Removable LCD and stand assembly

• US 5,793,606 A
• Filed: 03/24/1995
• Issued: 08/11/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Packard Bell NEC
• Inventors: Cubbage, William R., Fuhs, Eric D., Ojeda, Peter A., Plangger, David L., Wagner, John P.
• Primary Examiner(s): FEILD, LYNN DIANA
• Application Number:
  US08/410,634
• Time in Patent Office: 1,236 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679, 361/680, 361/681, 361/682, 361/686, 361/683, 364/708.1, 345/169, 345/168
• US Class Current: 361/679.29
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1635 Details related to the integration of battery packs and other power supplies such as fuel cells or integrated AC adapter
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1654 the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use
• 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: G06F 1/1658 related to the mounting of internal components, e.g. disc drive or any other functional module
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1681 Details related solely to hinges hinge details related to the transmission of signals or power are classified in G06F1/1683
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/184 Mounting of motherboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/187 Mounting of fixed and removable disk drives
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/203 for portable computers, e.g. for laptops
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1612 Flat panel monitor

Abstract

A portable presentation system includes a portable personal computer with a removable LCD and a stand assembly for carrying the LCD in a detached position to enable the LCD to be viewed when detached from the portable personal computer. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the LCD display is formed with a hinge which enables the viewing angle of the display to be fully adjustable in both a detached and attached position. The LCD display system also includes a latching mechanism which enables the display to be latched to the computer housing in all positions, thus preventing inadvertent removal and perhaps damage to the display. The stand assembly includes a base for carrying the LCD in a detached position and enabling the LCD display to be latched thereto in all viewing angle positions while enabling the viewing angle to be varied. The stand also includes a connector that is adapted to mate with a connector on the LCD display. The connector on the stand assembly is connected to a cable, which, in turn, is connected to an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly is adapted to be latched to the portable personal computer and includes a connector for mating with a corresponding connector on the portable personal computer.

Claims

1. A presentation system for a portable personal computer which includes a computer housing and detachable display for enabling the display to be viewed when detached from said housing, said presentation system comprising:

means for carrying said display when detached from said housing;

means for latching said display to said carrying means; and

means for electrically connecting said display to said portable personal computer when said display is detached therefrom,

said connecting means including a first electrical connector carried by said portable personal computer and an adapter assembly which includes a second electrical connector for mating with said electrical connector on said portable personal computer,

said adapter assembly including a housing and means for providing an electrical connection to said display when said display is detached from said computer housing, said housing for said adapter assembly includes means for latching said adapter assembly to said portable personal computer.

2. A presentation system for a portable personal computer which includes a computer housing and detachable display for enabling the display to be viewed when detached from said housing;

said presentation system comprising;

means for carrying said display when detached from said housing, said carrying means including a base;

means for latching said display to said carrying means; and

means for electrically connecting said display to said portable personal computer when said display is detached therefrom,

said connecting means including a first electrical connector carried by said portable personal computer and an adapter assembly which includes a second electrical connector for mating with said electrical connector on said portable personal computer,

said adapter assembly including a housing and means for providing an electrical connection to said display when said display is detached from said computer housing,

said providing means including a third electrical connector electrically coupled to said second electrical connector,

said connecting means including an electrical cable and a fourth electrical connector electrically coupled thereto, said fourth electrical connector adapted to mate with said third electrical connector on said adapter assembly, and said connecting means including a fifth connector rigidly carried by said base electrically coupled to an opposing end of said cable.