U.S. patent application number 11/252671 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for portable computer with multi-sectioned arms to support display position adjustment and multiple configurations.
Invention is credited to Shaofen Chen, Zhaofang Wen.
Application Number | 20070086155 11/252671 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37947933 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070086155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Shaofen ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
PORTABLE COMPUTER WITH MULTI-SECTIONED ARMS TO SUPPORT DISPLAY
POSITION ADJUSTMENT AND MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS
Abstract
A portable computer is comprised of a base, a display, and one
or more multi-sectioned arms connecting the base and the display.
The arms can be folded and parked alongside the computer in a
closed position. The arms can also be detached from both the base
and the display. The display's viewing position can be continuously
adjusted up, down, forward, backward, left, or right relative to
the base, in a 3-dimensional range of movement with a semi-diameter
of the height of the fully stretched arm. The base and the display
are rotatably connected to the arms, so that the base and the
display can rotate independently around the connections to control
how they face each other, enabling multiple configurations in one
computer. Five embodiments of the present invention are presented
for illustration, based on arm designs and how they are connected
to the base and the display.
Inventors: |
Chen; Shaofen; (Plano,
TX) ; Wen; Zhaofang; (Plano, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Shaofen Chen
4428 Cranwood Drive
Plano
TX
75024
US
|
Family ID: |
37947933 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252671 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.06 ;
248/201; 248/205.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1616 20130101;
G06F 1/1654 20130101; G06F 1/1681 20130101; G06F 1/162 20130101;
G06F 1/1679 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 ;
248/201; 248/205.1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1.-18. (canceled)
19. A portable computer comprising (a) a base having a CPU disposed
therein and a keyboard disposed thereon; (b) a display having a
screen for viewing; (c) a set of arms, each said arm including a
plurality of arm sections; (d) joints for linking the sections of
each said arm for flexible arm movement including opening and
folding, and connection pivots for rotatably connecting each said
arm to said base and said display, respectively; wherein the set of
arms has a motion that is capable of opening and folding said
display from and against said base; wherein when said display is in
an open viewing position, the motion moves said display up, down,
optionally forward and backward, and optionally left and right,
relative to said keyboard in usage orientation; wherein the viewing
angle of said screen is adjustable in an open position; and wherein
said computer supports an optional set of functions selected from
the following group: (1) said screen is allowed to face upward when
said display and said base are folded together; (2) said keyboard
is allowed to face upward when said display and said base are
folded together; and (3) said keyboard is allowed to face down when
said display is in an open viewing position;
20. The computer of claim 19, wherein the wiring between said
display and said base runs inside said arms.
21. The computer of claim 19 wherein said arms are controllably
detachable from at least one of said display and said base.
22. The computer of claim 19 wherein there are locking mechanisms
at said joints and connection pivots for preventing said arm
sections from leaving their chosen relative positions, whereby said
display and said base can be locked in their chosen relative
positions.
23. The computer of claim 19, wherein there is only one elongated
arm; and wherein said display and said base are allowed to rotate
around their respective connection pivots, in optionally
predetermined ranges.
24. The computer of claim 23, wherein there are two connection
pivots, one on said base and the other on said display.
25. The computer of claim 23, wherein said arm connects to three
connection pivots selected from the group, (a) one pivot on said
base and two on said display, wherein the two pivots on said
display rotate in parallel to each other; and (b) two pivots on
said base and one on said display, wherein the two pivots on said
base rotate in parallel to each other.
26. The computer of claim 19, wherein there are two elongated arms;
wherein the first arm rotatably connects to said display at a first
connection pivot, and to said base at a second connection pivot;
and the second arm rotatably connects to said display at a third
connection pivot, and to said base at a fourth connection pivot;
wherein the first and third connection pivots rotate in parallel to
each other, and likewise the second and the fourth connection
pivots rotate in parallel to each other, so that said display and
said base are allowed to rotate around their respective pairs of
connection pivots, in optionally predetermined ranges.
27. A portable computer comprising (a) a base having two opposite
surfaces on which one or more input devices are disposed; (b) a
display having a screen for viewing; (c) a set of arms, each said
arm including a plurality of arm sections; (d) means for linking
the sections of each said arm to allow flexible arm movement
including opening and folding, and means for respectively
connecting each said arm to said base and to said display, wherein
the set of arms has a motion that is capable of opening and folding
said display from and against said base; wherein when said display
is in an open position, the motion moves said display up, down,
optionally forward and backward, and optionally left and right,
relative to said base in usage orientation; wherein the viewing
angle of said screen is adjustable in an open position; and wherein
optionally said computer supports additional configurations
selected from the following group: (1) said screen faces upward
when said display and said base are folded together; (2) a selected
said input device faces upward when said display and said base are
folded together; and (3) a selected said input device faces upward
when said display is in an open viewing position;
28. The computer of claim 27, wherein the wiring between said
display and said base runs inside said arms.
29. The computer of claim 27 wherein said arms are controllably
detachable from at least one of said display and said base.
30. The computer of claim 27 wherein there are locking capabilities
at said linking means and connection means for preventing said arm
sections from leaving their chosen relative positions; and whereby
said display and said base can be locked in their chosen relative
positions.
31. The computer of claim 27, wherein there is only one arm which
is pivotally connected to said display and said base,
respectively.
32. The computer of claim 27, wherein there are two arms; wherein
the first arm rotatably connects to said display at a first
connection pivot, and to said base at a second connection pivot;
and the second arm rotatably connects to said display at a third
connection pivot, and to said base at a fourth connection pivot;
wherein the first and third connection pivots rotate in parallel to
each other, and likewise the second and the fourth connection
pivots rotate in parallel to each other, so that said display and
said base are allowed to rotate around their respective pairs of
connection pivots.
33. A method for coupling the display and the base of a portable
computer, said method comprising (a) providing said computer base
which has one or more surfaces, and one or more input devices
located on said surfaces; (b) providing said display which has a
screen for a viewing; (c) providing a set of arms, each said arm
having a plurality of arm sections; (d) providing means for linking
the sections of each said arm to allow flexible arm movement
including opening and folding, and providing means for respectively
connecting each said arm to said base and to said display, so as to
support display opening and folding from and against said base, to
support a multitude of screen viewing angles in open viewing
positions which can be adjusted up, down, optionally forward and
backward, and optionally left and right, relative to said base in
usage orientation; and to support an optional set of configurations
selected from the following group: (1) said screen faces upward
when said display and said base are folded together; (2) a selected
said input device faces upward when said display and said base are
folded together; and (3) a selected said input device faces upward
when said display is in an open viewing position;
34. A method as recited in claim 33, wherein the wiring between
said display and said base runs inside said arms.
35. A method as recited in claim 33, wherein said arms are
controllably detachable from said display, or said base, or
both.
36. A method as recited in claim 33, further providing locking
capabilities at said linking means and connection means so as to
prevent said arm sections from leaving their chosen relative
positions; whereby said display and said base can be locked in
their chosen relative positions.
37. A method as recited in claim 33, wherein there is only one arm
which is pivotally connected to said display and said base,
respectively; and wherein the relative movements of said arm
sections around their linking means and connection pivots are
within optionally predetermined ranges.
38. A method as recited in claim 33, wherein there are two arms,
wherein the first arm rotatably connects to said display at a first
connection pivot, and to said base at a second connection pivot;
and the second arm rotatably connects to said display at a third
connection pivot, and to said base a fourth connection pivot;
wherein the first and third connection pivots rotate in parallel to
each other, and likewise the second and the fourth connection
pivots rotate in parallel to each other, so that said display and
said base are allowed to rotate around their respective pairs of
connection pivots; and wherein the relative movements of said arm
sections around their linking means and connection pivots are
within optionally predetermined ranges.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a computer and
other electronic devices. More specifically, the invention relates
to portable computers having an adjustable display, multiple input
devices, and multiple configurations.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Technological advancements have enabled portable computers
to be built in various forms such as notebook, tablet PC, and
personal digital assistants (PDA). Some of these forms can be
unified into one single portable computer with multiple
configurations.
[0003] Portable computers or notebooks typically comprise of a
computer base and a display screen. The computer base generally
holds the central processing unit, memory, electronic circuitry and
other components, such as a keyboard, a disk drive. Typically, the
base is hinged to the display in a manner in which the display
folds down on the base, as shown by the computer (900) in FIG. 5.
This design is referred to as the clam shell type enclosure. The
display screen is typically connected to the base in such a way
that the screen is hidden when the clam shell is closed. That is,
the screen faces the upper side (typically, the keyboard) of the
base.
[0004] There are several disadvantages of the clam shell design.
One disadvantage is that the screen and the keyboard are next to
each other. If the screen is placed at a comfortable viewing
position, it will make the arms and shoulders uncomfortable for
typing. On the other hand, if the computer is placed at a
comfortable typing position, it would make the neck uncomfortable
when looking at the screen. This problem can cause serious
computer-related work injuries. Another disadvantage is that it
needs to sufficient room to fully open the clam shell computer and
position the display screen at an angle of about ninety (900) or
more with respect to the base for normal viewing; and this can be
very difficult when operating in tight space, such as on the
pull-out tray on the back of a declined airplane seat. Therefore,
the clam shell design is insufficient for comfortable use.
[0005] In general, it is useful to be able to arrange a single
portable computer into various configurations as follows. [0006]
(1) Improved Notebook configuration: The display screen can be
adjusted to a desirable viewing angle, and to a position by height
(up or down relative to the base) and by depth (forward or backward
relative to the base's user edge). [0007] (2) Shared viewing
configuration: This is configuration (1) plus display adjustment by
width (left or right of the space above the keyboard). (This can be
useful when more than one people are looking at the screen at the
same time.) [0008] (3) Tablet PC configuration: The portable
computer is closed with the base stacked underneath the
upward-facing screen to be used as input pad. (The keyboard in this
configuration can either be facing down or up. But it does not
matter.) [0009] (4) Stylus input configuration: The portable
computer is open with screen up in normal viewing position; but the
bottom side (opposite to the keyboard) of the base is up and used
as input pad. [0010] (5) Space saving configuration: The portable
computer is closed with the display stacked underneath the base, so
that the base can be used as a desktop machine together with a
desktop display unit, typically with a bigger and better screen.
[0011] (6) Desk note configuration: The display is completely
detached from the base so that the base can be used as a desktop
machine together with a desktop display unit. (Both this
configuration and the Space saving configuration can get the
built-in display out of the way of the desktop monitor screen.)
[0012] There have been numerous attempts to address various subsets
these six configurations. Many of them are focused on the screen
viewing position adjustment using various approaches, which are all
different from the multi-sectioned arm approach in the present
invention. Some others are focused on mode transitioning between
conventional notebook and tablet PC. There has been no single
invention until now that can solve all six configurations in a
single computer.
[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to support all
configurations (1)-(6) in one single portable computer. The
invention also has some additional features.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention supports, in one single portable
computer, all configurations (1)-(6) as specified in the Background
Section.
[0015] A portable computer according to the present invention
generally includes a computer base and a display, which are
connected by one or more multi-sectioned arms. Electronic and
electrical wiring runs inside the arms. There are pivots on both
the computer base and the display for connections with the arms.
The arm sections are linked together by flexible joints, which
allow the attached sections to rotate or turn around them.
[0016] The arms can be folded and positioned alongside the portable
computer in closed positions. At the conventional screen viewing
position, the arms can be turned away so that they do not block the
computer base's edges for other uses, such as DVD and other
outlets.
[0017] The arms can also be flexibly stretched to allow continuous
adjustment of the screen's spatial position by height (up or down
relative to the base), depth (forward or backward relative to the
base's user edge), and width (left or right away from space above
the base). (See configurations (1) and (2) in the Background
section.)
[0018] To see the range of screen position adjustment, consider the
middle point at the lower edge of the display. In the conventional
clam shell enclosure design (as shown in FIG. 5), this mid-point
travels along a pre-determined curve with a semi-diameter about the
height of the hinge connection between the base and the display. In
contrast, a portable computer of the present invention allows such
a mid-point to be position at any location in a 3-dimensional range
with a diameter about the height of the fully stretched
multi-sectioned arm.
[0019] The arms are rotatably connected to the connection pivots on
the base and the display, so that the base and display can rotate
about the connection pivots. This way, the screen's viewing angle
can be adjusted; furthermore, the portable computer can be set to
various configurations (1)-(5) by arranging how the display and the
base face each other. The arms can be detached completely from both
the computer base and the display. This not only allows for the
computer to be set for the desk note configuration (6), but also
makes the arms replaceable (in case of damage, for example).
Alternatively, all the configurations can be obtained by detaching
the arms, rearranging the display and the base, and then
re-attaching the arms (if necessary).
[0020] Friction at the joints and the connection pivots keeps the
arm sections, the base, and the display in their selected relative
positions. There are (optional) locks at the joints and connection
pivots to keep arm sections, the base, and the display from leaving
their chosen relative positions. There are mechanisms at the joints
and the connection pivots to limit how much the attached arm
sections can rotate or turn. (This can prevent potential wiring and
other damages from unlimited rotating and turning.) There are also
locks to prevent the connecting arms from unintentional detachment
from the connection pivots.
[0021] Five different embodiments of the invention are presented,
based on the number of arms and sections in each arm in the designs
as well as how the arms are connected to the computer base and the
display.
[0022] The computer base has two sides and four edges: the keyboard
side, the bottom side (opposite to the keyboard), the left edge,
right edge, the front edge (user edge), and the back edge. The
display also has two sides and four edges: the screen side, the
back side (opposite to the screen), the left and right edges, and
the upper and lower edges (from the user's point of view).
[0023] In the first embodiment, one single multi-sectioned arm is
connected to the back edges of the base and the display. In the
second embodiment, two double-sectioned arms connect the base and
the display by their side edges, with one on the left and the other
on the right. The third embodiment is an extension of the second
embodiment by replacing the two-sectioned side arms with side arms
using combo-joints, thus enabling the display to move sideway. In
the fourth embodiment, a bridge arm anchors on the left and right
edges of the computer base, and in the middle of the bridge
connects to the lower edge of the display. The fifth embodiment is
an extension of the second embodiment by using triple-sections arms
(just to show that it is possible to use side arms of more than two
sections).
[0024] In summary, a portable computer according to the present
invention can switch to all configurations (1)-(6) just by relative
rotation and turning of arm sections, the display, and the base.
Alternatively, the portable computer can switch among some of the
configurations by arm detachment and re-attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Drawing Notations: Basic Building Blocks
[0025] FIG. 1 is a list of notations used in the drawings to
represent one of the sections in a multi-sectioned arm in various
scenarios.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a list of notations used in the drawings to
represent a joint connecting two arm sections. They show how the
attached arm sections can rotate relatively to the joint. (By
relative, we mean that it can also been seen as the joint rotating
while the arm section remain still.)
[0027] FIG. 3 is a list of notations in various scenarios an arm
can be attached to and detached from the base and the display.
[0028] FIG. 4 lists the base and the display of a portable
computer. In the drawings of all the embodiments, the base and the
display will always use the same labels. (FIG. 4A denotes the
display of a portable computer. FIG. 4B denotes the base of a
portable computer.)
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a conventional clam shell
enclosure design of a portable computer, in an open position.
First Embodiment
[0030] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
computer (100) of the present invention with a single back
multi-sectioned arm, in a partially open position.
[0031] FIG. 6B is a split view of the top portion of the arm
connected to the display of computer 100.
[0032] FIG. 6C is a possible substitute for the top portion of
computer 100 as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed next to the display's right back edge 82 (from the user's
point of view).
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened, screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed next to the display's left back edge 82 (from the user's
point of view).
[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened, screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed away from the display's back edge 82.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a position
where the display is up-lifted, screen facing the user, and the arm
being away from the back edge 82 of the base.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective left side view of computer 100 in
an opened, screen-up position, where the screen is away from its
conventional vertical position towards the user.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an opened,
screen-up position, where arm sections 132 and 133 are positioned
near the back edge 82 of the base.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an opened,
screen-up and backward facing position, where arm sections 132 and
133 are positioned near the back edge 82 of the base.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position with viewing screen 98 facing upward (for the tablet PC
configuration).
[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an open
position in which the viewing screen 98 is facing the front, and
the whole display is lifted and positioned towards to the right
edge of the user (suitable for view sharing.)
[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position with the base sitting on top of the display (for the
space-saving configuration).
Second Embodiment
[0044] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the portable computer
(200) of the second embodiment of the present invention with two
double-sectioned side arms. It is in a position where the screen is
lifted and facing the user.
[0045] FIG. 18B is a split view of arm 232 of computer 200 and an
alternative arm design.
[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of computer 200 in a closed,
arms folded position. It also shows how the arms can be
detached.
[0047] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of computer 200 in
conventional open position.
[0048] FIG. 21 is perspective side view of computer 200 in a
position with the screen up-lifted and facing the user.
[0049] FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
conventional open position with arms folded and lifted up to avoid
blocking side edge 84 of the base for other uses such as a DVD
player and other outlets.
[0050] FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in an
unconventional open position with arms partially stretched to reach
behind the back edge of the display. (This is to show how flexible
the display's viewing position can be.)
[0051] FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in an
open position with display 90 up-lifted and the keyboard faced down
(for the stylus configuration (4)).
[0052] FIG. 25 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
conventional closed position with arms folded and screen facing the
keyboard.
[0053] FIG. 26 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
closed position with arms folded, screen facing up, and the based
stacked underneath the display. (This is a version of the tablet PC
configuration.)
[0054] FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
closed position with arms folded and screen facing up. (This is an
alternative design to support the tablet PC configuration. In this
special design, the length of arm 232 can not exceed the length of
side edge 84.)
Third Embodiment
[0055] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a portable computer (300)
of the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 28B is a split view of arms 231 and 232 of computer 200
and an alternative pair of arms. Substituting the arms leads to the
third embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 28A.
[0057] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in a
closed position, with the arms folded.
[0058] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in a
conventional open position, with arms folded and parked alongside
the edges of the base (80).
[0059] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms folded and reached out from the back of
the computer.
[0060] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms folded, reached out first from the back of
the computer, and then turned sideway away from the computer.
[0061] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms partially stretched, and with the display
partially up-lifted and reached out towards the right hand side of
the computer (from the user's point of view.)
Fourth Embodiment
[0062] FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the portable computer
(400) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment has one multi-sectioned bridge arm. It is in a position
where the screen is lifted and facing the user.
[0063] FIG. 34B is a perspective side view of a portion of computer
400.
[0064] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of computer 400 in the
conventional open position.
[0065] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of computer 400 in the
conventional closed position.
[0066] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of computer 400 in an open
position with the arm folded and the screen facing away from the
user.
[0067] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of computer 400 in a closed
position with screen facing upward.
[0068] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of computer 400 when the arm
is completely detached from base 80 and display 90.
Fifth Embodiment
[0069] FIG. 40 is a perspective side view of the portable computer
(500) of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment has two triple-sectioned side arms. It is in a position
where the screen is lifted and facing the user.
[0070] FIG. 41 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
position where the screen is lifted and facing the user, and the
keyboard facing down. (This is for the stylus input
configuration.)
[0071] FIG. 42 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
conventional closed position with arms folded.
[0072] FIG. 43 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
closed position with arms folded and screen facing up (for the
tablet PC configuration).
[0073] FIG. 44 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
closed position with arms folded, based sitting on top of the
display, and keyboard facing up (for space saving when the portable
computer is used as a desktop machine).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
Drawing Notations: Basic Building Blocks
[0074] FIG. 2 is a list of notations used in the drawings to
represent a joint connecting two arm sections. They show how the
attached arm sections can rotate relatively to the joint.
("relative" means that it can also been seen as the joint rotating
while the arm section remain still.)
[0075] FIG. 2A denotes a joint which allows the two attached
sections to rotate around the joint; and they rotate on two
parallel planes.
[0076] FIG. 2B denotes a joint which allows the two attached
sections to rotate around the same axis; and they rotate on the
same plane.
[0077] FIG. 2C denotes a joint which allows the two attached
sections to independently rotate around the joint on a common
plane; and the sections will not overlap in a folded position. (The
point of view dictates which one of the two pictures to use in the
drawings.)
[0078] FIG. 2D denotes a joint which allows the two attached
sections to turn independently in relatively opposite
direction.
[0079] FIG. 2E is perspective view of a combination of two joints
and three arm sections. The purpose is to show how simple joints
can be combined to allow more flexible rotations of the end
sections. Around joint 841, arm section 831 can rotate in any
selected plane; and the selected plane can change when arm section
832 turns (relative to arm section 833) around joint 842. If we
look at the combination as a whole, the end sections 831 and 833
can turn independently on separate planes. That is, even when arm
section 833 stays still, arm section 831 can turn on its own on a
selected plane; and furthermore, this selected plane can change
even when section 833 does not move. (In engineering
implementation, if the middle section 832 is short, it may help to
think of such a joint combination as just one combo-joint mechanism
which allows the two attached end sections 831 and 833 to rotate
independently. Therefore, we also have the notation of FIG.
2F.)
[0080] FIG. 2F denotes a joint which allows the two attached
sections to rotate independently around two separate axes, and they
rotate on two separate planes. There is more than one variation
(two being shown here). The point of view dictates which variation
to use in a drawing. In general, this type of joint is marked by a
block circle containing two of the three symbols: a white vertical
bar, a white horizontal bar, and a white circle, which are used to
indicate the planes for the associated arm sections to rotate on.
We generally use the white horizontal bar to indicate the
associated arm section that can rotate on a plane parallel to the
base of the portable computer. We use the white vertical bar to
indicate the associated arm section that can rotate on a plane that
is perpendicular to the base of the computer, and that the plane is
invisible or reduced to a line from the perspective view point of
the drawing. And we the white circle to indicate the plane that is
also perpendicular to the base of the computer, but the plane is at
least partially visible from the perspective view point of the
drawing. (This notation is somewhat analogous to the 3D
coordinates. But it is not the same because the three planes here
do not have to be perpendicular to one another. In engineering
implementation, this type of joint can be substituted with a
joint-combo such as FIG. 2E.)
[0081] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the display of a portable
computer in an upward position. Display 90 generally has two sides
and four edges: viewing screen side 98, back side 97, upper edge
91, lower edge 92, left edge 93, and right edge 94 (from the user's
normal view point).
[0082] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the base of a portable
computer. Base 80 preferably includes a central processing unit and
other electronic components and a data entry member, such as a
keyboard. Base 80 generally has two sides and four edges: upper
side (keyboard) 87, bottom side 88, front or user edge 81, back
edge 82, left edge 83, and right edge 84 (from the user's normal
view point). The bottom side 88 can sometimes be used by an
alternative data entry member, such as stylus input.
First Embodiment
[0083] FIGS. 6 to 17 show a portable computer (100) according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. Computer 100 has one
single back arm.
[0084] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the portable computer (100)
of the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment
includes a display 90, a base 80, and a multi-sectioned arm 130.
One end section 131 of the arm is connected to the display at pivot
151; and the other end section 134 is connected to the based at
pivot 152. Pivot 151 allows the display to rotate relatively around
arm section 131; and pivot 152 allows the base to rotate relatively
to arm section 134. Consequently the portable computer can be
arranged into various configurations by controlling how display 90
and base 80 face each other. (Alternatively, such configurations
can be obtained by simply detaching the arms, setting up the
display and the base to the desired configurations, and
re-attaching the arms again.) Arm sections 132 and 133 can be
adjusted independently around joint 143, as assisted by joint 142
and joint 144 (a function denoted as a white circle in the black
circle), respectively. Together they allow the arm to control the
continuous movement of pivot 151 (and thus the screen) within a
selected plane. Besides, this selected plane can be changed
continuously using a function of joint 141 (denoted as a horizontal
white bar inside the black circle), together with its counterpart
in joint 144. Therefore, the viewing screen's position can be
adjusted continuously within a three dimensional space of
semi-diameter equal to the total length of arm sections 132 and
133. The screen's viewing angle can be adjusted using the other
function of joint 141 (denoted as a vertical white bar). There are
locks to prevent the end sections 131 and 134 from unintentional
detachment. There are also mechanisms to control how much the end
sections of the arm can rotate at pivots 151 and 152,
respectively.
[0085] FIG. 6B is the top portion the arm connected to the display
of computer 100. This portion can be substituted by an alternative
version as shown in FIG. 6C. One function of joint 141 (as in FIG.
6B) is to tilt the screen for different viewing angle; and this can
be achieved by turning display 90 at the "T-shaped" arm section 138
(as in FIG. 6C). The ability for the display to turn around the end
section 131 (as in FIG. 6B) can be achieved by turning the
"T-shared" arm section at joint 147 (as in FIG. 6C). And the
function of joint 142 in assisting the arm section 132 to turn (as
in FIG. 6B) can be achieved by a function of joint 148 (denoted as
a white circle in the black circle, as in FIG. 6C). And finally,
one function of joint 141 as denoted by the horizontal white bar
inside the black circle (as in FIG. 6B) can be achieved by the
counterpart in joint 148 (as in FIG. 6C).
[0086] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position. This position can be obtained by folding arm 130 in FIG.
6A.
[0087] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened, screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed next to the display's right back edge 82 (from the user's
point of view). This position can be obtained by lifting the end
section 131 around joint 141 in FIG. 7.
[0088] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened, screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed next to the display's left back edge 82 (from the user's
point of view). This position can be obtained from by swinging the
arm sections simultaneously around 141 and 144 (using the functions
denoted by the horizontal white bars inside the black circles) in
FIG. 8
[0089] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a
conventionally opened, screen-up position, with the folded arm
placed away from the display's back edge 82 (to avoid blocking the
back edge 82 of the base for other uses, such as various cable
outlets.) This position can be obtained from by swinging the arm
simultaneously using the functions denoted by the horizontal white
bars in 141 and 144 in FIG. 8.
[0090] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a position
where the display is up-lifted, screen facing the user, and the arm
being away from the back edge 82 of the base. This position can be
obtained by opening up arm 130 in FIG. 10.
[0091] FIG. 12 is a perspective left side view of computer 100 in
an opened, screen-up position, where the screen is away from its
conventional vertical position towards the user. This position can
be obtained by adjusting the rotation angles of 132 and 133 at
joint 143 in FIG. 11.
[0092] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an opened,
screen-up position, where arm sections 132 and 133 are positioned
near the back edge 82 of the base. This position can be obtained by
lifting the end section 131 around joint 141 in FIG. 6A.
[0093] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an opened,
screen-up and backward facing position, where arm sections 132 and
133 are positioned near the back edge 82 of the base. This position
can be obtained from FIG. 8 by turning the screen to the back.
[0094] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position with viewing screen 98 facing upward (for the tablet PC
configuration). This position can be obtained by closing down the
display from FIG. 14.
[0095] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of computer 100 in an open
position in which the viewing screen 98 is facing the front, and
the whole display is lifted and positioned towards to the right
side of the user (suitable for view sharing.) This position can be
obtained by moving display 90 towards the right side of the user in
FIG. 13.
[0096] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of computer 100 in a closed
position with the base sitting on top of the display (for the
space-saving configuration). This position can be obtained by from
FIG. 13 in the following steps: Rotate base 180 around arm section
134 (connected at pivot 152) to let the keyboard face down; close
the computer; and turn the computer down-side-up.
Second Embodiment
[0097] FIGS. 18 to 27 show a portable computer (200) of a second
embodiment of the present invention. Computer 200 has two
double-sectioned side arms.
[0098] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the portable computer
(200) of the second embodiment of the invention. The computer has
two double-sectioned side arms. It is in a position where the
screen is lifted and facing the user. The portable computer 200
generally includes a display 90, a base 80, and two
double-sectioned side arms 231 and 232. The left arm 231 is
connected to the display at pivot 251, and to the base at pivot
253. The right arm 232 is connected to the display at pivot 252,
and to the base at pivot 254. The viewing angle of the screen can
be adjusted by rotating the display at least 360.degree. around
pivot 251 and pivot 252. The double-sectioned arms can be adjusted
synchronously through joints 241 and 242, thus allowing continuous
adjustment of the display's position by height and depth (see
Configuration (1) in the Background section). The range of
adjustment can be as far as the length of the fully stretched arms.
The portable computer can be arranged into various configurations
by setting how the screen 98 and the keyboard 87 face each other;
and this can be achieved by turning the base and display around the
connection pivots (at 251, 252, 253, and 254). There are locks to
prevent the arms from unintentional detachment from the base and
the display. There are also mechanisms to control how much the end
sections of the arm can turn at pivots 251, 252, 253, and 254.
[0099] FIG. 18B is a split view of arm 232 of computer 200 and an
alternative arm design. It shows how the double-sectioned arm can
be substituted by a different a type of joint. In the alternative
joint type, the two attached arm sections can rotate around a
common axis but move on two parallel plane (to avoid collision in
folding position).
[0100] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of computer 200 in a closed,
arms folded position. It also shows how the arms can be detached.
This position can be obtained by turning the screen face down and
then folding the arms.
[0101] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of computer 200 in
conventional open position.
[0102] FIG. 21 is perspective side view of computer 200 in a
position with the screen up-lifted and facing the user. It shows
how the upper and lower sections of arm 232 can turn independently
around joint 242. It also shows how the display can rotate around
arm at 252 and how the arm can turn relatively around the base at
254. (The left arm is not shown in this view.) These mechanisms
allow the portable computer to transition from its current position
to any of the configurations as shown in FIG. 24-FIG. 26.
(Alternatively, these configurations can be obtained by detaching
the arms, setting up the display and the base to the desired
configurations, and re-attaching the arms again.)
[0103] FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
conventional open position with arms folded and lifted up to avoid
blocking the edge 84 of the base for other uses (such as a DVD
player).
[0104] FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in an
unconventional open position with arms partially stretched to reach
behind the back edge of the display. (This is to show how flexible
the display's viewing position can be.)
[0105] FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in an
open position with display 90 up-lifted and the keyboard faced down
(for the stylus configuration (4)). This position can be obtained
from FIG. 21 by two steps: turn the base around pivot 254 to a
face-down position; and then adjust 232.
[0106] FIG. 25 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
conventional closed position with arms folded and screen facing the
keyboard.
[0107] FIG. 26 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
closed position with arms folded, screen facing up, and the based
stacked underneath the display. (This is for the tablet PC
configuration.) This is position can be obtained from FIG. 21 in
the following steps: Flip the base to make the keyboard face down
(by rotating the base around pivot 254); fold the arm towards the
right hand side in FIG. 21 (i.e. in the opposite direction to how
the arm is normally opened and closed in the notebook
configuration); and close down display (with screen facing up).
[0108] FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of computer 200 in a
closed position with arms folded and screen facing up. (This is an
alternative design to support the tablet PC configuration. In this
special design, the length of the arm 232 should not exceed the
length of side edge 84.)
Third Embodiment
[0109] FIGS. 28 to 33 show a portable computer (300) of a third
embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is an
enhancement of the second embodiment by substituting the side arms
in computer 200 with an enhanced pair of arms, in order to allow
the display to move left or right relative to the base.
[0110] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a portable computer (300)
of the third embodiment of the present invention. The third
embodiment is an extension of the second embodiment by substituting
the side arms (231 and 232) in computer 200 with a different pair
of arms as shown in FIG. 28B. Each of these new arms has two
additional combo-joints 341 and 345 (also 342 and 346 on the other
arm). The additional joints allow the middle sections of the arms
to swing away from the side edges of the computer (300), and
consequently enabling the display to move sideway, as shown in FIG.
33. This swinging movement uses the functions of the joints denoted
by white horizontal bars inside the black circles (joints 341, 345,
342, and 346). And the white circles inside the black circles are
for cooperation with middle joints 343 and 344 in folding and
stretching of the long sections (333, 335, 334, and 336). In
addition to sideway movement for the display (or adjustment by
width as specified in Configuration (2) of the Background Section),
computer 300 of the third embodiment retains all the allowable
positions and configurations of computer 200 the second
embodiment.
[0111] FIG. 28B is a split view of arms 231 and 232 of computer 200
(as shown in FIG. 18A) and an alternative pair of arms.
Substituting the arms leads to the third embodiment of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 28A.
[0112] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in a
closed position, with the arms folded.
[0113] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in a
conventional open position, with arms folded and parked alongside
the edges of the base (80).
[0114] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms folded and reached out from the back of
the computer. This position can be obtained from FIG. 28A by
folding the arms (around joints 343 and 344) in the opposite
direction from the way they are normally folded when the computer
is in a conventional close position as shown in FIG. 29.
[0115] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms folded, reached out first from the back of
the computer, and then turned sideway away from the computer. This
position can be obtained from FIG. 31 by turning the middle
sections 333 and 335 around joints 341 and 345 on one arm,
respectively (and also sections 334 and 334 around joints 342 and
346 on the other arm, respectively). This position places the
sections 333 and 335, and 334 and 336 all on the same plane. This
is a preparation for the position in FIG. 33.
[0116] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of portable computer 300 in an
open position, with arms partially stretched, and with the display
partially up-lifted and reached out towards the right hand side of
the computer (from the user's point of view.) This position can be
obtained from FIG. 32 by moving the arms sections simultaneously,
333 and 345 on one arm, and 344 and 346 on the other; and this
simultaneous movement is possible when these four arm sections are
on the same plane, a condition set up in FIG. 32.
Fourth Embodiment
[0117] FIGS. 34 to 39 show a portable computer (400) according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention. Computer 400 has a
bridge arm.
[0118] FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the portable computer
(400) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment has one multi-sectioned bridge arm. It is in a position
where the screen is lifted and facing the user. The portable
computer 400 generally includes a display 90, a base 80, and a
multi-sectioned bridge arm 430. The bridge arm sections 433 and 434
are attached to the based at pivots 451 and 452, respectively; and
the middle section 439 is connected to the display at pivot 450.
The viewing angle of the screen can be tilted by turning arm
section 439 relatively to joints 441 and 442. The screen can rotate
around pivot 450. Upper side arm sections 431 and 432 (similarly
lower side arm sections 433 and 434) are adjustable synchronously.
Adjusting the side arm sections allows continuous adjustment of the
display's position by height and depth (Configuration (1) of the
Background Section). The range of adjustment is limited by the
length the side arm sections. The portable computer can be arranged
into various configurations by setting how the screen 98 and the
keyboard 87 face each other. There are locks to prevent the arms
from unintentional detachment from the base and the display. (FIG.
39 shows how the arm can be completely detached from the base and
the display.) There are also mechanisms to control how much the end
sections of the arm can turn at pivots 451, 452, 453, and 454.
[0119] FIG. 34B is a perspective side view of a portion of computer
400 in FIG. 34A. It shows how side arm sections 432 and 434 can be
adjusted relatively to the joint and the base.
[0120] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of computer 400 in the
conventional open position.
[0121] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of computer 400 in the
conventional closed position.
[0122] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of computer 400 in an open
position with the arm folded and the screen facing away from the
user. This position can be obtained from FIG. 35 by turning the
display around the attached arm section at pivot 450.
[0123] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of computer 400 in a closed
position with screen facing upward. This position can be obtained
from FIG. 37 by closing down the display.
[0124] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of computer 400 when the arm
is completely detached from base 80 and display 90. There is a
mechanism at pivot 452 which allows the arm section to be detached.
(For example, one possible implementation can be that the pivot can
be pushed in at 452 to make room for the release of the arm at the
other pivot 451 first, which is then followed by the release at
pivot 452.)
Fifth Embodiment
[0125] FIGS. 40 to FIG. 44 show a portable computer (500) according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Computer 500 is an
enhancement of computer 200 by adding an additional section to each
of the two side arms. The purpose is to show that it is possible to
have side arms with more than two sections.
[0126] FIG. 40 is a perspective side view of computer (500) having
two triple-sectioned side arms. It is in a position where the
screen is lifted and facing the user. The portable computer
generally includes a display 90, a base 80, and two
triple-sectioned side arms attached to base and the display on
their left and right sides. The adjustability of the display and
the allowable configurations of this portable computer are similar
to those of portable computer 200. FIG. 40 shows how the arm
sections, joints, and pivots can be adjusted. It allows the
portable computer to transition from its current position to a
variety of the positions such as FIG. 41, FIG. 42, FIG. 43, and
FIG. 44.
[0127] FIG. 41 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
position where the screen is lifted and facing the user, and the
keyboard facing down. (This is for the stylus input configuration.)
This position can be obtained from FIG. 40 by the following steps:
turn the base around pivot 554; stretch the lower two sections of
arm and then partially fold them back in the opposite direction
around joint 544; turn the display around pivot 552.
[0128] FIG. 42 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
conventional closed position with arms folded.
[0129] FIG. 43 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
closed position with arms folded and screen facing up (for the
tablet PC configuration).
[0130] FIG. 44 is a perspective side view of computer 500 in a
closed position with arms folded, based sitting on top of the
display, and keyboard facing up (for space saving when the portable
computer is used as a desktop machine).
[0131] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope
of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *