Portable computer with a multi-panel display
A portable computer with multiple flat panel display screens has been developed. The portable computer includes a computer unit with a multiple flat panel display screens, a protective case that holds the computer unit, and a protective cover for the protective case.
This application claims priority from U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/771,879 entitled “Packaging Mechanism for a Portable Computer” that was filed on Feb. 3, 2004 which in turn, claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/444,419 entitled “Packaging Mechanism for a Portable Computer” that was filed on Feb. 3, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to computer packaging. More specifically, the invention relates to a packaging mechanism for a portable computer.
1. Background Art
Portability is a feature that is greatly desired in computers. A whole sub-class of computers commonly called “notebooks” or “laptops” has developed around the concept of portability. However, when compared with a more conventional desktop or “workstation” computer, the performance of notebooks is generally lacking. Specifically, notebook computers lag behind workstation in capabilities such as processor type and speed, available memory, etc. due to constraints on space and power consumption. Notebook computers usually are not capable of upgrade except for the addition of more memory. Also, such features as a keyboard, a screen, or a mouse (in the form of a touchpad, etc.) tend to be smaller and more difficult to use. Additionally, notebook computers tend to be fragile since there internal components are packed into minimal space. As a result, any sudden impact can easily damage the computer. A packing mechanism for a workstation computer is needed that allows for portability of a full size, full performance workstation in a rugged and convenient manner.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONIn some aspects, the invention relates to a portable computer, comprising: a computer unit with a plurality of display panels; a protective case, where the computer unit is removably mounted within the protective case; and a protective cover that is detachably connected to the protective case to cover the computer unit.
Advantages of the present invention include: a tilting mechanism that allows for an ergonomically comfortable screen orientation; a “box in box” construction that protects the interior computer unit from shocks of sudden impacts; storage of accessories in a convenient accessory pack for the computer; an interior computer “box” that can be easily removed from its protective case and rack mounted; a triple display screen configuration for the portable computer; a thermal cooling system; and a retainer support plate for PCI cards.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSIt should be noted that identical features in different drawings are shown with the same reference numeral.
A packing mechanism has been developed for a portable “workstation” computer.
The footing mechanisms 14 have the capacity to tilt the computer to an ergonomically comfortable position for the user. The footing 14 is capable of tilting to an angle of up to 18°. The footing mechanism 14 includes two parts: a slide 17 that is attached to the bottom of the protective case 18; and a cradle 15 that sits on the floor and holds the slide 17 in an internal track (not shown).
In order to remove the accessory pack 16, the connector buttons 20 are depressed. As shown in
Another advantage of the present invention is a “box in box” construction that protects the computer from any sudden impacts or jolts that may damage the machine. The first “box” is the exterior accessory pack 16 and case 18. The box contains an interior suspension system that protects the computer unit. The suspension system minimizes gravitational (“G”) forces to the computer unit if the box is dropped. Ideally, the suspension system will protect the box from up to 100 G's if dropped. In this embodiment, the box is made of light weight aluminum that is lined on the interior with a 0.5 inch thick layer of polyurethane foam. This layer of polyurethane serves to isolate and cushion the interior “box” against the force and velocity of an impact. The interior “box” is the computer unit itself. The thickness of the foam may vary in other embodiments according the material composition of the polyurethane and the level of protection needed by the user.
Other embodiments of the present invention include a portable computer with a triple panel display screen.
Other embodiments of the invention include the portable computer configured to act as a portable network server. Additionally, the invention could include a portable computer configured with multiple microprocessors or an SCSI (small computer system interface) array of up to eight SCSI drives. The advantages of the present invention include having a portable computer that is capable of high end workstation performance. The computers could be used for such demanding applications as: CAD (computer aided drafting); video editing; animation; and other graphics intensive applications. Also, the portable computer is ideal for setting up local area networks for such applications as graphics intensive, high performance computer games with multiple networked players.
Some embodiments of the present invention include special supports for PCI cards that are installed in the computer. A PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card is a card that is installed in the computer in certain specified internal connecting sockets. The card contains interface circuitry for external components that may be used with the computer. “PCI” refers an industry standard specification for the cards that is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Typically, computers contain multiple sockets that allow for the installation of more than one PCI card at a time.
In summary, the present invention allows for a high performance workstation computer to be portable without any performance limitations. Such advantages include: a tilting mechanism that allows for an ergonomically comfortable screen orientation; a “box in box” construction that protects the interior computer unit from shocks of sudden impacts; storage of accessories in a convenient accessory pack for the computer; an interior computer “box” that can be easily removed from its protective case and rack mounted; a triple display screen configuration for the portable computer; a thermal cooling system; and a retainer support plate for PCI cards.
While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed here. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
Claims
1. A portable computer, comprising:
- a computer unit with a plurality of display panels;
- a protective case, where the computer unit is removably mounted within the protective case; and
- a protective cover that is detachably connected to the protective case to cover the computer unit.
2. The portable computer of claim 1, where the plurality of display panels comprise a plurality of flat panel screens.
3. The portable computer of claim 2, where the portable computer has a length of 19 inches, a height of 15 inches, and a depth of 6 inches.
4. The portable computer of claim 1, where the plurality of display panels comprise three flat panel screens.
5. The portable computer of claim 4, where the portable computer has a length of 19 inches, a height of 15 inches, and a depth of 8.5 inches.
6. The portable computer of claim 1, where the exterior of the protective case is aluminum.
7. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective case comprises an suspension system that protects the computer unit.
8. The portable computer of claim 7, where the suspension system comprises an interior protective liner.
9. The portable computer of claim 8, where the interior protective liner is polyurethane.
10. The portable computer of claim 8, where the interior protective liner has a thickness of at least 0.5 inches.
11. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective cover is detachably connected to the protective case with a plurality of spring loaded connectors.
12. The portable computer of claim 1, where the protective cover stores accessories for the computer unit.
13. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit is rack mountable.
14. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit is a network server.
15. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit has a cooling system that forces air out towards the user.
16. The portable computer of claim 1, where the computer unit supports a plurality of PCI cards that are held in place by a polyurethane cushion.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 14, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 30, 2006
Inventor: Bruce Imsand (Madison, AL)
Application Number: 11/273,336
International Classification: G06F 1/16 (20060101);