Modular computer system having self contained workslate unit detachably coupled to base unit including keyboard

• US 5,264,992 A
• Filed: 02/11/1993
• Issued: 11/23/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tusk, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tusk, Inc.
• Inventors: Shaw, Kenneth, Hart, William, Krallman, Charles, Hogdahl, Per
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phillips, Michael W.
• Application Number:
  US08/017,355
• Time in Patent Office: 285 Days
• Field of Search: 403/80, 403/91, 403/92, 403/93, 403/95, 403/96, 364/708, 340/712, 340/784, 428/35.8, 428/35.9, 428/36.2, 428/36.5, 428/902, 16/334, 361/380, 361/390-395, 361/414, 361/424
• US Class Current: 361/679.17
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/902 High modulus filament or fiber
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/922 Static electricity metal bleed-off metallic stock
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32336 Engaging notch or recess in outer periphery of component
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/32361 Engaging recess in radial face
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249982 With component specified as adhesive or bonding agent
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249987 With nonvoid component of specified composition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24999 Inorganic

Abstract

A computer base unit has a keyboard and computer peripherals. A removable workslate, capable of stand-along operation and containing a digitizer display, computer and rechargeable power supply attaches to the base unit through an interlocking connector that holds the workslate in a tilted position and connects the base unit and its peripherals to the workslate computer. The base unit and workslate comprise housings are constructed of a composite comprising layers of woven, resin impregnated fibers and a layer of electromagnetic shielding.

Claims

1. An improved modular computer system, comprising:

a self contained workslate unit including a first housing, said housing containing

a display unit visible through said first housing;

a digitizer disposed in cooperative engagement with said display unit;

a computer system having a data and address bus, serial and parallel ports and a keyboard interface, said computer system capable of outputting display data to said display unit, receiving input data from said digitizer, and providing computer functions to a user; and

a mass data storage device coupled to said computer system;

said workslate unit further including first connector means, said first connector means providing a first set of connections to said data and address bus, said serial and parallel ports and said keyboard interface; and

a base unit including a second housing said base unit detachably connected to said self contained workslate unit, said second housing containing

a keyboard;

an expansion area for supporting one or more peripheral devices, and interlock means to detachably engage said workslate unit,

said interlock means including second connector means for coupling to said first connector means to detachably provide electrical connections for said keyboard and said one or more peripheral devices to said first set of connections,

said interlock means further including means for mechanically attaching said workslate unit to said desktop base unit and for supporting said workslate unit at a specific display viewing angle relative to said base unit and simultaneously connecting said first and second connector means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said workslate unit further includes a plurality of apertures for receiving support means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said interlock means comprises a support flange pivotally mounted on said base unit with a plurality of bracket means, means for securing said second connector means to said support flange and a plurality of support posts coupled to said support flange on opposing sides of said second connector means, said support posts for cooperating with said plurality of apertures of said workslate unit for attaching said workslate unit to said support flange.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said support posts include means for releasably latching said support posts within said plurality of apertures.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said support flange includes a plurality of angular adjustment arms disposed on opposing ends of said support flange;

each of said angular adjustment arms being disposed with a face normal to axis of rotation of said support flange; and

said plurality of brackets includes spring biased ball bearings for engaging a plurality of angularly offset detents disposed in the face of said angular adjustment arms.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base unit further includes third connector means coupled to said second connector means for providing expansion connections for said address and data bus of said computer system.