U.S. patent application number 10/261720 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for light-emitting lock device control element and electronic device including the same.
Invention is credited to Skinner, David N..
Application Number | 20040061997 10/261720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32030045 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040061997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Skinner, David N. |
April 1, 2004 |
LIGHT-EMITTING LOCK DEVICE CONTROL ELEMENT AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE
INCLUDING THE SAME
Abstract
A lock device control element that emits light. The light
emitting lock device control element may be used in combination
with an electronic device.
Inventors: |
Skinner, David N.; (Redwood
Shores, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
32030045 |
Appl. No.: |
10/261720 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1684 20130101;
G06F 1/1679 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing defining an exterior
and including first and second housing members movable relative to
one another between an open and a closed orientation; and a lock
device configured to lock the first and second housing members in
the closed orientation and including a light emitting
user-manipulatable lock device control element associated with the
exterior of the housing.
2. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a display carried by the first housing member; and a keyboard
carried by the second housing member.
3. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
and second housing members are pivotably secured to one
another.
4. An electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing
defines a forward end and a rear end, the first and second housing
members are pivotably secured to one another at the rear end, and
the light emitting user-manipulatable lock device control element
is associated with the forward end.
5. An electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
housing member defines a top surface and a plurality of side
surfaces and the light emitting user-manipulatable lock device
control element is associated with the top surface.
6. An electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
housing member defines a top surface and a plurality of side
surfaces and the light emitting user-manipulatable lock device
control element is associated with one of the side surfaces.
7. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock
device includes a latch.
8. An electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein a latch
receiving aperture is formed on of the first and second housing
members and the latch carried by the other of the first and second
housing members such that the latch extends through the latch
receiving aperture when the first and second housing members are in
the closed orientation.
9. An electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the latch is
movable between a latch position and an unlatch position and is
biased to the latch position.
10. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the light emitting user-manipulatable lock device
control element is substantially translucent.
11. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing
includes a light source that directs light though the light
emitting user-manipulatable lock device control element.
12. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a light
source is carried with the light emitting user-manipulatable lock
device control element.
13. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light
emitting user-manipulatable lock device control element is
slidable.
14. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light
emitting user-manipulatable lock device control element is
depressible.
15. An electronic device, comprising: a housing defining an
exterior and including first and second housing members movable
relative to one another between an open orientation and a closed
orientation; a lock device configured to lock the first and second
housing members in the closed orientation and including a
user-manipulatable lock device control element associated with the
exterior of the housing; and means for causing light to be emitted
from the user-manipulatable lock device control element.
16. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, further
comprising: a display carried by the first housing member; and a
keyboard carried by the second housing member.
17. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first
and second housing members are pivotably secured to one
another.
18. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lock
device includes a latch.
19. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of the user-manipulatable lock device control element is
configured to allow light to pass therethrough and the means for
causing light to be emitted emits light through the
user-manipulatable lock device control element.
20. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of the means for causing light to be emitted is carried
with the user-manipulatable lock device control element.
21. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the means
for causing light to be emitted causes light to be emitted from the
user-manipulatable lock device control element when the electronic
device is operating.
22. An electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the means
for causing light to be emitted causes light to be emitted from the
user-manipulatable lock device control element in pulses when the
electronic device is operating in sleep mode.
23. An electronic device as claimed in claim 21, further
comprising: a battery; wherein the means for causing light to be
emitted causes light to be emitted from the user-manipulatable lock
device control element in a first color when the electronic device
is operating and the battery is in a normal power state and causes
light to be emitted from the user-manipulatable lock device control
element in a second color when the electronic device is operating
and the battery is in a low power state.
24. A method of operating an electronic device including a housing
and a lock device with a lock device control element, the method
comprising the step of: emitting light from the lock device control
element.
25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of emitting
light from the lock device control element comprises emitting
pulses of light from the lock device control element.
26. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of emitting
light from the lock device control element comprises emitting light
continuously from the lock device control element when the
electronic device is operating in a first mode and emitting pulses
of light from the lock device control element when the electronic
device is operating in a second mode.
27. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step of emitting
light from the lock device control element comprises emitting light
of a first color from the lock device control element in response
to a normal battery power state and emitting light from the lock
device control element in a second color in response to a low
battery power state.
28. A computer, comprising: a main housing that defines top, bottom
and side portions; a processor located with the main housing; a
user interface associated with the top portion of the main housing;
a display housing that defines top, bottom and side portions; a
display associated with the bottom portion of the display housing;
a hinge that pivotably connects the main housing to the display
housing such that the main housing and display housing are movable
relative to one another between a closed orientation, where the top
portion of the main housing abuts the bottom portion of the display
housing, and an open orientation; and a lock device, associated
with the main housing and display housing, including a latch and a
light emitting user-manipulatable lock device control element.
29. A computer as claimed in claim 28, wherein the main housing
includes a latch receiving aperture; the latch and light emitting
user-manipulatable lock device control element are operably
connected, carried by the display housing, and movable between
respective latch positions and an unlatch positions; and the latch
extends through the latch receiving aperture and engages the main
housing when the display housing is in the closed orientation and
the latch is the latch position.
30. A computer as claimed in claim 28, wherein the display housing
includes a latch; and the light emitting user-manipulatable lock
device control element is configured to engage the latch and is
movable between a latch position and an unlatch position.
31. A computer as claimed in claim 28, wherein the light emitting
user-manipulatable lock device control element is configured to
allow light to pass therethrough.
32. A computer as claimed in claim 28, wherein a light source is
carried with the light emitting user-manipulatable lock device
control element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0001] Computers, which allow people to easily perform tasks such
as word processing, spreadsheet calculations, database
manipulation, e-mail message transmission, internet searches for
information, and connecting to networks, have become an integral
portion of the average person's life. This has led to the
development of portable computers, such as laptop and notebook
computers, which have proven to be a significant advance because
they are relatively small and lightweight. More recently, a variety
of hand-held (or palm sized) portable computers have been
introduced. As a result, people are able to easily transport
portable computers to remote locations where they can perform the
same tasks that they could with their relatively immobile desktop
computers.
[0002] Notebooks and other portable computers often include a user
interface, with items such as a keyboard, click buttons, scroll
keys, touch pads and various indicator lights, and a display. Many
portable computers also include two-part housings that are composed
of two separate housing structures (e.g. a main housing and a
display housing) that pivot relative to one another. The user
interface is carried by the main housing and the display is carried
by the display housing such that the user interface and display
will be protected within the housing when the housing is in the
closed orientation. Housings are also commonly provided with
locking devices that lock the main housing and display housing in
the closed orientation.
[0003] The inventor herein has determined that conventional
housing, user interface and display arrangements are susceptible to
improvement. For example, the inventor herein has determined that
users frequently close notebook computers while the power is on
when they take a break or move to a new location. The inventor
herein has also determined that closing a notebook computer while
the power is on can be problematic because the indicator lights,
which may provide information that is vital to the user, are not
visible when the computer is closed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the
inventions will be made with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable computer in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of a present invention in an
open orientation.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer
illustrated in FIG. 1 in a closed orientation.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing various operating
components of a portable computer in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of a present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a front, cutaway view of a portion of the portable
computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a partial section view taken along line 5-5 in
FIG. 4.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable computer in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of a present invention in a
closed orientation.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a front, cutaway view of a portion of the portable
computer illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a front view of a portion of a portable computer
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of a present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a side, cutaway view of a portion of the portable
computer illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a side view of the latch and button illustrated
in FIGS. 8 and 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following is a detailed description of the best
presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. This
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made
merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
the inventions. The present inventions are described below in the
context of a portable computer. Nevertheless, the present
inventions are not limited to portable computers or use therewith.
Rather, the present inventions are applicable to any portable
electronic device. Additionally, detailed discussions of various
conventional internal operating components of computers which are
not pertinent to the present inventions have been omitted for the
sake of simplicity.
[0016] Although not limited to any particular type of portable
electronic device, one embodiment of a present invention is the
exemplary notebook style portable computer 100 illustrated in FIGS.
1-5. Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, the exemplary portable computer
100 is, with respect to many of the structural and operating
components, substantially similar to conventional portable
computers such as the Hewlett-Packard Omnibook 6000 notebook PC.
More specifically, the exemplary portable computer 100 includes
structural components such as a two-part housing that consists of
main housing 102, which supports a user interface 104 and houses
various operating components, and a display housing 106, which
supports a display 108. The user interface 104 allows the user to
control the operations of the computer and, to that end, is
provided with a keyboard 110, a touch pad 112, a first pair of
right/left click buttons 114 and a second pair of right/left click
buttons 116. The rear end of the main housing 102 is pivotably
connected to the rear end of the display housing 106 by a hinge
118. The hinge 118 allows the main housing 102 and display housing
106 to pivot relative to one another so that the computer can be
oriented in the open orientation illustrated in FIG. 1 and the
closed orientation illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, because the
user interface 104 is associated with the inner portion 120 of the
main housing 102 (i.e. the top portion) and the display 108 is
associated with the inner portion 122 of the display housing 106
(i.e. the bottom portion), the outer portion 124 of the main
housing (i.e. the bottom and side portions) and the outer portion
126 of the display housing (i.e. the top and side portions) form an
outer shell that protects the user interface and display when the
housing is in the closed orientation.
[0017] With respect to the operating components, and referring more
specifically to FIG. 3, the main housing 102 houses a CPU (or
"processor") 128, cache and RAM memory 130, a power supply 132, a
hard disk drive 134, and a battery 136. A module bay for optional
modules such as the illustrated CD-ROM drive module 138, a 3.5 inch
disk drive module, or a ZIP drive module is also provided within
the main housing 102. The exemplary portable computer 100 may also
include other conventional components such as, for example, a
modem, audio and video cards, headphone and microphone ports,
serial, parallel and USB ports, keyboard and mouse ports, a 240-pin
PCI connector for docking, an operating system such as
Microsoft.RTM. Windows, and various application programs such a
word processing, spreadsheets, security programs and games.
[0018] The exemplary portable computer 100 is also provided with a
lock device that maintains the main housing 102 and display housing
106 in their closed orientation positions (FIG. 2) and a lock
device control element that allows the user to unlock the lock
device so that the main housing and display housing can be moved
into their open orientation positions (FIG. 1). The lock device may
be any suitable mechanical or electromechanical structure or system
that is capable of maintaining the main housing 102 and display
housing 106 in their closed orientation positions. The lock device
control element is typically a movable (or "user-manipulatable")
control element. The type of movement relative to the main housing
102 or display housing 106 depends on the control element's
structure and the manner in which it is connected to the lock
device. The movement may, for example, be side to side, front to
back, in and out, or rotational.
[0019] Regardless of the locking aspects of its structure, the lock
device preferably includes a light emitting lock device control
element. The light emitting lock device control element may
generate its own light with a light source that is carried with
control element or may simply be configured to allow light from a
source within the computer housing to pass therethrough. There are
a variety of advantages associated with a light emitting lock
device control element. The light L from a light emitting lock
control device would, for example, be readily visible to the user
both when the computer housing is in the open orientation (FIG. 1)
and when it is in the closed orientation (FIG. 2). As such, the
light emitting lock control device could assume the function of one
or more indicator lights and the user would be able to see the
indicator light-based information regardless of whether the
computer housing was in the open or closed orientation. Light
source 172 is positioned within portable computer 100.
[0020] The lock device in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 is a latch-based system 140 (FIGS. 4 and 5) which
includes one or more latch members 142 that cooperate with one or
more latch receiving apertures 144. Although this arrangement may
be reversed, the latch members 142 in the exemplary implementation
are carried by the display housing 106, while the latch receiving
apertures 144 are formed in the main housing 102. The latch members
142 are movable between a latched (or "locked") position, which
maintains the main housing 102 and display housing 106 in the
closed orientation positions illustrated in FIG. 2, and an
unlatched (or "unlocked") position which allows the main housing
and display housing to be moved relative to one another. Referring
more specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5, the latch members 142 in
exemplary latch-based system 140 are positioned close to the front
wall 146 of the display housing 106 and extend through a pair of
apertures 148 in the bottom wall 150 of the display housing. The
exemplary display housing 106 also includes a top wall 152 as well
as side and rear walls. When the computer 100 is in the closed
orientation and the latch members 142 are in the latched position,
the latch members extend through the latch receiving apertures 144
in the top wall 154 of the main housing 102 and the latch surfaces
156 engage the underside 158 of the top wall. The latch receiving
apertures 144 are located near the front wall 160 of the main
housing 102, which also includes bottom, side and rear walls.
[0021] The lock device control element in the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is a slidable knob 162 that is positioned
on the exterior of the display housing front wall 146 and connected
to the latch members 142. The slidable knob 162, which rides along
a slot 163, is movable between latch and unlatch positions that
correspond to the latch and unlatch positions of the latch members
142. The latch members 142 and slidable knob 162 may be an
integrally formed unit, or separate elements that are connected to
one another. When the user slides the knob 162 from the latch
position to the unlatch position (note arrow A in FIG. 5), the
latch members 142 move from the latched positions shown in FIGS. 4
and 5 to the unlatched positions, and the latch surfaces 156 are
aligned with the latch receiving apertures 144. The main housing
102 and display housing 106 may then be moved relative to one
another to open the exemplary computer 100.
[0022] Although the present inventions are not limited to such an
arrangement, the exemplary latched-based system 140 illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 5 is preferably biased to the latched position. In the
illustrated embodiment, a spring 164 or other suitable biasing
element biases the latch members 142 and/or the slidable knob 162
to the latched position. One end of the spring 164 is secured to a
portion of display housing 106, such as the front wall 146, by an
anchor 166 and the other end is secured to one of the latch members
142 and/or the slidable knob 162 by an anchor 168. Additionally,
the latch members 142 may be provided with sliding surfaces 170,
which cause the latch members to move toward the unlatched position
when the main housing 102 and display housing 106 come together.
Such sliding surfaces 170 are especially useful in those instances
where a biasing element is employed.
[0023] As noted above, the lock device preferably includes a light
emitting lock device control element that either generates its own
light or allows light from another source to pass therethrough. To
that end, the slidable knob 162 in the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is translucent and a light source 172 is
positioned within the display housing 106. Suitable translucent
materials for the slidable knob 162 include polycarbonates,
acrylics, polyesters and polystyrenes. Alternatively, one or more
predetermined portions of the slidable knob 162 may be translucent
while other portions are opaque. Another alternative is for the
slidable knob 162 to simply have a plurality of holes that allow
light to pass therethrough. The light source 172, which is
preferably controlled by its own dedicated controller or by the CPU
128, may be any suitable light emitting device. Such devices
include, for example, light emitting diodes, electro-luminescent
strips, incandescent bulbs, and fluorescent tubes. The light
emitting slidable knob 162 may be used merely for decorative
purposes or may be used as an indicator to provide the user with
information. In one exemplary implementation, light emission from
the slidable knob 162 may be used to indicate "power on," "sleep
mode" (i.e. a lower power consumption mode) and "blue tooth
transmission." A continuous emission of light could be used to
indicate that the power is on, relatively low frequency pulses of
light (i.e. light turned on and off at a relatively low frequency)
could be used to indicate that the power is on and that the
computer is in sleep mode, and relatively high frequency pulses of
light could be used to indicated that power is on and that a blue
tooth transmission is proceeding.
[0024] It should be emphasized that the present inventions are not
limited to any particular types of information or light-based
manner of conveying it. The light source 172 may be configured to
provide light in different colors in order to expand the number of
indications that may be provided. For example, if the colors were
white and red, the "power on" "sleep mode" and "blue tooth
transmission" indications could be provided in white light when the
battery 136 is sufficiently charged (i.e. is charged above a
predetermined level), or when the computer is running off of a wall
outlet or other separate power source, and could be provided in red
light when the battery is running low. Similarly, the slidable knob
162 could be configured such that there are two differently colored
translucent portions (e.g. a clear portion and a translucent red
portion) that may or may not be separated by an opaque region.
Here, the light source 172 may be configured to direct light
through either one of the portions individually, or through both
portions simultaneously, depending on the message to be
conveyed.
[0025] Another exemplary notebook computer in accordance with the
present inventions is generally represented by reference numeral
100' in FIGS. 6 and 7. The exemplary computer 100' is substantially
similar to the exemplary computer 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and
similar elements are identified by similar reference numerals. For
example, the exemplary computer 100' includes a main housing 102'
that houses various operating components and supports a user
interface (not shown) as well as a display housing 106' that
supports a display (not shown). A latched-based lock system 140',
which includes a pair of latch members 142' and a slidable knob
162', is also provided. Here, however, the slidable knob 162' is
positioned on the top wall 152' of the display housing 106' and the
light source 172' is carried with the slidable knob. Preferably,
the slidable knob 162' are close to the display housing front wall
146'.
[0026] The exemplary latch members 142' are positioned close to the
front wall 146' of the display housing 106' and extend through a
pair of apertures 148' in the bottom wall 150' of the display
housing. When the computer 100' is in the closed orientation
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the latch members 142' are in the
latched position, the latch members extend through the latch
receiving apertures 144' in the top wall 154' of the main housing
102' and the latch surfaces 156' engage the underside 158' of the
top wall. The latch receiving apertures 144' are located near the
front wall 160' of the main housing 102'. Sliding surfaces 170' may
also be provided in order to facilitate entry of the latch members
142' into the latch receiving apertures 144'.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,
the latch members 142' are carried by (and preferably integrally
formed with) a latch base 143'. The latch base 143', which rides
along a slot 163', also carries the slidable knob 162' and the
light source 172'. The latch members 142', latch base 143',
slidable knob 162' may, alternatively, be an integrally formed unit
that carries the light source 172'. In either case, a spring 164'
or other suitable biasing element biases the latch base 143' (and,
accordingly, the latch members 142' and slidable knob 162') to the
latched position. One end of the spring 164' is secured to a
portion of display housing 106' by an anchor 166' and the other end
is secured to the latch base 143' by an anchor 168'.
[0028] As described in greater detail above with reference to FIGS.
1-5, lock devices in accordance with the present inventions
preferably include a light emitting lock device control element
that either generates its own light or allows light from another
source to pass therethrough. In the exemplary implementation
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the slidable knob 162' is translucent
and a light source 172', which functions in the manner described
above, is positioned behind the slidable knob. Here too, the
slidable knob 162' may be modified in a variety of ways to suit
particular situations. For example, the latch base 143' could carry
a pair of laterally spaced light sources 172' and the slidable knob
162' could be composed of a pair of differently colored translucent
portions that are separated by an opaque portion and are
respectively aligned with the light sources. The slidable knob 162'
could also be formed from opaque material and have a plurality of
holes that are aligned with the light source 172' in order to allow
light emitted by the light source to pass through the slidable
knob.
[0029] Still another exemplary notebook computer in accordance with
the present inventions is generally represented by reference
numeral 200 in FIGS. 8 and 9. The exemplary computer 200 is
substantially similar to the computer 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5
with respect to the operating components and the majority of the
structure components. For example, the exemplary computer 200
includes a display supporting display housing 202 that supports a
display (not shown) and a main housing 204 that houses various
operating components and supports a user interface (not shown). The
display housing 202 and main housing 204 are pivotably secured to
one another in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 1
and a lock system 205 maintains the display housing and main
housing in the closed orientation. More specifically, the display
housing 202 is provided with a latch 206, which may be integral
with the display housing or a separate structure element (as
shown), and the main housing 204 is provided with a depressible
button 208 that engages the latch. The latch 206 and depressible
button 208 are respectively associated with the front walls 210 and
212 of the display housing 202 and main housing 204. The
depressible button 208 extends through an opening 214 in the main
housing front wall 212 and is biased to the locked position
illustrated in FIG. 9 by a spring 216 or other suitable biasing
device. One end of the spring 216 is held by an anchor 218 and the
other end is held by an anchor 220 that is formed in depressible
button 208. A pair of stops 222 (one of which is visible in FIG.
10) extend outwardly from the lateral edges of the depressible
button 208 and engage the inner surface 223 of the main housing
front wall 212.
[0030] With respect to the locking of the exemplary lock system
205, and referring more specifically to FIG. 10, the exemplary
latch 206 includes a sliding surface 224 and a latch surface 226,
while the exemplary depressible button 208 includes a sliding
surface 228 and a locking surface 230. As the display housing 202
is moved into the closed orientation position illustrated in FIGS.
8 and 9, the sliding surface 224 on the latch 206 engages the
sliding surface 228 on the depressible button 208 and cause the
depressible button to move inwardly against the biasing force of
the spring 216 until the latch sliding surface moves past the
button sliding surface. The biasing force of the spring 216 then
urges the depressible button 208 outwardly, where the latch surface
226 is engaged by the locking surface 230. [Note FIG. 9.] The lock
device 205 may be unlocked by pressing the depressible button 208,
thereby disengaging the latch surface 226 and the locking surface
230.
[0031] As described in greater detail above with reference to FIGS.
1-5, lock devices in accordance with the present inventions
preferably include a light emitting lock device control element
that either generates its own light or allows light from another
source to pass therethrough. In the exemplary implementation
illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the depressible button 208 is
translucent and a light source 272, which functions in the manner
described above, is positioned within the main housing 204 such
that it directs light through the translucent depressible button.
Here too, the depressible button 208 may be modified in a variety
of ways to suit particular situations. For example, one or more
predetermined portions of the depressible button 208 may be
translucent while other portions are opaque. Alternatively, the
depressible button 208 may simply have a plurality of holes that
allow light to pass therethrough.
[0032] Although the present inventions have been described in terms
of the preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or
additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would be
readily apparent to one skilled in the art. By way of example, but
not limitation, the light source may be the backlight for the
computer display when a backlit display is used. The present
inventions are also applicable to electronic devices that are
configured such that the user interface and display are both
associated with the main housing. The second part of the two-part
housing may simply be a cover that is pivotable or otherwise
movable relative to the main housing, or even removable. Here too,
a lock device with a light emitting lock device control element may
be provided. Examples of such electronic devices include personal
digital assistants and pen-based computers. It is intended that the
scope of the present inventions extend to all such modifications
and/or additions.
* * * * *