U.S. patent application number 11/273336 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for portable computer with a multi-panel display.
Invention is credited to Bruce Imsand.
Application Number | 20060067040 11/273336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33313221 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060067040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imsand; Bruce |
March 30, 2006 |
Portable computer with a multi-panel display
Abstract
A portable computer with multiple flat panel display screens has
been developed. The portable computer includes a computer unit with
a multiple flat panel display screens, a protective case that holds
the computer unit, and a protective cover for the protective
case.
Inventors: |
Imsand; Bruce; (Madison,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRADLEY ARANT ROSE & WHITE LLP
200 CLINTON AVE. WEST
SUITE 900
HUNTSVILLE
AL
35801
US
|
Family ID: |
33313221 |
Appl. No.: |
11/273336 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10771879 |
Feb 3, 2004 |
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11273336 |
Nov 14, 2005 |
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60444419 |
Feb 3, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1647 20130101;
G06F 1/166 20130101; G06F 1/1669 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101;
G06F 2200/1633 20130101; G06F 1/1615 20130101; G06F 1/181 20130101;
G06F 3/0231 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A portable computer, comprising: a computer unit with a
plurality of display panels; a protective case, where the computer
unit is removably mounted within the protective case; and a
protective cover that is detachably connected to the protective
case to cover the computer unit.
2. The portable computer of claim 1, where the plurality of display
panels comprise a plurality of flat panel screens.
3. The portable computer of claim 2, where the portable computer
has a length of 19 inches, a height of 15 inches, and a depth of 6
inches.
4. The portable computer of claim 1, where the plurality of display
panels comprise three flat panel screens.
5. The portable computer of claim 4, where the portable computer
has a length of 19 inches, a height of 15 inches, and a depth of
8.5 inches.
6. The portable computer of claim 1, where the exterior of the
protective case is aluminum.
7. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective case
comprises an suspension system that protects the computer unit.
8. The portable computer of claim 7, where the suspension system
comprises an interior protective liner.
9. The portable computer of claim 8, where the interior protective
liner is polyurethane.
10. The portable computer of claim 8, where the interior protective
liner has a thickness of at least 0.5 inches.
11. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective cover is
detachably connected to the protective case with a plurality of
spring loaded connectors.
12. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective cover
stores accessories for the computer unit.
13. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit is
rack mountable.
14. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit is a
network server.
15. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit has a
cooling system that forces air out towards the user.
16. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit
supports a plurality of PCI cards that are held in place by a
polyurethane cushion.
Description
CROSS-REFERANCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Utility patent
application Ser. No. 10/771,879 entitled "Packaging Mechanism for a
Portable Computer" that was filed on Feb. 3, 2004 which in turn,
claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/444,419
entitled "Packaging Mechanism for a Portable Computer" that was
filed on Feb. 3, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to computer packaging. More
specifically, the invention relates to a packaging mechanism for a
portable computer.
[0004] 1. Background Art
[0005] Portability is a feature that is greatly desired in
computers. A whole sub-class of computers commonly called
"notebooks" or "laptops" has developed around the concept of
portability. However, when compared with a more conventional
desktop or "workstation" computer, the performance of notebooks is
generally lacking. Specifically, notebook computers lag behind
workstation in capabilities such as processor type and speed,
available memory, etc. due to constraints on space and power
consumption. Notebook computers usually are not capable of upgrade
except for the addition of more memory. Also, such features as a
keyboard, a screen, or a mouse (in the form of a touchpad, etc.)
tend to be smaller and more difficult to use. Additionally,
notebook computers tend to be fragile since there internal
components are packed into minimal space. As a result, any sudden
impact can easily damage the computer. A packing mechanism for a
workstation computer is needed that allows for portability of a
full size, full performance workstation in a rugged and convenient
manner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] In some aspects, the invention relates to a portable
computer, comprising: a computer unit with a plurality of display
panels; a protective case, where the computer unit is removably
mounted within the protective case; and a protective cover that is
detachably connected to the protective case to cover the computer
unit.
[0007] Advantages of the present invention include: a tilting
mechanism that allows for an ergonomically comfortable screen
orientation; a "box in box" construction that protects the interior
computer unit from shocks of sudden impacts; storage of accessories
in a convenient accessory pack for the computer; an interior
computer "box" that can be easily removed from its protective case
and rack mounted; a triple display screen configuration for the
portable computer; a thermal cooling system; and a retainer support
plate for PCI cards.
[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] It should be noted that identical features in different
drawings are shown with the same reference numeral.
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a packed up portable computer in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an unpacked portable computer in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a packed up portable computer in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a packed up portable computer
that is tilted back in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a packed up portable computer
with the accessory pack disengaged in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a portable computer with the
accessory pack removed in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a portable computer including
the bank of input/output connections in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a portable computer including
the disc drive, power switch and power connection in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows the accessory pack with the screen cover in
place in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 shows the accessory pack with the screen cover
removed to show the stored accessories for the computer in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 shows the computer with the bezel being removed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 shows the computer with the bezel removed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 shows the computer being removed from its protective
case in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 shows the computer removed from its protective case
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 15a shows a packed up portable computer with a triple
panel screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 15b shows a portable computer with a triple panel
screen with the accessory pack being removed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15c shows a portable computer with a triple panel
screen with the accessory pack removed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 shows a set up portable computer with a triple panel
screen extended in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 shows a view of the internal arrangement of the
computer with exhaust fans and air flow diagrams in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 18a shows a portable computer with the bezel removed
and showing air flow exhaust channels in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 18b shows a set up portable computer with air flow
diagrams in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 19 shows a view of the internal arrangement of the
computer with an exploded view of the PCI card retainer support in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 20 shows a close up view of the internal arrangement of
the PCI card retainer support in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] A packing mechanism has been developed for a portable
"workstation" computer. FIG. 1 shows a packed up portable computer
10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
computer 10 is packed up in a configuration similar to a briefcase
with a handle 12 on top and two footing mechanisms 14 on bottom.
The computer is enclosed in a protective case 18 that has an
accessory pack 16. The accessory pack is held in place by two
connector buttons 20 that are spring loaded. The buttons are
located on opposing sides of the accessory pack 16. The packed up
computer 10 is configured to fit within the carry-on luggage size
restrictions for airlines. In the present embodiment, the
dimensions of the packed up computer 10 are: 19 inches long; 15
inches tall; and 6 inches deep. The computer 10 weighs between 25
to 40 pounds depending on the model of the computer.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows an unpacked portable computer 22 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The computer includes
a flat-panel screen 28 along with a keyboard 24 and mouse 26. In
the embodiment shown, a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse are
used. However, alternative types of devices may be used in other
embodiments. FIG. 3 shows a side view of a packed up portable
computer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] The footing mechanisms 14 have the capacity to tilt the
computer to an ergonomically comfortable position for the user. The
footing 14 is capable of tilting to an angle of up to 18.degree..
The footing mechanism 14 includes two parts: a slide 17 that is
attached to the bottom of the protective case 18; and a cradle 15
that sits on the floor and holds the slide 17 in an internal track
(not shown). FIG. 4 shows a side view of a packed up portable
computer 10 that is tilted back in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. In this Figure, the computer 10 is tilted
back to an angle of about 18.degree.. The slide 17 of the footing
mechanism 14 is positioned all the way forward in cradle 15.
[0036] In order to remove the accessory pack 16, the connector
buttons 20 are depressed. As shown in FIG. 5, after the buttons 20
are depressed, the accessory pack 16 begins to slide off the
protective case 18. FIG. 6 shows the accessory pack being 16
removed from the protective case 18 while FIG. 7 shows the fully
unpacked computer 22. An input/output ("I/O") bank 30 is exposed on
the side of the computer 10. The I/O bank 30 contains connections
for various accessories for the computer 22 such as: a printer; a
monitor, a projector, speakers, a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone,
a universal serial bus (USB); an ethernet connection; PCI cards,
etc. Connections for a wide variety of peripheral accessories that
are used by a computer may be included in the bank 30. FIG. 8 shows
the opposite side of the computer 22 than shown in FIG. 7. On this
side, a CD-ROM drive 32 is shown along with a power connection 34
and a power switch 36. In should be understood that the
configurations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 reflect only one embodiment
of the present invention. Other embodiments may have differing
numbers of connections for other accessories and such connections
may be arranged in different configurations.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows the removed accessory pack 16 that is used to
store accessories for the computer. The storage area is covered by
a screen cover 38 that protects the screen 28 of the computer from
damage while keeping the stored accessories in place. The screen
cover 38 is held in place by snapping it into place in a groove
(not shown) around the edge of the accessory pack 16. FIG. 10 shows
the accessory pack 16 with the screen cover 38 removed. The screen
cover 38 is removed by simply snapping it out of place with the
finger holes on the cover. As shown in FIG. 10, the screen cover 38
can hold such accessories as a keyboard 24, a mouse 26, and various
connection cables.
[0038] Another advantage of the present invention is a "box in box"
construction that protects the computer from any sudden impacts or
jolts that may damage the machine. The first "box" is the exterior
accessory pack 16 and case 18. The box contains an interior
suspension system that protects the computer unit. The suspension
system minimizes gravitational ("G") forces to the computer unit if
the box is dropped. Ideally, the suspension system will protect the
box from up to 100 G's if dropped. In this embodiment, the box is
made of light weight aluminum that is lined on the interior with a
0.5 inch thick layer of polyurethane foam. This layer of
polyurethane serves to isolate and cushion the interior "box"
against the force and velocity of an impact. The interior "box" is
the computer unit itself. The thickness of the foam may vary in
other embodiments according the material composition of the
polyurethane and the level of protection needed by the user.
[0039] FIGS. 11 through 14 show the procedure for removing the
interior box. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the bezel 42 is held in
place by several screws 40. Once the screws 40 are removed, the
bezel 42 is removed as shown in FIG. 12. Next, the interior box or
computer unit 44 is pulled out of the protective case 18 as shown
in FIGS. 13 and 14. The flexibility of being able to remove the
interior computer unit 44 allows for ease of maintenance and
upgrade of the computer. Additionally, the computer unit 44 is rack
mountable after it is removed from the protective case 18 with a
separate adapter kit.
[0040] Other embodiments of the present invention include a
portable computer with a triple panel display screen. FIGS. 15A
through 15C show a packed up computer 10 with a triple display
screen 46 that is folded. The computer 10 is packed up and unpacked
in a similar manner as previously described in FIGS. 1 through 6.
However, the folded triple display screen 46 will require
additional internal space. This may result in 2.5 inches being
added to the width of the computer case in some embodiments. FIG.
16 shows the computer set up with the triple display screen panels
46 fully extended.
[0041] Other embodiments of the invention include the portable
computer configured to act as a portable network server.
Additionally, the invention could include a portable computer
configured with multiple microprocessors or an SCSI (small computer
system interface) array of up to eight SCSI drives. The advantages
of the present invention include having a portable computer that is
capable of high end workstation performance. The computers could be
used for such demanding applications as: CAD (computer aided
drafting); video editing; animation; and other graphics intensive
applications. Also, the portable computer is ideal for setting up
local area networks for such applications as graphics intensive,
high performance computer games with multiple networked
players.
[0042] FIGS. 17, 18a, and 18b show the thermal cooling system for
some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 17 shows an open
top view of the computer unit 44. In the embodiment shown, the
thermal cooling system includes dual exhaust fans 48 that are
located on the bottom of the computer unit 44 and adjacent to the
I/O bank 30. The fans 48 pull hot air 50 away from the internal
components of the computer 44 such as the microprocessor(s), etc.
The hot air 50 is expelled from the computer 44 and out through
dual air channels 51. FIG. 18a shows the computer with the bezel 42
removed to show the dual air channels 51 that are located on the
bottom of the computer 44. FIG. 18b shows the computer 44 with the
bezel 42 in place and the air flow 50 exiting out of the dual air
channels 51. In this embodiment, the air flow 50 exits the computer
in the direction of the user so that the thermal cooling system may
be used as a hand warmer for the user.
[0043] Some embodiments of the present invention include special
supports for PCI cards that are installed in the computer. A PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) card is a card that is
installed in the computer in certain specified internal connecting
sockets. The card contains interface circuitry for external
components that may be used with the computer. "PCI" refers an
industry standard specification for the cards that is known to
those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, computers contain
multiple sockets that allow for the installation of more than one
PCI card at a time. FIG. 19 shows a view of the internal
arrangement of the computer 44 with an exploded view of the PCI
card retainer support plate 54. The computer 44 contains PCI
card(s) 52 that are located in a corner of the computer adjacent to
the top wall of the unit and the I/O bank 30. In this embodiment,
the retainer support plate 54 is a removable plate that is attached
to an opening in the top of the computer 44 with multiple screws
58. The support 54 has two separate cushions 56 to support the PCI
card(s) 52. As shown in FIG. 20, each cushion 56 has a notch 60
that holds its PCI card 52. In this embodiment, the cushions are
made of a polyurethane material. The cushions serve to hold the PCI
cards in place and prevent disconnection from the connecting
sockets during a drop or sudden impact to the computer. In other
embodiments, the number, size, shape, and material composition of
the cushions may vary according to the internal arrangement and
configuration of the PCI cards for the computer.
[0044] In summary, the present invention allows for a high
performance workstation computer to be portable without any
performance limitations. Such advantages include: a tilting
mechanism that allows for an ergonomically comfortable screen
orientation; a "box in box" construction that protects the interior
computer unit from shocks of sudden impacts; storage of accessories
in a convenient accessory pack for the computer; an interior
computer "box" that can be easily removed from its protective case
and rack mounted; a triple display screen configuration for the
portable computer; a thermal cooling system; and a retainer support
plate for PCI cards.
[0045] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed here. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
* * * * *