Locking system for a portable computer
First Claim
1. A computer device, comprising:
- a first housing;
a second housing movable relative to the first housing; and
a locking system for mechanically securing the second housing relative to the first housing, the locking system including a retractable latch that is movable relative to the second housing and that is magnetically forced into clasping engagement with a portion or component of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing, the retractable latch moving between a first latch position, placing the latch in its entirety within the second housing, and a second latch position, placing a portion of the latch outside the second housing, wherein when the retractable latch is in the second latch position, the retractable latch is engaged with the portion or component of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention generally pertains to a portable computer having a base and a lid. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved locking system for securing the base relative to the lid. One aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is placed in a recess when the lid is opened so as to eliminate unsightly and harmful protrusions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is automatically extracted from the recess when the lid is closed so as to secure the lid to the base. For example, a magnetic actuator may be used to automatically extract the latch when the lid is closed. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a button for releasing the secured latch so as to allow the lid to be opened.
173 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A computer device, comprising:
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a first housing;
a second housing movable relative to the first housing; and
a locking system for mechanically securing the second housing relative to the first housing, the locking system including a retractable latch that is movable relative to the second housing and that is magnetically forced into clasping engagement with a portion or component of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing, the retractable latch moving between a first latch position, placing the latch in its entirety within the second housing, and a second latch position, placing a portion of the latch outside the second housing, wherein when the retractable latch is in the second latch position, the retractable latch is engaged with the portion or component of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A portable computer comprising:
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a base;
a lid pivotally mounted to the base, the lid being movable between a closed position having the lid substantially flush with the base, and an open position having the lid away from the base; and
a securing system that holds the lid relative to the base when the lid is in the closed position, the securing system including a base side locking mechanism and a lid side locking mechanism that are magnetically attracted to one another such that they lockably engage each other when the lid is positioned proximate the base, the base side locking mechanism including a button for releasing the locking mechanisms from engagement. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A portable computer comprising:
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a base having a catch disposed therein, the catch being movable relative to and pivotally mounted to the base;
a lid pivotally mounted to the base, the lid being movable between a closed position, placing the lid substantially flush with the base, and an open position, placing the lid away from the base, the lid having a retractable latch disposed therein, the retractable latch being movable relative to and pivotally mounted to the lid, wherein the retractable latch automatically moves between a first latch position, hiding the latch within the lid when the lid is moved to the open position, and a second latch position, engaging the catch when the lid is moved to the closed position, and wherein the catch moves between a first catch position, engaging the latch to prevent movement of the lid relative to the base, and a second catch position, releasing the latch therefrom to permit movement of the lid &
relative to the base.- View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A locking mechanism for locking first and second housings of a computer device together, comprising:
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a latch that is rotatably coupled to the first housing about a first rotational axis; and
a catch that is rotatably coupled to the second housing about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being transverse to the first rotational axis, the latch being configured to rotate about the first rotational axis in order to lockably engage with the catch, the catch being configured to rotate about the second rotational axis in order to releasably disengage the latch therefrom.
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22. A computer device, comprising:
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a first housing;
a second housing movable relative to the first housing; and
a locking system for mechanically securing the second housing relative to the first housing, the locking system including a latch that is movable relative to the second housing and that is magnetically forced into clasping engagement with a portion or component of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing, the locking system including a magnetic element disposed within the first housing and a catch that is movable relative to the first housing, the magnetic element being configured to magnetically draw the latch of the second housing into clasping engagement with the catch of the first housing to mechanically secure the second housing relative to the first housing, the catch being disposed in its entirety within the first housing.
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Specification