×

Portable computer having split keyboard and pivotal display screen halves

  • US 5,949,643 A
  • Filed: 11/12/1997
  • Issued: 09/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. In a portable, notebook or portable computer having a main frame comprising an upper surface upon which is provided a keypad, the improvement comprising:

  • said main frame comprising a first half and a second half, said first and second halves being pivotally connected to each other, said main frame comprising medially-mounted, first pivot-mounting means for pivotally mounting said first and second halves, whereby the main frame may be folded for convenient storage, and unfolded for use;

    display-screen means pivotally mounted to said main frame, said display-screen means comprising a pair of independently pivotal screen-halves;

    second pivot-mounting means for pivotally mounting said screen-halves to said main frame;

    said second pivot-mounting means comprising a first portion for pivotally mounting a first said screen-half to a first section of said main frame, and a second portion for pivotally mounting a second said screen-half to a second section of said main frame, said second pivot-mounting means allowing said screen-halves to pivot independently of each other in an upward direction for display, and in a downward direction for abutting contact against said upper surface of said main frame for storage and transport;

    said second pivot-mounting means also comprising a first universal joint for said first portion of said second pivot-mounting means for allowing the first said screen-half full 360-degree rotation when said first screen-half is pivoted in said upward direction, and a second universal joint for said second portion of said second pivot-mounting means for allowing the second said screen-half full 360-degree rotation when said first screen-half is pivoted in said upward direction, independent of said first screen-half.

View all claims
  • 11 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×