Abstract:
Integrated access cover arrangements for use in a portable computing devices, where the portable computing devices include a processor and are configured to house a user accessible component are presented including: a base configured to be coupled to the portable computing device; an integrated access cover housing a keyboard, the integrated access cover being slidingly connected with the base and configured to be disposed in at least a closed position and an open position with respect to the base, the user accessible component being hidden from a user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the user accessible component being accessible by the user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the open position. In some embodiments, arrangements further include: a drive mechanism for translating the integrated access cover. Advantages include the ability to utilize lower profile configurations while maintaining functionality.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Advances in computing hardware technology continue to enable lower dimensional profile computing devices while maintaining robust processing power typically associated with larger devices. No where are these advances more apparent than in the portable computing field. Notebook computers, once a luxury with limited capability, are now full-featured computing devices that are quickly becoming ubiquitous in both the business and home markets. 
   Portable computing devices may be typically configured with a base housing various computer components and a display. In one such example,  FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a portable computing device  100 . As can be appreciated, some of the illustrations provided herein are shown in orthogonal view. A viewing axes  120  is provided for clarity in interpreting the figures and should not be considered limiting. Viewing axes  120  includes three axes of orientation namely: x-axis (i.e. forward and backward); y-axis (i.e. left and right); and z-axis (i.e. up and down). 
   Portable computing device  100  includes a base  106  and a display  104 . Base  106  may house a variety of computer components including a keyboard  110 , a pointing device  112 , a removable disk drive  114 , and a permanent disk drive  116 . Base  106  may further include a variety of access ports for interfacing with other computing components including, but not limited to, a USB port (not shown), a parallel port (not shown), a serial port (not shown), a docking station interconnect (not shown), a network port (not shown) or a monitor port (not shown). Further, display  104  may be configured in any of a number of different sizes and resolutions depending on user preference. 
   As can be appreciated, the number and type of devices associated with a portable computing device may, in most instances, be directly related to the dimensional constraints of the portable computing device. In some examples, size limitations may require attaching a peripheral device externally. Thus, for example, a removable media drive such as a floppy drive, a CD drive, or a DVD drive may be connected externally in configurations that cannot accommodate these devices internally. However, external peripheral devices require extra storage space and extra cabling, which may not be desirable for users relying on portability and ease of use of their portable computing devices. Arrangements that allow peripheral devices to be housed within the shrinking dimensions of a portable computing device may offer significant advantages over conventional arrangements. 
   Therefore, integrated access covers are presented herein. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   Integrated access cover arrangements for use in a portable computing devices, where the portable computing devices include a processor and are configured to house a user accessible component are presented including: a base configured to be coupled to the portable computing device; an integrated access cover housing a keyboard, the integrated access cover being slidingly connected with the base and configured to be disposed in at least a closed position and an open position with respect to the base, the user accessible component being hidden from a user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the user accessible component being accessible by the user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the open position. In some embodiments, arrangements further include: a drive mechanism for translating the integrated access cover. In some embodiments, the user accessible component may include: a removable media drive, a hard drive, a memory card, a memory port, a graphics card, a processor, and a network card. 
   In other embodiments, a portable computing device having a processor and configured to house a data storage component is presented including; a keyboard; an integrated access cover for housing the keyboard, the integrated access cover being slidingly connected to the portable computing device and configured to be disposed in at least a closed position and an open position with respect to the portable computing device, the data storage component being hidden from user manual access when the integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the data storage component being available for the user manual access when the integrated access cover is disposed in the open position. In some embodiments, the portable computing device further includes: a drive mechanism for translating the integrated access cover. In some embodiments, the data storage component may include: a removable media drive, a hard drive, a memory card, a memory port, a graphics card, a processor, and a network card. 
   In other embodiments, laptop computers having a processor and data storage drive are presented including: a key board; an integrated access cover for housing the keyboard, the integrated access cover being slidingly connected to the laptop computer and configured to be disposed in at least a closed position and an open position with respect to the laptop computer, the keyboard being configured to be in electronic communication with the processor at least when said integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the data storage drive being hidden from user manual access when the integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the data storage drive being available for the user manual access when the integrated access cover is disposed in the open position. In some embodiments laptop computers further include: a drive mechanism for translating the integrated access cover. In some embodiments, the data storage component may include: a removable media drive, a hard drive, a memory card, a memory port, a graphics card, a processor, and a network card. 
   Advantages include the ability to utilize lower profile configurations while maintaining functionality. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a portable computing device; 
       FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of a drive mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is an illustrative representation of a worm gear assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional illustration in an embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of a belt driven assembly in an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
   Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention may cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a general-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adapted for the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. 
     FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a portable computing device  200  is illustrated having an integrated access cover  204  and a base  212 . When integrated access cover  204  is in a closed position, portable computing device may be utilized normally. Thus keyboard  202  and track pad  206  may be utilized as integrated I/O devices. As can be appreciated, any number of integrated I/O devices may be utilized without departing from the present invention. For example, a track ball, a click-selection button, volume controls, or any number of other devices may be utilized in accordance with user configuration preferences. As can be appreciated, a flexible flat cable (not shown) may be utilized to electronically connect integrated I/O devices with a processor. Further, in some embodiments, a transition line  220  delineating integrated access cover  204  from base  212  may be present. 
   When integrated access cover  204  is translated to an open position, a removable media drive  208  may be exposed for user access. In some embodiments, user manual access may be achieved. That is, a user may manually access media drive  208  by manually translating integrated access cover  204 . In other embodiments, a user may electronically access removable media drive  208 . That is, a user may electronically access removable media drive  208  by invoking a command which will then electronically control the translation of integrated access cover  204  or by activating a switch which will then electronically control the translation of integrated access cover  204 . As noted above, any number of removable media drives may be integrated with base  212  without departing from the present invention. As can be appreciated, by allowing top access to removable media drive  208 , other mechanisms commonly used to access removable media drives may be eliminated. Further use of integrated access cover  204  may allow access to other internal devices  210  which may include, for example, a hard drive, a memory card, a memory port, a processor, a network card, or a graphics card. 
   In the embodiment illustrated, integrated access cover  204  is configured to translate along a y-translation path  216 . In the illustration, integrated access cover  204  is configured to translate from left (closed position) to right (open position). However, as can be appreciated, embodiments may be equally configured to translate from right (closed position) to left (open position) in accordance with user configuration preferences. In some embodiments, integrated access cover  204  may also be configured to additionally translate integrated access cover along a z-translation path  218 . It may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to additionally translate integrated access cover  204  in a z-direction in order to accommodate clearance requirements resulting in a y/z-translation path. Furthermore, using a close-stop mechanism (not shown) for securing the integrated access cover in a closed position and an open-stop mechanism (not shown) for securing the integrated access cover  204  in an open position may, in some embodiments, necessitate movement in the z-direction. In some embodiments, integrated access cover  204  may be operated manually while in other embodiments, integrated access cover  204  may be operated by a drive mechanism. Drive mechanisms will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a portable computing device  300  is illustrated having an integrated access cover  304  and a base  312 . When integrated access cover  304  is in a closed position, portable computing device may be utilized normally. Thus keyboard  302  and track pad  306  may be utilized as integrated I/O devices. As noted above, any number of integrated I/O devices may be utilized without departing from the present invention. For example, a track ball, a click-selection button, volume controls, or any number of other devices may be utilized in accordance with user configuration preferences. As can be appreciated, a flexible flat cable (not shown) may be utilized to electronically connect integrated I/O devices with a processor. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the device is configured with no transition line such as transition line  220  ( FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, a transition line may be undesirable aesthetically in accordance with user preferences. Thus, in some embodiments, integrated access cover  304  may be configured with notches  324  which provide clearance from hinges  328  or from any other non-movable component. 
   When integrated access cover  304  is translated to an open position, a removable media drive  308  may be exposed for user access. As noted above, any number of removable media drives may be integrated with base  312  without departing from the present invention. As can be appreciated, by allowing top access to removable media drive  308 , other mechanisms commonly used to access removable media drives may be eliminated. Further use of integrated access cover  304  may allow access to other internal devices  310  which may include, for example, a hard drive, a memory card, a memory port, a processor, a network card, or a graphics card. 
   In the embodiment illustrated, integrated access cover  304  is configured to translate along a x-translation path  320 . In the illustration, integrated access cover  304  is configured to translate from back (closed position) to forward (open position). In some embodiments, integrated access cover  304  may also be configured to additionally translate integrated access cover along a z-translation path  318 . It may be advantageous, in some embodiments, to additionally translate integrated access cover  304  in the z-direction in order to accommodate clearance requirements resulting in an x/z-translation path. Furthermore, using a close-stop mechanism (not shown) for securing the integrated access cover in a closed position and an open-stop mechanism (not shown) for securing the integrated access cover  304  in an open position may, in some embodiments, necessitate movement in the z-direction. In some embodiments, integrated access cover  304  may be operated manually while in other embodiments, integrated access cover  304  may be operated by a drive mechanism. Drive mechanisms will be discussed in further detail below for  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of a drive mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a portable computing device  400  is illustrated having a drive mechanism  404 . As illustrated, drive mechanism  404  is configured to translate an integrated access cover (not shown here) over x-translation path  320  (see  FIG. 3 ). However, as can be appreciated, drive mechanism embodiments may be equally configured to translate an integrated access cover (not shown here) over y-translation path  216  (see  FIG. 2 ). Drive mechanism  404  may be configured with a motor  412  for imparting a circular force. As can be appreciated, any number of motors may be utilized without departing from the present invention including, for example, a direct drive motor; a constant velocity motor; a stepper motor; a servo motor; a brushless DC motor; a brushed DC servo motor; a brushless AC servo motor; and a linear motor. Motor  412  may be selected in accordance with selected dimensional and power constraints. Motor  412  may be used to rotate drive screw  416 . 
   Drive screw  416  provides linear translation of circular force provided by motor  412 . A guide rail  420  may be configured to limit linear translation to a specific translation path. In this instance, an x-translation path is illustrated. Guide rail  420  is illustrated having a circular cross-sectional profile, but may be configured in any number of cross-sectional profiles as is well-known in the art. Guide rail  420  may be mechanically attached with base  408  in any manner well-known in the art. Translation bearing  424  traverses along the translation path by forces imparted by motor  412  as translated by drive screw  416 . Translation bearing  424  is further configured in sliding mechanical communication with guide rail  420 . In some embodiments, translation bearing  424  is self-centering. Translation bearing  424  provides an attachment point for integrated access cover  304  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
   As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, rapid assembly may be required in high volume production environments. As such, guide rail  420  may be further configured to accommodate rapid assembly. Guide rail  420  may include at least two portions: a first section  428 , and a second section  446 . First section  428  may be configured to allow translation bearing  424  to escape drive mechanism  404 . In assembly, removal of first section  428  allows integrated access cover with translation bearing  424  to be preassembled. Once integrated access cover is in place, first section  428  may be removably attached with second section  446 . In some embodiments, first and second sections may be configured with a self-centering bevel  432  and a mating bevel  442  which direct threaded end  436  to threads  450 . In this manner, assembly may be more efficiently accomplished. As can be appreciated, any number of self-centering configurations may be utilized including for example: guide pin configurations and sleeve configurations. Further, although as illustrated, first section is tapered, second section may also be tapered in some embodiments. 
     FIG. 5A  is an illustrative representation of a worm gear assembly  500  in an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, motor selection may be limited due to size and power requirements. Thus, in some embodiments a worm gear assembly  500  may be utilized where a low speed direct drive motor is undesirable. Worm gear assemblies are generally well-known in art. Drive axle  504  may be configured having flutes  508 . Flutes  508  mate with gear  510  forcing gear  510  to rotate. A drive screw may be mated with keyed axle hole  512 . Worm drive assemblies may be used in configurations where a high speed motor is preferred. Worm drive assemblies effectively reduce the rotations per unit of time of a high speed motor. Further worm drive assembly  500  may provide an effective locking function on a drive screw because the drive screw cannot rotate independently when flutes  508  are in mechanical communication with gear  510 . As such, a separate locking mechanism may not be required. It may be appreciated that an integrated access cover utilized in embodiments as shown herein requires added stability when in the closed position so that integrated I/O functions may be effectively accomplished. A worm drive assembly may provide such an advantage. 
     FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional illustration in an embodiment of the present invention. As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, an integrated access cover may include further structural considerations. As shown, integrated access cover  520  may overlap base  524 . One advantage of this embodiment is that curved portion  528  may add rigidity to integrated access cover  520 . Furthermore, a nested configuration may reduce or simplify guide rail considerations because guiding function is accomplished by the cover&#39;s structural configuration. Still further, a nested configuration may also reduce dust and contaminate incursions into the base  524 . As can be appreciated, aesthetic advantages may also derive from a nested configuration in the reduction of transition lines and the like. 
     FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of a belt driven assembly in an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a portable computing device  600  is illustrated having a drive mechanism  604  housed in base  608 . As illustrated, drive mechanism  604  is configured to translate an integrated access cover (not shown here) over x-translation path  320  (see  FIG. 3 ). However, as can be appreciated, drive mechanism embodiments may be equally configured to translate an integrated access cover (not shown here) over y-translation path  216  (see  FIG. 2 ). Furthermore, drive mechanism  604  may be configured to translate an integrated access cover (not shown) over a z-translation path from an initial z-dimension  640  to a Δ z-dimension  642 . One advantage of translating an integrated access cover over a z-translation path is that dimensional impingement may be avoided. Additionally, z-translation may provide a ready positive close stop that allows for a more secure and stable close position. 
   Drive mechanism  604  may be configured with a motor  628  for imparting a force. As can be appreciated, any number of motors may be utilized without departing from the present invention including, for example, a direct drive motor; a constant velocity motor; a stepper motor; a servo motor; a brushless DC motor; a brushed DC servo motor; a brushless AC servo motor; and a linear motor. Motor  628  may be selected in accordance with selected dimensional and power constraints. Motor  628  may be used to rotate gear  632  via drive screw  636 . As can be appreciated, motors may be employed directly (i.e. direct drive) or may be utilized in combination with a reduction unit such as a worm drive assembly. 
   As noted above, worm drive assemblies may be used in configurations where a high speed motor is preferred or required. Worm drive assemblies effectively reduce the rotations per unit of time of a high speed motor. Further a worm drive assembly may provide an effective locking function on a drive screw because the drive screw cannot rotate independently when flutes are in mechanical communication with gear  632 . As such, a separate locking mechanism may not be required. It may be appreciated that an integrated access cover utilized in embodiments as shown herein requires added stability when in the closed position so that integrated I/O functions may be effectively accomplished. A worm drive assembly may provide such an advantage. 
   As illustrated gear  632  may impart rotational force to mechanically coupled drive pin  612 . Drive pin  612  is, in turn, mechanically coupled with drive roller  614 . Drive roller  614  may be configured to receive drive belt  616 . In some embodiments, drive belt  616  is configured with a toothed inner surface. As can be appreciated a toothed inner surface provides positive traction for a belt with a mating surface such as drive roller  614  and guide roller  624 . In other embodiments, drive belt  616  is configured with a textured surface. In still other embodiments, drive belt  616  is configured with a substantially smooth surface. As can be appreciated, drive belt  616  provides linear translation of circular force provided by motor  628 . 
   Attachment plate  620  provides an attachment point for belt  616  with an integrated access cover (not shown). Attachment plate  620  may be coupled with belt  616  in any manner well known in the art including, for example, gluing, bonding, clamping, or screwing. Coupling techniques must be selected such that an acceptable duty cycle may be achieved. Further, as can be appreciated, use of an attachment plate in cooperation with a belt may, in some embodiments, eliminate guide rails or centering plates as a belt may allow an integrated access cover sufficient lateral movement to avoid jamming. Integrated access cover may be attached with screws or bolts accessible under, for example, a removable key or plate. 
   In addition, as can be appreciated, example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  may also be configured with a guide rail such as guide rail  420  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Thus, as noted above, guide rail (see  FIG. 4 ) may be configured to limit linear translation to a specific translation path. Furthermore, as noted above, in some embodiments, rapid assembly may be required in high volume production environments. As such, guide rail may be further configured to accommodate rapid assembly. 
   While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. For example, in the embodiments illustrated, dual motors are shown. However, it is equally feasible to utilize a single motor to provide circular forces. 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.