Patent ID: 6366440
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: E05B,E05C,G06F

Abstract:
A magnetic closure mechanism for a portable computer, the portable computer having a first housing part and a second housing part connected pivotally to the first housing part, the first housing part having a first major surface, the second housing part having a second major surface that confronts the first major surface when the second housing part is in a closed position, said magnetic closure mechanism comprising:a first magnet unit adapted to be provided on the first major surface; a second magnet unit adapted to be provided on the second major surface at a position corresponding to said first magnet unit; and a control unit adapted to be provided on the second housing part, said control unit being connected to said second magnet unit and being operable selectively so as to enable said second magnet unit to attract with said first magnet unit, thereby retaining the second housing part in the closed position, and so as to enable said second magnet unit to repel from said first magnet unit, thereby facilitating movement of said second housing part to an open position away from the first housing part, wherein said first magnet unit is a permanent magnet having opposing first and second portions with opposite magnetic polarities, and has an axis transverse to said first major surface, said first end portion of said first magnet unit providing a magnetic force that emanates from the first major surface, and wherein said second magnet unit is a permanent magnet having opposing first and second sections with opposite magnetic polarities, said second magnet unit having an axis parallel to a plane of the second major surface and being constructed and arranged so as to be received in a slide groove in the second major surface such that said second magnet unit is movable therein along the axis of said second magnet unit, said control unit having a connecting portion connected to said second magnet unit and adapted to be disposed inside the second housing part, and a driving portion connected to said connecting portion and adapted to be extended outwardly of the second housing part.