Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to a computing device, and, more particularly, to a computing device having a textured pattern surface.

Portable computing devices may include a display portion and a base portion attached to the display portion. Each outer surface of the display portion and the base portion are smooth (e.g., planar, flat, non-textured surface, etc.) such that a user cannot distinguish between a top and a bottom of the computing device. Thus, a need exists for systems and apparatus to address the shortfalls of present technology and to provide other new and innovative features.

<CIT> relates to a portable computing device having an upper housing segment and a lower housing segment pivotably connected to each other to move between a closed position and an open position. When the upper and lower housing segments are in the closed position, feet for placing the computing device on a flat surface, on the one hand, and surface undulations providing grip for a user's hand, on the other hand, are arranged on different surfaces of the computing device facing away from each other.

In a general aspect, a portable computing device comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

In another aspect, the portable computing device may further include the features of any of the claims depending from claim <NUM>.

In the implementations described herein, one of the surfaces of an exemplary computing device includes a textured pattern. The computing devices described herein may include a display portion including a display and a base portion including a keyboard, in which the base portion is attached to the display portion. In some implementations, the computing devices described herein may be a tablet type computing device. In some implementations, the textured pattern may be disposed on an outer, bottom surface of the base portion to distinguish between the display portion and the base portion of the computing device. This provides an indication which side of the portable computing device is up (e.g., top side) and which side is down (e.g., bottom side), without having to open the display portion. In addition, the textured pattern surface provides enhanced gripping of the portable computing device in a closed position or an open position. Furthermore, the textured pattern surface provides structural integrity of the portable computing device.

The devices described herein can have advantages over, for example, conventional devices where surfaces, particularly an outer surface, of the display portion and the base portion are smooth (e.g., planar, flat, non-textured surface, etc.). The surfaces of the display portion and base portion are the same, in a closed position, such that a user cannot determine whether the user is holding the portable computing device in an appropriate manner (e.g., display portion on a top configuration) for an open position.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portable computing device <NUM> according to an example implementation. The portable computing device <NUM> may include a laptop computer or notebook computer. The portable computing device <NUM> may also include a tablet computer or other type of computing device, such as, for example, a cellular phone, a media player, mobile device, or other handheld or portable electronic devices. Other configurations may be used for the computing device <NUM> if desired. The example of <FIG> is merely illustrative.

The portable computing device <NUM> may include a display portion <NUM>. The display portion <NUM> may include a display <NUM> on a front side <NUM> (labeled in <FIG>) of the display portion <NUM>. The display <NUM> may present and/or display graphical output to a user. In an example in which the display <NUM> is a touchscreen, the display <NUM> may also receive input from the user, such as tactile input when the user contacts the display <NUM> with one or more fingers. In some implementations, the portable computing device <NUM> may be a tablet computer, which does not include the display portion <NUM>.

The portable computing device <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM>. A surface, in particular, an outer surface, of the base portion <NUM> includes a textured pattern, which will be described further in detail. The base portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the display portion <NUM>, and/or the display portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the base portion <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The rotatable attachment of the display portion <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>, and/or the base portion <NUM> to the display portion <NUM>, may enable the display portion <NUM> to rotate from an open position, shown in <FIG>, to a closed position, in which the display portion <NUM> may contact the base portion <NUM>, closing an exposure of a physical keyboard <NUM> disposed on the base portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In some implementations, the display <NUM> can include a touch screen interface and it may be possible to disable the physical keyboard <NUM> in the base portion <NUM> and use touch screen interface to provide input to the computing device <NUM>. Such devices, which can be known as convertible devices, can be operated in different modes, in which a plane (e.g., a surface) of the base portion <NUM> and a plane (e.g., a surface) of the display portion <NUM> are arranged oriented differently relative to each other. For example, when the plane of the display portion <NUM> and the plane of the base portion <NUM> are not parallel to each other, the computing device <NUM> may be operated in a "laptop mode" in which the physical keyboard <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> is enabled to receive user input, and when the plane of the display portion <NUM> and the plane of the base portion <NUM> are parallel to, or close to parallel to, each other, the computing device <NUM> may be operated in a "tablet mode" in which the physical keyboard <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> is disabled from receiving human input.

In some convertible devices, the base portion <NUM> and the display portion <NUM> can be coupled to each other by the hinge <NUM>, and the display portion <NUM> can be rotated about the hinge <NUM> relative to the base portion <NUM> by <NUM> degrees, or at least close to <NUM> degrees. In such a case, the computing device <NUM> may be operated in a tablet mode when the display portion <NUM> is rotated relative to the base portion <NUM>. For example, the computing device <NUM> may have a <NUM> degrees range of rotation from a closed position to a tablet position.

In some convertible devices, the base portion <NUM> and the display portion <NUM> can be detachably coupled to each other (e.g., by one or more mechanisms that hold the display portion <NUM> relative to the base portion <NUM> in a laptop mode orientation and that hold the display portion <NUM> relative to the base portion <NUM> in a tablet mode orientation). For example, the display portion <NUM> may be snap-fit coupled to the base portion <NUM> in laptop mode orientation, and then detached from the base portion <NUM> and again snap-fit coupled to the base portion <NUM>, but in a tablet mode orientation.

The base portion <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may enclose components of the portable computing device <NUM>, such as a processor, memory, bus, and other components described in greater detail with respect to <FIG>.

The housing <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> in a top side of the base portion <NUM> to house the keyboard <NUM> in the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may allow the keyboard <NUM> to extend above and/or below the top side of the base portion <NUM>, and to couple with components inside the base portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the portable computing device <NUM> in the open position according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the display portion <NUM> may be rotated away from the base portion <NUM>, such as at an angle of between forty-five degrees (<NUM>°) and three hundred fifteen degrees (<NUM>°) away from the base portion <NUM>. The display portion <NUM> may include a front side <NUM> that includes the display <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>), and a back side <NUM> that is opposite from the front side <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may include a top side <NUM>, which includes the keyboard <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>), and a bottom side <NUM> that is opposite from the top side <NUM>. When the portable computing device <NUM> is used in the open position, the bottom side <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> of the portable computing device <NUM> may rest on a flat surface, such as a surface of a table or desk.

<FIG> is a side view of the portable computing device <NUM> in a closed position according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, when the portable computing device <NUM> is in the closed position, the front side <NUM> (not labeled in <FIG>) of the display portion <NUM>, which is opposite from the back side <NUM>, faces and/or is in contact with the top side <NUM> (not labeled in <FIG>) of the base portion <NUM>, which is opposite from the bottom side <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a portable computing device <NUM>' in the tablet position according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, when the portable computing device <NUM>' is in the tablet position, the back side <NUM> (not labeled in <FIG>) of the display portion <NUM>, which is opposite from the front side <NUM>, faces and/or is in contact with the top side <NUM> (not labeled in <FIG>) of the base portion <NUM>, which is opposite from the bottom side <NUM>. The portable computing device <NUM>' may include the hinge <NUM> that rotatably attaches the display portion <NUM> and base portion <NUM> to each other, enabling the rotation of the display portion <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>. When the portable computing device <NUM> is in the tablet position, the user may interact with the display <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) on the front side <NUM> of the display portion <NUM>, such as by touches and gestures on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a portable computing device <NUM>" as a tablet computing device according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the portable computing device <NUM>" includes a housing portion <NUM> (e.g., enclosure or casing) but does not include a display portion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), which may contain a display. Instead, the portable computing device <NUM>" includes a display <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>. The display <NUM> can be a touch screen interface to provide input to the computing device <NUM>".

<FIG> is a bottom view of the portable computing device <NUM> according to an example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> includes a textured pattern <NUM>. In an example implementation, the textured pattern <NUM> can be a plurality of channels (e.g., grooves, ridges, slots, ribs, etc.) that can be regularly spaced apart. In other words, the textured pattern <NUM> can be corrugated with alternating ridges and grooves (e.g., peaks-and-valleys). To describe in another manner, the textured pattern <NUM> includes alternating concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In some implementations, the concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> can be continuously smooth (e.g., rounded). That is, one set of concave ridge <NUM> and convex channel <NUM> can form an S-like shape.

In some implementations, the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> can have other textured patterns. In various implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the textured pattern <NUM> may have other shapes and/or sizes. For example, <FIG> illustrates the textured pattern having two rows of textured pattern. For example, a second row of textured pattern <NUM> can be behind a first row of textured pattern <NUM>. In another example, <FIG> illustrate the textured pattern having different surfaces. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the surfaces may be a generally triangular shaped concave ridges and convex channels. In another example, as shown in <FIG>, the surfaces may be a generally square shaped concave ridges and convex channels. In another example, as shown in <FIG>, the surfaces may be a generally square shaped concave ridges and convex channels, in which at least one of the concave ridges <NUM> may be longer (e.g., extend further) than the other concave ridges <NUM>. In another example, as shown in <FIG>, the surfaces may be a generally square shaped concave ridges and convex channels, in which at least one of the convex channels <NUM> may have a longer width than a width of concave ridge <NUM>. While <FIG> may illustrate the textured pattern with angles (i.e., right angles), one or more of the surfaces and/or edges can include a curved surface. In another example, <FIG> illustrate surfaces of the textured pattern can be corrugated. For example, as shown in <FIG>, each of the concave ridges and convex channels may be formed by a plurality of surfaces <NUM>. In another example, as shown in <FIG>, the surfaces of the concave ridges and convex channels can be non-linear <NUM> (e.g., curvy, wave-like, etc.). The above described examples are merely general representations of patterns and shapes, and not limited to the ones described herein.

In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be a pattern of circles (as shown in <FIG>) at the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the pattern of circles may extend toward an inside (e.g., concave ridges) of the bottom surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the pattern of circles may extend towards an outside (e.g., convex ridges) of the bottom surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be other shapes, such as, for example, squares, ovals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, other polygons, etc..

According to example implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can provide an indication which side of the portable computing device is up (e.g., top side) and which side is down (e.g., bottom side), without having to open the display portion <NUM>. In other words, a user can determine that the surface with the textured pattern <NUM> indicates a bottom side of the computing device <NUM>, and open the display portion <NUM> without having to change orientation (e.g., flip) of the computing device <NUM>. In addition to determining proper orientation of the computing device <NUM>, the textured pattern <NUM> can provide enhanced gripping of the portable computing device <NUM> in a closed position or an open position. For example, while carrying the portable computing device <NUM>, the textured pattern <NUM> may provide a gripping surface for ease in carrying the device. In another example, while operating the portable computing device <NUM> (e.g., on a lap of a user), the textured surface <NUM> may prevent and/or reduce the portable computing device <NUM> from falling off the lap of the user. This may be due to a frictional effect caused by the textured pattern <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM> of the portable computing device <NUM>. The textured pattern <NUM> may also provide structural integrity of the portable computing device <NUM>. For example, the textured pattern <NUM> can protect components inside of the base portion <NUM> from damages due to drops, impacts, vibrations and/or compression loads.

As shown in <FIG>, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend from, or between, a first end portion <NUM> to a second end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In an example described herein, when viewing <FIG>, the first end portion <NUM> may be a left-end portion of the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> may be a right-end portion of the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In other words, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend in a direction along a longitudinal line A1-A1. Hence, the longitudinal line A1-A1 can be defined that extends in a direction along the first end portion <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> may alternatively extend from a top end portion <NUM> to a bottom end portion <NUM>. In other words, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend in direction orthogonal (e.g., transverse) to the longitudinal line A1-A1. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend off-angled with respect to the longitudinal line A1-A1. For example, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend at <NUM> degrees with respect to the longitudinal line A1-A1.

In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on a substantially entire surface of the bottom surface <NUM> extending along the same direction as longitudinal line A1-A1, as shown in <FIG>. That is, the textured pattern <NUM> has a repeating pattern until the textured pattern <NUM> substantially covers the entire surface of the bottom surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on only a portion of the bottom surface <NUM> extending along the same direction as the longitudinal line A1-A1. For example, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed up to a middle portion of the bottom surface <NUM>. As such, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on only a half portion of the bottom surface <NUM> and a non-textured pattern (e.g., smooth surface) on the other half portion of the bottom surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> alternatively can be disposed up to a mid-portion of the bottom surface <NUM> extending in an orthogonal (e.g., transverse) direction of the longitudinal line A1-A1. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed only up to a mid-portion of the bottom surface <NUM> extending in an off-angled (e.g., <NUM> degrees) direction with respect to the longitudinal line A1-A1.

In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on another surface of the base portion <NUM>. For example, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on a top surface, opposite the bottom surface <NUM>, of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on both surfaces (e.g., top and bottom surfaces) of the base portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on a surface of the display portion <NUM>. For example, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on an outer top surface of display portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on both surfaces of the display portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> further includes a foot pad member <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM> thereof. The foot pad member <NUM> can be configured to cover at least one fastener <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Further details of the fastener <NUM> with respect to the foot pad member <NUM> will be described later in this disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> can be located at the top end portion <NUM> and/or the bottom end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> can extend from the first end portion <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In other words, the foot pad member <NUM> may run in the same direction (e.g., parallel to the textured pattern <NUM>) with respect to the longitudinal line A1-A1. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> can be made up of several parts that extend along the longitudinal line A1-A1. In other words, the foot pad member <NUM> can be made up of several members instead of a continuous one-piece member. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> can be located at only corner(s) of the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. For example, the foot pad member <NUM> can be located at each four corners of the base portion <NUM>. In one example implementation, the foot pad member <NUM> can be circular in shape. Other shapes, such as, a square, a rectangle, an oval, a polygon, etc. may be employed as a shape of the foot pad member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base portion <NUM> of <FIG> according to an example implementation. As shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> may be coupled and/or attached to at least one of the concave ridges <NUM> of the textured pattern <NUM>. For example, the foot pad member <NUM> may be coupled to one concave ridge <NUM> that is at the top end portion <NUM> and/or the bottom end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may be coupled to the concave ridges <NUM> besides the ones at the top end portion <NUM> and/or the bottom end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. For example, the foot pad member <NUM> can be coupled to one of the concave ridges <NUM> on or near a middle portion of the textured pattern <NUM> in the base portion <NUM>.

Because the foot pad member <NUM> can be coupled to the concave ridges <NUM>, the foot pad member <NUM> extends further away from a surface <NUM> (e.g., top surface) than the concave ridges <NUM> that does not include the foot pad member <NUM>. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, which is an enlarged view of an area associated with portion A shown in <FIG>, a distance (e.g., depth) from the surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> to a bottom surface of the foot pad member <NUM> represent H1 and a distance (e.g., depth) from the surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> to a bottom surface of one concave ridge <NUM> represents H2, wherein H1 is greater than H2. Hence, the foot pad member <NUM> extends further away from the surface <NUM> than the concave ridges <NUM>. In other words, the depth of the foot pad member <NUM> can be greater than the depth of the concave ridges <NUM>. This can provide the foot pad member <NUM> to contact a surface of a flat surface, such as, for example, a desk or table, rather than one of the concave ridges <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base portion <NUM> according to another example implementation. As shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> may be disposed inside a recess <NUM> (e.g., opening, channel, slot, etc.) of the base portion <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be configured to receive the foot pad member <NUM>. That is, the recess <NUM> may have a shape that is similar to a shape of the foot pad member <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape (as shown in <FIG>). Referring back to <FIG>, the recess <NUM>, as shown in a cross-sectional view, can be a different shape than the textured pattern <NUM> including the concave ridges <NUM> and the convex channels <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> disposed inside of the recess <NUM> can extend further away from the surface <NUM> than one of the concave ridges <NUM>. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, which is an enlarged view of an area associated with portion B shown in <FIG>, a distance (e.g., depth) from a surface of the recess <NUM> to a bottom surface of the foot pad member <NUM> represent J1 and a distance (e.g., depth) from the surface of the recess <NUM> to a bottom surface of one concave ridge <NUM> represents J2. In this example implementation, J1 is greater than J2. In one example implementation, J1 may have a distance of approximately <NUM> and J2 may have a distance of approximately <NUM>. Hence, the foot pad member <NUM> extends further away from the surface of the recess <NUM> than the concave ridges <NUM>. That is, the depth of the foot pad member <NUM> can be greater than the depth of the concave ridges <NUM>. This also can provide the foot pad member <NUM> to contact a surface of a flat surface, such as, for example, a desk or table, rather than one of the concave ridges <NUM>.

In some implementations, a height of each of the concave ridges <NUM> (e.g., the distance from the surface <NUM> of the base portion to the bottom surface of each concave ridge <NUM>) can be the same. In some implementations, a height of some of the concave ridges <NUM> can vary. For example, one concave ridge <NUM> may have a first height and an adjacent concave ridge <NUM> may have a second height, different than the first height. This configuration can continue until a pattern is formed.

In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may be attached and/or bonded to the concave ridge <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or the recess <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) of the base portion <NUM> with a bonding agent (e.g., adhesive, glue, tape, epoxy resin, etc.).

In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may be made from a rubber material. The rubber material helps in providing frictional resistance and creating a non-slip surface. Further, rubber materials provide structural integrity and protect the components inside of the portable computing device <NUM> during impact or when the device is dropped. In some implementations, other materials, such as plastic, may be used to form the foot pad member <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may have the same material as the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may have a different material as the base portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a computing device <NUM> according to example implementations. The computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a variation of the computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Like elements will use similar reference numbers. <FIG> is a perspective view of the computing device <NUM> in a closed position; <FIG> is a perspective view of the computing device <NUM> in an open position; <FIG> is a top view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>; <FIG> is a bottom view of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>; <FIG> is a side view, when viewed from a right side of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>; <FIG> is a side view, when viewed from a left side of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>; <FIG> is a side view, when viewed from a front side of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>; and <FIG> is a side view, when viewed from a back side of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> includes a display portion <NUM> that is in a closed position with respect to a base portion <NUM> according to an example implementation. The display portion <NUM> can include a display <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, the computing device <NUM> may be generally rectangular shaped having two long sides (e.g., a front side 101a and a back side 101b) and two short sides (e.g., a right side 105a and a left side 105b). The computing device <NUM> can be other shapes, such as, for example, a square. Further, as shown in at least <FIG>, corners <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> can be curved (e.g., rounded, smooth, etc.) so as to protect the computing device <NUM> from damage due to impact when compared to a sharp edge corner. Further, the curved corners <NUM> can also increase internal volume when compared to a flat surface joining sidewalls at a same joint or edge. Furthermore, the curved corners <NUM> can provide an aesthetically pleasing look and/or feel to the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the corners <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> can have a chamfered or beveled edge.

Referring to <FIG>, the display portion <NUM> is in an open position with respect to the base portion <NUM> according to an example implementation. The display portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the base portion <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may be located on the back side 101b of the computing device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The rotatable attachment of the display portion <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>, and/or the base portion <NUM> to the display portion <NUM>, may enable the display portion <NUM> to rotate to the open position, in which the display portion <NUM> is not in contact with the base portion <NUM>, and/or in which the display portion <NUM> is rotated at an angle away from the base portion <NUM>, such as between forty-five degrees (<NUM>°) and three hundred fifteen degrees (<NUM>°) away from the base portion <NUM>. In addition, the opened position of the display portion <NUM> can expose a keyboard <NUM> disposed on the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the base portion <NUM> may include at least a touch-sensitive input device <NUM> (e.g., touch pad). The input device <NUM> may be used to track movements of the user's finger on a surface of the input device <NUM> by detecting the position (e.g., (x,y) coordinates) of the user's finger on the surface of the input device <NUM> as the user's finger moves across the surface of the input device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may implement gesture recognition software that translates the detected positions of the user's finger into a gesture (e.g., pointer movement, scroll, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, the display portion <NUM> can include the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> can include an active area 121a (e.g., display area), in which an array of pixels (not shown) are formed therein, and a non-display area 121b. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown herein, the display <NUM> may be rectangular shaped. Other shapes may be employed, and not limited to the exemplary embodiment described herein. The non-display area 121b may be provided at a periphery of the display area 121a at each end thereof. That is, the non-display area 121b may surround the display area 121a. In some implementations, corners <NUM> of the display area 121a can be curved (e.g., rounded, circular, arc, etc.) to provide a conforming contour as the corners <NUM> of the display portion <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the corners <NUM> of the display area 121a can have a chamfered or beveled shape. The curved corners <NUM> of the display area 121a can provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the display portion <NUM> and/or the entire computing device <NUM>.

In some implementations, the base portion <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., enclosure, casing, etc.) to house at least one speaker (not shown) inside of the base portion <NUM>. The speaker may be located at least on one side of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the speaker may be located on both short sides of the base portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may further include speaker openings <NUM> (e.g., holes, cutouts, grill, etc.) on a surface thereof. The speaker openings <NUM> correspond to a location of the speaker disposed inside of the base portion <NUM> to allow sound to be delivered to the ambiance from the speaker disposed within the housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the speaker openings <NUM> may be provided for ventilation purposes. In some implementations, speaker openings <NUM> may be provided for providing access to internal components inside of the housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the speaker openings <NUM> can be disposed on at least one short side of the housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the speaker openings <NUM> can be disposed on both short sides of the housing <NUM>. In some implementations, the speaker openings <NUM> can have generally a rectangular shape. In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the speaker openings <NUM> can have a shape of a capsule "pill" (e.g., a generally rectangular shape with rounded end portions). Other shapes beside the ones described above may be employed for the speaker openings <NUM>.

In some implementations, the base portion <NUM> may include a groove <NUM> at a sidewall of the base portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the groove <NUM> may be disposed at the sidewall of the front side 101a (shown in <FIG>) of the base portion <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be used as a device to assist in opening the display portion <NUM>. For example, a user may place one finger into the groove <NUM> and lift the display portion <NUM> upward to open the display portion <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> and/or the display portion <NUM> may be formed from a metal material. For example, the metal material may be magnesium. Other metal materials, such as, for example, aluminum, may be employed. In some implementations, the base portion <NUM> and/or the display portion <NUM> may be formed from a plastic material or some other rugged material, such as various composite polymers, for protecting the subsystem and components disposed within the base portion <NUM> and display portion <NUM>. In some implementations, both the base portion <NUM> and the display portion <NUM> may be formed from the same material. In some implementations, the base portion <NUM> and the display portion <NUM> may be formed from different materials.

Referring to <FIG>, a bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> includes a textured pattern <NUM>. The textured pattern <NUM> includes alternating concave ridges and convex channels. As discussed in detail above, the alternating concave ridges and convex channels on the bottom surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> provide the user to, at least, determine the orientation of the computing device, enhance gripping, and/or provide structural integrity. As shown in <FIG>, the textured pattern <NUM> may extend from a first end portion <NUM> to a second end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> in a direction along the longitudinal line A1-A1. In some implementations, the textured pattern <NUM> can be disposed on a substantially entire surface of the bottom surface <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> further includes a foot pad member <NUM> at the bottom surface <NUM> thereof. In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> can be located at a top end portion <NUM> and/or a bottom end portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may run in the same direction (e.g., parallel to the textured pattern <NUM>) with respect to the longitudinal line A1-A1.

Referring to <FIG>, which is a side view, when viewed from the right side 105a of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may include a port <NUM> configured to connect to external devices, such as, for example, a power cord. In some implementations, port <NUM> can be configured to access other various I/O interface devices. A type of port <NUM> may be a USB (universal serial bus) port, for example. In some implementations, port <NUM> can include a HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a display port, a DVI (digital visual interface) port, a microSD card slot, etc. Other port configurations may be used if desired. The example of <FIG> is merely illustrative. In some implementations, port <NUM> can be disposed in a portion of the base portion <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, which is a side view, when viewed from the left side 105b of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may include a port <NUM>, similar to port <NUM> of <FIG>, and a headphone jack <NUM>. In some implementations, port <NUM> and/or the headphone jack <NUM> can include a USB port, a HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a display port, a DVI (digital visual interface) port, a microSD card slot, etc. Other port configurations may be used if desired. The example of <FIG> is merely illustrative. In some implementations, port <NUM> and the headphone jack <NUM> can be disposed in a portion of the base portion <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, which is a side view, when viewed from the front side 101a of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may include the groove <NUM> in the base portion <NUM> to assist the user to open the display portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the groove <NUM> can include a shape that is generally rectangular. Other shapes may be employed to form the groove <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, which is a side view, when viewed from the back side 101b of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may include the hinge <NUM> to rotatably open the display portion <NUM>. In other words, the base portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the display portion <NUM>, and/or the display portion <NUM> may be rotatably attached to the base portion <NUM> via the hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a portion (e.g., left-most end portion) of the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> according to an example implementation. <FIG> illustrates the computing device <NUM> in proper operating configuration, in which a base portion <NUM> is at a bottom side and a display portion <NUM> is at a top side. As shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> can include the display portion <NUM> having a housing to house at least the display <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and display components, and the base portion <NUM> having a housing <NUM> to house and support internally various components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the integrated circuit chips and other circuity may include, at least, a microprocessor, memory, a battery, a circuit board, I/O, various input/output (I/O) support circuitry and the like. Although not shown in this figure, the housing <NUM> may define a cavity within which the components may be positioned and housing <NUM> also may physically support any suitable number of mechanisms, within housing <NUM> or within openings through the surface of housing <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> includes a first cover portion <NUM> and a second cover portion <NUM>. The first cover portion <NUM> can be defined as a structural component of the housing <NUM> configured for protecting the computing device <NUM>. The first cover portion <NUM> may be referred to as a C-cover. The first cover portion <NUM> can include a casing or enclosure (e.g., upper shell housing) configured for protecting the subsystem and components positioned within the base portion <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. The second cover portion <NUM> is a structural component of the base portion <NUM> for protecting the computing device <NUM>. In addition to providing protection, the second cover portion <NUM> may further enhance grippable (e.g., no-slip surface) and/or provide structural integrity. The second cover portion <NUM> may be referred to as a D-cover. The second cover portion <NUM> may include a casing or enclosure (e.g., lower shell housing) of the base portion <NUM> for protecting the subsystem and components positioned within the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the first and second cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed with a metal material, such as, for example, magnesium. Other metal materials may be employed. In some implementations, other non-metal materials or some other material, such as various composite polymers, may be used for protecting the subsystem and components positioned within the base portion <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the first and second cover portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed with different materials.

The first cover portion <NUM> includes a first surface 137a and a second surface 137b, opposite the first surface 137a. The first surface 137a may be defined as a top surface. When the computing device <NUM> is in a closed position, the first surface 137a may contact a surface of the display portion <NUM>. The second surface 137b may be defined as a bottom surface. The second surface 137b is coupled to the second cover portion <NUM>. More specifically, the second surface 137b of the first cover portion <NUM> is coupled to a first surface 139a (e.g., a top surface) of the second cover portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the second surface 137b of the first cover portion <NUM> may be coupled to the top surface <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM> with a fastening device (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an anchor, adhesive, glue, tape, etc.).

The second cover portion <NUM> further includes a second surface 139b (or <NUM>). The second surface 139b may be defined as a bottom surface. As discussed previously in detail, the second surface 139b includes a textured pattern that includes alternating convex ridges <NUM> and concave ridges <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The alternating convex ridges <NUM> and concave ridges <NUM> are repeated until they substantially cover a substantial portion of the second surface 139b.

The second surface 139b further includes a foot pad member <NUM> that may be coupled and/or attached to at least one of the concave ridges <NUM> of the textured pattern <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the foot pad member <NUM> may be coupled to the concave ridge <NUM> that is at the far left-most concave ridge <NUM>. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> may be coupled to other concave ridges <NUM> besides the far left-most concave ridge <NUM>. For example, the foot pad member <NUM> can be coupled to the concave ridge <NUM> at the far right-most concave ridge <NUM> (now shown) or other concave ridges, (e.g., at or near a middle portion of the textured pattern <NUM>). Because the foot pad member <NUM> is coupled to at least one of the concave ridge <NUM>, the foot pad member <NUM> can extend further away from the first surface 139a (e.g., top surface) of the second cover portion <NUM>. As a result, the foot pad member <NUM> can contact a surface of a flat surface (e.g., a desk or a table), rather than the concave ridges <NUM>, and protect the second surface 139b of the second cover portion <NUM>.

The first cover portion <NUM> includes sidewalls. The sidewalls of the first cover portion <NUM> are curved (e.g., rounded or smooth) such that the sidewalls form a curved side surface <NUM>. The second cover portion <NUM> includes sidewalls. Similarly, the sidewalls of the second cover portion <NUM> are curved (e.g., rounded or smooth) such that the sidewalls form a curved side surface <NUM>. The curved side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are continuous creating a single sidewall. In other words, the curved side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can be flushed with respect to each other. To describe in another manner, the curved side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can have a same radius of curvature so that a shape of the base portion <NUM> appears as a one-piece unit. In some implementations, the curved side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> can be continuous with a curved side surface of the display portion <NUM>. This helps define the overall shape and form of the computing device <NUM> or the contour of the curved side surfaces may embody the outward physical appearance of the computing device <NUM>. For example, the contour of the curved side surfaces of the computing device <NUM> may provide generally a shape of a capsule pill. Other suitable shapes may be used. In some implementations, the size and shape of the housing <NUM> may be dimensioned to comfortably operate the computing device <NUM>.

Further, due to the contour of the curved sidewalls of the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>, a length of the first cover portion <NUM> is different than a length of the second cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first cover portion <NUM> has a length of B2 and the second cover portion <NUM> has a length of B1. In this example implementation, B2 is greater than B1.

In some implementations, while <FIG> illustrates only one side of the computing device <NUM>, lengths of B1 and B2 can be implemented in all four sides of the computing device <NUM>. In other words, length B2 when compared to length B1 can be greater on the two long sides (e.g., front side 101a and back side 101b) and on the two short sides (e.g., right side 105a and left side 105b).

<FIG> are schematic views of a portion of the computing device <NUM> of according to another example implementation. The base portion <NUM> of <FIG> are similar to the base portion <NUM> of <FIG> except that the foot pad member <NUM> can be disposed within a recess <NUM> instead of being on one of the concave ridges <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the recess <NUM> (e.g., opening, channel, slot, etc.) can be configured to receive the foot pad member <NUM>. In some implementations, the recess <NUM> may have a shape that is similar to a shape of the foot pad member <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape, which may conform to a shape of a top end portion <NUM> of the foot pad member <NUM>. The shapes of both the foot pad member <NUM> and the recess <NUM> should be similarly close such that the foot pad member <NUM> fits tightly within the recess <NUM>. In an alternative view, <FIG> illustrates the recess <NUM> having a particular shape that corresponds to the shape of the foot pad member <NUM>. In this example implementation, the recess <NUM> may have a shape of a capsule pill (e.g., a generally rectangular shape with rounded end portions). Other shapes beside the ones described above may be employed, such as, for example, a rectangle, a square, a circle, etc..

Furthermore, the recess <NUM> can have the same size as the foot pad member <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the recess <NUM> may have a length F1 and the foot pad member <NUM> may have a length F2. In this example implementation, lengths F1 and F2 can be substantially the same. In some implementations, the foot pad member <NUM> and the recess <NUM> may have different sizes. For example, length F1 of the recess <NUM> may be larger than length F2 of the foot pad member <NUM>.

The recess <NUM> may further include a fastener hole <NUM> for receiving a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a screw). That is, the fastener hole <NUM> can be formed inside (e.g., within) the recess <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may fasten the second cover portion <NUM> to the first cover portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the fastener hole <NUM> may be located near an end portion of the recess <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the fastener hole <NUM> may be located at both end portions of the recess <NUM>. In some implementations, the fastener hole <NUM> may be located at other locations in the recess <NUM>, such as, for example, in a middle portion of the recess <NUM>. In some implementations, there may be more than one fastener hole <NUM> disposed within the recess <NUM>. In an example implementation, a total of eight fastener holes <NUM> for receiving corresponding eight fasteners <NUM> may be disposed within the recess <NUM>. There may be four fastener holes <NUM> for each recess <NUM> (e.g., one recess formed near the front side 101a and the other recess <NUM> formed near the back side 101b). Other number of fastener holes <NUM> may be disposed within the recess <NUM>.

Because the fastener hole <NUM> is disposed within the recess <NUM>, the foot pad member <NUM> covers the fastener <NUM> and conceals the fastener <NUM> from view when the foot pad member <NUM> is disposed within the recess <NUM>. This creates an aesthetic look to the computing device <NUM>. Further, since the fastener <NUM> is covered by the foot pad member <NUM>, the fastener <NUM> from getting loose or missing is reduced. Furthermore, the covered foot pad member <NUM> can prevent and/or reduce exposure to any sharp edges created by the fastener <NUM>.

In addition to the recess <NUM> being formed on the second cover portion <NUM>, the second cover portion <NUM> may include the textured pattern <NUM> (e.g., alternating concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM>) at the bottom surface 139b thereof. The alternating concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> may be disposed substantially across the entire bottom surface 139b extending along the longitudinal line A1-A1, as shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the alternating concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> may be disposed between two recesses <NUM>. For example, one recess <NUM> may be formed near the front side 101a and the other recess <NUM> may be formed near the back side 101b of the computing device <NUM>. Similarly, the foot pad member <NUM> being disposed near the front side 101a and the back side 101b of the computing device <NUM>.

In some implementations, referring to <FIG>, a length of some of the concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM>) extending in a direction along the longitudinal line A1-A1 may be different than a length of other concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM>. For example, the concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> near the front side 101a of the computing device <NUM> (e.g., area where the foot pad member <NUM> is located) may have a first length D1, and the concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM> away from the front side 101a (e.g., area where the foot pad member <NUM> is not located) may have a second length D2. In this example implementation, length D1 may be smaller than length D2. This helps in designing and forming the curved sidewalls. When comparing the lengths D1 and D2 of the concave ridges <NUM> and convex channels <NUM>, a length G1 of the foot pad member <NUM> (and the recess <NUM>) can be smaller than lengths D1 and D2. This ensures that the foot pad member <NUM> does not extend beyond an edge (or sidewalls) of the computing device <NUM>.

In some implementations, a distance between two consecutive concave ridges <NUM> may be consistent or the same throughout the textured pattern. In other words, the distance may be measured from peak-to-peak of consecutive concave ridges <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two consecutive concave ridges <NUM> may have a length of E1 and repeated throughout the textured pattern. Hence, the lengths E1 of each consecutive concave ridge <NUM> may be the same.

In some implementations, a distance between two consecutive concave channels <NUM> may be consistent or the same throughout the textured pattern. In other words, the distance may be measured from valley-to-valley of consecutive convex channels <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two consecutive concave convex <NUM> may have a length of E2 and repeated throughout the textured pattern. Hence, the lengths E2 of each consecutive convex channel <NUM> may be the same.

In some implementations, the length E1 of the concave ridges <NUM> and the length E2 of the convex channels <NUM> may be the same. In some implementations, the lengths E1 and E2 may be the different. For example, length E1 may be larger or smaller than length E2.

In some implementations, when comparing lengths E1 and E2 to the length F1 of the recess <NUM>, the lengths E1 and/or E2 can be different with respect to length F1. In an example implementation, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, length F1 can be larger than lengths E1 and/or E2. In some implementations, length F1 can be smaller than lengths E1 and/or E2. In some implementations, length F1 can be the same as lengths E1 and/or E2.

In some implementations, the second cover portion <NUM> may include an end portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The end portion <NUM> may be configured to interface with a portion of the first cover portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the end portion <NUM> may be formed at a peripheral edge of the second cover portion <NUM> to form a portion of the sidewall of the computing device <NUM>.

Because of the contour of the curved sidewalls of the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>, a depth T1 (e.g., a distance between the top surface 139a and the bottom surface 139b of the second cover portion) at the end portion <NUM> may be larger than at other portions of the second cover portion <NUM>. For example, depth T1 may be larger than depth T2, which may be a distance between the top surface 139a to the bottom surface of one of the concave ridge <NUM>. In some implementations, depths T1 and T2 may be the same.

In some implementations, a latch <NUM> may be formed in the base portion <NUM> to latch the display portion <NUM> to the base portion <NUM> and hold the display portion <NUM> from opening. In one example implementation, the latch <NUM> extends upward from the base portion <NUM> and extends into an interior space of the display portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the latch <NUM> may be L-shaped.

<FIG> shows an example of a generic computer device <NUM> and a generic mobile computer device <NUM>, which may be used with the techniques described here. Features described with respect to the computer device <NUM> and/or mobile computer device <NUM> may be included in the portable computing device <NUM> described above. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart phones, and other similar computing devices.

Implementations of the various techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Implementations may implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. A computer program, such as the computer program(s) described above, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

Method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output.

The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer.

Implementations may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation, or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. Components may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network.

The computing device according to example embodiments described herein may be implemented using any appropriate combination of hardware and/or software configured for interfacing with a user including a user device, a user interface (UI) device, a user terminal, a client device, or a customer device. The computing device may be implemented as a portable computing device, such as, for example, a laptop computer. The computing device may be implemented as some other type of portable computing device adapted for interfacing with a user, such as, for example, a PDA, a notebook computer, or a tablet computer. The computing device may be implemented as some other type of computing device adapted for interfacing with a user, such as, for example, a PC. The computing device may be implemented as a portable communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smart phone, a wireless cellular phone, etc.) adapted for interfacing with a user and for wireless communication over a network including a mobile communications network.

The computer system (e.g., computing device) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a network server over a network via a communication link established with the network server using any known wireless communications technologies and protocols including radio frequency (RF), microwave frequency (MWF), and/or infrared frequency (IRF) wireless communications technologies and protocols adapted for communication over the network.

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, implementations of various techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Implementations may be implemented as a computer program product (e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, a machine-readable storage device, a computer-readable medium, a tangible computer-readable medium), for processing by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). In some implementations, a tangible computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform a process. A computer program, such as the computer program(s) described above, may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may be deployed to be processed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments, however, may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "connected," or "responsive" to, or "on," another element, it can be directly coupled, connected, or responsive to, or on, the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled," "directly connected," or "directly responsive" to, or "directly on," another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature in relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments of the present inventive concepts are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. Thus, example embodiments of the present inventive concepts should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. Thus, a "first" element could be termed a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claim 1:
A portable computing device, comprising:
a base portion (<NUM>) including:
a first cover portion (<NUM>) having a first surface (137a) and a second surface(137b), opposite the first surface (137a), and
a second cover portion (<NUM>) having a first surface (139a) and a second surface (139b), opposite the first surface (139a), the first surface (139a) of the second cover portion (<NUM>) being coupled to the second surface (137b) of the first cover portion (<NUM>), the second surface (139b) of the second cover portion (<NUM>) including a textured pattern, the textured pattern (<NUM>) including alternating concave ridges (<NUM>) and convex channels (<NUM>), a distance between the first surface (139a) of the second cover portion (<NUM>) and a bottom surface of one concave ridge (<NUM>) defining a first depth,
the second cover portion (<NUM>) including at least one foot pad member (<NUM>) disposed on the second surface (139b) of the second cover portion (<NUM>), a distance between the first surface (139a) of the second cover portion (<NUM>) and a bottom surface of the at least one foot pad member (<NUM>) defining a second depth, the second depth being greater than the first depth,
wherein the first cover portion (<NUM>) includes a first curved sidewall portion (<NUM>), and the second cover portion (<NUM>) includes a second curved sidewall portion (<NUM>), the second curved sidewall portion (<NUM>) being aligned with the first curved sidewall portion (<NUM>) to form a continuous sidewall.