasably coupled thereto by
a universal hinge assembly, the method comprising: decoupling the
first cover from the housing; and releasably coupling a second
cover to the housing, the second cover being of a different type
than the first cover.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the decoupling and coupling
steps are accomplished by moving the cover in a direction
substantially transverse to an edge of the housing.
36. The method claim 35, wherein the universal hinge assembly
comprises a ball connected to an edge of the cover and a socket
formed on an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling steps
being accomplished by snapping the ball into the socket.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the decoupling and coupling
steps are accomplished by moving the cover in a direction
substantially parallel to an edge of the housing.
38. The method claim 37, wherein the universal hinge assembly
comprises a pin connected to an edge of the cover and a groove
formed along an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling
steps being accomplished by sliding the pin into the groove.
39. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing including a display
mounted therein; a cover pivotally connected to the housing by a
hinge assembly, the cover configured to pivot between a closed
position overlying the display and an open position that permits
access to the display; and an elastomeric material affixed to the
cover and configured to abut the screen when the cover is in the
closed position.
40. The method claim 39, wherein the elastomeric material is
affixed to an inner face of the cover.
41. The method claim 40, wherein the elastomeric material is
affixed to the inner face in the shape of an X.
42. The method claim 40, wherein the inner face of the cover has a
generally rectangular profile and the X-shaped elastomeric material
extends to proximate at least one corner.
43. The method claim 40, further including a plurality of feet on
an outer surface of the cover.
44. The method claim 43, wherein the plurality of feet are made
from the elastomeric material.
45. The method claim 43, wherein the outer face of the cover has a
generally rectangular profile and the feet are provided proximate
at least one cover.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/352,785, filed Jan. 29, 2002, the entirety of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of handheld
computers and, more particularly, to handheld computers having
encasements with replaceable covers. The present invention also
relates to a method of reconfiguring a handheld computer by
replacing the cover thereof with a cover of a different type.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants
("PDAs") and palm-sized computers, traditionally provide the user
with a wide variety of functions, such as a calendar, an address
book, a task list, a notepad, and a calculator. More recently,
handheld computers have also been used provide the user with
functions such as remote email access, real-time internet access,
web browsing and other advanced communication functions.
[0004] Traditionally, most handheld computers have had an outer
enclosure or housing consisting of mating front and back shells
coupled together by screws. The front and back shells enclose the
electronic components of the handheld computer. A display screen
and one or more application buttons are typically accessible on the
front shell of the computer. The display screen may be a
touch-sensitive screen that accepts entry from a stylus or pointer
device, which typically is stored in a slot formed in the housing
when not in use. More advanced handheld computers may also include
components for enabling remote communication functions such as
described above.
[0005] With traditional handheld computers, a separate flexible or
rigid case is typically utilized for protecting the handheld
computer, and particularly the display screens, when not in use.
The separate case must be stored or accounted for when the computer
is in use to prevent loss.
[0006] With some handheld computers, a separate case is not
required because the housing has a hinged cover that can be pivoted
to a closed position to protect the display and another position to
access the display. With most such computers, the cover is
connected to the housing by a pair of hinges which permit the cover
to be pivoted either 180.degree. to the side of the housing (i.e.,
in a "book open" style) or 360.degree. to the rear of the housing.
With both of these arrangements, when the computer is placed on a
horizontal surface the housing is oriented such that the display
and application buttons typically face directly upward. This can be
disadvantageous because the display and application buttons are
placed at an awkward angle for certain uses such as video
conferencing. To address this problem, it is known to provide the
computer with a separate base or cradle that can be used to
position the computer housing at an angle relative to the work
surface. However, the cradles are quite bulky compared to the
handheld computers and thus create difficulties with portability.
Moreover, like the use of separate protective cases noted above,
the use of separate cradles means they must also be stored and
accounted for when not in use. Although some handheld computers now
available include pivotally attached covers capable of not only
protecting the display but also functioning as a stand that
positions the housing at an inclined angle relative to the work
surface (which thus eliminates the need for a separate cradle), the
hinge arrangements of the heretofore known computers are relatively
complex multi-part structures.
[0007] Certain handheld computers generally have a fixed (i.e.,
non-customizable) external appearance. Although this may not have
presented any concerns in the past (when handheld computers were
purchased and used almost exclusively by business traveler's and
other technically savvy individuals), the fixed appearances can
unnecessarily limit the market potential of the handheld computers
because of their increasing popularity with individuals having
diverse backgrounds. Although after-market replacement housings are
available for some of the most popular handheld computers, these
replacement housings tend to be quite expensive. More importantly,
the use of such replacement housings requires that the original
housing of the handheld computer be opened up, which voids the
manufacture's warranty.
[0008] It would be desirable to provide a handheld computer having
an external appearance that can be readily customized by the
manufacturer, the reseller or the consumer. It is further desirable
to provide a method for readily changing the external appearance of
a handheld computer that does not require opening of the computer
housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover
releasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly.
[0010] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing along with first
and second covers configured for being releasably coupled to the
housing. The first and second covers are of different types.
[0011] According to a further aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a
cover releasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly.
The universal hinge assembly allows universal pivoting movement
between the cover and the housing.
[0012] According to a different aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing, a
cover, and means for releasably coupling the cover to the housing.
The means for coupling also enables universal pivoting motion
between the cover and the housing.
[0013] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, a method of reconfiguring a handheld computer is
provided. The computer includes a housing and a first cover
releasably coupled thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The
method comprises decoupling the first cover from the housing, and
releasably coupling a second cover to the housing. The second cover
is of a different type than the first cover.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention, a handheld computer comprises a housing
including a display mounted therein and a cover pivotally connected
to the housing by a hinge assembly. The cover is configured to
pivot between a closed position overlying the display and an open
position that permits access to the display. An elastomeric
material is affixed to the cover and configured to abut the screen
when the cover is in the closed position.
[0015] These and other benefits and features of embodiments of the
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in
connection with the following drawings in which like reference
numerals are used to identify like elements throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a
handheld computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the computer including a detachable cover shown in a
fully closed position that protects the display screen.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the handheld
computer of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the handheld computer of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the handheld
computer of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the handheld computer of
FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the handheld computer of
FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a fully open position in which an
inner face of the cover abuts a rear face of the computer
housing.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a rear, right side perspective view of the
handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a stand
position that maintains the computer housing at an inclined angle
relative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is
placed.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front, right side perspective view of the
handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown during
transition from the fully closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand
position of FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front, right side perspective view of the
handheld computer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a plurality
of positions during transition from the stand position of FIG. 8 to
the fully open position of FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the universal hinge assembly
of the handheld computer of FIG. 1, taken along the line 11-11 in
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a replacement cover
designed for attachment to the handheld computer of FIG. 1 in place
of the original cover.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an exploded left side perspective view of a
second embodiment of a handheld computer in accordance with the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front, left side perspective view of the
handheld computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a plurality
of positions during transition from a closed position to an open
position.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG.
15, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions during
transition from the closed position to the open position.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the handheld
computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand position that
maintains the computer housing at a relatively shallow inclined
angle relative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is
placed.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front, left side perspective view of the
handheld computer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand
position that maintains the computer housings at a relatively large
inclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which the
computer is placed.
[0033] Before explaining a number of preferred embodiments of the
invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is
not limited in application to the details of construction or the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It
should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of facilitating the description
of the invention and should not be regarded as limiting. For
example, relational terms such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"left," "right," "inner," and "outer" are used for convenience only
in referring to the various elements of the preferred embodiments
as shown in the drawings and as such should not be regarded as
limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-11, a portable electronic
device such as, but not limited to, a handheld computer 10 is
depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 10
may include Palm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of
Santa Clara, Calif. Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows
CE handheld computers, or other handheld computers and personal
digital assistants, as well as mobile telephones and other mobile
computing devices. Handheld computer 10 is representative of the
type of mobile device which may utilize the disclosed invention
and/or be part of the disclosed apparatus or method. Handheld
computer 10 is described as a "handheld" to indicate a small,
portable size as compared to less portable computing devices.
Handheld computer 10 may be located on a desk, a lap, a wrist, a
belt, or at any other position or location.
[0035] Preferably, handheld computer 10 includes interactive
hardware and software that enables computer 10 to perform functions
such as maintaining calendars, phone lists, task lists, note pads,
calculator applications, spreadsheets, games, and other
applications capable of running on a computing device. Further,
handheld computer 10 may include hardware and software that enables
computer 10 perform more advanced functions such as voice memo
recording and playback, communications network connectivity,
internet connectivity, wireless messaging, e-mail, always-on
e-mail, wireless telephony including video conferencing, and the
like.
[0036] To make use of these and other functions, handheld computer
10 includes a plurality of input function buttons 12 and a display
14 (see FIG. 7) mounted in an encasement 16. Display 14 may
comprise a touch screen interface that allows a user to select and
alter displayed graphical or textual information using a pointer
such as a stylus 17 or some other suitable pointing device, e.g., a
pen tip or a fingertip.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 10 also
includes navigation buttons 18 that facilitate navigating or
scrolling of information displayed on display 14. Navigation
buttons 18 may be programmed for other uses depending on the
application running on handheld computer 10. Handheld computer 10
may be configured to provide a variety of wireless communications
including, but not limited to, communications with the World Wide
Web, mobile telephone communications, e-mail communications, video
conferencing, etc.
[0038] To facilitate these and other communication functions,
handheld computer 10 may be provided with a video camera 20, a
speaker 22 and a microphone 24. In the illustrated embodiment,
video camera 20, speaker 22 and microphone 24 are all mounted in
encasement 16 and are thus integral to handheld computer 10.
Alternatively, each of video camera 20, speaker 22 and microphone
24 may be separate from handheld computer 10 and attached thereto
as a separate (or peripheral) device. Handheld computer 10 may also
include an indicator light 30 that is integrated into encasement 16
for indicating the transmission and/or reception of wireless
communication signals. Light 30 may also be used to indicate other
states of handheld computer 10, such as calendar alarms and task
reminders.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, encasement 16 comprises a
generally rectangular housing 32 and a hinged cover 34 that is
releasably coupled to housing 32 by a universal hinge assembly 36.
Housing 32 includes opposed front and rear faces 38 and 40, opposed
top and bottom edges 42 and 44, and opposed left and right edges 46
and 48. Front face 38 includes a large, generally rectilinear
opening 49 that provides both visual and physical access to display
screen 14. Front face 38 also includes a plurality of smaller
openings which permit access to other elements of computer 10 such
as input buttons 12, navigation buttons 18, camera 20, speaker 22,
microphone 24 and status light 30.
[0040] As best seen in FIG. 1, detachable cover 34 may comprise a
generally flat, rectilinear plate that is configured to overlie
(and thus protect) display screen 14 when in the closed position.
If desired, cover 34 could be configured to protect additional
elements of computer 10 such as input buttons 12, navigation
buttons 18, camera 20, speaker 22, microphone 24, status light 30,
and the like. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8-10, cover 34 includes
opposed inner and outer surfaces 50 and 52, opposed relatively
short top and bottom edges 54 and 56, and opposed relatively long
left and right side edges 58 and 60.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric material 55 (see
FIG. 8) may be provided on one or both of inner and outer surfaces
50 and 52 of cover 34. In FIGS. 8 and 9, elastomeric material 55 is
affixed to inner surface 50 of cover 34 in the shape of an "X". If
desired, the legs of the X-shaped material 55 on inner surface 50
may extend over the top and bottom edges 54 and 56 of cover 34 to
provide a soft rubber-like foot 57 adjacent each of the four
corners of outer surface 52 of cover 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). By
providing elastomeric material 55 on both the inner and outer
surfaces 50 and 52 of cover 34, a number of functions are provided.
For example, the X-shaped material 55 on inner surface 50 of cover
34 functions to protect display 14 when cover 34 is in the closed
position of FIG. 1. Moreover, the X-shaped material 55 functions to
improve the feel of the closing action by cushioning any impact
between cover 34 and display 14. In addition, material 55 enhances
the grip of cover 34 on horizontal surface 68 when placed in the
stand position of FIG. 8. The plurality of feet 57 on outer surface
52 of cover 34 provide a similar function (i.e., improved grip and
stability) when computer 10 is place on surface 68 with cover 34 in
the fully open position of FIG. 7. Material 55 may be made from any
suitable elastomeric material such as a rubber or a soft PVC.
Although material 55 is shown in the shape of an "X", other shapes
can be utilized including but not limited to "L" shaped,
rectangular shaped, curvilinear segments, arcs and the like.
[0042] As previously noted, cover 34 is both pivotally and
releasably connected to housing 32 by universal hinge assembly 36.
In an exemplary embodiment, universal hinge assembly 36 may
comprise a single, generally tubular member (or arm) 62 having a
proximal end 64 (see FIG. 11) attached to the approximate midpoint
of bottom edge 44 of housing 32 and a distal end 66 attached to the
approximate midpoint of bottom edge 56 of cover 34. Hinge assembly
36 preferably enables cover 34 to pivot between at least three
different positions: a fully closed position (see FIG. 1), a stand
position (see FIG. 8), and a fully open position (see FIG. 7). The
cover may also provide a different function in each position. For
example, in the fully closed position (see FIG. 1), cover 34
overlies display screen 14 to protect it from damage. In the stand
position (see FIG. 8), cover 34 functions as an outrigger that
maintains housing 32 at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal
worksurface 68 on which computer 10 is placed. In the fully open
position (see FIG. 7), cover 34 (not visible in FIG. 7) is located
behind computer 10 with inner surface 50 facing toward and abutting
(or closely adjacent) rear face 40 of housing 32. In this position,
cover 34 allows access to display 14 and also acts to stabilize
housing 32 when computer 10 is placed on a flat surface such as
horizontal surface 68.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, cover 34 is shown during transition
from the closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand position of FIG. 8.
During this transition, cover 34 is pivoted about an axis 70
extending along bottom edge 44 of housing 32 as indicated by an
arrow 72. When cover 34 is in the stand position of FIG. 8, the
outer curved surface of arm 62 will abut the inner wall (i.e.,
bottom) of a curved groove 74 (see FIGS. 3 and 8) formed in rear
face 40 of housing 32, which thus prevents any further movement of
cover 34 about axis 70 in the direction of arrow 72. Thus, cover 34
in the stand position of FIG. 8 will function as an outrigger that
maintains housing 32 at an inclined angle relative to horizontal
worksurface surface 68.
[0044] To move cover 34 from the stand position of FIG. 8 to the
fully open position of FIG. 7, cover 34 is pivoted about axis 70
against the direction of arrow 72 until arm 62 is sufficiently
clear of curved groove 74. Once this is done, cover 34 may be
rotated (as indicated by arrow 73) approximately 180.degree. about
an axis 71 that extends longitudinally through arm 62. With cover
34 in this new orientation, it can once again be pivoted about axis
70 (as indicated by an arrow 75) until inner surface 50 of cover 34
abuts (or is closely adjacent) rear face 40 of housing 32 and cover
34 is in the fully open position of FIG. 7. When cover 34 is in the
fully open position, handheld computer 10 will have a sufficiently
compact footprint that it can be easily held in a user's hand
and/or utilized on a surface with only limited available working
space.
[0045] As best seen in FIG. 11, proximal end 64 of tubular arm 62
may be attached to bottom edge 44 of housing 32 by a ball and
socket arrangement 76. Ball and socket arrangement 76 is
particularly advantageous in that it allows universal pivoting
motion (i.e., swiveling motion in all directions) between cover 34
and housing 32. Ball and socket arrangement 76 also allows cover 34
to be quickly and easily detached from and reattached to housing 32
without requiring any tools.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, ball and socket arrangement
76 comprises a generally spherical ball 78 located on proximal end
64 of arm 62 and a corresponding socket 80 located on bottom edge
44 of housing 32. Alternatively, socket 80 could be located on side
edge 46 or 48 of housing 32 or top edge 42. Regardless of its
location, socket 80 may include a pair of slidably mounted pads (or
pistons) 82 and 84 (best seen in FIG. 11) that laterally oppose
each other and are biased inwardly against ball 78 by a pair of
springs or other suitable biasing means. In an exemplary
embodiment, pads 82 and 84 may include inwardly facing concave
surfaces 83 and 85, respectively, designed to match the generally
spherical outer surface of ball 78. Concave surfaces 83 and 85 help
to ensure that ball 78 remains securely captured between pads 82
and 84 during pivotal movement of cover 34. If desired, ball 78
and/or socket 80 may be non-spherically shaped so that cover 34 has
a natural bias toward one or more predefined positions. In
addition, ball 78 may have one or more depressed or flattened
regions formed thereon so that cover 34 has a tendency to remain in
one or more of the predefined positions. If housing 32 is
particularly thin, or where desired for other reasons, bottom edge
44 of housing 32 may be provided with a pair of enlarged regions
(or ball surrounds) 86 and 88 to better accommodate pads 82 and 84,
respectively, and their associated springs.
[0047] With the foregoing structure, cover 34 can be quickly and
easily detached from housing 32 by applying a downward force on
cover 34 sufficient to cause pads 82 and 84 to separate far enough
apart that ball 78 snaps out of socket 80. Once this occurs, pads
82 and 84 will reconverge towards one another (due to the spring
biasing means mentioned above) until they either abut each other or
some other predefined stop.
[0048] After cover 34 has been removed, a replacement cover of a
different type (or some other element or device) can be quickly and
easily attached to housing 32 in place of cover 34. The replacement
cover or other element may differ from cover 34 in terms of its
appearance (i.e., shape and indicia) and/or function it provides.
The indicia of the replacement cover or other element may include
patterns, colors or textures, as well as pictorial, graphic or
relief images, designed to appeal to a particular individual or
group of individuals. For example, such indicia could include
specific business identifiers, sports team identifiers, school
identifiers, personal names or initials, logos, designs, as well as
combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12, a replacement cover 34' includes a spiral design on its
outer surface 52'.
[0049] Replacement cover 34' (or another element) may be attached
to computer housing 32 by simply reversing the detaching steps
described above. In particular, cover 34' may be attached to
housing 32 by positioning ball 78' below socket 80 and applying an
upward force on cover 34' sufficient force to cause pads 82 and 84
to separate far enough apart to accept ball 78' therebetween. As
best seen in FIG. 11, pads 82 and 84 may be provided with ramps (or
cams) 90 and 92, respectively, which facilitate separation (i.e.,
outward movement) of pads 82 and 84.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, a second embodiment of a
handheld computer 110 is shown. For brevity, the description of
handheld computer 110 will be generally limited to its differences
relative to handheld computer 10 described above. For convenience,
elements of handheld computer 110 that are substantially similar to
corresponding elements of handheld computer 10 will be identified
by the same reference numerals but preceded by a "1".
[0051] Handheld computer 110 differs from handheld computer 10
described above in that a cover 134 is releasably and pivotally
coupled to a housing 132 by a double-jointed hinge arrangement 176
(instead of the ball and socket arrangement). In an exemplary
embodiment, double-jointed hinge arrangement 176 comprises a
generally T-shaped arm 162 having a proximal end 164 attached to a
left edge 146 of housing 132 and a distal end 166 attached to a
left edge 158 of cover 134. As indicated by arrow 179 in FIG. 13,
proximal end 164 of arm 162 includes a pin (or rod) 178 that
slidably engages a corresponding slot 180 formed in left edge 146
of housing 132 to form a first joint of hinge assembly 176. As
indicated by arrow 172 in FIG. 14, the first joint permits cover
134 to pivot about a vertical axis 170 extending generally along
left edge 146 of housing 132. As indicated by arrow 173 in FIG. 14,
a second joint 181 of hinge assembly 176 may be formed midway along
the length of tubular arm 162 to permit cover 134 to rotate about a
horizontal axis 171 extending generally longitudinally through arm
162.
[0052] With the forgoing double-jointed attachment structure, cover
134 can be pivoted in a universal motion (i.e., swiveled in all
directions) to a number of different positions to provide several
distinct functions. For example, FIG. 15 shows a cover 134A in a
closed position for protecting a display screen 114. In addition,
FIG. 15 shows a cover 134B in a book open position for working on a
flat worksurface. Starting from the closed position, the book open
position can be achieved by pivoting the cover 180.degree.
outwardly about vertical axis 170 in the direction of arrow 172.
Additionally, FIG. 15 shows a cover 134C in a video viewing
position which positions housing 132 at a relatively steep angle
relative to a horizontal work surface 168 for enhancing watching of
video (see also FIG. 17). Starting from the book open position, the
video viewing position can be achieved by pivoting the cover
approximately 180.degree. about horizontal axis 171 (as shown by
arrow 173 in FIG. 14) and then rotating the cover about vertical
axis 170 (as shown by arrow 172) until cover 134C extends generally
perpendicular to housing 132. As another example, FIG. 16 shows a
cover 134D in an oblique working angle position in which housing
132 is maintained at a relatively shallow angle relative to
horizontal work surface 168 (see also FIG. 15) by cover 134D.
Starting from the video viewing position, the oblique working angle
position can be achieved by flipping cover 134C an additional
90.degree. on horizontal axis 171. Finally, FIG. 15 shows a cover
134E in a fully open position that is particularly useful when
computer 110 is to be held in a user's hand or placed on a desk
with limited working space. Starting from the oblique working angle
position, the fully open position can be achieved by flipping the
cover approximately 90.degree. on horizontal axis 171 (as shown by
arrow 173) and further rotating the cover about vertical axis 170
(as shown by arrow 172) until inner surface 152 abuts (or closely
conforms to) rear face 140 of housing 132.
[0053] An exemplary embodiment may utilize, be executed by, and/or
be applied in a handheld computer including a processor such as but
not limited to a Dragonball processor running at clock speeds of 33
MHz, 66 MHz, or other clock speeds, the Dragonball processor being
available from Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. An exemplary
handheld computer may also include, but is not limited to, four (4)
megabytes (MB) of flash read only memory (ROM) for storing BIOS
information, operating system information, and other information.
The flash ROM may be used to store, but is not limited to, any of a
number of versions of the Palm operating system (OS) available from
Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. Further, an exemplary handheld
computer may also include, but is not limited to, thirty-two (32)
MB of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) for storing
program information, and other information to be used by the
handheld computer. In an alternative embodiment, the handheld
computer may also use a digital signal processor including an
advanced RISC machine (ARM) processor available from Texas
Instruments of Dallas, Tex. and may use, but is not limited to, a
Linux based operating system.
[0054] It is important to note that the above-described preferred
embodiments of the encasements for handheld computers are
illustrative only. Although the invention has been described in
conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that numerous modifications are possible
without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example,
although the covers are illustrated as being generally rectangular
flat plates, the covers could have other configurations.
Additionally, although only two joint structures were described and
illustrated above for coupling the covers to the housings,
additional joint structures could be used. Accordingly, these and
all other such modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *