Apparatus and method for connecting and articulating display in a portable computer having multiple display orientations

• US 6,266,236 B1
• Filed: 06/16/1999
• Issued: 07/24/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Pinax Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Vadem Limited
• Inventors: Schiefer, Sonja, Morenstein, Joshua, Huang, Richard, Ku, Edmond, Schlee, Jenny
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUONG, HUNG V
• Application Number:
  US09/334,278
• Time in Patent Office: 769 Days
• Field of Search: 361/681-683, 312/223--22, 345/169, 345/905
• US Class Current: 361/679.27
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/162 changing, e.g. reversing, the face orientation of the screen with a two degrees of freedom mechanism, e.g. for folding into tablet PC like position or orienting towards the direction opposite to the user to show to a second user
• 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 1/1679 for locking or maintaining the movable parts of the enclosure in a fixed position, e.g. latching mechanism at the edge of the display in a laptop or for the screen protective cover of a PDA G06F1/1681 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0393 Flexible materials H05K1/038 takes precedence; specific organic compositions are classified in H05K1/0313 and subgroups
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/905 Display device with housing structure

Abstract

A portable computer. The computer includes a base, a display member, and an arm assembly coupling the display member to the base. The arm assembly includes a pair of spaced arm portions and a rigid connecting portion extending between the arm portions. The arm portions each have a first end pivotally coupled to the base edge for movement of the arm assembly between a closed position with the arm portion substantially parallel to the base and an open position with the arm portion oriented at an angle relative to the base, and a second end pivotally coupled to the display edge for pivotal movement of the display member relative to the arm portion to move the display member between a plurality of positions relative to the arm member.

Claims

1. A portable computer comprising:

a base having an upper surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral base edge joining said upper surface and said bottom surface, said upper surface including a keyboard;

a display member having a front surface including a screen for displaying information, a back surface, and a peripheral display edge joining said front surface and said back surface;

an arm assembly coupling said display member to said base, said arm assembly including a pair of spaced arm portions and a rigid connecting portion extending between said arm portions, said arm portions each having a first end pivotally coupled to said base edge for movement of said arm assembly between a closed position with said arm portion substantially parallel to said base and an open position with said arm portion oriented at an angle relative to said base, said arm portions each having a second end pivotally coupled to said display edge for pivotal movement of said display member relative to said arm portion to move said display member between a plurality of positions relative to said arm portions;

a first hinge device pivotally coupling said first end of a first one of said arm portions to said base;

a second one of said arm portions having a conduit formed therein, and

a flexible printed circuit having a plurality of electrical connectors formed thereon and positioned in said conduit for electrically coupling said display member to said base, said flexible printed circuit having a shape including a coiled portion disposed within said conduit and first and second uncoiled portions extending in either direction from said conduit, said coiled portion winding and unwinding as the orientations of said arm portions change.

2. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said connecting portion is positioned adjacent said base, said connecting portion sliding relative to said base as said arm assembly is moved between the open position and the closed position.

3. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said connecting portion has a concave cross-sectional shape.

4. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said hinge device is configured for rotation of said arm portion between the closed position and the open position, said arm portion being inclined at an angle of 90°

relative to said base when the arm assembly is in the open position.

5. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said hinge device includes a first locking position in which said arm assembly is releasably secured in the closed position and a second locking position in which said arm assembly is releasably secured in the open position.

6. The portable computer of claim 1, and further comprising a second hinge device pivotally coupling said second end of said one of said arm portions to said display member.

7. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said hinge device includes a locking position in which said display member is releasably secured in a predetermined position.

8. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said screen is configured for inputting data to said portable computer.

9. The portable computer of claim 1, and further comprising a power source carried by said base, said power source being positioned on the pivot axis defined by said first ends of said arm portions.

10. The portable computer of claim 1 in which said base has a concave cross-sectional shape, the concave surface of said base and said arm portions defining a pocket shaped to receive said rear end portion of said base.

11. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the height and angle of the display relative to the base may be adjusted to a convenient viewing position.

12. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the keyboard is curved about an axis intersecting the middle of the keyboard, the keyboard ergonomically positioning the hands of the user with the elbows extending outwardly from the body.

13. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the arm assembly couples the display member to the base such that the display member may be moved to a plurality of different positions, including a plurality of open positions in which the display is tilted at a viewing angle;

both the height and angle of the display member and the screen relative to the base may be adjusted; and

said height and angle adjustment including a position where the display is suspended above an upper surface of the base allowing the display to be oriented at an angle greater than 90°

without significantly increasing overall footprint size.

14. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the arm assembly couples the display member to the base such that the display member may be moved to a plurality of different positions, including a plurality of open positions in which the display is tilted at a viewing angle;

both the height and angle of the display member and the screen relative to the base may be adjusted; and

said height and angle adjustment including a position where the lower edge of the display rests on an upper surface of the base so that the display does not increase the footprint size of the portable computer.

15. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the arm assembly couples the display member to the base such that the display member may be moved to a plurality of different positions;

said portable computer further comprises a touch sensitive screen for inputting data and commands; and

both the height and angle of the display member and the screen relative to the base are adjusted so that the screen is exposed when the display is lowered onto an upper surface of the base so that the computer functions as a notepad computer and data is entered entirely through the touch sensitive screen.

16. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

lower ends of the arm portions are pivotally coupled to side edges of the base at a rear end portion of the base; and

the rigid connecting portion extends along the rear end of the base and has a curved tubular cross section that reinforces the arm assembly to provide stability and reduce torsional stresses during movement of the arm assembly.

17. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the arm portions are oriented substantially perpendicular to the base ensuring that the center of gravity of the display is always located directly above the base, increasing the stability of the computer and preventing the computer from falling backward.

18. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

a rear end portion of the base is formed with an enlarged rounded portion;

the connecting portion has a generally concave partially tubular cross sectional shape which conforms to the shape of the rounded portion of the base;

the enlarged rounded portion forming a housing for a battery;

as the arm assembly is rotated relative to the base, the connecting portion slides around the rounded portion of the base; and

the concave shape facilitating manipulation of the arm assembly between a plurality of operating positions and increases the rigidity of the connecting portion and the arm portions formed integral therewith.

19. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

the arm assembly includes a U-shaped rigid partially tubular back member including back sections of the arm portions and the connecting portion, the unitary back member formed of a metal for optimum strength.

20. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

arm portion is pivotally coupled to the display member by a first friction hinge and to the base by a second friction hinge;

each hinge including an outer sleeve and a cylinder;

the sleeve being fixedly mounted to the arm portion, with an attachment tab projecting from the cylinder extending into the display member;

the attachment tab is mounted to an interior skeletal frame of the display member;

the cylinder being rotatable within the sleeve upon application of sufficient force to the cylinder, through the display member and the attachment tab, to overcome the frictional forces between the exterior of the cylinder and the interior of the sleeve; and

the frictional forces of the first and second hinges between the sleeve and the cylinder being sufficient to retain the display in the desired position once adjusted to that position by a user.

21. The portable computer in claim 1, wherein:

a first one of the arm portions is provided with both hinges and the second one of the arm portion is provided with no hinges but merely hold the display in alignment with the arm portions;

the second arm portion being provided with an internal conduit which houses the electrical connectors coupling the display screen to electrical components housed in the base;

the electrical connectors being carried by a ribbon;

the ribbon being threaded through a path in the second arm portion which minimizes the stresses exerted on the ribbon during rotation of the arm assembly relative to the base, and rotation of the display member relative to the arm member;

the stress minimizing path including providing a complete first loop formed in the ribbon as the ribbon enters the arm portion from the display member, the first loop selectively becoming tighter and looser as the display is pivoted relative to the arm portion, preventing the electrical connectors from crimping; and

the stress minimizing path further including providing a second loop before the ribbon enters the base, the second loop selectively becoming tighter and looser as the arm portion is pivoted relative to the base, preventing the electrical connectors from crimping;

the second loop reducing stresses on the ribbon during manipulation of the arm assembly.

22. The portable computer in claim 15, wherein:

the touch sensitive screen is configured to display a virtual keyboard such that areas of the screen display keys, and when touched transmit the letter, number, or other character to the CPU as if an actual keyboard were provided; and

the touch sensitive screen being operable to input graphical (stylus) inputs as well as keyboard inputs without changing the configuration of the computer.

23. The portable computer in claim 22, wherein:

the screen display keys are arranged in a QWERTY pattern.

24. The portable computer in claim 20, wherein:

each of the hinges includes a plurality of locking positions, a first one of the locking positions corresponding to a closed position of the display member and a second one of the locking position corresponding to an open position of the display member; and

when the display member is in either of these two locking positions, a greater force must be applied to the display member to move the display member from the locking position.

25. The portable computer in claim 20, wherein:

the hinge includes an outer sleeve mounted to the base, and an attachment tab projecting from the cylinder mounted to the arm portion;

the sleeve being is mounted to the base by a metal band which is mounted at one end to the base; and

the band extends around the sleeve and another end of the band engages the rear edge of the base, with the band applying a compressive force to secure the sleeve in a fixed position.

26. The portable computer in claim 24, wherein:

between the first and second locking positions, the display member is held in place by friction.

27. The portable computer in claim 25, wherein:

as the arm assembly approaches the closed position the friction hinge includes a detent mechanism that tends to rotate the hinge and structures attached thereto toward the closed position such that the display member is snapped toward the base, facilitating closure of the computer so that a separate locking mechanism is not required, yet the computer is maintained in a closed position.

28. A portable information device comprising:

a base including a keyboard;

a display member having a front surface including a screen for displaying information;

display member attachment means including an arm portion for attaching said display member to said base such that said screen is positionable in any one of at least first, second, and third configurations;

said first configuration providing display and touch-sensitive operational control without access to a physical keyboard or keyboard operational control;

said second configuration providing display and keyboard operational control; and

said third configuration providing display and wireless operational control only without any physical keyboard or other keyboard operational control;

said display member attachment means further including;

a slip joint extending along an axis of rotation of said base into said arm portion;

a flexible printed circuit ribbon connector having a plurality of electrical conductors extending between base and said arm joined at substantially right angles;

said printed circuit ribbon connector having a substantially right angle bend in the region of said slip joint; and

said printed circuit ribbon being threaded through a path from said base into said arm via said slip joint which minimizes stresses exerted on said ribbon during rotation of said arm;

said stress minimizing path including providing a complete first loop formed in said ribbon as said ribbon enters said base from said arm, said first loop selectively becoming tighter and looser as said arm is pivoted relative to said base, preventing said electrical conductors from rubbing or crimping.

29. In a portable computer, a method of routing a flexible printed circuit ribbon connector having a plurality of electrical traces between first and second members joined at substantially right angles and having relative rotational movement, said method comprising:

providing a slip joint along an axis of rotation of said first member into said second member;

forming said printed circuit ribbon connector to have a substantially right angle bend in the region of said slip joint; and

threading said ribbon through a path from said first member into said second member via said slip joint which minimizes stresses exerted on said ribbon during rotation of said members;

said stress minimizing path including providing a complete first loop formed in said ribbon as said ribbon enters said second portion from said first portion, said first loop selectively becoming tighter and looser as said second member is pivoted relative to said first member, preventing said electrical connectors from crimping.

30. The method in claim 29, wherein said first member comprises a base portion of said portable computer and said second member comprises a display holding arm portion of said portable computer.

31. The method in claim 29, wherein said first member comprises a display portion of said portable computer and said second member comprises a holding arm portion attaching said display to a base portion of said portable computer.

32. The method in claim 29, wherein said slip joint is formed as a hollow conduit between said first and second members.

33. The method in claim 29, wherein said stresses exerted are minimized during rotation by eliminating any torsional twisting of said electrical traces about a longitudinal axis of said electrical traces.

34. The method in claim 29, wherein said first loop is sized to prevent contact between said loop and surfaces of said slip joint.

35. The method in claim 29, wherein:

said first member comprises a base portion of said portable computer and said second member comprises a display holding arm portion of said portable computer;

said slip joint is formed as a hollow conduit between said first and second members;

said stresses exerted are minimized during rotation by eliminating any torsional twisting of said electrical traces about a longitudinal axis of said electrical traces; and

said first loop is sized to prevent contact between said loop and surfaces of said slip joint.

36. The method in claim 29, wherein:

said first member comprises a display portion of said portable computer and said second member comprises a holding arm portion attaching said display to a base portion of said portable computer;

said slip joint is formed as a hollow conduit between said first and second members;

said stresses exerted are minimized during rotation by eliminating any torsional twisting of said electrical traces about a longitudinal axis of said electrical traces; and

said first loop is sized to prevent contact between said loop and surfaces of said slip joint.

37. A portable computer of the type having a base portion and a display portion pivotally attached via a pivotal attachment to said base portion, electronic components disposed in each of said base portion and display portion being coupled for communication of electrical signals via conductors passing through said pivotal attachment;

said portable computer characterized in that;

said conductors include at least one flexible printed circuit ribbon connector having a plurality of electrical traces routed through a slip joint extending along an axis of rotation of said pivotal attachment between said base portion and said display portion at substantially right angles and having relative rotational movement;

said printed circuit ribbon connector having a substantially right angle bend in the region of said slip joint; and

said printed circuit ribbon being threaded through a path from said first base portion into said display portion via said slip joint which minimizes stresses exerted on said ribbon during rotation of said display portion relative to said base portion;

said stress minimizing path including providing a complete first loop formed in said ribbon as said ribbon enters said display portion from said base portion, said first loop selectively becoming tighter and looser as said display portion is pivoted relative to said base portion, preventing said electrical connectors from crimping and from rubbing.

38. The portable computer in claim 37, wherein said display portion comprises a display panel and an arm portion coupling said display panel to said base portion, and wherein said printed circuit ribbon extends from said base portion into said arm portion.