Abstract:
A notebook computer operable in the normal clamshell-type arrangement and also capable of being physically reconfigured to enhance heat dissipation and to improve user ergonomics by placing the main body and a pivotably attached display into a substantially vertical orientation, thereby raising the display to a higher and more convenient position. The keyboard may be lowered and pivoted downward to a horizontal support surface to further enhance user comfort. The depth of the notebook computer is minimized to facilitate use in situations where user space is limited. The main body may be used as an easel to hold reference materials for easy viewing. Means for mechanically supporting the main body and attached display in the substantially vertical orientation are also disclosed. The main body may also include a second display facing the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to notebook computers and more specifically to a notebook computer physically configured for enhanced heat dissipation and improved ergonomics. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     Conventional notebook computers generally employ a clamshell design in which upper and lower hinged pieces move apart to reveal an inner top surface and an inner bottom surface. The upper hinged piece usually includes a backlit liquid crystal display. The lower hinged piece usually includes all other components of the computer, such as a cpu, random access memory, a direct access storage device, a pointing device, a battery, and a keyboard disposed on the inner bottom surface. 
     Heat dissipation is frequently a problem with conventional notebook computers. The lower hinged piece is positioned horizontally, usually very close to a horizontal support surface. Convective airflow around the lower hinged piece is therefore very limited, so heat tends to build up within the lower hinged piece. Excessive heat can damage the components of the computer and reduce the reliability of computer operations. 
     Additionally, the display of a conventional notebook computer is positioned just above the hinge, so the bottom of the display is located only slightly above the lower hinged piece. This relatively low display position may be uncomfortable for many users. Further, the display typically tilts back from the hinge by three to four inches. Since the lower hinged piece is often eight and one-half inches or more in depth, the total depth of the computer including the lower hinged piece and the tilted upper hinged piece can easily exceed twelve inches. This depth can cause problems when a user attempts to operate the computer on a small seatback tray in an airplane. 
     Finally, the keyboard of a conventional notebook computer is attached to the top of the lower hinged piece, which is often about two inches above the horizontal support surface. This disposition of the keyboard limits user flexibility. Some users would prefer a keyboard that is closer to the horizontal support surface (e.g. a desktop, an airline seatback tray, or one&#39;s lap) and that does not rest on top of the lower hinged piece. 
     A notebook computer capable of operating in a configuration that enhances heat dissipation and provides better display and keyboard ergonomics is therefore needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is accordingly an object of this invention to devise a notebook computer having a main body, including many of the heat-generating computer components, standing in a substantially vertical position so that heat may radiate from both the front and back surfaces of the main body, and so that heat may dissipate more efficiently via convection. 
     It is a related object that the display of the notebook computer of the present invention should be pivotably attached to the main body and located above the main body in a substantially vertical orientation, such that the display is in a higher, less tilted, more ergonomically correct position than is the case with a conventional notebook computer configuration. 
     It is a related object that the notebook computer of the present invention should include means for supporting the main body in a substantially vertical position and for providing lateral mechanical stability. The means may include a base frame into which the main body slides via pin-and-channel mechanisms. The means may also include hinged side struts enabling the keyboard to unfold from the main body. Folding rear struts that unfold to form support members when the user removes the keyboard from the main body may also be included. The battery may also serve as a support member for the main body when pivotably unfolded from the main body. 
     It is a related object that the keyboard may be separated if not entirely detached from the main body of the notebook computer of the present invention for use on a horizontal support surface, such that the keyboard height is less than the keyboard height of a conventional notebook computer. 
     It is a related object that electrical signals may be conducted between the main body and the keyboard of the notebook computer of the present invention via a set of pins that also function to mechanically interconnect the keyboard to the notebook computer. 
     It is a related object that the main body may include a second display on its front surface for those situations where two displays facing the user would increase the utility of the notebook computer of the present invention. One display may be used for the Windows (R) desktop, for example, and the other may be used exclusively by a single application. 
     It is a related object that the notebook computer of the present invention may also operate in the normal clamshell configuration. 
     It is a related object that the notebook computer of the present invention be configurable from its closed state to its fully deployed state by a user&#39;s hands in one smooth motion. 
     The foregoing objects are believed satisfied by the notebook computer of the present invention as described below. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention in its conventional configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the main body shown separated from the base frame and keyboard of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective drawing of the main body of the notebook computer of the preferred embodiment depicting a guide channel and a transverse guide channel portion according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer, in which the main body has translated away from the keyboard, according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer, in which the main body has begun to rotate and rise vertically, according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration, according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7A through 7D are side views of the main body during deployment of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer relative to the sliding pins of the base frame. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention in its conventional configuration. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention with the keyboard lifting away from the main body. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention with the display and the main body in a substantially vertical orientation, and the keyboard unfolding. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective drawing of the second embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 13A and 13B are enlarged perspective drawings of an alternate hinge configuration for the second embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective drawing of the third embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention in its conventional configuration. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective drawing of the third embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention with the keyboard partially deployed. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective drawing of the third embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the rear view of the third embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective drawing of the fourth embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective drawings of the keyboard of the fourth embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective drawing of the rear view of the fourth embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective drawing of the fifth embodiment of the notebook computer in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention in its conventional configuration is shown. In this figure, notebook computer  100  is opened for use but is not fully deployed. Main body  102  rests on a horizontal support surface. Keyboard  104  rests on top of main body  102 , and display  106  is pivotably attached to main body  102 . This configuration leaves much to be desired when considering user ergonomics. Many users would prefer to have display  106  higher above the horizontal support surface, and would prefer keyboard  104  to be positioned lower and at an angle for comfortable typing. This configuration is also not optimal for heat dissipation. While heat may radiate away from the upper part of main body  102 , the heat radiated from the lower part of main body  102  will only heat the horizontal support surface or a thin layer of air essentially trapped between main body  102  and the horizontal support surface. 
     The preferred apparatus for enhancing heat dissipation and user ergonomics is shown in detail in the next several figures, and further comprises pivot pins  108  enabling keyboard  104  to rotate downward to rest on the horizontal support surface, and a base frame  110  in which main body  102  may slide and then rotate into a substantially vertical orientation. The vertical orientation of main body  102  allows heat to radiate away from either side of main body  102 , and enhances convective heat dissipation by enabling cooling air to freely flow over either side of main body  102 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, main body  102  is shown separated, for clarity, from base frame  110  and keyboard  104  of the preferred embodiment of the notebook computer according to the present invention. In normal operation, main body  102  will not detach completely from base frame  110  as shown. Base frame  110  comprises a left vertical side  112 , a right vertical side  114 , a bottom member  116 , and sliding pins  118 . Each side of base frame  110  has two sliding pins  118 . Bottom member  116  may alternately comprise a thin monolithic slab running the entire length of left and right vertical sides  112  and  114 , which is usually eight and one half inches. Keyboard  104  is retained within base frame  110  by pivot pins  108 , which extend into upper corners of keyboard  104  on either side. In this application, similar and symmetric parts are used on the left and the right sides of notebook computer  100  except where noted. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, main body  102  of notebook computer  100  of the preferred embodiment including guide channels  120  and transverse portions  122  according to the present invention is shown. Sliding pins  118  extend inward from left vertical side  112  and right vertical side  114  into guide channels  120  to retain main body  102  within base frame  110 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of notebook computer  100 , in which main body  102  has translated away from keyboard  104 , according to the present invention is shown. Main body  102  is free to slide rearward within base frame  110 . Once keyboard  104  is no longer resting on main body  102 , it is free to rotate downward on pivot pins  108  to rest in a slightly angled position upon bottom member  116 , or, alternately, directly upon the horizontal support surface. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of notebook computer  100  is shown, in which main body  102  has begun to rotate and rise vertically, according to the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of notebook computer  100  is shown in its fully deployed configuration, according to the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 7A through 7D, the motion of main body  102 , relative to sliding pins  118  of base frame  110  is shown. In FIG. 7A, main body  102  slides from right to left in correspondence with FIG.  4 . In FIG. 7B, main body  102  is free to rotate upward when sliding pin  118  engages the upper side of transverse portion  122  in correspondence with FIG.  5 . In FIG. 7C, main body  102  is vertical and sliding pins  118  are within transverse portion  122 , and finally in FIG. 7D main body  102  tilts back slightly so that the leftmost sliding pin  118  locks into transverse portion  122  in correspondence with FIG.  6 . The weight of main body  102  serves to retain sliding pins  118  within transverse portions  122  as shown, thus holding main body  102  in a substantially vertical orientation. The weight of base frame  110  and keyboard  104  provide further mechanical stability for main body  102 . 
     Display  106  then rotates during deployment by the user to also stand in a substantially vertical orientation. Display  106  is therefore less tilted than in conventional configurations, enhancing user ergonomics and reducing the overall depth required to deploy notebook computer  100  of the present invention. Main body  102  may serve as an easel to hold user reference materials, such as a handwritten document to be typed into a word processing application, for example. A user may open notebook computer  100  into a conventional configuration or may continue the same single smooth motion to fully deploy notebook computer  100  into the substantially vertical orientation as described above. Electrical signals that signify user input, such as keystrokes or TrackPoint (R) movements for example, may be communicated between keyboard  104  and main body  102  via pivot pins  108 , which also mechanically connect keyboard  104  to the rest of notebook computer  100 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention in its conventional configuration is shown. This embodiment also comprises main body  102 , keyboard  104 , and display  106 , and is also operable in a conventional clamshell configuration. 
     Referring now to FIG. 9, the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention is shown with keyboard  104  lifting away from main body  102 . Keyboard  104  is connected to one end of forearm strut  124  by wrist pivot pin  126 . The opposite end of forearm strut  124  is connected to upper arm strut  128  by elbow pivot pin  130 . The opposite end of upper arm strut  128  is connected to main body  102  by shoulder pivot pin  132 . Keyboard  104  may therefore be deployed by a user in one smooth motion, unfolding as the user lifts display  106  with one hand and pulls keyboard  104  with the other hand. 
     Referring now to FIG. 10, the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention is shown, with display  106  and main body  102  in a substantially vertical orientation and keyboard  104  unfolding. The motion of keyboard  104  is constrained by sliding pins  118  which extend through forearm struts  124  to engage guide channels  120  on main body  102 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown. Upper arm struts  128  provide mechanical support for main body  102 , and are prevented from sliding away by connection to main body  102  through forearm struts  124 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown in greater detail. Notches  134  in forearm struts  124  enable forearm struts  124  to completely fold and rest alongside upper arm struts  128  and alongside main body  102  when notebook computer  100  is closed. 
     Referring now to FIG.  13 A and FIG. 13B, an alternate hinge configuration for the second embodiment of notebook computer  100  is shown. In this configuration, forearm struts  124  rest on top of upper arm struts  128  in a duckbill arrangement when notebook computer  100  is closed, instead of resting alongside in the scissors arrangement as shown in FIG.  12 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 14, the third embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention in its conventional configuration is shown. This embodiment comprises main body  102 , keyboard  104 , and display  106 , and is also operable in a conventional configuration. 
     Referring now to FIG. 15, the third embodiment of notebook computer  100  according to the present invention is shown with keyboard  104  partially deployed and display  106  lifted into a substantially vertical orientation. Lower struts  136  are pivotably connected to a lower portion of main body  102  and pivotably connected to one end of upper struts  138 . Upper struts  138  are connected to ribbons  140  that extend through slots  142  in main body  102 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 16, the third embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown. Main body  102  is now in a substantially vertical orientation. Keyboard  104  rests on the horizontal support surface when fully deployed. Ribbons  140  have pulled upper struts  138  downward into a locking position to provide support for main body  102 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 17, the rear view of the third embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown. Upper struts  138  and lower struts  136  are constrained to move within main body  102  during deployment, and rest substantially flush with main body  102  when notebook computer  100  is closed. 
     Referring now to FIG. 18, the fourth embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment also comprises main body  102 , keyboard  104 , and display  106 , and is also operable in a conventional configuration. Keyboard  104  rests on the horizontal support surface when deployed and is connected to main body  102  by sliding pins  118 , located underneath keyboard  104 , that engage guide channels  120 . FIGS. 19A and 19B depict keyboard  104  and sliding pins  118  of this embodiment in more detail. Main body  102  and display  106  are maintained in a substantially vertical orientation when deployed. 
     Referring now to FIG. 20, the rear view of the fourth embodiment of notebook computer  100  in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment features a battery  144  pivotably attached to a rear portion of main body  102 . When notebook computer  100  is closed, battery  144  is housed substantially flush with main body  102 . During deployment, battery  144  pivots rearward to provide mechanical support for main body  102 , and, indirectly, display  106 . Battery  144  may pivot around a horizontal axis as shown, or around a vertical axis (not shown). The weight of keyboard  104  further supports main body  102 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 21, the fifth embodiment of notebook computer  100  is shown in its fully deployed configuration according to the present invention. This embodiment also comprises main body  102 , keyboard  104 , and display  106 . Keyboard  104  is pivotably attached to main body  102  and rests on the horizontal support surface when deployed. A second display  146  is disposed on main body  102 . Display  106  and second display  146  both face the user when notebook computer  100  is fully deployed. One of the displays may be used to present the Windows (R) desktop, for example, during operation while another may be dedicated entirely to a single application. Support struts  148  are connected to the lower portions of main body  102  with hinge pins  150 . Detent mechanisms  152  allow support struts  148  to rest alongside main body  102  when notebook computer  100  is closed and to rest on the horizontal support surface and provide mechanical support to maintain main body  102  in a substantially vertical orientation when notebook computer  100  is deployed. Horizontal support bar  154  is connected to support struts  148  to provide further mechanical stability. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to an illustrative embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the apparatus and means herein described without departing from the scope and teaching of the invention. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in this particular art that the structures representatively described above may also be advantageously incorporated in other types of electronic devices such as calculators, other types of computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants), and PIMs (Personal Information Managers). Accordingly, the described embodiment is to be considered merely exemplary and the invention is not to be limited except as specified in the attached claims.