PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7724509-B2
Application Number: US-21169808-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display housing for computing device

Abstract:
An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects. One aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. One aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. One aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing.

Claims:
1. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is coupled to the second member to form a substantially enclosed cavity within which various functional electronic components of the portable computing device are positioned, the functional electronic components having a total volume that is substantially less than the volume of the substantially enclosed cavity such that the substantially enclosed cavity includes an unused void around the functional electronic components; and 
 a stiffener disposed within and substantially filling the unused void, the stiffener increasing a strength and rigidity of the housing by distributing external loads more evenly across the housing, wherein the stiffener is adjacent to the first and second members and is configured to conform to internal features of the housing adjacent to the stiffener. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein various function electronic components are connected with the first member. 
     
     
       3. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener is formed of foam. 
     
     
       4. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the foam is packaging foam. 
     
     
       5. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the foam is formed from a material selected from the group consisting essentially of: polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene and expanded polyethylene. 
     
     
       6. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the foam stiffener is machined, molded or die cut to a desired prefabricated geometry. 
     
     
       7. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein inner surfaces of the housing have a complex geometry, and wherein the stiffener has an outer geometry that coincides with an inner geometry of at least portions of the housing. 
     
     
       8. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the stiffener further includes protrusions and depressions for filling empty spaces between inner surfaces of the housing. 
     
     
       9. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener further includes a stiffener cavity. 
     
     
       10. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the stiffener cavity is configured to provide clearance for functional electronic components of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the stiffener cavity is a weight reduction cavity. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least portions of the housing are thin and flexible. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the functional components include an antenna, the antenna being configured to transmit or receive RF signals, the housing being configured to enclose the antenna such that the antenna is entirely contained internal to the housing and is operable while being internal to the housing without having to extend any portion of the antenna outside the housing. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the portable computing device is a portable computer including a base and a lid, the lid being coupled to the base via a hinge, and wherein the housing corresponds to the housing of the lid or the housing of the base. 
     
     
       15. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener is fastened within the housing via a lip. 
     
     
       16. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener is structurally coupled to at least a portion of the housing via an adhesive. 
     
     
       17. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein portions of the housing and the stiffener form a laminate structure which provides resistance to point pressure loading. 
     
     
       18. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing that forms a substantially enclosed cavity within which various functional electronic components of the portable computing device are positioned, the functional electronic components having a total volume that is substantially less than the volume of the substantially enclosed cavity such that the substantially enclosed cavity includes an unused void around the functional electronic components; and 
 a stiffener disposed within and substantially filling the void, the stiffener increasing a strength and rigidity of the housing by distributing external loads more evenly across the housing, wherein the functional electronic components include at least a flat panel display and wherein the flat panel display emits light in a forward direction and in a back direction when active; and wherein a first member of the housing forms a back of the housing and includes a transparent portion through which a portion of the light emitted by said flat panel display in the back direction is able to pass, thereby illuminating the transparent portion when said flat panel display is active, the stiffener including an opening for allowing light to pass therethrough. 
 
     
     
       19. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the stiffener is formed of foam. 
     
     
       20. The portable computing device as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the stiffener is configured to provide clearance for functional electronic components of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       21. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing that forms a substantially enclosed cavity; 
 electronic components of the portable computing device within the substantially enclosed cavity, wherein the substantially enclosed cavity includes an unused volume around the electronic components; and 
 a stiffener disposed within the substantially enclosed cavity and substantially filling the unused volume, wherein at least a portion of the stiffener extends from a front side of the housing to a back side of the housing, wherein the stiffener is configured to conform to internal features of the housing adjacent to the stiffener, and wherein the stiffener is configured to distribute external loads more evenly across the housing. 
 
     
     
       22. The portable computing device of  claim 21 , wherein the stiffener comprises foam. 
     
     
       23. The portable computing device of  claim 21 , wherein the stiffener includes protrusions and depressions for filling empty spaces between inner surfaces of the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/198,783 filed Aug. 4, 2005 and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,915, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,808) filed Sep. 3, 1999 and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/134,082 filed May 14, 1999 and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     This application is also related to U.S. Application No. 60/134,084 filed May 14, 1999 and entitled “HOUSING FOR A COMPUTER DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to computer system and, more particularly, to improved features for housings of computer systems. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     All computing devices, including portable computers and desktop computers, have housings that enclose the components and circuitry of the computing devices. Various design difficulties are presented as these housing get more compact. These design difficulties are particularly acute for portable computers where a lot of components are required to fit in small areas. The difficulties are increased when the housings include complex shapes and decorative features. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved housings for computing devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Broadly speaking, the invention relates to an improved housing for a computing device. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects. A first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame that is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to illumination of design elements or features using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as an apparatus, a device, a method, and a computer system. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a display apparatus, one embodiment of the invention includes: a light panel that produces light for a display screen; a frame supporting said light panel with dimensional stability; a housing having said frame attached thereto, substantial portions of said housing being translucent; and a cosmetic shield provided between said housing and said frame to mask said frame and said light panel from being visible through the substantial portions of said housing being translucent. 
     As a display apparatus, another embodiment of the invention includes: a housing, substantial portions of said housing being translucent; a light panel provided within said housing, said light panel produces light for a display screen; and a cosmetic shield provided between said housing and said light panel to mask said light panel from being visible through the substantial portions of said housing being translucent. 
     As a method for illuminating a predetermined design in a translucent housing using reflected light, one embodiment of the invention includes: emitting light from a light panel in first and second directions; reflecting a portion of the light emitted in the second direction from a cosmetic shield, the cosmetic shield being provided between the housing and the light panel; reflecting a portion of the light reflected from the cosmetic shield back towards the cosmetic shield using a reflecting surface; and passing a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface through an opening in the cosmetic shield having the predetermined design and then through a corresponding portion of the housing adjacent the opening in the cosmetic shield, thereby illuminating the predetermined design in the translucent housing. 
     As a portable computer, one embodiment of the invention includes: a hinge; and a housing having a display portion and a base portion, the display portion being attached to the base portion with said hinge, wherein the base portion includes at least a processor, and wherein the display portion includes at least a flat panel display, an outer shell, and a frame supporting said flat panel display with respect to said portable computer by way of said hinge. 
     As a display apparatus, one embodiment of the invention includes: a flat panel display that emits light in a forward direction and in a back direction when active; and an outer shell for providing a housing for at least a rear portion of said display apparatus, said outer shell including a transparent portion through which a portion of the light emitted by said flat panel display in the back direction is able to pass, thereby illuminating the transparent portion when said flat panel display is active. 
     As a housing for a computer device, one embodiment of the invention includes: a front shell; a back shell coupled to said front shell to produce said housing, electrical components for the computer device being internal to said housing; and a foam stiffener provided internal to said housing to substantially fill unused space internal to said housing, thereby providing stiffness to said housing. 
     As a stiffening system for providing distributed loading to a portable computer assembly, one embodiment of the invention includes: a computer housing, said computer housing including a first member and a second member, said second member being coupled to said first member to form a volume therebetween and wherein said first member and said second member when coupled together form said computer housing; a stiffener, said stiffener being disposed between said first member and said second member of said computer housing, said stiffener being configured to substantially fill an unused portion of the volume between said first member and said second member wherein the outer surfaces of said stiffener respectively conform to the inner surfaces of the first and second member. 
     As a computer system, one embodiment of the invention includes: an antenna, said antenna being configured to transmit or receive RF signals; and a computer housing, said computer housing being configured to enclose said antenna such that said antenna is entirely contained internal to said computer housing and is operable while being internal to said computer housing without having to extend any portion of said antenna outside said computer housing. 
     As an antenna device for transmitting and receiving RF for use by a computer, one embodiment of the invention includes: an antenna cable having first and second conductors; an outer conductor, said outer conductor being operatively coupled to said second conductor of said antenna cable; an inner conductor, said inner conductor being operatively coupled to said first conductor of said antenna cable; and an antenna housing, said antenna housing being disposed around the outer periphery of said outer conductor and said inner conductor, and wherein said antenna housing maintains a fixed separation between said outer conductor and said antenna cable. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a portable computer; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a diagram of an EMI shield according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a diagram of a cosmetic shield according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of a symbol illumination system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of design illumination processing according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of a suspended frame according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a right side view of the suspended frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of a partial housing assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an internal view of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display housing for a computer; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of an antenna according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional drawings of a antenna pole according to one suitable embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional diagram of a conventional computer housing exhibiting excessive amounts of flexibility; 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional diagram of the computer housing that includes a series of ridges (or inserts); 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram of a computer housing according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a broken perspective view of a LCD display screen housing according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 14D  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to an improved housing for a computing device. More particularly, a first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to illumination of design elements or features using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-14D . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a portable computer  100 . The portable computer  100  includes a base  102  and a lid  104 . The base  102  houses internally various integrated circuit chips and other circuitry to provide computing operations for the portable computer  100 . The integrated circuit chips and other circuitry include a microprocessor, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), a disk drive, a battery, and various input/output (I/O) support circuitry. The base  102  also includes a keyboard  106  that allows a user of the portable computer  100  to enter alphanumeric data. The base  102  also includes a track pad  108  and associated buttons  110  and  112 . The track pad  108  is an input device for the portable computer  100  and generally represents an input pointer device. The associated buttons  110  and  112  allow a user to make a selection with respect to a graphical user interface. Additionally, the base  102  includes a power switch  114  and miscellaneous switches  116 . 
     The lid  104  is coupled to the base  102  by way of a hinge mechanism (not shown). As such, the lid  104  can rotate into an open position or a closed position with respect to the base  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the lid  104  is in the open position. The lid  104  contains a light emitting diode (LCD) display  118 . The LCD display  118  is visible to a user of the portable computer  100  when the lid  104  is in the open position, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The LCD display  118  is surrounded at a peripheral region by a bezel  120  that serves to support the LCD display  118  in its assembled position within the lid  104 . When the lid  104  is in a closed position, an outer surface  122  of the lid  104  is visible but the LCD display  118  and the bezel  120  are no longer visible to the user. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, a logo or other symbol provided on a housing can be illuminated using light from the backside of a LCD panel. The light can be direct, reflected, or both. The illumination is provided by use of otherwise wasted light. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a display apparatus  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The display apparatus  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2  represents an assembly diagram for the display apparatus  200 . 
     The display apparatus  200  includes a translucent housing  202 . The translucent housing  202  has an outer surface  204  and an inner surface  206 . In one implementation, the translucent housing  202  is a lid of a portable computer, such as the lid  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A cosmetic shield  208  is placed against the inner surface  206  of the translucent housing  202 . The cosmetic shield  208  provides a uniform, clean look for the translucent housing  202  when viewed from the outer surface  204 . In other words, the cosmetic shield  208  provides the uniform, clean look and masks out the undesirable appearance of other internal components to the display apparatus  200 . A suspended frame  210  is connected to the translucent housing  202  at the inner surface  206 . The suspended frame  210  typically affixes itself with respect to the translucent housing  202  at the periphery of the translucent housing  202 . An EMI shield  212  can be placed within the suspended frame  210  or between the suspended frame  210  and the cosmetic shield  208 . The EMI shield  212  is a metal sheet having a plurality of holes. A LCD panel  214  is affixed to the suspended frame  210 . Hence, the suspended frame  210  operates to secure the position of the LCD panel  214  with respect to the translucent housing  202 . The EMI shield  212  serves to block emissions from at least the back-side of the LCD panel  214 . A bezel  216  provides a border around the edge of the front-side of the LCD panel  214  and typically attaches to a peripheral region of the translucent housing  202 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a diagram of an EMI shield  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The EMI shield  300  represents an embodiment of the EMI shield  212  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The EMI shield  300  includes a plurality of holes  302  which are typically provided in a predetermined pattern (e.g., grid pattern). Even though the EMI shield  300  includes a plurality of holes  302 , when placed adjacent to one side of a LCD panel, the EMI shield is able to limit electromagnetic emissions from the display apparatus due to the back-side of the LCD panel. The EMI shield  300  also includes a solid region  304  through which there are no holes. In  FIG. 3A , the solid region  304  is in the form of a symbol or a company logo, such as an apple which is the company logo of Apple Computer, Inc. In general, the solid region  304  provides a reflection area that is utilized to provide symbol illumination as discussed in detail below. However, it should be noted that the solid region  304  need not have the same shape or configuration as the symbol to be illuminated. For example, the solid region  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3A  could be a square region that is at least as large as the symbol to be illuminated. 
       FIG. 3B  is a diagram of a cosmetic shield  306  according to one embodiment of the invention. The cosmetic shield  306  can be formed from a variety of materials. For example, in one implementation, cosmetic shield  306  is a thin sheet of aluminum. Other suitable materials for the cosmetic shield  306  include, for example, paper or plastic. The cosmetic shield  306  can be any of a variety of different colors or multiple colors. Although the cosmetic shield  306  generally reflects light incident from the LCD panel, the cosmetic shield  306  also include an opening  308 . The opening  308  corresponds to the symbol to be illuminated. The opening  308  provides an outlet for some of the light being reflected from the solid region  304  of the EMI shield  300  towards the cosmetic shield  306 . Accordingly, the light passing through the opening  308  illuminates the logo or other symbol. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of a symbol illumination system  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The symbol illumination system  400  operates to illuminate a symbol at a translucent portion of a housing using light provided by a display panel. The symbol illumination system  400  explains how a symbol is illuminated by a display apparatus, such as the display apparatus  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     The symbol illumination system  400  includes a LCD panel  402 . The LCD panel  402  emits light in a primary direction  404  as well as in a secondary direction  406 . The primary direction  404  is associated with the direction towards a viewing side of the LCD panel  402 . A user of the LCD panel  402  (or the computer to which the LCD panel  402  is associated) typically views a display screen from the viewing side of the LCD panel  402 . The secondary direction  406  represents light being emitted from the back-side of the LCD panel  402  towards the housing which supports the LCD panel  402 . Generally, the second direction  406  is opposite the primary direction. The light being emitted in the secondary direction  406  then interacts with an EMI shield  408 . The EMI shield  408  includes a plurality of holes through which light may pass. As an example, the EMI shield  408  can be constructed such as the EMI shield  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . In any case, when the light emitted in the secondary direction  406  strikes the EMI shield  408  at one of the respective holes within the EMI shield  408 , then such light  412  can pass through the EMI shield  408 . On the other hand, the light emitted in the secondary direction that does not strike the EMI shield  408  at a hole (but instead a solid region), such light  410  is reflected back toward the LCD panel  402 . 
     The light  412  that does pass through the EMI shield  408  next impinges upon a cosmetic shield  414 . The light  412  striking the cosmetic shield  414  is reflected from the cosmetic shield  414  back towards the EMI shield  408  as reflected light  416 . Thereafter, a portion of the reflected light  416  that reflects back to a solid region  417  (e.g., solid region  304 ) of the EMI shield  408  is then again reflected back from the solid region  417  of the EMI shield  408  towards the cosmetic shield  414  as twice reflected light  418 . At least a portion of the twice reflected light  418  is directed to an opening  420  in the cosmetic shield  414 . The portion of the twice reflected light passing through the opening  420  then passes through a translucent housing  422  to produce an illuminated image  424  at an outer surface of the translucent housing  422 . More particularly, the opening  420  within the cosmetic shield  414  is configured in accordance with an image of the symbol to be illuminated. For example, when the opening  420  is formed such as the opening  308  in the cosmetic shield  306  illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the illuminated image  424  at the outer surface of the translucent housing  422  would correspond to an illuminated apple symbol. However, as noted above, any graphic or symbol can be illuminated in this manner. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of design illumination processing  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The design illumination processing  500  is, for example, performed by a symbol illumination system, such as the symbol illumination system  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Typically, the symbol illumination system would be provided on an electronic device having a display panel for displaying information to a user. The design illumination processing  500  enables a design (e.g., symbol, logo or other graphic) on a back surface of a housing for the display panel of the electronic device to be illuminated using reflected light from the light panel. 
     The design illumination processing  500  begins by emitting  502  light from a light panel in first and second directions. Typically, the first direction is a primary direction in which light is emitted from the light panel, and the second direction is a secondary in which light is also emitted. Typically, the amount of light emitted in the second direction is substantially less than the amount of light emitted in the first direction. Often, the light emitted in the second direction is a side-effect not normally desired (i.e., a side-effect) but such light is utilized by the invention. 
     Next, a portion of the light emitted in the second direction from the light panel is reflected  504  from a cosmetic shield. In other words, the light emitted in the second direction is reflected back in substantially the first direction by the cosmetic shield. Typically, the cosmetic shield reflects most of the light striking its surface, but some of the light can also be absorbed. 
     Then, a portion of the light reflected from the cosmetic shield is reflected  506  back towards the cosmetic shield using a reflecting surface. The reflecting surface can be provided in a number of ways, including as a reflecting material provided on a portion of a back surface of the light panel or an intermediate reflecting region provided between the cosmetic shield and the back surface of light panel. Examples of an intermediate reflecting region are the solid region  304  of the EMI shield  300  in  FIG. 3A  or the solid region  417  of the EMI shield  408  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Thereafter, a portion of the reflected light from the reflecting surface is passed  508  through an opening in the cosmetic shield having a predetermined design and then through a corresponding portion of an adjacent housing. In other words, light reflected from the cosmetic shield back to the reflecting surface then back again towards the cosmetic shield will eventually have a portion thereof pass through the opening in the cosmetic shield. The opening in the cosmetic shield leads to a housing that is adjacent to the cosmetic shield. Also, at least a portion of the housing adjacent the cosmetic shield is translucent. Consequently, the light passing through the opening in the cosmetic shield also then passes through a corresponding portion of the (translucent) housing that is adjacent to the opening in the cosmetic shield, thereby illuminating the predetermined design in the housing. Once the design is illuminated, the design illumination processing  500  is then complete and ends. 
     The design being illuminated is located adjacent the opening in the cosmetic shield. As noted above, the design can be provided in the translucent portion of the housing adjacent the opening in the cosmetic shield. The design could also be provided by a separate design piece of translucent material that is inserted and affixed within an opening in the (translucent or non-translucent) housing. In such case, the opening in the housing would be adjacent the opening in the cosmetic shield. Still further, a light pipe or light guide could direct the light to the design and thus not be adjacent the opening in the cosmetic shield. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, a suspended frame is able to support a LCD panel within a display housing with attachments being made at upper and lower peripheral surfaces. The suspended frame is particularly well suited for use with a translucent display housing. 
       FIG. 6A  is a top view of a suspended frame  600  according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6B  is a right side view of the suspended frame  600 . The suspended frame  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  represents one embodiment for the suspended frame  210  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The suspended frame  600  includes an outer periphery  602  and an inner periphery  604  that form the frame. However, the suspended frame  600  could alternatively be a sheet which would provider greater support at the additional manufacturing cost and additional weight. Typically, the suspended frame  600  is a metal structure, such as sheet metal. The suspended frame  600  is used to support a LCD panel, such as the LCD panel  214  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The suspended frame  600  includes a left side  606 , a right side  608 , a top side  610 , and a bottom side  612 . The left side  606  and the right side  608  have side edges  614  that extend outward at the outer periphery  602  of the left side  606  and the right side  608 . Additionally, the bottom side  612  includes a bottom edge  616  that extends outward at the outer periphery  602  of the bottom side  612 . In order to affix the LCD panel to the suspended frame  600 , the suspended frame  600  includes holes  618  at the left side  606  and the right side  608 . The top side  610  includes holes  620  and the bottom edge  616  includes holes  622 . The holes  620  and  622  are used to affix or mount with respect to the suspended frame  600  as discussed below. 
     The suspended frame  600  then in turn mounts to a housing. For example, the housing can be the translucent housing (lid)  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 7  is a view of a partial housing assembly  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The partial housing assembly  700  illustrates the suspended frame  600  being affixed or attached to a housing  702 . The housing  702  includes an inner surface  704  and an outer surface  705 . At the periphery of the inner surface  704 , an outer lip  706  is formed. The outer lip  706  typically extends around the periphery of the translucent housing  702 . At a bottom side of the outer lip  706  a plurality of holes  708  are provided through the outer lip  706 . The holes  708  through the bottom side of the outer lip  706  align with the holes  622  in the bottom edge  616  of the bottom side  612  of the suspended frame  600 . By threading screws through the holes  708  and into the corresponding holes  622 , the bottom side of the suspended frame  600  is affixed to the bottom side of the housing  702 . The housing  702  also includes the plurality of tabs  710  at a top side of the housing  702 . In one embodiment, the tabs  710  are constructed as part of the housing  702  and extend downward from the top side over the top side  610  of the suspended frame  600 . The tabs  710  are used to affix or mount the top side  610  of the suspended frame  600  to the top side of the housing  702 . Typically, screws would be threaded through openings  712  in the tabs  710  and through the corresponding holes  620  in the top side  610  of the suspended frame  600 . It should be noted that in this embodiment, the suspended frame  600  is coupled to the housing  702  only at the top side and at the bottom side near the periphery. As such, when the housing  702  is translucent, the outer surface  705  of the translucent housing provides a smooth, uniform appearance (without having visual detractions due to large numbers of screws, etc.) even though the suspended frame  600 , as well as the LCD panel coupled thereto, are securely fastened to the translucent housing. 
     Still further, the suspended frame  600  is connected to a base housing (e.g., base  102  of  FIG. 1 ) through a hinge mechanism (not shown). The housing  702  then, as noted above, attaches to the suspended frame  600 . The LCD display (e.g.,  214 ) attaches to the suspended frame  600 . A bezel (e.g., bezel  120 ) couples to the housing  702  or the suspended frame  600 . Hence, when the lid (e.g., lid  104 ) is assembled, the bezel and the housing sandwiches the suspended frame  600  and the LCD display. Another advantage of the suspended frame  600  is then that the functional components within the lid are able to be easily serviced, tested or assembled because the bezel and housing can be removed while leaving the LCD display operable and attached to the suspended frame  600  (as well as the hinge mechanism). 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, a portable computing device is provided with an internal antenna. In one embodiment, the antenna is internal to a computer housing (e.g., LCD display housing). 
       FIG. 8  is an internal view of a LCD display housing  800  for a computer. The LCD display housing  800  has a housing  802 . The housing  802  has an outer surface  804  and an inner surface  806 . Affixed to the inner surface of the housing  802  is a LCD display  808 . The peripheral portion of the LCD display  808  and brackets used to affix the LCD display  808  to the inner surface  806  of the housing  802  can be cosmetically masked with a cosmetic frame  810 . In one implementation, the cosmetic frame  810  is a thin sheet of aluminum. The cosmetic frame  810  is useful when the housing has translucent portions. 
     The housing  802  is also configured to enclose an antenna. The inner surface  806  of the housing  802  is also provided with recesses  812  and  813  for receiving the antenna. In one implementation, the recesses  812  and  813  are configured to coincide with the shape of the antenna device so that the assembly of the antenna device to the inner surface  806  of the housing  802  is performed with ease (and likely without any need to otherwise adhere or fasten). In most instances, the antenna device is disposed at the outer perimeter of the inner surface  806  of the housing  802 . For RF interference reasons, it is desirable to place the antenna as far away from metal surfaces within the housing  802 , namely, the LCD display  808  and the brackets used to affix the LCD display  808  to the inner surface of the housing  802 . Also, when the cosmetic shield  810  is provided and made of metal, it is also desirable to place the antenna as far from the cosmetic shield as practicable. Given the space constraints of the LCD display housing  800 , the housing  802  generally conforms to the shape and size of the LCD display  808 . However, to provide a separation gap  814 , the housing  802  is provided with sufficient area on sides  816  and  818 . The recesses  810  are thus provided on the sides  816  and  818  spaced the separation gap  814  from the nearest interfering metal surfaces. In one implementation, the separation gap  814  is 12 mm, but such separation is dependent on the mass of metal in the LED display housing. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of an antenna  900  according to one embodiment of the invention. The antenna  900  has a first antenna pole  902  and a second antenna pole  904 . Both the first antenna pole  902  and the second antenna pole  904  are connected to antenna cables  906  and  908 . When the antenna  900  is attached to the housing  802 , the first antenna pole  902  fits into the recess  812  and the second antenna pole  904  fits into the recess  813 . The antenna cable  908  couples the first and second antenna poles  902  and  904  together. When the antenna  900  is attached to the housing  802 , the antenna cable  908  fits into a groove  820  in an upper peripheral portion of the inner surface  806  of the housing  802  (see  FIG. 8 ). The antenna cable  906  is provided between the LCD display  808  and the inner surface  806  of the housing  802  and serves to electrically couple the antenna  900  to the computing device. 
     Although not shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , after the antenna  900  is attached to the housing  802 , a bezel (not shown) is then attached to the housing  802  to provide a front surface to the housing  802 . The attachment of the bezel serves to complete the assembly of the housing  802 . The attachment of the bezel can be facilitated by snaps  822  and  824  provided on the sides  816  and  818  respectively. In one implementation, the bezel is translucent and covers the cosmetic shield  810  as well as the more peripheral portions of the housing  802 . In such an implementation, the antenna  900  together with the recesses  812  and  813 , the groove  820  and the snaps  824  all provide a generally uniform design line within the housing. As such, even when the housing (at least the peripheral portion) is translucent, the antenna is largely unnoticeable to the untrained observer from the exterior of the housing. 
     While the above embodiments refer to the use of a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna or other antenna designs could also be used. While the recesses and grooves in the inner surface of the housing serves to provide uniform design features in a translucent housing, if a non-translucent housing were used, such recesses and grooves would not be as important. It should also be noted that to provide a sufficient separation gap  814 , the sides  816  and  818  could be extended outward primarily only in the vicinity of the recesses  812  and  813  as opposed to the entire length of the sides  816  and  818 . 
     The one or more antenna poles provided with the antenna can be formed in a variety of ways.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional drawings of a antenna pole  1010  according to one suitable embodiment. The antenna pole  1010  couples to a cable  1012  (e.g., coaxial cable) that has an inner conductor and an outer conductor (not shown). A dielectric material (not shown) is disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. The antenna pole  1010  is used to transmit and receive information with respect to a computing device associated with the antenna pole  1010 . Typically, the cable has a distal end coupled to a portion of the antenna pole  1010  and a proximal end coupled to a circuit board or related device (e.g., transceiver) of the computing device. In one implementation, the cable  1012  is a coaxial cable. However, in general, the cable  1012  can be any suitable wiring having two conductors. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the antenna pole  1010  includes a first conductor  1014  that is operatively coupled to the outer conductor at the distal end of cable  1012 . The first conductor  1014  flares back around the outer peripheral surface of the cable  1012 . In this manner, a substantial portion of first conductor  1014  is disposed around the outer periphery of the cable  1012 . In some situations, a gap  1016  is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first conductor  1014  and the outer peripheral surface of the cable  1012  (as shown in the cross section C-C of  FIG. 10B ). In one implementation, the first conductor  1014  flares back about 23 mm in length, and the gap  1016  is 0.3 to 0.4 mm. Typically, the first conductor  1014  is formed from a conductive metal (e.g., copper). Also, as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first conductor  1014  may be configured in two separate sections that are both flared back on opposite sides of the outer periphery of the cable  1012 . 
     The antenna pole  1010  also includes a second conductor  1018  that is operatively coupled to the inner conductor at the distal end of the cable  1012 . The second conductor  1018  extends outward away from the distal end of the inner conductor of the cable  1012 . In one implementation, the second conductor  1018  is preferably about 23 mm from the distal end of the inner conductor  1018 . Typically, the second conductor  1018  is formed from a conductive metal (e.g., copper). It should be noted that the first conductor  1014  and the second conductor  1018  may be integrally formed with the respective conductors of the cable  1010 . In other words, the first conductor  1014  could be a portion of the outer conductor of the cable  1012 , and the second conductor  1018  could be a portion of the inner conductor of the cable  1012 . 
     The antenna pole  1010  has an antenna housing  1020  that is disposed around the first conductor  1014 , the second conductor  1018 , and a portion of the cable  1012 . The antenna housing  1020  can be formed from a wide range of materials. By way of example, the antenna housing  1020  can be made of polycarbonate. In one implementation, the outer peripheral surface of first conductor  1014  is adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the antenna housing  1020 . Additionally, in one embodiment, there can be a space  1022  between the inner peripheral surface of the antenna housing  1020  and the outer peripheral surface of second conductor  1018 . In such an embodiment having the space  1022 , the antenna housing  1020  can also include a second conductor support member  1024  to support the second conductor (as shown in cross section D-D of  FIG. 10B ). 
     The antenna housing  1020  further includes a plurality of support members  1026  for supporting the cable  1012  line inside the antenna housing (as shown in cross section B-B of  FIG. 10B ). The supporting members  1026  can be separate pieces or integrally formed with the antenna housing  1020 . 
     The antenna housing  1020  can be formed as a two-piece construction, including a first housing member  1028  and a second housing member  1030 . In this case, the supporting members  1026  can be integrally formed with the first and second housing members  1028  and  1030 . As shown, at the cross section B-B of  FIG. 10B , the supporting members  1026  not only support the cable  1012  inside the antenna housing  1020  but also properly space the conductors  1014  apart from the cable  1020 . With the two-piece construction, a first mating portion  1032  of the first housing member  1028  and a second mating portion  1034  of the second housing member  1030  are structurally coupled and held together with shrink tubing  1036  that surrounds a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the antenna housing  1020  (see cross section A-A of  FIG. 10B ). 
     There is an increasing trend in the computer industry, particular with respect to portable computers, to reduce size, weight and thickness. For the most part, any computer part that can be made smaller generally is made smaller to accommodate this need. By way of example, the wall thickness of the computer housing has been made thinner over the years. In most instances, decreased wall thickness reduces the overall thickness and weight of the computer, both of which are desired to make a portable computer more portable. 
     However, making the outer structure thinner to reduce computer weight and thickness has its drawbacks, typically the enclosure becomes more flexible. As a general rule, thicker walls mean stronger walls. Consequently, the thinner outer structure may not offer enough support to protect the internal components of the computer. Even when the thinner outer structure is strong enough to protect the internal components, users who expect rigid structures are unsatisfied. 
     Furthermore, recently, computer housing designs have become more decorative, thereby creating more complex shapes. These complex designs create structural problems that often result in even more flexible outer shells. Typically the complex shapes are contoured or curvilinear, which generally reduces the overall strength of the computer housing. The complex shapes also make it increasingly difficult to provide any internal support to offset these problems. For the most part, rectilinear designs, which include most of the computer housings on the market today, are stronger. The rectilinear design provides rigid support and is fairly easy to support with internal support members. 
       FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional diagram of a conventional computer housing  1110  exhibiting excessive amounts of flexibility. The computer housing  1110  includes a top member  1112  and a bottom member  1114 . Typically, the top member  1112  is structurally coupled to bottom member  1114  wherein an open space or volume  1116  is created therebetween. For the most part, this volume contains the different parts or components of a computer or display (e.g., circuit boards, key boards, display screen, etc.). Although, there are things contained in the volume, a significant portion of the volume is left unused. If a flexible (non-rigid) material is used to form the top member or bottom member, then the volume will be left structurally unsupported. By way of example, when a force  1118  is supplied to the computer housing  1110  (i.e., outer shell) at a position away from its members sides, the computer housing  1110  will deform under the force  1118 , creating a “feel” (“squishy feel”) which is considered by users indicative of low quality. As a result of the deforming, the force  1118  can also damage the internal parts or components of the computer or display (e.g., display screen). 
     In general, there are two ways to design a housing structure; one is to have a strong outer shell, and the other is to have an internal skeleton structure. As a general rule, when the outer shell becomes increasingly thin (i.e., flexible) it is difficult to have a strong outer shell and therefore an internal support skeleton is usually provided to strengthen the thin outer shell. By way of example, ribs or inserts are typically used to increase the strength and rigidity of the outer shell. 
       FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional diagram of the computer housing  1110  that includes a series of ridges  20  (or inserts). Typically, the ridges  20  provide support to both the bottom member  1114  and the top member  1112  of the computer housing  1110 . The ridges may be configured as part of one of the members  1112 ,  1114  or may act as a separate piece. Although, the computer housing  1110  (outer shell) is better supported and has more rigidity, the volume  1116  created by the top member  1112  and the bottom member  1114  still includes unused space. Hence, if force  1122  is applied to the surface of the top member  1112 , then the unsupported space will deform (i.e., flexible), albeit less than without the ribs  1120 . If force  1124  is applied to the surface of the top member  1112  at the rib  1120 , then the surface on the opposing side of the rib  1120  receives a large portion of the force  1124  which may damage sensitive parts. For example, if the bottom member  1114  were a LCD display screen, then the rib  1120  may transfer the full force of the force  1124  to the LCD display screen, which may damage the LCD display screen. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a computer housing with a stiffener is provided. The stiffener is configured to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing, which advantageously allows the thickness of the computer housing walls to be decreased. Thus, the use of the stiffener not only protects internal components but also provides a firmer feel to the housing. The stiffener can have a large surface area and be positioned between the top member and the bottom member of a housing to distribute external loads (e.g., pressures, forces) more evenly across the entire housing. More specifically, the stiffener can be configured to conform to the internal features of the housing that oppose (or are adjacent to) the stiffener, thereby maximizing the load distribution. That is, the stiffener advantageously fills the unused volume of the housing. Furthermore, the stiffener is configured to work in housings that have complex shapes (e.g., curvilinear) thereby allowing more decorative housings. 
     Accordingly, the stiffener provides a non-traditional solution to a load distribution problem. Typically, the computer industry has always used ribs, inserts, a thick outer shell and/or rectilinear shapes to support the computer housing. For the most part, the computer industry has not filled unused volumes within the computer housing because of the additional weight. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram of a computer housing  1210  according to one embodiment of the invention. The computer housing  1210  represents a housing used with a computing device such as a computer housing or cabinet or a display housing. The computer housing  1210  includes a first member  1212  and a second member  1214 . Typically, the walls of each member  1212  and  1214  are thin and flexible. As mentioned above, the thin members  1212  and  1214  reduce the overall thickness and weight of the housing. The computer housing walls are typically formed from a plastic material such as polycarbonate (ABS). Normally, the first member  1212  is structurally coupled to the second member  1214  to form the outer shell of the housing  1210  and form a volume therein. Although the computer housing has been described as having a first and second members it should be noted that the computer housing may be integrally formed (e.g., one piece) or formed from a plurality of members (i.e., third member, fourth member, etc.). 
     Conventionally, the internal components or parts of the computer (e.g., printed circuit boards, LCD displays) are housed within the volume created within the housing  1210 . However, in most situations, there remains a portion of the volume that is left unused (e.g., a void or open space). A stiffener  1226  is disposed within the housing  1210  to substantially fill any unused volume between the first and second members. Basically, the stiffener  1226  is configured to fill the unused volume (see  FIG. 12 ). Moreover, the outer peripheral surface of the stiffener  1226  conforms to the shape of the adjacent components or inner peripheral surfaces of the first member and second member. The stiffener  1226  can be configured to provide clearance (or slots) for features such as connectors and wires. The stiffener  1226  can also include holes or openings (cavities) for internal components or parts. Additionally, the stiffener  1226  may include protrusions and depressions that coincide with the shape (geometry) of the components, parts or housing within the volume. 
     Because the stiffener  1226  fills the unused volume of the housing, forces that exerted on the outer peripheral surface of the housing are distributed over a larger surface area. Basically, if force  1228  is applied to the external surface of first member  1212 , the single point of contact will be distributed throughout the stiffener  1226 . In essence, the combination of the first member  1212 , second member  1214 , internal components and stiffener  1226  form a laminate structure that provides resistance to point pressure loading. 
     Furthermore, the stiffener  1226  may be fastened to at least one of the members or be tightly disposed between the members and components. In one implementation, the stiffener  1226  is fastened to the first member  1212  using a stiffener lip (not shown). Basically, the lip can be an extension of the first member and is configured to hold the stiffener  1226  in place. The lip may also be used as a locating ridge for determining the correct placement of the stiffener  1226  with respect to the first member. In another implementation, the stiffener  1226  may be structurally coupled to the first member or the second member using an adhesive. It still other implementations, other techniques can be used to hold the stiffener  1226  in place (e.g., screws, rivets, etc.). 
     Generally, the stiffener  1226  does not completely or overly fill the unused volume. Instead, a gap is provided so that the stiffener will not exert unwanted pressure on the surface of one of the components or the members while in a static condition. By way of example, if the first member is an LCD display screen, the static pressure exerted on the back side of the LCD display screen may damage the LCD display screen. 
     In one embodiment, the stiffener  1226  should be formed from a material that can substantially be implemented in a portable computer environment (low flammability, low static charge, low weight, and low compressibility). In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the stiffener is formed from foam. Advantageously, many foam materials fall within the above criteria, especially the weight. The foam may be machined, molded, or die cut to the desired shape. Preferably, packaging foam is used. As examples, the stiffener can be formed from polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyethylene. All of these examples are light weight, have compressible strength (substantially rigid) and are easily formed to different shapes. In any case, it should also be noted that the above description is not limiting and any material that is substantially rigid and lightweight (e.g., rubber, plastic, silicon) may be used. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, lightweight stiffening is provided for a portable computer housing. In this particular embodiment, the computer housing is a LCD display screen housing.  FIG. 13  is a broken perspective view of a LCD display screen housing  1310  according to one embodiment of the invention. The LCD display screen housing  1310  includes a bezel (frame)  1312  and an LCD display screen  1314  that form a front portion of the LCD display housing  1310 . The LCD display screen housing  1310  further includes a back portion  1316  of the LCD display screen housing  1310 . The back portion  1316  provides an impact resistant shell for protecting the backside of the LCD display screen  1314 . As shown, both the bezel  1312  and the LCD display screen housing  1310  have complex shapes (internal and external) as well as portions that are curvilinear (e.g., decorative design). 
     A foam stiffener  1318  is disposed between the front portion and the back portion  1316  of the LCD display screen housing  1316 . Additionally, the outer peripheral surfaces of the foam stiffener  1318  are configured to conform to the inner peripheral surfaces of the front portion (e.g., the LCD display screen  1314  and perhaps the bezel  1312 ) and the back portion  1316  of the LCD display screen housing  1316 . Furthermore, the foam stiffener  1318  can also include a depression  1320  for disposing a connector and a protrusion  1322  that fits into the backside of LCD display screen  1314 , and an opening  1324  for lighting a portion of the LCD display screen housing  1316 . As shown, the foam stiffener  1318  is advantageously configured to fill the complex shapes associated with the bezel  1312 , the LCD display screen  1314 , the LCD display screen housing  1316  and connectors. It should be noted that the foam stiffener  1318  is not limited by any one of the above arrangements (e.g., depressions, protrusions, openings) and any combination thereof may be used. Moreover, all three structures (e.g., the front portion, the foam stiffener  1318  and the back portion  1316 ) form a laminate structure (when coupled together) for the LCD display screen housing  1310  that provides a rigid structure with a firm feel (not malleable or squishy) that is substantially resistant to point pressures. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the foam stiffener can be used as the entire computer housing and fabricated to fit all the parts and the components of the computer. To protect the outer peripheral surface of the foam, a coating can be applied over the outer surfaces to form a shell. 
     Although the foam stiffener  1318  has a one-piece construction, the foam stiffener  1318  can utilize multiple pieces. In another alternate embodiment, the foam may be injected into the housing to fill the unused volume between the front portion and the back portion. 
     In other embodiments, the foam stiffener can incorporate an antenna or an EMI shield. That is, an antenna or an EMI shield could be patterned onto or internal to the foam stiffener. In one implementation, the foam stiffener is primarily a foam as noted above but also could include copper and nickel to provide the antenna or the EMI shield. 
     Also, the foam stiffener is generally very light weight. Nevertheless to further reduce weight, the foam stiffener can include weight reducing apertures. These apertures (cavities or holes) are selected so as to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. Such apertures may be patterned or randomly placed. 
     Furthermore, the foam stiffener provides for a firm feel to the computer housing assembly, which is particularly useful given the flexible nature of the increasingly thin-walled plastic products and the constraints of typical stiffening methods such as ribs or inserts. Increasingly thinner products means there is little room for ribs, while weight reduction efforts mean that traditional stiffening materials such as aluminum or mica are too heavy. The foam stiffener is very lightweight and can also be used to replace other functional and structural parts (sheet metal, plastics, etc.) and thus reduce cost, weight and parts count. The relatively soft nature of the foam stiffener acts as a load spreader which not only reduces likelihood of damaging parts or components internal to the housing, but also increases the units ability to survive point source pressures on the housing. In fact, in a ball pressure test for a portable computer, the display screen apparatus  1310  according to the invention passed the test, while a display screen apparatus without the benefits of the invention failed the test. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a logo, symbol or other device provided on a housing can be illuminated using light from the backside of a LCD panel. The light can be direct, reflected, or both. The illumination is provided by use of otherwise wasted light. The fourth aspect is similar to the first aspect but relies less on reflected light and is perhaps better suited for a non-translucent housing. 
       FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus  1400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The display apparatus  1400  includes a display housing  1400  that contains a LCD display  1404 . The LCD display  1404  has a front surface  1406  and a back surface  1408 . When the LCD display  1404  is power-on, the LCD display  1404  emits light primarily from the front surface  1406  but also emits some light from the back surface  1408 . The fifth aspect of the invention serves to make use of the light emitted from the back surface  1408  that would otherwise go unused and thus wasted. The display apparatus  1400  also includes a bezel  1410  and  1412  to frame out the front surface  1406  of the LCD display  1404  and provide a smooth, uniform front surface for the display housing  1402 . 
     The display housing  1402  also includes a translucent portion  1414  through which the light from the back surface  1408  of the LCD display  1406  can pass so as illuminate the translucent portion. In one embodiment, the display housing  1402  is generally opaque but includes the translucent portion  1414  where the light is desired. For example, a symbol, logo or other device can be provided at the translucent portion  1414  to be illuminated when the LCD display  1406  is powered-on. The translucent portion  1414  can be formed into the display housing  1402 . Alternatively, an opening or hole can be provided in the display housing  1402  and a translucent plug or insert can be provided in the opening or hole. 
     Thus, the fifth aspect of the invention allow for the illumination of design elements or features. The fifth aspect of the invention also serves to provide a visual indication of whether the LCD panel is on. When a computer system utilizing the display apparatus  1400  enters a sleep mode, the LCD panel is typically power-off so that light is not emitted from the LCD display  1406  and thus the illumination of the design element or feature stops. A user is thereby informed that the computer system is in the sleep mode when there is no illumination of the design element or feature. Another advantage of the fifth aspect is that it requires very little space between the back surface  1408  and the inside surface of the display housing  1402 . Still another advantage of the invention is that the illumination is provided without requiring any additional power because the light used is otherwise wasted. 
     The display housing  1400  shown in  FIG. 14A  has a curved cross-section for industrial design considerations, namely for better user appeal. However, the display housing  1400  can take a variety of different forms. 
       FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus  1420  according to one embodiment of the invention. Although the display apparatus  1420  is similar to the display apparatus  1400  of  FIG. 14A , the display apparatus  1420  includes a light diffuser  1422 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , the light diffuser  1422  is provided on an inner surface of the display housing  1402  at the translucent portion  1414 . More generally, the light diffuser  1422  can be provided any where between the back side  1408  of the LCD display  1404  and the outer surface of the housing display  1402  at the translucent portion  1414 . 
     The light diffuser  1422  operates to enable control of intensity and color of the illumination at the translucent portion  1414 . In one embodiment, the light diffuser  1422  is a label. The light diffuser  1422  can have a graphic printed thereon, can have multiple colors, and can use varying thickness all to assist with the control over the intensity and color of the illumination provided. For example, the material for the light diffuser  1422  can be general label stock, Mylar, Lexan (from General Electric) or any other material that is thin and translucent. Particular graphics or color shades can be printed on the light diffuser  1422  if desired. 
     The ability to control the light intensity of the illumination is useful to normalize the illumination yielded by difference vendors of the LCD displays. For example, in a LCD display from a first vendor emits light at a first intensity from its back surface and a LCD display from a second vendor emits light at a second intensity (which is greater than the first intensity) from its back side, then the illuminated logo, symbol or device would appear brighter in the display housing using the LCD display from the second vendor. Hence, the light diffuser  1422  can be used to normalize the intensity of the illumination provided. For example, the thickness of the light diffuser  1422  (label) used with the display housing using the LCD display from the second vendor can be increased (as compared to the thickness used with the display housing using the LCD display from the first vendor) to thus reduce its translucency. 
       FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus  1440  according to one embodiment of the invention. Although the display apparatus  1440  is similar to the display apparatus  1420  of  FIG. 14B , the display apparatus  1440  further includes an illuminated area  1442  in the bezel  1412  and a light guide  1444 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , the light guide  1444  has a first end  1446  that receives a portion of the light emitted from the back surface  1048  of the LCD display  1404 . The light received by the first end  1446  is then directed through the light guide  1444  and output at a second end  1448 . The second end  1448  is coupled to the illuminated area  1442  so that the light directed through the light guide  1444  is coupled to the illuminated area  1442 , thereby illuminating the illuminated area  1442 . 
       FIG. 14D  is a cross-sectional diagram of a display apparatus  1460  according to one embodiment of the invention. Although the display apparatus  1460  is similar to the display apparatus  1420  of  FIG. 14B , the display apparatus  1460  further includes a foam insert  1462  to stiffen the display apparatus  1460 . The foam insert  1462  conforms to the space between the back surface  1408  of the LCD display  1404  and the inner surface of the display housing  1402 . In one embodiment, the foam insert  1462  is a piece of foam such as discussed above with respect to the fourth aspect of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 14D , to permit a portion of the light emitted from the back surface  1408  from reaching the light diffuser  1422  as well as the translucent portion  1414 , the foam insert  1462  includes an opening  1464 . The opening  1464  provides a light path from the back surface  1408  of the LCD display  1408  and the translucent portion  1414  of the display housing  1402 . 
     According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, is provided with a translucent housing yet offers an appealing aesthetic look without being hampered by components internal to the housing. Aesthetic appearance can be improved by using cosmetic shields. Translucent housings and cosmetic shields have been described above.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080916
Publication Date: 20100525
Grant Date: 20100525
Priority Date: 19990514
Inventors: LAM LAWRENCE
BELL JORY
STRINGER CHRIS J.
RICCOMINI ROY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 27760021