Foldable Keyboard Patents (Class 361/679.15)
  • Patent number: 11366626
    Abstract: An operation panel unit is used for an image forming apparatus. The operation panel unit is configured to input various control instructions to the image forming apparatus. The operation panel unit includes a display portion, an NFC reading portion, and a USB port. The NFC reading portion and the USB port are disposed on different surfaces of the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Shingai
  • Patent number: 11240923
    Abstract: The present application provides a flexible display device, including a housing, at least one winding mechanism, a flexible display screen and at least one stretching mechanism. When the flexible display screen is in a first state, the stretching mechanism pulls the winding mechanism to pull the flexible display screen out of the winding mechanism; when the flexible display screen is in a second state, the stretching mechanism pulls the winding mechanism to receive the flexible display screen into the winding mechanism. The flexible display device is smaller in size by winding the flexible display screen in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fang Wang, Zhuo Zhang, Wen Han
  • Patent number: 10996714
    Abstract: A device can include a base that includes an upper surface and an opposing lower surface and a slot that includes an upper surface opening in the upper surface, a lower surface opening in the lower surface, a slot width that is greater than approximately 5 mm and less than approximately 25 mm and a slot length that is greater than approximately 50 mm and less than approximately 300 mm; an arm operatively coupled to the base; and a display housing operatively coupled to the arm, where the display housing includes display circuitry and a display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Cyan Godfrey, Brian H. Leonard, Cuong Huy Truong
  • Patent number: 10895891
    Abstract: A tablet computer with a docking sled type arrangement including a payment device of choice is provided. The docking sled can be removed from the tablet computer to provide protection to the payment device. The docking sled employs magnetic force to hold and compress electronic contacts. These contacts provide charging power to the docking sled and bi-directional communication. The docking can be oriented left or right to accommodate both left handed and right handed users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Comark, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lee, M. D. Hsu, Dean Miller
  • Patent number: 10756554
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for charging a wearable device is provided. The apparatus for charging a wearable device may include a power receiver disposed in the wearable device and configured to receive power and supply the power to the wearable device; a connector configured to comprise a first magnet and a magnetic member, wherein the first magnet is electrically connected to the power receiver through the magnetic member while the first magnet is attached to the power receiver by a first magnetic force; and a power supply configured to supply the power to the power receiver via the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Wook Shim, Byung Hoon Ko, Jong Han Kim, Jong Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 9582043
    Abstract: A novel foldable display device or an electronic device using the same, a portable information processor or a portable communication information device, is provided. A foldable display device of which a display panel can be folded n times (n?1, and n is a natural number) at a curvature radius of greater than or equal to 1 mm, and less than or equal to 100 mm is obtained. The display device can be miniaturized by being foldable. In addition, in the state where the flexible display panel is opened, display which is unbroken and continuous over a plurality of housings is possible. The plurality of housings can store a circuit, an electronic component, a battery and the like inside as appropriate, and the thickness of each housing can be small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Hirakata
  • Patent number: 9042089
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a hollow and partially annular clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least an elongated, hollow and partially open cylindrical portion that includes a partially annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow and partially open cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel
  • Patent number: 9025321
    Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic device, including a first case, a first fixed magnetic part, a movable magnetic part, a second case, and a second fixed magnetic part. The first case has a bottom plate and a first engagement surface, and an angle is formed between the bottom plate and the first engagement surface. The first fixed magnetic part is disposed on the bottom plate, and the first fixed magnetic part and the first engagement surface form an accommodating space. The movable magnetic part is movably disposed in the accommodating space. The second case is rotatably connected to the first case and has a second engagement surface. The second fixed magnetic part is disposed at the second engagement surface. When the second engagement surface is held to the first engagement surface, the movable magnetic part is attracted by the second fixed magnetic part and adsorbed to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Liang
  • Patent number: 9019694
    Abstract: A portable keyboard is disclosed, by which portability can be enhanced with a simple configuration. The present invention includes a plurality of key assemblies, a body part and a flexible connecting member. When the portable keyboard is carried, a plurality of the key assemblies are rolled up around an outer circumference of the body part in a manner that the flexible connecting member between a plurality of the key assemblies is folded. When the portable keyboard is used, a plurality of the key assemblies are unfolded by being rolled down centering on the body part in a manner that the flexible connecting member between a plurality of the key assemblies is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seungjin Lee, Keetae Kim, Dongguk Kang, Hojung Lee
  • Patent number: 9007747
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a first portion that slides away from a second portion. The case includes a first portion and a second portion that fit over the respective portions of the portable electronic device. The two portions of the case are coupled together in a sliding relationship so that the case portions slide along with the respective portions of the portable electronic device. The case portions are coupled to each other by interfacing structures such as rails and channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fellowes, Inc.
    Inventor: Harsh Gandhi
  • Patent number: 9007753
    Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device includes a keyboard for electrically communicating with the portable electronic device. The cover includes a back cover body for coupling to a back side of the portable electronic device, and a front cover body coupled to the back cover body and foldable relative thereto. The back cover body is movable relative to the portable electronic device such that a first portion of the back cover body slides away from a back side of the portable electronic device. The front cover body is foldable to stack a keyboard portion, on which the keyboard is disposed, and a support portion of the front cover body. The first portion of the back cover body, the support portion, and the keyboard portion are stacked when the keyboard is exposed for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventor: Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 8956061
    Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus comprising: a collapsible keyboard comprising five substantially rigid frames, the frames comprising a central frame, two end frames, and two intermediate frames, each intermediate frame located between an end frame and the central frame; each pair of adjacent frames being relatively pivotably connected together along a folding axis, the folding axes being substantially mutually parallel; and a plurality of keys mounted on the frames. Another exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus as above, further comprising a collapsible cradle assembly detachable from the collapsible keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cervantes Mobile
    Inventor: Scott Starrett
  • Patent number: 8958857
    Abstract: A protective case for a mobile electronic device includes a shell defining a cavity for receiving the mobile electronic device within the cavity. The shelf has an opening at a first end. The protective case also includes a door hingedly connected to the shell at an edge near the first end such that the door rotates about the hinged connection approximately 270 degrees from a closed position substantially closing the opening and a fully open position. The shell includes a recess having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the door and configured to receive a substantial portion of the door and releasably secure the door when the door is in the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fellowes, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Kennard, Marc Vitantonio, Patrick Brown
  • Patent number: 8947864
    Abstract: Fabric outer layer techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes, an input portion having one or more keys configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs, a connection portion that is configured to be removable attachable to the computing device and including at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with the computing device to communicate the generated signals, a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly and communicatively connect the connection portion to the input portion, and first and second outer fabric layers that are configured to act as an outer surface of the one or more keys of the input portion and the flexible hinge and are physically secured to the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8917499
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard comprises a pair of keyboard panels with a proximal panel pivotal over a distal panel about a keyboard hinge oriented laterally with respect to and located between two adjacent rows of keys of the keyboard. A stand panel is pivotally coupled to the distal panel at a stand hinge oriented laterally with respect to the keyboard, and pivotal over the proximal panel of the keyboard. A kickstand can be pivotally coupled to a back of the stand panel. A shelf can be pivotally coupled to a front of the stand panel at a shelf hinge located proximate to the stand hinge to receive the tablet computer thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: ZAGG Intellecutal Property Holding Co.
    Inventor: John Robert Read
  • Patent number: 8896992
    Abstract: A wearable computer system that provides for convenient and efficient use of all fingers while the user is standing, reclining or using hands intermittently for other tasks. The central unit hangs from a neck strap and communicates with a head mounted display. The central unit's front surface has keys, accessible from opposite edges by each hand. Typing is similar to the traditional, but rotated 90 degrees on each side. Keys are individually assignable to any letter, symbol, musical note, color, action, or macro. Back panels have thumb keys and controls, and can be modified to accept alternate thumb controls and additional hardware, such as sensors, circuits, cameras, and auxiliary connectors for specific tasks such as musical instrument performance or augmented reality game play. Smartphones, can be incorporated within or connected to the central unit. Desktop use can be accomplished by unfolding the panels of one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: SOLATIDO Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Mallory Sherlock
  • Publication number: 20140340826
    Abstract: A portable input device includes a flexible main body, a sensing electrode layer, a protection layer and a memory metal body. The flexible main body has a first face and a second face. The sensing electrode layer has a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode disposed on the second face of the flexible main body. The protection layer is correspondingly disposed on the second face of the flexible main body to cover the sensing electrode layer. The memory metal body is disposed on one face of the flexible main body or one face of the protection layer for curling the flexible main body for easy carry or storage. Accordingly, the convenient portable input device is flexible, lightweight and thin for a user to conveniently carry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ching-Hang Shen, Fu-Kuei Chang
  • Patent number: 8873225
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus 10 comprising a body 14 about which a collapsible flexible display 16 is wrapped. In accordance with the invention the body 14 comprises an area 16a on which the flexible display is conceived to overlay in its extended state. This area may be provided with illumination unit for enabling a front illumination of the display in use and/or with a touch-sensitive area 13 for enabling touch functionality in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Hjalmar Edzer Ayco Huitema, Volker Barnhart Verschoor, Rik Kruidhof
  • Patent number: 8873227
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8811011
    Abstract: A notebook computer includes a display device, a main body, a pivoting component, and a foldable device. The display device includes a connection end. The pivoting component is pivoted to the connection end. The foldable device includes two arm components, each arm component includes a first supporting pole and a second supporting pole. Each first supporting is rotatably connected to the main body. Each second supporting pole is rotatably connected between the pivoting component and the first supporting pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Tian, Kang Wu
  • Patent number: 8804319
    Abstract: A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Jiaxing Shunon Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xinchuan Yang
  • Patent number: 8780540
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8770538
    Abstract: A supporting structure for an electronic device is provided to reduce the thickness or volume of device structures in conventional skills. The supporting structure includes a connecting arm having a first end and a second end which are substantially pivoted to a side region of a sliding and/or rotating module and an edge portion of a substrate module, respectively. With the connecting arm being rotated in response to the movement of the sliding and/or rotating module, the rotation or combination type can be provided between the first and second ends of the connecting arm and the side regions of the sliding and/or rotating module and the edge portion of the substrate module, thereby improving difficulties of the internal structure and design of the assembly of conventional supporting structure and electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Chien Cheng Mai, Way Han Dai
  • Patent number: 8749962
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Crooijmans, Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8724303
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a first cover and a second cover. The main body includes a display formed on a surface thereof. The first cover is rotatably connected to one end of the main body and the second cover is rotatably connected to another end of the main body. When the first cover and the second cover are in a closed state, the first cover and the second cover are positioned at an opposite surface of the display. When the first cover and the second cover are unfolded like wings to be in an open state, the first cover and the second cover are positioned to extend from opposite sides of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8724302
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8693175
    Abstract: A cover lifting structure is suitable for a body of an electronic device. The body has a recess. The cover lifting structure includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, an elastic member and a pushing member. The first rotating member pivoted to the body with a first axis. The second rotating member pivoted to the first rotating member with a second axis. The elastic member is propped against the first and the second rotating members. The first rotating member closes the recess, and the second rotating member contacts against the pushing member in a first state. The first rotating member opens the recess, and the second rotating member moves away from the pushing member in a second state. In a third state, the first rotating member closes the recess, and the second rotating member falls behind a stroke to the first rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shin-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 8693177
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a foldable ergonomic keyboard having the same are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of operating modules and a linking unit. Each operating module has an accommodating housing, a locking assembly received in the accommodating housing, a latch member connected to one end of the accommodating housing for controlling a displacement of the locking assembly, and a spherical member received in the accommodating housing. The other end of the accommodating housing is formed with a positioning slot. The linking unit has two ends respectively passed through the positioning slots and connected to the spherical members. The hinge mechanism connects two input sections via the accommodating housings, and the latch member can selectively arranged to press tightly the spherical member in the accommodating housing or release the spherical member. Thus, the two input sections can be adjusted in different postures or folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Fu-Kuang Chen
  • Publication number: 20140063715
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a protective foldable cover, a membrane keyboard and a folding means. The protective foldable cover is attached structurally in a foldable manner to the main body and further has a foldable leaf to cover the main body. The membrane keyboard is mounted to the foldable leaf by facing the main body and is connected signally with the main body. The folding means is to provide at least one stand state for the main body to stand on the foldable leaf of the protective foldable cover and thus to present the membrane keyboard completely to a position in front of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140055936
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a first input module, a second input module, a folding support member, a magnetic element and a ferromagnetic element. The magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element put on the second input module and the folding support member separately that the folding support member can close with the second input module. Using magnetic element avoid wearing away by traditional fastener and reducing the complexity of production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: DEXIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ting-Sheng WANG
  • Publication number: 20140049891
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display module, at least one support element, a sliding assembly, two connecting robs, and a keyboard module. The display module includes a connecting end and a support surface. Each support element includes a first fixed end connected pivotally to the support surface and a second fixed end connected pivotally to the base. The sliding assembly includes a sliding element and a sliding guiding element disposed in the base. The sliding element is combined with the connecting end and sliding along the sliding guiding element. The keyboard module includes two keyboard portions. Each keyboard portion is moveably combined with the base. Each connecting rob can be pushed by the sliding element to drive the two keyboard portions to move relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jia-Hung LEE, YUNG-SHEN CHEN, Yen-Shuo FENG
  • Patent number: 8582280
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard for a portable computer includes a keyboard body which comprises two keyboard pieces hinge-coupled by a hinge unit in order to be unfolded in a direction parallel to a keyboard plane. Another embodiment of the invention is a foldable keyboard, which includes: a guide unit at which a long hole is formed along its length; and a keyboard body which comprises two keyboard pieces hinge-coupled to the guide unit by a hinge unit. The keyboard pieces can be unfolded in a direction parallel to a keyboard plane into its extended state. As the keyboard pieces unfold, the hinge unit slides along the long hole as the keyboard edges, which are facing each other, are stuck together. Thus, the two keyboard pieces are hinge-coupled to each other to reverse their vertical and horizontal directions as the keyboard body is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Sang Kyu Ryu
  • Patent number: 8570725
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8570726
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a main body, a first hinge portion and a locking element. The first hinge portion is mounted on a middle position of the main body. The locking element includes a locking portion mounted on the main body, a limiting portion mounted on the main body, and for receiving the locking portion, and a controlling portion mounted on the main body, and being received into the limiting portion. The main body is folded along the first hinge portion. The locking portion is engaged in the limiting portion to lock the foldable keyboard in a folding state. The controlling portion unlocks the foldable keyboard from the folding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Wu, Xin Yang
  • Patent number: 8564936
    Abstract: To reduce the thickness and improve the operability. It includes a first housing and a second housing placed on top of each other, and connecting means to connect the first and second housings, the connecting means being interposed between the first and second housings, wherein the connecting means engages with the first housing so as to be slidable in at least one direction with respect to the first housing, and engages with the second housing so as to be rotatable with respect to the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Ejima
  • Patent number: 8564942
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a main keyboard and a sub keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first edge, first keys, and a first housing on the first edge. The first housing defines a first recess with at least one inlet communicating with the first recess. The sub keyboard includes a second rotatably coupled to the first edge of the main keyboard, second keys, a second housing, a latching member, and at least one ejecting member. The second housing defines a second recess with at least one outlet and at least one cavity communicating with the second recess. The latching member is movably received in the second recess. The at least one ejecting member is respectively received in the at least one cavity and can be moved to eject the latching member out of the at least one outlet and into the at least one inlet of the main keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Qun Jiang
  • Patent number: 8525791
    Abstract: A miniature keyboard for a palm held computer is disclosed. The miniature keyboard includes a plurality of keys for providing input to a hand held computing device. The keyboard includes a platform supporting the plurality of keys. The platform is configured to be sized for use by a single hand and the platforms is selectively foldable to substantially conceal the plurality of keys from view. The keyboard also includes a support structure that couples the platform to the hand held computing device body. The support structure is configured to prevent substantial movement of the platform relative to the hand held computing device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: William Webb, Alan C. Urban, Richard Gioscia, Lawrence Lam, David Northway
  • Patent number: 8472173
    Abstract: An electric apparatus is provided in which it is possible to connect a signal line to multiple key panels which are rotatably attached to a main body chassis. The electric apparatus has multiple first hinges and multiple second hinges. The first hinge rotatably attaches a panel to the second hinge. Further, the second hinges are rotatably attached to a main body of the electric apparatus. The multiple second hinges are rotatably connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Sendoda
  • Patent number: 8437123
    Abstract: A server cabinet includes a cabinet, a first slide rail, and a second slide rail. The cabinet includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear wall, two sidewalls, and two doors. The first slide rail is mounted on an inner surface of one of the sidewalls. The first slide rail has a first end and an opposite second end. The first slide rail defines a first slide groove. The first end is adjacent to the doors, and the second end is close to the rear wall. The second slide rail has a first and a second connection ends. The second slide rail defines a second slide groove. The first connection end is rotatably coupled to the first end so that the second slide rail is capable of rotating relative to the first slide rail to a position where the second slide rail aligns with the first slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20130063883
    Abstract: A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Jiaxing Shunon Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xinchuan Yang
  • Patent number: 8310823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable digital computer having a housing on which a keyboard, a detachable mouse and a swivelling monitor are disposed. The housing (10, 11) is configured in two parts and contains the accumulators only. The two housing parts can be swivelled by another hinge (12, 13) parallel to the first, and the keyboard (15) can be detached from the housing. A CD-ROM player (30) and the data processor are accommodated behind the monitor (14). The two housing parts (10, 11) can be laid one upon the other and serve as a support structure for the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Henning Stoltz
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120257344
    Abstract: A portable keyboard includes a base, a casing pivotally connected to the base, and a foldable keyboard. The foldable keyboard is disposed on the base and includes a first keyboard module, a second keyboard module and a pivot. The first keyboard module is pivotally connected to the second keyboard module by the pivot, such that the first keyboard module and the second keyboard module can be folded or expanded with respect to each other over the base. When the first and second keyboard modules are folded with respect to each other over the base, the foldable keyboard can be accommodated in the casing. When the casing rotates with respect to the base such that an angle is formed therebetween, the first and second keyboard modules can be expanded with respect to each other over the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Liu, Ting-Kuei Cheng, Chang-En Sun
  • 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: 20120243163
    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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Christine Hana Kim
  • Publication number: 20120243162
    Abstract: A portable keyboard includes a base, a holder, a support member, a foldable keyboard and a linking member. One end of the support member is pivotally connected to the base and the other end of the support member is pivotally connected to the holder. The foldable keyboard is disposed on the base and includes a first keyboard module, a second keyboard module and a pivot. The first keyboard module is pivotally connected to the second keyboard module by the pivot, such that the first and second keyboard modules can be folded or expanded with respect to each other over the base. One end of the linking member is connected to the pivot and the other end of the linking member is pivotally connected to the holder, such that the holder and the foldable keyboard can move together with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Liu, Ting-Kuei Cheng, Chang-En Sun
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120170198
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a main body, a first hinge portion and a locking element. The first hinge portion is mounted on a middle position of the main body. The locking element includes a locking portion mounted on the main body, a limiting portion mounted on the main body, and for receiving the locking portion, and a controlling portion mounted on the main body, and being received into the limiting portion. The main body is folded along the first hinge portion. The locking portion is engaged in the limiting portion to lock the foldable keyboard in a folding state. The controlling portion unlocks the foldable keyboard from the folding state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEI WU, XIN YANG
  • 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