Patent ID: 6771494
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A portable computer configurable in a tablet configuration, a laptop configuration, and a closed configuration, said portable computer comprising:a display unit having a display device and a back surface; a base unit having a primary input device and a bottom surface; a latching assembly to maintain said portable computer in one of said closed configuration and said tablet configuration; and a hinging assembly coupling said display unit to said base unit, said hinging assembly having a first hinge with a first axis of rotation and a second hinge with a second axis of rotation, wherein one of said first hinge and said second hinge is rotated to reconfigure said portable computer between said closed configuration and said laptop configuration, said first hinge and said second hinge are rotated to reconfigure said portable computer between said closed configuration and said tablet configuration, and said second hinge is oriented to rotate a shaft about a vertical axis, and includes a ball bearing having an inner race coupled to the shaft and an outer race coupled to the base unit, and the shaft is coupled to a support plate.