Portable Computer Type Patents (Class 361/679.09)
  • Patent number: 8339775
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Euan Abraham, John M. Brock, Matthew P. Casebolt, Robert L. Coish, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley Joseph Hamel, Ron Hopkinson, Jim Hwang, Caitlin E. Kalinowski, Steven Keiper, Patrick Kessler, Eugene Kim, Chris Ligtenberg, Jay K. Osborn, John Raff, Nicholas A. Rundle, David J. Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120314358
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multifunctional computer keyboard device. A rear side at a top cover of the keyboard is provided with a U-shaped groove to emplace a tablet personal computer. A rear side at a bottom cover of the keyboard is provided with two U-shaped brackets. One bracket is turned open to support the tablet personal computer and increase stability thereof, preventing it from falling down due to imbalance. When the keyboard is not in use, the other bracket is turned open to rotate and put the keyboard upside down on a desktop, enabling solution to a trouble that the keyboard occupies a desktop space. The U-shaped brackets can be replaced by a prismatic-shaped audio device, which can increase a length of the keyboard to prevent the personal tablet computer from falling down due to imbalance and can also improve a sound effect of the tablet personal computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Shao-Chieh TING
  • Publication number: 20120307441
    Abstract: A keyboard dock and a computer system are provided. The computer system includes a portable computer and the keyboard dock. The keyboard dock includes a base, a supporting plate, a first bracket, a sleeve and a second bracket. The base has a keyboard module. The supporting plate is used for supporting the portable computer. Ends of the first bracket are pivotally connected to the base and the supporting plate respectively. The sleeve is movably assembled to the first bracket. One end of the second bracket is pivotally connected to the sleeve, and another end of the second bracket is pivotally connected to the base or the supporting plate. The second bracket is shorter than the first bracket. The supporting plate covers the base in a first state. The supporting plate obliquely stands on the base in a second state, and the keyboard module is not covered by the supporting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Hung, Wen-Chin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120300381
    Abstract: A hinge device and a keyboard dock and a portable electronic device having the same are provided. The hinge device includes a first body and a second body. The first body is configured to be pivotally connected to a first object. One side of the second body is pivotally connected to the first body, and another side of the second body is configured to be pivotally connected to a second object. The first body rotates around a first axis relative to the first object. The second body rotates around a second axis relative to the first body. The second body rotates around a third axis relative to the second object. The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis, and the second axis is parallel to the third axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Hung, Hish-Bin Dai, Yi-Ling Kuo, Wen-Chin Wu, Che-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20120300380
    Abstract: A laptop computer includes a housing comprising a top keyboard and a manually operated switch having a first position for showing a predetermined operating mode, and a second position for showing a Bluetooth operating mode; a display hingedly connected to a rear edge of the housing; a CPU in the housing; and a Bluetooth adaptor in the housing and comprising a switch circuit, a MCU, a translator, and a Bluetooth device communication module. In the predetermined operating mode key codes are sent to the CPU via the switch circuit. In the Bluetooth operating mode the key codes are sent to the translator via the switch circuit and the MCU, the translator translates the key codes to Bluetooth key codes and sends same to the Bluetooth device communication module, and the Bluetooth device communication module transmits the Bluetooth key codes to a handheld telecommunications device as commanded by the MCU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Sunrex Technology Corp.
    Inventors: PEI-HSIN LIN, Yu-Wen Hsu, Chih-Shien Yao
  • Patent number: 8320109
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a television comprises a first panel, a second panel, and a cover. The first panel comprises a display surface. The second panel is laid over the first panel to cover the display surface. The cover comprises a receiver. A holding member is fixed to the edge of the second panel. The holding member comprises a protrusion protruding to the periphery of the second panel. The protrusion is butted against the receiver of the cover so that the second panel is tilted in a posture that slants the protrusion relative to the first panel. The second panel is rotated toward the first panel on the end of the protrusion butted against the receiver. As a result of this rotation, the second panel is stacked on the first panel to cover the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoaki Tamura, Nobuyuki Hosoya
  • Patent number: 8319734
    Abstract: An improved input apparatus and method of enabling input improve handheld electronic devices having a housing and a processor apparatus disposed on the housing. The processor apparatus comprises a processor and a memory. The input apparatus includes an input assembly with an input device for providing input to the processor, a plurality of input members, and at least a first actuating element movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the actuating element actuates the input device. Each input member of the portion of input members is movable among an unactuated position and an actuated position. Each of a plurality of input members of the portion of input members, in the actuated position, is engageable with the actuating element to move it toward the second position. The input apparatus enables close arrangement of the input members to provide, for example, a compact keyboard layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Norman Miner Ladouceur, Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 8310826
    Abstract: A protective cover used to install an electronic unit and a peripheral keyboard, includes a base, a first latching structure and a second latching structure, the base includes a first main section, a second main section and a bendable connecting section connecting the first main section to the second main section; The first latching structure is arranged on the periphery of the first main section; the second latching structure is arranged on the periphery of the second main section. The electronic unit is received in the first main section and secured by the first latching structure, the keyboard is received in the second main section and secured by the second latching structure. The electronic unit and the keyboard can be overlaid by bending of the connecting section. The disclosure also discloses a portable electronic device used the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Li-Wen Tien
  • Patent number: 8300408
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first unit and a second unit. The second unit that rotates, about a rotation axis, between a closed state and an open state with respect to the first. The second unit includes, in at least a part in a lateral direction of a top face in the upright position, a first face formed to extend from a rear face to a front face of the second unit as a horizontal face or an ascending slope up to a midpoint and a second face formed as a descending slope following the first face, and an enclosure having a front housing positioned on the front face side in the upright position and a rear housing positioned on the rear face side in the upright position. The second face is formed at the front housing, and the locking release projection projects from the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Ikki Tatsukami
  • Publication number: 20120268879
    Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible printed circuit board and a mobile terminal using the same. The mobile terminal includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to the printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board includes a branch extending from one side of the flexible printed circuit board, at least one switch provided on the branch and acquiring a key input signal, and a connector provided on an end portion of the branch and coupled to the flexible printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eujin KIM, Shin HAN
  • Publication number: 20120268880
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus, including a cabinet having a display surface exposed to an outside, a battery provided at the bottom on an opposite side of the display surface in the cabinet and at least a portion of the battery protruding to an outer side from the bottom, and a height formed at the edge of the cabinet so as to protrude to the outer side to cover the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Takahiro TOMITA, Takahiro Totuka, Tomoyuki Tsukamoto, Yasunori Kimura, Tatsu Kataoka, Takanori Takei
  • Publication number: 20120262618
    Abstract: The invention comprises a waterproof housing, which protects and allows operation of a hand held computer 40 (FIG. 2) while underwater, an electronic dock 38 (FIG. 2) which interfaces with said computer, a pressure resistant user interface, and a software application installed on said computer which allows interaction with and access to native sensors and electronics for the purpose of providing a multifunctional diving apparatus. The invention provides function of an underwater camera and dive computer and associates collected sensor data with a dive event to automatically generate a dive log. Additionally the invention provides a novel touchscreen interface 85 (FIG. 10) suitable for underwater use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: AMPHIBIAN LABS LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Weakly
  • Patent number: 8289684
    Abstract: An adjustable keyboard includes a first keying module situated pivotably with respect to the second keying module for providing a keyboard having improved ergonomics and comfort, and promoting improved productivity of a user. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are pivotably mounted on a base assembly having fixed opposing tenting angles. In one embodiment the first and the second keying modules are mounted on a pivot link assembly configured to pivot the keying modules with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are configured to also laterally separate. In one embodiment, first and second lift modules space a portion of the first and the second keying modules, respectively, from a supporting surface to form opposing tenting angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kinesis Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Hargreaves, Carsten Buus, Jonathan H. Biggs, Mark Ando
  • Patent number: 8283581
    Abstract: An integral keyboard assembly is provided. The integral keyboard assembly includes a top casing, a keyboard module, and a support plate. The first surface of the top casing is defined a keyboard bonding area where a plurality of openings is arranged as a keyboard structure distribution. The keyboard module includes multiple keys with interspaces formed therebetween. Each of the keys is inserted into a corresponding one of the openings. The support plate is coupled to the top casing so that the keyboard module is sandwiched between the top casing and the support plate. By implementing the present invention, the keyboard assembly has better integrity and space impression. Furthermore, the keyboard module is provided with improved support by utilizing the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Shuttle Inc.
    Inventors: An-Sheng Weng, Chih-Hsiang Chien, His-Yun Chen, Hsin-Hung Lai, Chun-Te Lee, Cheng-Min Chang, Chai-Wei Shih
  • Patent number: 8284545
    Abstract: An electronic reader includes a cover, a middle frame and a paper clamping mechanism. The cover defines a hollow space and includes a bezel defining an opening. The middle frame is secured within the hollow space and includes a connection portion extending between two edges of the opening. The paper clamping mechanism is used for clamping paper on the electronic reader and includes a clamping member, a pivot, and an elastic element. The clamping member is received in the opening and defines a sliding groove. Two ends of the pivot extend through the sliding groove and are received in the bezel, which movably connects the clamping member to the cover. The elastic element is fixed on the bezel to apply a pushing force to the clamping member. Two ends of the clamping member resist the elastic element and the connection portion respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Peng, Ming Li, Wen-Hsing Lin, Kun-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8279589
    Abstract: One or more apparatuses and methods are disclosed for data entry from a removable portable device cover which are configured to cover, surround, and/or encapsulate at least a portion of an exterior shell of a portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the invention, a physical keyboard is operatively connected and/or attached to a removable portable device frame of the removable portable device cover, wherein the removable portable device frame is designed to fit a portable electronic device. In some embodiments of the invention, the operative connection and/or attachment of a physical keyboard to a removable portable frame may be accomplished by using straps, connector ports, and/or wireless protocols. Furthermore, a physical keyboard operatively connected and/or attached to the removable portable device frame may be a foldable physical keyboard which enables easy touch-typing for a user if the foldable physical keyboard is fully expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Christine Hana Kim
  • Publication number: 20120229970
    Abstract: A box includes a receiving seat adapted for supporting a keyboard, a mounting seat pivotally connected with the receiving seat, a support rack pivotally mounted on the mounting seat and adapted for supporting a tablet PC, and a support leg mounted between the mounting seat and the support rack to lift the support rack. Thus, when the box is opened, the keyboard is received in the receiving seat, and the tablet PC is supported by the support rack in an inclined manner so that when the box is placed on a table, the tablet PC co-operates with the keyboard to function as a table PC, thereby facilitating a user operating the tablet PC on the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Mao-Jung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120229969
    Abstract: The present invention is assembled by a keyboard unit, a rotational keyboard cover and a rotational bracket. A rear part of the keyboard unit is provided with a bump which serves as a bracket to limit the position of a tablet personal computer, preventing the tablet personal computer from sliding downward. When the rotational keyboard cover is covered, dust can be prevented from entering into the keyboard; whereas, when the rotational bracket is pulled open at a same time when the keyboard cover is lifted open, the keyboard can be used as a bracket to emplace the tablet personal computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Shao-Chieh TING
  • Publication number: 20120224316
    Abstract: A carrying case for a tablet computer. The carrying case is foldable and provides protection for the tablet computer when closed. When open, the carrying case provides a stable support for operating the tablet computer. A keyboard, which can be removable, is also provided as part of the carrying case. Optional features including solar charging, stereo speakers, camera and removable data storage can also be incorporated into the carrying case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur M. Shulenberger
  • Publication number: 20120224314
    Abstract: Keyboard trays, laptops and portable computers are provided having a display comprised of a small projector that projects onto a screen instead of a standard LCD or flat panel display that generates images itself. They provide a keyboard tray or portable computer in which a laser, high brightness LED, LCD, LCoS, or other suitable projector module is embedded within the keyboard or base portion of the keyboard tray or portable computer, and the display comprises a reflective projector screen made of plastic or other suitable material protected by a thin cover made of plastic or other suitable material. They provide a keyboard tray or portable computer display that is thinner, more durable and more easily and economically repaired than typical LCD and other flat panel displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Hinshaw, Karl Mills
  • Publication number: 20120224315
    Abstract: A keyboard unit may comprise a keyboard body having a top face and a planar bottom face. The keyboard body may be adapted for installation in a laptop computer. The planar bottom face of the keyboard body may be disposed toward a bottom case of the laptop when installed therein. A plurality of key tops may be disposed on the top face of the keyboard body. A plurality of bosses may have end openings aligned at same plane as the planar bottom face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: FUMITAKE MIZOGUCHI, TETSUYA OHTANI, TAKAYUKI SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8254104
    Abstract: A tilting portable electronic device includes a housing, a cover forming two spaced stopping blocks, at least one connecting member rotatably connecting the housing and the cover, a rotating member rotatably connecting the housing and the cover, and an elastic member securing with the rotating member and having a resisting section slidably resisting against the cover. When the cover is opened relative to the housing, the connecting member and the rotating member rotates to support an end of the cover slanted relative to the housing, after the cover slides a predetermined distance, the elastic member causing the cover to slide automatically until the resisting section slides to the other stopping block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Wei-Shan Hu
  • Patent number: 8253530
    Abstract: A keyboard can power a computer on or off. A switch arranged on the keyboard receives power on or off operations. A control chip in the keyboard outputs control signals to a microcontroller according to the power on or off operations. The microcontroller actuates a switch circuit to make a control terminal of a motherboard of the computer power on and off the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai-Qing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8254116
    Abstract: A tilting portable electronic device includes a housing, a cover, at least one rod, and at least one elastic member. The rod and the elastic member respectively rotatably connect the housing and the cover. When the cover is opened relative to the housing, the elastic member expands and causes the rod to rotate until the elastic member and the rod intercross to support an end of the cover in a slanted position relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Wei-Shan Hu
  • Patent number: 8248815
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. The elastic elements are both mounted to the base plate, and the elastic elements are spaced from and opposite to each other. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements. The key body includes a first key section and a second key section connected with the first key section. The first key section has an arcuate first contacting portion formed thereon. The second key section has an arcuate second contacting portion formed thereon. The first key section resists one of the two elastic elements, the second key section resisting another elastic element. When the first key section slides toward and compresses the elastic element that resists the first key section, the second key section slide away from the elastic element that resists the second key section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8248764
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes first and second housing portions pivotal about corresponding pivot axes. A biasing member urges a first cam surface of the first housing portion into engagement with a second cam surface of the second housing portion. The biasing member also urges indexing members of the first and second housing portions into engagement to maintain synchronization of the housing portions during rotation, wherein the first and second housing portions are configured in a fixed angular orientation when the first cam surface is engaged with the second cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Hassemer, Roger W. Harmon, Michiel S. Knoppert
  • Patent number: 8243425
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, two resisting mechanisms and a key body. The resisting mechanisms and the key body are mounted the base plate, and the resisting mechanisms are respectively located at two opposite ends of the key body. When the key body slides toward and compresses one of the resisting mechanisms, said another one of the resisting mechanisms is stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120200994
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Wilhelmus CROOIJMANS, Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20120188697
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a portable device and a docking station is provided. The portable device has a display surface and a first restricting element. The docking station includes a base and a frame. The base has a supporting surface, wherein the portable device is adapted to be placed on the supporting surface. The frame is disposed around the base and has a second restricting element, wherein the frame is adapted to slide related to the base to drive the second restricting element to be aligned to the first restricting element of the portable device placed on the supporting surface, such that the portable device is fixed to the base by means of a magnetic attraction force between the first restricting element and the second restricting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Chen, Hsin Lu, Cheng-Min Huang, Cheng-Jui Lin, Hsiang-Ling Liu, Hsin Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120182740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding construction (1) for holding in an opened position by means of a simple hand movement a device comprising elements foldable relative to each other, comprising: —a rear board (4) for providing a basis for the folding construction, —a front board (2) for providing a cover or closure, —at least a guide member (7) for providing a guiding of the front board (2) and rear board (4) relative to each other, —at least one connecting member (3) for connecting the rear board (4) and the front board (2) while applying hinge members (5,6), wherein: —the rear board (4) is larger than the front board (2), and during opening of the folding construction the guide member (7) is suitable for guiding the front board from the closed position to the open position relative to the rear board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Leo Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 8224406
    Abstract: A portable display device that, in a first configuration, may function as a first type of device, such as a cellular phone and, in a second configuration, as a second type of device, such as a personal computer a split, full size keyboard spanning a display panel. Each keyboard panel may be substantially equal in size to the display panel, and may constitute the left and right hand halves of a standard keyboard. The keyboard panels may be hingably connected to the opposite short sides of the rectangular display panel. The device may further include a numeric keypad, hingably connected to a short edge of either keyboard panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Geoffrey Champion
  • Patent number: 8223477
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a base, a cover, a plurality of first positioning element, a plurality of second positioning element, and a connecting element. The first positioning elements attach to the cover. The second positioning element attach to the base. The connecting element slidably and rotatably connects the base to the cover. The first positioning elements attract the second positioning elements by magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zhi-Qiang Shi, Qiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20120176741
    Abstract: A multi positionable portable computer is able to be set in a variety of form factors. A user display portion comprising a screen is movably coupled to a processing portion having processing circuitry by a hinge having two pivot points. The two pivot points allow for the portable computer to be placed upright for presentations and the like or flat on a surface with the user display angled toward a user for interfacing with the portable computer. A movable optics module is provided that is positionable on a top surface of the display portion whether the display portion is in a landscape position or a portrait position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS ID, LLC
    Inventors: Chun-Ting Wu, Chen-Pang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8218301
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a casing, a retaining frame, and a keyboard module. The casing is made from a metallic sheet and has upper and lower parts. The lower part is bent from front and rear ends of the upper part so as to define a gap between the upper and lower parts and two opposite side openings. The casing is formed with a central hole extending through the upper part and in spatial communication with the gap and the side openings. The retaining frame is received detachably in the gap of the casing, has a loop-shaped frame body disposed around the central hole of the casing, and is insertable through one of the side openings of the casing into the gap of the casing. The keyboard module is received in the central hole of the casing and engages the frame body of the retaining frame in a tongue-and-groove engaging manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sunrex Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 8213166
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a casing; a detachable cover having a plate shape forming a part of a top surface of the casing; and an electrostatic touch sensor disposed on an inner surface of the cover to detect a touch location of a finger on an outer surface of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Mihara, Ikki Tatsukami
  • Publication number: 20120162890
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first casing, a second casing, a keyboard module and a radiation unit. The first casing has a display module. The second casing is pivoted to the first casing. The keyboard module is disposed on the second casing, where the keyboard module has an accommodation portion therein. The radiation unit is disposed in the accommodation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Pin Chuang, Jih-Houng Lee, Yun-Lung Ke
  • Publication number: 20120162889
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a computing device can include a base portion including a keyboard, and a guide included in the base portion. The computing device can also include a display portion including a display and having a bottom portion coupled to the base portion via a hinge. The display portion can be configured to rotate about an axis using the hinge. The bottom portion of the display portion can be configured to slidably move along the guide over the keyboard of the base portion in a translational direction orthogonal to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Amy Han
  • Patent number: 8205310
    Abstract: A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8199465
    Abstract: A collapsible device includes a cover, a base, and a hinge. The cover includes a display on a top of the cover. The base defines a groove extending through a front and a rear sides of the base. The groove defines a keyboard region adjacent to the front side, and a fixing slot adjacent to the rear side. The hinge is connected to a bottom of the cover and the fixing slot. The cover is rotatably received in the groove, and the cover is operable of rotating relative to the display around the hinge, to cover or expose the keyboard region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Shen
  • Publication number: 20120140396
    Abstract: A cover for a tablet PC with an integral keyboard provides two outer covering faces and a resilient mounting frame fixing a tablet PC therein, hinged on a keyboard component. By hinging partway along one outer covering face, the mounting frame can assume a wide variety of angles. The keyboard component has embedded within its underside a ferromagnetic member attracted by an embedded metal strip in the other covering face, fixing the keyboard and mounting frame at any desired angle. The resilient mounting frame has an ejection assembly opposite the hinging of the resilient mounting frame and keyboard component, allowing one-handed release of the tablet PC, and an embedded implant corresponding to and detectable by a configurable circuit board encased in the keyboard component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Zachary Joseph Zeliff, Yueh-Hua Li, Chia-Yeh Kung, Kristopher James Perpich, Kuang-Yuan Tsai, Kevin S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120140395
    Abstract: An assembly includes a monitor, a base, a post extending up from the base for supporting the monitor, and a keyboard. The base defines a receiving space for receiving the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HAI-QING ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8194401
    Abstract: A keyboard module, including a base plate, a membrane circuit, keys and a frame set, is provided. The membrane circuit is disposed on the base plate and has touch portions. The keys are assembled to the base plate and correspond to the touch portions respectively. The frame set is assembled to the base plate and includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a plurality of first ribs disposed in a staggered way. The second frame is connected to the first frame and located between the first frame and the base plate. The second frame has a plurality of second ribs disposed in a staggered way, wherein a width of a portion of the second ribs is smaller than a width of the corresponding first ribs, and the keys pass through the second frame and the first frame in sequence to protrude above the frame set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hung Wang, Hsi-Ming Cheng, Kang-Yeh Yu
  • Publication number: 20120127646
    Abstract: A computer system is described herein. In addition to a base structure for resting on a support surface, the system includes a first display panel coupled to the base structure. A second display panel is slidingly engageable to both sides of the first display panel, and can slide between a storage position in which the second display panel is behind and substantially parallel to the first viewing face, and an operational position in which the second display panel is substantially above the first display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Moscovitch
  • Patent number: 8179668
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device including a lower body, an upper body, a sliding mechanism and a pivot axle is provided. The lower body has a carrying surface and a recess on the carrying surface. The upper body is disposed on the carrying surface. The sliding mechanism is disposed between the upper body and the lower body for driving the upper body sliding relative to the lower body. The pivot axle is disposed between the sliding mechanism and the lower body. When the handheld electronic device is transformed from a retracting state to a spreading state, an end of the upper body enters the recess, and the carrying surface of the lower body and a top surface of the upper body form an included angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Wei, Tsung-Hwa Yang, Yi-Shen Wang, Yien-Chun Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120113579
    Abstract: A computer system may comprise an upper housing, a processor, a display screen, a keyboard case, and a lower housing. The display screen may be attached to the upper housing. The processor may be disposed within the upper housing. The lower housing may comprise a keyboard and may be mounted to and pivotable with respect to the upper housing. The keyboard cover may be adapted to cover the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Agata, Fumio Tamura
  • Publication number: 20120106061
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20120106062
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20120106060
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20120106059
    Abstract: Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Hullinger Probst, David W. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20120099263
    Abstract: A protective device for an electronic apparatus includes: a case including a base plate, and a surrounding frame member peripherally extending from the base plate and defining a receiving space with the base plate, the receiving space having an opening opposite to the base plate; a cover unit detachably connected to the case and having a top surface covering the receiving space; two fastening units, each of which is connected between the case and the cover unit; and an input device disposed on the top surface of the cover unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: SUNREX TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Jia-Bao Lin