Patent Publication Number: US-6659516-B2

Title: Locking system for a portable computer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a computing device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking system for use in a computing device. 
     Portable computers generally consist of a lid for housing a display screen and a base for carrying various internal and external components used for operating the portable computer. By way of example, the internal components may be a modem, a processor, a disk drive, memory and the like, and the external components may be a keyboard, a track pad, various buttons and the like. In most cases, the lid is hinged to the base so as to move the lid between a closed position, placing the lid against the base, and an open position, exposing the display screen and some of the external components such as the keyboard. 
     Most portable computers require that the lid be securely attached to the base for transportation. As such, a locking mechanism is generally provided to secure the lid to the base when the lid is in the closed position. The locking mechanism typically includes a protruding hook, which extends from the lid and which is configured for lockably engaging the base when the lid is in the closed position. The locking mechanism may also include a slide knob for slidably releasing the latch from the base so as to place the lid in the open position. By way of example, the latch may be configured to slide between an unlocked position, releasing the latch from the base, and a locked position, securing the latch to the base. 
     Unfortunately, in most portable computers, the latch extends or protrudes from the sides of the lid. Protrusions are not only unsightly, but also potentially dangerous. A protruding latch may result in the latches being accidentally sheared off when it comes into contact with some other object. Also, if the latch is accidentally slammed on a finger, or if the latch hooks on clothing, it can cause injury or damage, leaving a negative impression on the user. Furthermore, the release knob may be difficult to use, i.e., it generally requires two hands to operate. 
     Therefore, what is desired is a locking system that is easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, i.e., hidden from sight, and/or a locking mechanism that does not protrude from the portable computer when the lid is open. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a computer device. The computer device includes a base and a lid that is movable relative to the base. The computer device also includes a magnetic system for helping secure the lid relative to the base. In most embodiments, the magnetic system includes a magnetically actuated latch that is drawn into engagement with a portion of the base or the lid to secure the lid relative to the base. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computer. The portable computer includes a base. The portable computer further includes a lid pivotally mounted to the base. The lid is movable between a closed position having the lid substantially flush with the base, and an open position having the lid away from the base. The portable computer also includes a securing system that holds the lid relative to the base when the lid is in the closed position. The securing system includes a base side locking mechanism and a lid side locking mechanism that are magnetically attracted to one another such that they lockably engage each other when the lid is positioned proximate the base. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computer. The portable computer includes a base having a catch disposed therein. The catch is movable relative to the base. The portable computer further includes a lid pivotally mounted to the base. The lid is movable between a closed position, placing the lid substantially flush with the base, and an open position, placing the lid away from the base. The lid has a retractable latch disposed therein that is movable relative to the base. The retractable latch automatically moves between a first latch position, hiding the latch within the lid when the lid is moved to the open position, and a second latch position, engaging the catch when the lid is moved to the closed position. The catch moves between a first catch position, engaging the latch to prevent movement of the lid relative to the base, and a second catch position, releasing the latch therefrom to permit movement of the lid relative to the base. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable computer. The portable computer includes a base. The portable computer further includes a lid pivotally mounted to the base. The lid is movable between a closed position having the lid substantially flush with the base, and an open position having the lid away from the base. The portable computer also includes a securing system having a base side locking mechanism, a lid side locking mechanism and a button. The base side locking mechanism and a lid side locking mechanism are configured for engaging each other so as to hold the lid relative to the base when the lid is in the closed position. The button is configured for disengaging the base side locking mechanism and the lid side locking mechanism from one another so as to release the lid from the base. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a portable computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a portable computer in a partially open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of a portable computer in a closed open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cut away side elevation view, in cross section, of the portable computer in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a partial cut away front view, in cross section of the portable computer in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial cut away side elevation view, in cross section, of the portable computer in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cut away front view, in cross section of the portable computer in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally pertains to a portable computer having a base and a lid. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved locking system for securing the base relative to the lid. One aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is placed in a recess when the lid is opened so as to eliminate unsightly and harmful protrusions. Another aspect of the invention relates to a latch that is automatically extracted from the recess when the lid is closed so as to secure the lid to the base. In one embodiment, a magnetic actuator is used to automatically extract the latch when the lid is closed. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a button for releasing the secured latch so as to allow the lid to be opened. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a portable computer  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The portable computer  100  generally consists of a base  102  for carrying various internal and external components used for operating the portable computer  100  and a lid  104  for housing a display screen. More particularly, the base  102  includes a casing  103  for internally enclosing various integrated circuit chips and other circuitry that provide computing operations for the portable computer  100 . By way of example, the integrated circuit chips and other circuitry may include a microprocessor, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), a disk drive, a battery, and various input/output support devices. 
     The base  102  also includes a plurality of external input devices such as a keyboard  106 , a track pad  108  and buttons  110  &amp;  112 . The keyboard  106  allows a user of the portable computer  100  to enter alphanumeric data, the track pad  108  allows a user to move an input pointer on a graphical user interface, and the buttons  110  and  112  allow a user to make a selection on the graphical user interface. As shown, the track pad  108  and buttons  110  &amp;  112  are disposed in a front portion  114  of the casing  103 , and the keyboard  106  is disposed in a back portion  116  of the casing  103 . Furthermore, the lid  104  includes a liquid crystal display (LCD)  118  that is used to display the graphical user interface (including perhaps the input pointer or alphanumeric data) as well as other information to the user. The LCD display  118  is generally surrounded at a peripheral region by a bezel  120  that serves to support the LCD display  118  in its assembled position within the lid  104 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the lid  104  is pivotably mounted to the base  102  via a hinge mechanism  117 . The hinge mechanism  117  generally allows the lid  104  to pivot relative to the base  102  so as to adjust the orientation of the lid  104  relative to the base  102 . For example, the lid  104  may rotate into an open position (as shown in FIG.  1 ), a partially open position (as shown in FIG.  2 ), or a closed position (as shown in FIG.  3 ). In general, the open position corresponds to a lid orientation that allows a user to use the portable computer, i.e., the LCD display  118  and input devices  106 - 112  are visible and accessible to a user, the partially open position corresponds to a lid orientation that allows a user to grasp the lid for movement between the open and closed positions, i.e., there is sufficient space between the lid and the base for lifting the lid with a finger, and the closed position corresponds to a lid orientation that allows a user to store or transport the portable computer, i.e., the base and lid are substantially flush with one another such that the LCD  118  and the input devices  106 - 112  are no longer visible or accessible to a user. 
     A locking mechanism  125  is also provided for securing the lid  104  to the base  102  when the lid  104  is in the closed position (FIG.  3 ). The locking mechanism  125  generally consists of two parts, a base side locking mechanism  125 A and a lid side locking mechanism  125 B. As shown, the base side locking mechanism  125 A is located in the front portion  114  of the casing  103  (in front of the track pad  108 ) and the lid side locking mechanism  125 B is located in a top portion  127  of the bezel  120 . Furthermore, the base side locking mechanism  125 A and the lid side locking mechanism  125 B are cooperatively positioned so that when the lid  104  is closed, the locking mechanisms  125  lockably engage with one another thus securing the lid  104  to the base  102 . The locking mechanism  125  also includes a knob or switch  129  for releasing the base side locking mechanism  125 A from the lid side locking mechanism  125 B so as to allow the lid  104  to be opened. 
     In one embodiment, the locking mechanism  125  is arranged to be hidden from view when the lid  104  is opened (FIGS.  1  &amp;  2 ), and more particularly when the lid  104  is moved away from the base  102 . In another embodiment, the locking mechanisms  125  A &amp; B are configured to automatically engage one another when the lid  104  is closed (FIG.  3 ), and more particularly when the lid  104  is moved proximate the base  102 . In another embodiment, a button is used to release the locking mechanisms  125  A &amp; B from one another so as to allow movement of the lid  104  relative to the base  102 , i.e., the lid may be opened. The locking mechanism  125 , including these embodiments, will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring back to the hinge mechanism  117 , the hinge mechanism  117  is configured to automatically position the lid  104  in the partially open position (FIG. 2) when the lid  104  is not secured to the base  102 , for example, when the lid side locking mechanism  125 B is released from the base side locking mechanism  125 A. In one implementation, the hinge mechanism  117  includes a spring element  121  (shown in FIG. 2) configured for continuously exerting a biasing force on the lid  104  in a direction away from the base  102 . Byway of example, a torsion spring having one end connected to the base and another end connected to the lid may be used to create the biasing force. Furthermore, the force provided by the spring element  121  is configured to move the lid  104  a predetermined distance X (or a predetermined angle θ) away from the base  102 . The predetermined distance (or angle) is preferably configured to provide an edge of the lid  104  to a user so that the user can easily grasp the lid  104  without difficulty when moving the lid to its open position (FIG.  1 ). By way of example, a predetermined angle of about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees may be used. 
     In addition, the hinge mechanism  117  is configured to hold the lid  104  in the open position (FIG. 1) when the lid is moved there from the partially open position (FIG.  2 ). Byway of example, after the lid  104  has moved to the partially open position via the spring element  121  (FIG. 2) the user typically lifts the lid  104  to the open position (FIG. 1) so as to use the portable computer  100 . In one implementation, the hinge mechanism  117  includes a brake  123  (shown in FIG. 1) configured for exerting a frictional force an the lid  104  so as to maintain the position of the lid  104  when the lid  104  is moved to the desired open position. By way of example, a cam may be used to create the frictional force. In general, the cam moves between an engagement position, preventing the lid from slipping out of position, and a release position, allowing the lid to freely rotate around the pivot. In most cases, the engagement position corresponds to a range of positions between the partially open position and some maximum open position, and the release position corresponds to a range of positions between the closed position and the partially open position. 
     To open the closed portable computer  100  (FIG.  3 ), the user first actuates the lock release switch  129  to release the lid side locking mechanism  125 B from the body side locking mechanism  125 A. Alter the locking mechanisms  125 A &amp; B are released, the lid  104  automatically moves from the closed position (FIG. 3) to the partially open position (FIG. 2) via the spring element  121  of the hinge mechanism  117 . After the lid  104  has reached the partially open position (FIG.  2 ), the user moves the lid  104  from the partially open position (FIG. 2) to the open position (FIG.  1 ). This is typically accomplished by lifting the lid  104  with a finger. 
     To close the opened portable computer  100  (FIG.  1 ), the user moves the lid from the open position (FIG. 1) to the closed position (FIG. 3) so as to position the locking mechanisms  125 A &amp; B proximate each other, thus enabling them to lockably engage. This is typically accomplished by pressing down on the lid  104  with a finger to overcome the braking force used to hold the lid  104  in place and the biasing force used to partially open the lid  104 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, the locking mechanism  125  will be described in greater detail. As should be appreciated, portions of the lid  104  and the base  102  have been cut away in these figures to show the inner workings of the locking mechanism  125 . For example, FIG. 4 is a partial cut away side elevation view, in cross section, of the portable computer in its closed position, FIG. 5 is a partial cut away front view, in cross section of the portable computer in its closed position, FIG. 6 is a partial cut away side elevation view, in cross section, of the portable computer in its partially open position, and FIG. 7 is a partial cut away front view, in cross section of the portable computer in its partially open position. 
     As shown, the lid side locking mechanism  125 B includes a latch  200  and the body side locking mechanism  125 A includes a catch  300 . Broadly, the latch  200  and the catch  300  work together to hold the lid  104  relative to the base  102  when the lid  104  is closed and to release the lid  104  from the base  102  when the lid  104  is desired to be opened. In most cases, the latch  200  is movable relative to the lid  104 , and the catch  300  is movable relative to the base  102 . More specifically, the latch  200  is configured to move between a first latch position, storing the latch  200  when the lid is opened (FIGS.  6  &amp;  7 ), and a second latch position, engaging the catch  300  when the lid  104  is closed (FIGS.  4  &amp;  5 ). In addition, the catch  300  is configured to move between a first catch position, engaging the latch  200  to prevent movement of the lid  104  relative to the base  102  (FIGS.  4  &amp;  5 ), and a second catch position, releasing the latch  200  to permit movement of the lid  104  relative to the base  102  (FIGS. 6 &amp; 7 The latch  200  generally includes a latch body  202  and a hook  204 . The hook  204  extends from the latch body  202 , and is arranged for engaging the catch  300  when the lid  104  is closed and when the latch  200  is in the second latch position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch body  202  is pivotally mounted to the lid  104 , and more particularly to the bezel  118 . This is generally accomplished via a support structure that includes a latch frame  206  and a pivot pin  208 . As shown, the pivot pin  208  is structurally coupled to the latch frame  206 , and the latch body  202  is rotatably coupled to the pivot pin  208  via a through hole (not shown). The latch frame  206  may be attached directly or indirectly to the bezel  118 . By way of example, the latch frame  206  may be attached to the inner surface of the bezel (as shown) or to a bezel frame. Alternatively, the latch frame  206  may be formed from the bezel  118  itself. 
     Furthermore, the support structure, i.e., the latch frame  206  and pivot pin  208 , is disposed inside a recess  210  of the bezel  118 . As such, the latch  200  is configured to rotate between a retracted position, placing the latch  200  inside the bezel  118  so as to hide it from view, and an extracted position, placing the latch  200  outside the bezel  118  for engagement with the catch  300 . In the illustrated embodiment, the retracted position places the entire latch  200  inside the bezel  118  (e.g., behind the top surface  127 ), and the extracted position places the hook  204  outside the bezel  118 . The retracted position of latch  200  is shown by dotted lines  200 ′ in FIG.  5 . As should be appreciated, the retracted position and the extracted position generally correspond to the first latch position and second latch position, respectively, as described above. 
     As should be appreciated, the latch  200  is rotated to the retracted position when the lid  104  is moved away from the base  102  so as to eliminate unsightly and harmful protrusions. By way of example, the latch  200  may retract when the lid  104  is moved from the closed position to the partially open position, and stay retracted in both the partially open position and the open position as well as any positions therebetween. That is, the latch  200  does not protrude from the portable computer when the lid is opened (FIGS.  6  &amp;  7 ). 
     In one embodiment, a spring element  212  is used to continuously exert a biasing force on the latch  200  so as to place the latch  200  in the retracted position, and thus into the recess  210  of the bezel  118 . That is, the spring element  212  is configured to hold the latch  200  in the recess  210 . In this embodiment, the spring element  212  causes the latch  200  to rotate about the pivot pin  208  until it reaches a stop surface  214  that determines the retracted position (or the first latch position). In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface  214  is a portion of the latch frame  206 , however, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the stop surface may vary according to the specific design of the latch assembly. By way of example, the stop surface  214  may be a portion of the bezel frame or a portion of the bezel itself. 
     Because of space limitations in portable computers, the spring element  212  is preferably a torsion spring. The torsion spring generally has one end connected to the latch frame  206  and another end connected to the latch  200 . As such, the torsion spring exerts a force on the latch  200  relative to the latch frame  206  and thus the latch  200  is forced towards the stop surface  214 . It should be noted, however, that torsion springs are not a limitation and that other types of springs may be used. By way of example, compression and tension type springs may also be used. It should also be noted that the spring element is not limited to springs and that other mechanisms may be used to continuously force the latch  200  into the retracted position. 
     Moreover, the latch  200  generally rotates through an opening  216  in the bezel  118 . The opening  216  is arranged to allow movement of the latch  202 , and more particularly the hook  204 , from the retracted position to the extracted position and vice versa. The hook  204  generally has a length that allows it to extend through the opening  216  to engage the catch  300  when the lid  104  is in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  216  is in the form of a slot, where the length is greater than the width. As should be appreciated, the width of the slot is configured to be slightly larger than the width of the latch  200  to allow free movement without impediments. Additionally, the length is configured to be slightly larger than the swinging path of the latch  200  to allow the latch  200  to move back and forth between positions without impediments. Although the hook  204  is shown as being in the same plane as the body, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the hook  204  may be offset from the body  202 , and thus the body  202  may not be accessible through the opening  216 , i.e., the body  202  may be disposed behind the bezel wall  127 . 
     In one embodiment, a magnetic element  312  is used to exert a force on the latch  200  when the lid  104  is closed so as to place the latch  200  in the extracted position, and thus into engagement with the catch  300 . In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic element  312  is positioned within the base  102 , and more particularly within the catch  300 . As such, when the lid  104  is proximate the base  102 , as for example when a user pushes the lid  104  from the open position to the closed position, the magnetic element  312  magnetically draws the latch  200  towards the catch  300  thus clamping the lid  104  to the base  102 . For example, the magnetic element  312  causes the latch  200  to rotate about the pivot pin  208  until the hook  204  engages the catch  300 . Once engaged, the latch/catch connection works against the forces of the hinge mechanism  117  to prevent the lid  104  from moving to the partially open position. As should be appreciated, the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic element  312  is configured to work against the spring force generated by the spring element  212 . The latch  200  is generally formed from a suitable magnetically attractive material such as steel. 
     The catch  300  generally includes a catch body  302 , a pivot arm  304 , and a flange  306 . The flange  306  extends from the catch body  302 , and is arranged for receiving the latch  200  when the lid  104  is closed and when the latch  200  is in the second latch position (or extracted position). In the illustrated embodiment, the catch body  302  is pivotally mounted to the base  102 , and more particularly to the casing  103 . This is generally accomplished via the pivot bar  304 , which is seated in a catch frame  308  thus enabling the catch  300  to rotate. The catch frame  308  may be attached directly or indirectly to the casing  103 . By way of example, the catch frame  308  may be attached to the inner surface of the casing (as shown) or to a casing frame. Alternatively, the catch frame  308  may be formed from the casing  118  itself. 
     The catch  300  is generally disposed inside the casing  103  of the base  102 . Further, the catch  300 , and more particularly the flange  306 , is generally positioned below an opening  310  in the casing  103 . The catch opening  310  is cooperatively positioned with the latch opening  216  so as to provide a through way where the hook  204  of the latch  200  can rotate to engage the flange  306  of the catch  300 , for example, when the lid  104  is closed and the latch  200  is in the extracted position. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  310  is in the form of a slot, where the length is greater than the width. As should be appreciated, the width of the slot is configured to be slightly larger than the width of the latch  200  to allow free movement without impediments. Additionally, the length is configured to be slightly larger than the swinging path of the latch to allow the latch to move back and forth between positions without impediments. 
     The catch  300  is configured to rotate between a latch receiving position, placing the catch  300  (e.g., flange) in alignment with the opening  310  for engagement with the latch  200  (e.g., hook), and a latch releasing position, placing the catch  300  (e.g., flange) away from the opening  310  for disengagement from the latch  200  (e.g., hook). In most cases, the catch  300  is biased in the latch receiving position so that when the lid  104  is closed, the magnetic element  312  can pull the latch  200  into engagement with the catch  300  thus securing the lid  104  to the base  102 . Conversely, when the catch  300  is moved to the latch releasing position, the latch  200  is released therefrom, and the lid  104  is left unsecured relative to the base  102 . Once unsecured, the lid  104  is raised via the hinge mechanism  117  where after the lid  104  has risen a small distance, the latch  200  moves away from the magnet element  312  and the spring element  212 , working against the weakening magnetic force, returns the latch to the recess  216 . As should be appreciated, the latch receiving position and the latch releasing position generally correspond to the first catch position and second catch position, respectively, as described above. 
     With regards to the magnetic element  312 , the magnetic element  312  is disposed inside a cavity in the catch body  302 . As mentioned, the magnetic element  312  is arranged for pulling the latch  200  out of its retracted position when the lid  104  is proximate the base  102  so that the hook  204  of the latch  200  can engage the flange  306  of the catch  300 . Once engaged, the hook/flange connection overcomes the biasing force created by the hinge mechanism  117  and thus the lid  104  is secured to the base  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet element  312  is a permanent magnet that is press fit into the cavity, which is located in the backside of the catch body  302 . The magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet is preferably configured to overcome the spring force exerted by the spring element. The magnetic force generally depends on several factors including the strength and size of the magnet. It should be noted that the size and shape may vary according to the specific needs of each assembly. For example, the magnets are not limited to rectangular shapes and thus they may be formed from almost any geometric configuration, i.e., cylindrical. It should also be noted, that the invention is not limited to permanent magnets and that other types of magnetic elements may be used, i.e., electromagnets. 
     In one embodiment, a spring element  314  is used to continuously exert a biasing force on the catch  300  so as to place the catch  300  in the locked position for receiving an extracted latch  200 . That is, the spring element  314  is configured to hold the catch  300  under the opening  310 . In this embodiment, the spring element  314  causes the catch  300  to rotate about the pivot axis until it reaches a stop surface  316  that determines the latch receiving position (or the first catch position). In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface  316  is an inner portion of the casing  103 , however, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the stop surface may vary according to the specific design of the catch assembly. By way of example, the stop surface  316  may be a portion of the casing frame or a portion of the catch frame. 
     Because of space limitations in portable computers, the spring element  314  is preferably a torsion spring. The torsion spring generally has one end connected to the catch frame  308  (or casing  103 ) and another end connected to the catch  300 . As such, the torsion spring exerts a force on the catch  300  relative to the catch frame  308  and thus the catch  300  is forced towards the stop surface  316 . It should be noted that torsion springs are not a limitation and that other types of springs may be used. By way of example, compression and tension type springs may also be used. It should also be noted that the spring element is not limited to springs and that other mechanisms may be used to continuously force the catch  300  into the latch receiving position. 
     The catch  300  also includes a release button  318  for freeing the lid  104  from the base  102  when the lid  104  and base  102  are locked via the hook/flange connection. By way of example, the button  318  may respectively correspond to the release knob  129  illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In particular, the release button allows a user to simply move the catch  300  from the latch receiving position (FIG. 4) to the latch releasing position (FIG.  6 ). As mention, the latch receiving position places the catch  300  in a position to receive the magnetically extracted latch  200 , and the latch releasing position places the catch  300  in a position spaced apart from the magnetically extracted latch  200 . Further, the latch receiving position gives the hook  204  the ability to engage the flange  306  when the lid  104  is closed, and the latch releasing position gives the flange  306  the ability to disengage the hook  204  therefrom when the lid  104  is desired to be opened. 
     The release button  318  generally protrudes from the side of the catch body  302  and extends into a hole  320  configured for receiving the button  318 . In fact, the inner peripheral surface of the hole  320  is generally configured to coincide with the outer peripheral surface of the button  318  so that the button  318  can move with ease therethrough. In most cases, the button  318  extends from one side of the hole  320  to the other side of the hole  320  so that a user can easily depress the button  318  with a finger. The button  318  is generally held in the hole  320  via the same spring force that places the catch  300  in the latch receiving position. As such, when a user pushes the button  318  (as shown in FIG.  7 ), the button  318  moves partially through the hole  320  against the spring force thus causing the catch body  302  to rotate about the pivot. In the illustrated embodiment, the button  318  has an oblong shape and the hole  320  is disposed in the front side  322  of the casing  103 . It should be noted, however, that these are not limitations and that the button can be formed from any shape and that the hole can be positioned in other areas of the casing. 
     Accordingly, to open the lid  104 , the user pushes the button  318  so as to release the hook  204  from the flange  306 . That is, when the button  318  is depressed, the flange  306  moves away from the hook  204  thus releasing the latch  200  from the catch  300 . After the hook  204  is released, the torque created by the hinge mechanism  117  moves the lid  104  to the partially open position. That is, the lid  104  pops up to the partially open position (X or theta) under the biasing force of the hinge mechanism  117 . In most situations, the magnetic force is still applied to the latch  200  and therefore the biasing force is arranged to be greater than the magnetic force created by the magnetic element  312 . It is also important that the lid  104  raise to the predetermined distance X (or theta) so that latch gets out of the magnetic influence of the magnetic element  312 . As should be appreciated, the magnetic force is strong enough to pull the latch  200  down, but not strong enough to pull the entire lid  104  down. Alternatively, a user may move the lid  104  from the closed to partially open position. As the lid  104  moves to the partially open position, the magnetic force holding the latch  200  in the extracted position weakens and thus the latch  200  moves to the retracted position under the force of the spring element  212 . That is, once the magnetic force no longer interacts, the spring force pulls the latch  200  into the bezel  118 . As such, the computer surfaces are substantially flush and free of protrusions during use of the computer. 
     To close the lid  104 , the user pushes down on the lid  104  to place the interior of the lid  104  next to the interior of the base  102 . As the lid  104  is lowered, the magnetic element  312  in the base  102  pulls the hook  204  out of the bezel to a point where it can engage the flange  306 . Once engaged, the hook/flange connection works against the torque of the hinge mechanism  117  to hold the lid  104  relative to the base  102 , i.e., closed. 
     As can be seen from the foregoing, the advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may have one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that the locking system does not leave a negative impression on the user, i.e., aesthetically pleasing and tends not to cause injury or damage. Another advantage of the invention is that the locking system is easy to use. For example, the lid can be opened and closed with one hand via the release button and the automatic engagement of the latch and the catch, respectively. Another advantage of the invention is that the locking system allows for a very thin lid. As should be appreciated, the trend in portable devices is thinner and lighter. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, the locations of the latch and catch assemblies may be reversed such that the catch is located in the lid and the latch is located in the base. Further, the latch and catch assemblies may be positioned so that they are disposed on the edge of the portable computer rather than in the middle. Further still, a plurality of locking mechanisms may be used where a first locking mechanism is positioned at a first edge and a second locking mechanism is positioned at a second edge. In addition, although the catch assembly is shown and described as being a pivoting structure, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that other types of linkages may be used. For example, the catch assembly may be configured as a slide linkage, flexure, and the like. Moreover, although the magnets were described as being disposed in the catch, it should be understood that this is not a limitation and that the magnets may be disposed anywhere underneath the casing (so long as the magnetically attract the latch to the catch). It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.