Patent ID: 6115239
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: E05B,E05C,G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
In a portable computer having a generally rectangular base panel supporting a keyboard and having a lengthwise edge: a display panel adapted to move between an open position when the portable computer is open, and a closed position when the portable computer is closed; and a locking mechanism pivotally connecting the display panel to the base panel along said lengthwise edge, said locking mechanism comprising:a latch frame adapted to be installed in said display panel for movement along a widthwise direction of said display panel;said latch frame having a travel axis generally parallel to said lengthwise edge; anda plurality of latches formed on said latch frame at a predetermined interval and protruding through a front surface of said display panel, said latches being concurrently movable between a latch position adapted to engage corresponding latch grooves formed on said base panel to enable said display panel to be secured in the closed position, and a release position adapted to be disengaged from the corresponding latch grooves of said base panel to enable said display panel to be moved into the open position;the improvement comprising a locking mechanism wherein:a slide knob is operatively connected to said latch frame, for sliding the latch frame along the widthwise direction of said display panel to move the latches between (a) the latch position adapted to engage corresponding latch grooves formed on said base panel to enable said display panel to be secured in the closed position, and (b) the release position adapted to be disengaged from the corresponding latch grooves of said base panel to enable said display panel to be moved into the open position andsaid latch frame is elastically supported to float longitudinally along said travel axis between a tension spring installed at a first end portion of said latch frame and a compression spring installed at a second end portion of said latch frame, whereby said latches are kept in a locked state when said display panel is in the closed position.