Patent ID: 6163326
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A laptop computer, comprising:a base having a keyboard;a display housing connected to the base to move between a stowed position in which the keyboard is inaccessible to a user and an unstowed position in which the keyboard is accessible to the user, one of the base and the display housing having an aperture therein;a detachable input device having a housing configured to be received in the aperture, the input device being movable relative to the aperture between an attached position in which the input device housing is received in the aperture and a detached position in which the input device housing is separated from the aperture, the input device further having a plurality of controls accessible for operation when the input device is in the attached position and when the display housing is in the unstowed position, wherein the base, the display housing and the input device are configured to be transported when the display housing is in the stowed position and the input device is in the attached position;a communication link operatively coupled between the input device and at least one of the base portion and the display housing to transmit signals therebetween; anda latch mechanism having a first member attached to the display housing and a second member attached to the input device, the first member being positioned to releasably engage the second member and secure the display housing to the input device when the display housing is in the stowed position.