Abstract:
A laptop computer, notebook or personal computer may include a base member including computer electronics, a first screen positioned substantially over the base member and electrically connected to the base member, and a second screen extending substantially vertically from the first screen and electrically connected to the base member. The second screen may pivot with respect to the first screen, and the second screen may pivot behind the first screen. The second screen may move on tracks to extend and retract the second screen, and an arm may connect the base member and the second screen. The first screen and the second screen may be substantially centered with respect to the base member, and the laptop computer may include a third screen which substantially horizontally extends from the first screen. The second screen may extend substantially vertically from the first screen.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to computer display screens. More specifically, the invention relates to a screen for laptop, notebook and personal computers that allows multiple computer displays so that more information can be compared and contrasted by the user. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Laptop and notebook computers allow a user to work in virtually any locale while personal computers are more powerful and do not have battery limitations. Wireless communication systems enable workers to send information from a notebook computer or laptop computer to the office, and receive other information in return. Many people therefore work on notebook computers or laptop computer while on public transportation, in coffee shops, or even while waiting in the doctor&#39;s office. 
         [0003]    A computer will generally display a single page of the document at one particular instance or at most, a portion of two pages at one particular instance. This is generally unsatisfactory because information that is going into a document may come from another source or multiple sources. Presently, in order to obtain additional information, it is necessary to access a different page. Because of the single screen, this different page must be displayed while the original page is not being displayed. It may be necessary to transfer this additional information back to the original page for example by cut-and-paste; in which case, it is necessary to redisplay the original page. If a great deal of information is to be transferred, this process is cumbersome. It would be extremely helpful if multiple pages could be so simultaneously displayed. 
         [0004]    The display screens of the laptop computer typically utilize a relatively low-powered liquid crystal display (LCD) to reduce power consumption and prolong battery life. Although LCD screens are more efficient, they also produce lower intensity images that are less visible than those of their desktop computer counterparts. Other laptop computers may utilize plasma screens. 
         [0005]    As the advent of the computer age has changed into the computer revolution, constant improvements in the computer field are being sought out. Because more and more people are spending more time sitting in front of a computer monitor, improvements are necessary to enhance the user&#39;s ability to view the monitor with as few distractions as possible. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,758 discloses a privacy screen for laptop computer is an expandable hood that may be removably attached to a notebook computer. The privacy screen has an elastic fabric cover secured around an expandable frame. The frame has a plurality of telescoping rods attached to connector pieces using ball and socket joints, which allow the frame to expand concurrently in multiple directions. The screen may be assembled before sale, in which case the screen uses a fixed number of pieces in its frame and the fabric cover is permanently secured to the frame, or provided as a kit, in which cut-out sections of the fabric cover allow the end user to assemble the telescoping rods and connecting pieces as desired. The frame may be secured to the laptop using spring-biased clips. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A laptop computer or personal computer may include a base member including computer electronics, a first screen positioned substantially over the base member and electrically connected to the base member, and a second screen extending from the first screen and electrically connected to the base member. 
         [0008]    The second screen may pivot with respect to the first screen, and the second screen may pivot behind the first screen. 
         [0009]    The second screen may move on tracks to extend and retract the second screen, and an arm may connect the base member and the second screen. 
         [0010]    The first screen and the second screen may be substantially centered with respect to the base member, and the laptop computer may include a third screen which substantially horizontally extends from the first screen. 
         [0011]    The second screen may extend substantially vertically from the first screen. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a laptop computer with a first pivoting screen and a second screen; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of the laptop computer with the first pivoting screen and the second screen; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of the laptop computer with the first pivoting screen and the second screen; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a personal computer with the first screen and a second screen; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates in another embodiment of the personal computer with the first screen and the second screen; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the personal computer with the first screen and second screen; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of the laptop computer with the first pivoting screen, the second screen and a third screen; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the personal computer showing the first screen, the second screen and the third screen; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the laptop computer showing the first screen and the second screen; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the personal computer showing the first screen and the second screen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a laptop computer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    According to the present invention and as shown in  FIG. 11 , a laptop computer  1100  is provided which has a base member  1101 , having computer electronics therein, a front portion  1105  and a rear portion  1103 . A display screen  1109  is provided mounted on a display screen mounting mechanism  1111  for pivotal movement between a closed position and an open position, with the display screen  1109  adjacent to the rear portion  1103  of the base member  1101 . The display screen mounting mechanism  1111  includes a structure to permit pivotal movement of the screen in the open position. The laptop computer  1100  may mean a notebook, PDA or other such device. 
         [0025]    A keyboard assembly  1107  having keys  1108  is provided having a front end and a rear end and mounted on the base member  1101  for movement between a retracted position and an extended position or detect the finger position. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a lap top computer  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 1  illustrates a first pivotable screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the base member  1101 , and the first pivotable screen  101  pivots between an open and closed position.  FIG. 1  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind or in front of a first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track on a frame or hinges formed on the first pivoting screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position.  FIG. 1  additionally illustrates that the second extendable screen  103  may be supported by arm  109  which extends from the base member  1101  to the second extendable screen  103 . The teachings of the present invention can be extended to a third screen or more and can be assembled to form the laptop, note book, PDA or personal computer as a kit or system. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates that the first pivoting screen  101  and the second extendable screen  103  has been positioned at substantially the center of the base member  1101 . Both the first pivoting screen  101  and the second extendable screen  103  are electrically connected to the base member  1101 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates that the second extendable screen  103  substantially horizontally or substantially parallel in the opposing direction with respect to  FIG. 1 . Both the first pivoting screen  101  and the second extendable screen  103  are electrically connected to the base member  1101 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a first pivoting screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the base member  1101 , and the first pivoting screen  101  pivots between an open and closed position.  FIG. 3  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and extends from the first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a close position behind the first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track or channel formed on the first pivoting screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position.  FIG. 3  additionally illustrates that the second extendable screen  103  may be supported by arm  109  which extends from the base member  1101  to the second extendable screen  103 . 
         [0029]    According to the present invention and as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , a personal computer  4100  is provided which has a personal computer base member  4101  and which has computer electronics therein. A detachable keyboard  4105  may be connected to the personal computer base member  4101 . A display screen  401  is provided mounted on a personal computer display screen mounting mechanism  4103  for pivotal movement. The display screen mounting mechanism  4103  includes a structure to permit pivotal movement of the screen. 
         [0030]    The detachable keyboard  4105  includes a keyboard assembly  4107  having keys  4108  is provided on the detachable keyboard  4105 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates a personal computer  4100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 4  illustrates a first screen  401  which is positioned substantially over the computer display screen mounting mechanism  4103 .  FIG. 4  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  403  which is electrically connected to the personal computer base member  4101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first screen  401 . The second extendable screen  403  may pivot to an open position and a close position behind or in front of the first screen  401 . The second extendable screen  403  may be connected to the first screen  401  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  403  may move within a guide track or frame or hinge formed on the first screen  401  to move the second extendable screen  403  between the open and the closed position.  FIG. 4  additionally illustrates that the second extendable screen  103  may be supported by arm  409  which extends from the computer display screen mounting mechanism  4103  to the second extendable screen  103 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates that the first screen  401  and the second extendable screen  403  has been positioned at substantially the center of the computer display screen mounting mechanism  4103 . Both the first screen  401  and the second extendable screen  403  are electrically connected to the personal computer base member  4101 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates that the second extendable screen  403  extends in the opposing direction with respect to  FIG. 4 . Both the first screen  401  and the second extendable screen  403  are electrically connected to the personal computer base member  4101 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a first screen  401  which is positioned substantially over the computer display screen mounting mechanism  4103 .  FIG. 6  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  403  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first screen  401 . The second extendable screen  403  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind the first screen  401 . The second extendable screen  403  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  403  may move within a guide track or channel formed on the first screen  401  to move the second extendable screen  403  between the open and the closed position.  FIG. 6  additionally illustrates that the second extendable screen  103  may be supported by arm  409  which extends from the computer display screen mounting mechanism  1103  to the second extendable screen  103 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a lap top computer  700  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 7  illustrates a first pivotable screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the base member  1101 , and the first pivotable screen  101  pivots between an open and closed position.  FIG. 7  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind a first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track formed on the first pivoting screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position.  FIG. 7  additionally illustrates a third extendable screen  703  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first pivoting screen  101 . The third extendable screen  703  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind a first pivoting screen  101 . The third extendable screen  703  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges were other appropriate device. Alternatively, the third extendable screen  703  may move within a guide track formed on the first pivoting screen  101  to move the third extendable screen  703  between the open and the closed position. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  illustrates a personal computer  800  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 8  illustrates a first screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the personal computer base member  4101 .  FIG. 7  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the personal computer base member  4101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind a first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track formed on the first screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  additionally illustrates a third extendable screen  703  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially horizontally extends from the first screen  101 . The third extendable screen  703  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind a first screen  101 . The third extendable screen  703  may be connected to the first screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the third extendable screen  703  may move within a guide track formed on the first screen  101  to move the third extendable screen  703  between the open and the closed position. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  illustrates a lap top computer  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 9  illustrates a first pivotable screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the base member  1101 , and the first pivotable screen  101  pivots between an open and closed position.  FIG. 9  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the base member  1101  and substantially vertically extends from the first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind a first pivoting screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first pivoting screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track formed on the first pivoting screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  illustrates a personal computer  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates a first screen  101  which is positioned substantially over the personal computer base member  4101 .  FIG. 10  additionally illustrates a second extendable screen  103  which is electrically connected to the personal computer base member  4101  and substantially vertically extends from the first screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may pivot to an open position and a closed position behind the first screen  101 . The second extendable screen  103  may be connected to the first screen  101  by a pivoting apparatus such as hinges or other appropriate device. Alternatively, the second extendable screen  103  may move within a guide track formed on the first screen  101  to move the second extendable screen  103  between the open and the closed position. 
         [0039]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.