Notebook computer with tilting keyboard vent

A notebook computer with a tilting keyboard, which opens a vent when tilted, solves multiple problems and may further materially contribute to countering terrorism. A tilted position of the keyboard allows the vent to open when the notebook lid is open, thereby providing extra cooling capacity during periods of computer use when there is a lessened need for compactness. The vent is it least partially closed when the keyboard is in the stowed position and the lid is closed, thereby reducing the possibility of debris ingestion when air flow needs are reduced and the need for compactness is increased. A security inspection position of the keyboard enables inspection of the inside of the computer, for example as part of a security checkpoint procedure. A negative tilt can reduce wrist strain and repetitive motion injuries for some users. Some embodiments tilt the keyboard automatically in response to the lid opening, and stow the keyboard automatically in response to the lid being closed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to electrical systems and devices comprising housing or mounting arrangements with keyboards, and more specifically to electrical systems and devices wherein at least one electronic device has key input means combined with housing or mounting arrangements.

BACKGROUND

Computer keyboard usage is well-known to be a cause of repetitive strain injury, and notebook computers are notorious for inferior ergonomic design, due to attempts to reduce size and weight. Some patents attempt to address these issues, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,615 to Sellers (“Sellers”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,474 to Youens (“Youens”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,931 to Chen (“Chen”), which disclose tilting keyboards and are incorporated by reference as teachings of prior art. Unfortunately, the paradigm for these solutions is modeled after desktop keyboards, which tilt in a positive direction, i.e., the portion of the keyboard furthest from the user is higher than the portion of the keyboard closest to the user. This arrangement requires the user to bend his or her wrists backward, which fatigues muscles in the top of the forearm and hand, leading to discomfort, and sometimes, injury. This harmful design is a legacy of mechanical typewriters, and is perpetuated primarily by user familiarity.

Another issue with notebook computers is their propensity to overheat, and in some situations, actually ignite fires. This results primarily from space-saving measures by manufacturers attempting to produce compact devices. Unfortunately, such designs place heat generating components in confined spaces, without adequate airflow. Vents are typically small, restricting the flow rate. Larger vents, which could ease overheating problems, are typically not used, due to their vulnerability to moisture and debris, and their demands on valuable surface area. These problems are severe enough to create a need for aftermarket cooling accessories, such as the notebook computer cooling rack disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,971 to Yu et al. (“Yu”), which is incorporated by reference as a teaching of prior art. However, these external cooling devices must be carried and powered, placing additional burdens on the user when the notebook computer is used in a mobile fashion, such as when riding on an airplane, a train, or a motorcycle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A tilting keyboard for a notebook computer, which opens an air duct aperture when tilted, simultaneously solves multiple problems with current notebook computer design. Embodiments with a negative tilt can reduce wrist strain. A tilted orientation of the keyboard provides an opening for heated exhaust air and/or cool intake air. Movement of the keyboard allows the air duct aperture to be open to the when the display is in an open position, thereby providing extra cooling capacity during periods of computer operation, but then at least partially closes the air duct aperture when the display is moved to the closed position, thereby reducing the possibility of moisture and debris ingestion when air flow needs are reduced. Some embodiments tilt the keyboard automatically in response to the lid opening, and stow the keyboard automatically in response to the lid being closed.

A primary consideration for notebook computers is compactness. However, this concern is more pronounced during periods of transport in a bag than during periods of use. Another primary consideration for notebook computers is adequate airflow capacity for cooling. However, this concern is more pronounced during periods of use than during periods of transport in a bag. Thus, the most acute needs for compactness and airflow capacity are generally not coincident in time. When the need for one is greater, the need for the other is reduced. Therefore, embodiments of the invention alternate trade-offs between compactness and airflow capacity. Embodiments allow for compactness with reduced airflow capacity in a first configuration of the notebook computer and a reduction in compactness with an increase in airflow capacity in a second configuration.

Another consideration for notebook computers is their potential security implications, since they are heavy enough and enclose enough volume to carry weapons, explosives, wireless communication devices, and portable electric power. A security inspection position of the keyboard, for example a hyper-extended tilt, enables inspection of the inside of the notebook computer for dangerous materials, for example as part of a security checkpoint procedure at an airport. Therefore, embodiments of the invention will materially contribute to countering terrorism.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages in order that the description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a notebook computer100comprising a tilting keyboard structure106. Notebook computer100comprises a base101and a lid102, which comprises a display103. Lid102is illustrated in open position104using dashed lines and in closed position105using solid lines. Lid102may be positioned in either manner. Closed position105is illustrated as lid102lying adjacent to base101, and in some embodiments, lid102may be latched to prevent accidental opening. Open position104is illustrated as a range of possible angles for lid, in excess of some minimum angle, and in some embodiments, lid102may form an obtuse angle with base101when in open position104. Lid102is pivotably attached to base101through a hinge110, although it should be understood that other attaching members may be used.

Notebook computer100further comprises a keyboard structure106attached to base101. Keyboard structure106may comprise a QWERTY keyboard and any supporting structure necessary to provide a sufficiently solid support for typing. As illustrated, keyboard structure106is pivotably attached to base101through a hinge109, although it should be understood that other attaching members may be used. Keyboard structure106is configured to be positioned in a stowed position111as illustrated, and also a tilted position, illustrated inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the tilted position results in a positive tilt relative to base101, similar to a typewriter keyboard. In some embodiments, the tilted position results in a negative tilt relative to base101, so that a user's hands are angled downward when using the keyboard structure106. In some embodiments, keyboard structure106has multiple tilt angles, based on a user's preferred tilt configuration. In some embodiments, keyboard structure106may be positioned into both a positive tilt position and a negative tilt position.

In the illustrated embodiment, keyboard structure106is in the stowed position111to enable lid102to close. In order for keyboard structure106to move to a tilted position, lid102is moved to the open position, thereby providing clearance for keyboard structure106to tilt. A cooling fan107is disposed to create an airflow directed to cool base101, including computing components with base101. An air duct108is configured to direct the airflow and is illustrated as within keyboard structure106so that it pivots along with keyboard structure106. In some embodiments, air duct108is positioned differently, such as adjacent to keyboard structure106. Air duct108may comprise an intake duct for cool air and/or an exhaust duct for heated air. Screened vents112in base101provide for additional airflow, for example intake air if air duct108is an exhaust duct, and exhaust air, if air duct108is an intake duct.

FIG. 2illustrates another side view of notebook computer100, with lid102in open position104and keyboard structure106in negatively tilted position212. With keyboard structure thus positioned, an aperture213is opened to permit a higher rate of airflow through duct108, forced by fan107, than when keyboard structure106is in stowed position111, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Moving keyboard structure106to stowed position111will at least partially close off aperture213, thereby reducing the airflow capacity of duct108and permitting a lesser rate of the airflow than when the keyboard structure is in tilted position212, as illustrated inFIG. 2. Moving keyboard structure106to tilted position212from stowed position111will increase the airflow capacity of duct108. As illustrated, keyboard structure106is disposed between aperture213and lid102. Aperture213may be either an inlet port or an exhaust port. Duct108is coupled to fan107via aperture214, so that an airflow215, driven by fan107is directed through base101and forced through aperture214into duct108, and out of aperture213. Although in the illustrated embodiment, screened vents112act as intake ports, and aperture213acts as an exhaust port, the direction of airflow215may be different in some embodiments.

FIG. 3illustrates a side view of a notebook computer300comprising a base301, with lid102in open position104and a keyboard structure306in a positively tilted position312. With keyboard structure thus positioned, an aperture313is opened to permit a higher rate of airflow through an air duct308, forced by fan307, than when keyboard structure306is in a stowed position, similar to stowed position111for keyboard structure106, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Moving keyboard structure306to a stowed position will at least partially close off aperture313, thereby reducing the airflow capacity of duct308and permitting a lesser rate of the airflow than when the keyboard structure is in tilted position312, as illustrated inFIG. 3. As illustrated, aperture313is disposed closer to lid102than is keyboard structure306, and duct308is adjacent to keyboard structure306. Aperture313may be either an inlet port or an exhaust port. Aperture314couples fan107to duct308. In some embodiments, the aperture coupling a fan to a duct may be shrouded, in order to more tightly constrain the directed airflow. Fan107may be an axial fan, a squirrel cage fan, or another type of air movement system.

FIG. 4illustrates a side view of a notebook computer400with tilting keyboard structure106in a security inspection position412. Security inspection position412permits a security inspector414, for example an inspector at an airport security checkpoint, to exam the interior of a base401of notebook computer400through an inspection aperture413. In some embodiments, security inspection position412is a hyper-extended tilt in comparison to tilted position212. In comparing the illustrated embodiments inFIGS. 1 and 4, security inspection position412enables easy viewing of the inside of base401, whereas tilted position212is more aligned with a comfortable typing position. In some embodiments aperture413provides an access opening for swipe pads, which can test for chemical residues in the interior of notebook computer400. It should be understood that a security inspection position and/or an inspection aperture can also be used with keyboard structures that tilt in the opposite direction, such as versions of notebook computer300illustrated inFIG. 3.

By permitting an inspection of the interior of base401, it is easier for security inspector414to ascertain that notebook computer400does not contain any materials associated with terrorist activities, such as explosives or other weapons. Therefore, embodiments of the invention will materially contribute to countering terrorism.

FIG. 5illustrates a frontal view of a notebook computer500with a tilting keyboard structure506in tilted position212. A dual channel air duct508comprises two air ducts: an exhaust duct514and an intake duct515. The frontal view exposes the apertures at the open ends of ducts514and515, which comprise an exhaust port and an inlet port, respectively. A louvered debris screen516covers at least a portion of the opening of exhaust duct514, and is configured to change a direction of airflow, for example by directing it at an angle toward the side of notebook computer500, so that a warm breeze is not aimed directly at the computer user. An air filter517, disposed within the path of the cooling intake airflow, protects intake duct515from ingesting dust, moisture and other debris that might otherwise accumulate inside base101. In some embodiments, air filter517is removable for cleaning and/or replacement. In some embodiments, air filter517is electrostatic. In some embodiments, the angle of air deflection of louvered debris screen516is changeable. In operation, a fan pulls air through filter517, into intake duct515, forces it through base501to provide cooling, then pushes it through duct514and out through debris screen516.

FIG. 6illustrates some exemplary actuating members for a tilting keyboard structure, although it should be understood that a tilting keyboard structure can be implemented with other actuating members in addition to or instead of those illustrated. A curved track601is formed in a base (not illustrated here) of a notebook computer, on each side of a tilting keyboard structure (not illustrated here). An alignment member602protrudes from each side of the keyboard structure to engage the curved track. As illustrated, if viewed from the right-hand side of a notebook computer base, curved track601and alignment member602enable a keyboard structure to tilt negatively for typing, and also to tilt to a security inspection position. When alignment member602is in right portion of curved track601, the keyboard structure will be in the stowed position. As alignment member602moves leftward, within curved track601, the keyboard structure will tilt with the left-most side, as viewed from the perspective ofFIG. 6, rising. When alignment member602reaches the left portion of curved track601, the keyboard structure will be in the most tilted configuration, which is the security inspection position.

Three tilt alignment holes603,604and604are illustrated, which provide for a plurality of possible tilted typing positions. It should be understood that a lesser or greater quantity may be used. A tilt lock pin606, for example a spring-loaded pin, is disposed in alignment member602, and engages one of alignment holes603,604and604as alignment member602moves leftward. When lock pin606engages one of alignment holes603,604and604, alignment member602will be locked into position, thus fixing the tilt angle of the keyboard structure. A pin plunger607is shaped and positioned above alignment holes,603,604and604, so that depressing pin plunger607will release lock pin606from whichever one of alignment holes603,604and604it had engaged. Releasing lock pin606enables alignment member602to continue traversing curved track601to the stowed position, the security inspection position, or another tilted typing position. In this manner, the keyboard may be locked at an adjustable angle.

When a lid608is opened, a toothed section609turns a gear610, which then turns a geared spool611, thus slackening a stowing cable612. Since stowing cable612is attached to alignment member602, this motion enables alignment member602to move leftward along curved track601. When lid608is moved from an open position to the illustrated closed position, toothed section609again turns gear610, which then turns geared spool611, reeling in stowing cable612. This motion pulls alignment member602rightward along curved track601to the stowed position. Any of toothed section609, gear610, geared spool611, and stowing cable612may be considered to be a stowing member.

When stowing cable612slackens, a biasing member613, for example a spiral coil spring, pulls a tilting cable614, which is attached to alignment member602. This motion pulls alignment member602leftward along curved track601. In this manner, biasing member613biases the keyboard structure to a tilted position when lid608is moved from the closed position into the open position. It should be understood that alternative biasing members and arrangements may be used.

A method of cooling a notebook computer comprises: opening a lid of the notebook computer attached to the notebook base; tilting a keyboard structure relative to the base, thereby increasing an airflow capacity of a cooling duct; and forcing airflow through the duct, which is directed to cool at least some of the components within the base. The method may further comprise filtering the airflow, blocking debris from entering the duct, and/or changing a direction of the airflow with at least one louver acting as a baffle. Tilting the keyboard structure may comprise negatively tilting the keyboard structure relative to the base.

Although the invention and its advantages have been described above, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, alternatives presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such alternatives.