Patent ID: 6028768
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An arrangement for enhancing the cooling capacity of a computer having a bottom housing containing at least one electronic component generating heat during operation of said computer, a keyboard supported on said housing; and a display panel hingedly connected proximate a rear edge of said housing and being pivotable between a folded down closed position on said housing and upwardly raised open positions; said arrangement comprising actuating means, said actuating means being located within said housing rearwardly of said keyboard and connecting said keyboard and said display panel for automatically displacing said keyboard forwardly and at least partially outwardly of said housing responsive to raising of said display panel so as to provide an increased surface area for dissipating heat generated by said at least one electronic component and for retracting said keyboard within the confines of said housing upon closing said display panel into the folded down position on said housing, said keyboard being slidable within slots formed within the side edges of said housing; said actuating means comprising a pivotable linkage mechanism operatively interconnecting said display panel and the rear portion of said keyboard, said linkage mechanism including yoke structure comprising pivotable arm members having opposite ends articulated to, respectively, said display panel and to said keyboard; a pair of ball joint and clevis structures forming swivable connections which are connected to, respectively, each of said pivotable arm members, and swingable linkage elements being connected to bracket structure on said display panel; and spring means extending between said pivotable arm members to impart a biasing force thereto during displacement of said keyboard responsive to pivoting of said display panel.