Compact portable computer having an expandable full size keyboard with extendable supports
First Claim
1. A portable electronic device comprising a housing including first and second opposing housing compartments therein, wherein said housing compartments are connected by first pivot means for permitting selective pivotal rotation of said housing compartments for exposing a pair of inner surface portions corresponding to each of said housing compartments, said first housing compartment comprising keyboard means and said second housing compartment comprising monitor means;
- whereby said first housing compartment comprises at least a first extendable flap containing a portion of said keyboard means, said flap being capable of being substantially secured and protected between said pair of inner surface portions during transportation and storage of said device;
said device further comprising movable support means which can be laterally extended upon extending said flap for supporting said flap in a position which is substantially planar with a portion of said first housing compartment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Portable electronic devices, such as personal computers, are provided by this invention which include hinged housing compartments containing a monitor and a keyboard as well as at least one extendable flap for extending the keyboard surface to more closely approximate a full size keyboard. These devices are much easier to type on and do not sacrifice functionality of compactness. Extendable supports are provided to retain the flap in a substantially planar orientation.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A portable electronic device comprising a housing including first and second opposing housing compartments therein, wherein said housing compartments are connected by first pivot means for permitting selective pivotal rotation of said housing compartments for exposing a pair of inner surface portions corresponding to each of said housing compartments, said first housing compartment comprising keyboard means and said second housing compartment comprising monitor means;
whereby said first housing compartment comprises at least a first extendable flap containing a portion of said keyboard means, said flap being capable of being substantially secured and protected between said pair of inner surface portions during transportation and storage of said device;
said device further comprising movable support means which can be laterally extended upon extending said flap for supporting said flap in a position which is substantially planar with a portion of said first housing compartment.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17)
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10. A portable personal computer comprising a housing including first and second opposing housing compartments therein, wherein said housing compartments are connected by first hinge means for permitting selective pivotal rotation of said housing compartments for exposing a pair of inner surface portions corresponding to each of said housing compartments, said first housing compartment comprising keyboard means and said second housing compartment comprising monitor means;
whereby said first housing compartment comprises at least a first extendable flap containing a portion of said keyboard means, said flap being capable of being substantially secured and protected between said pair of inner surface portions during transportation and storage of said portable personal computer;
said device further comprising movable support means which can be laterally extended upon extending said flap for supporting said flap in a position which is substantially planar with a portion of said first housing compartment.- View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A portable personal computer comprising a housing having substantially planar front and back surfaces thereon, said housing including first and second opposing housing compartments therein, wherein said housing compartments are connected by hinge means for permitting selective pivotal rotation of said housing compartments for exposing a pair of inner surfaces corresponding to each of said housing compartments, said first housing compartment comprising keyboard means having a plurality of alphanumeric and operational keys thereon, and said second housing compartment comprising a display screen;
whereby said first housing compartment comprises a pair of fold-out flaps containing a portion of said keys, and movable support means which can be extended laterally upon extending said flaps for supporting said flaps in a position which is substantially planar with a remaining portion of said first inner surface, said flaps and said remaining portion of said first inner surface forming a substantially full-sized keyboard when said flaps are folded into said planar position, said flaps being capable of being substantially secured and protected between said pair of inner surface portions during transportation and storage of said portable personal computer.
Specification