Detachable Keyboard Patents (Class 361/679.17)
  • Patent number: 11915207
    Abstract: A portable information handling system modular hybrid architecture separates components between rotationally coupled housing portions to minimize cabling, connectors and materials, and to provide improved durability that supports recycling and reuse of the components. For example, a plurality of display configurations couple to housing portions of different dimensions with opposing couplers and a common keystone element that, when installed, prevents separation of the opposing couplers. Removal of the keystone element provides ready access to the housing portion interior to recycle processing components, such as a main board having a processor and memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jace W. Files, John Trevor Morrison, Andrew P. Tosh
  • Patent number: 11831140
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system has a circuit breaker with a circuit breaker communication unit. A display unit contains a display housing, and the circuit breaker and the display unit are configured such that the display unit is latched to the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker and the display unit, in the latched state, are connected to one another by a plug connection, such that data of the circuit breaker are displayable on the display unit. A display holder is provided, containing a holder housing and a holder communication unit. The display holder is configured such that the display unit can be latched into the display holder, that the display holder and the display unit, in the latched state, are connected to one another by an electrical plug connection, and that the display holder is configured such that the data of the circuit breaker are displayed in the latched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anand Venkatramani, Michael Gerstner, Bernd Schwinn, Martin Muellhofer
  • Patent number: 11822378
    Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a body and a control panel assembly coupled to the body. The control panel assembly may include a base plate coupled to the body, a display panel coupled to the base plate, and an input device coupled to the display panel. In some examples, the control panel assembly may move from a first position in which the display panel is at least partially retracted in the body to a second position in which the display panel and the input device are extended out from the body. The display panel may be positioned at a first predefined angle relative to the base plate and the input device may be positioned at a second predefined angle relative to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Matthew Batten, Michael Van Leman, Clinton Troy Jensen
  • Patent number: 11709527
    Abstract: A computing device can be reconfigurable to include one or more electrical devices in various configurations. The computing device can include a base forming an input surface configured to receive user input. The base can receive one or more input devices, such as, displays or keyboards. The base can include a hinge rotatably attached to the base and configured to removably retain an electronic device, such as, a display. The computing device can include a coupling mechanism having a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion rotatably coupled to an intermediate portion. The first and second retaining portions can be configured to removably retain electrical devices to the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas L. Qu, Dinesh C. Mathew, Adam T. Garelli
  • Patent number: 11579663
    Abstract: A portable information handling system modular hybrid architecture separates components between rotationally coupled housing portions to minimize cabling, connectors and materials, and to provide improved durability that supports recycling and reuse of the components. For example, a plurality of housing cover configurations couple to housing portions of different dimensions with opposing couples and a common keystone element that, when installed, prevents separation of the opposing couplers. Removal of the keystone element provides ready access to the housing portion interior to recycle processing components, such as a secondary board having an embedded controller and charger and a battery interfaced with the secondary board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jace W. Files, John Trevor Morrison, Andrew P. Tosh
  • Patent number: 11360520
    Abstract: A system can include a display housing that includes a display on a display side, and an opposing, back side; a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard portion that includes a keyboard, a stand portion, and a hinge assembly that rotatably couples the keyboard portion and the stand portion; a stand portion and back side contact orientation, where the stand portion forms a non-planar angle with the keyboard portion and contacts the back side of the display housing to support the display housing at the non-planar angle with the keyboard portion; and a keyboard portion and back side contact orientation, where the keyboard portion is non-planar with the stand portion and contacts the back side of the display housing to support the display housing at one of two different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Alden Rose, Dhruvi Suresh Fulfagar
  • Patent number: 11042197
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a composite hinge assembly, comprising a clamping portion and a rotating shaft portion fixed relative to the clamping portion and extending out of the two ends of the clamping portion. An inner surface of the clamping portion defining a slot, and an outer surface of the clamping portion is a damping layer made of an elastic material. The present disclosure also discloses a tablet computer kit and a multi-functional keypad thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: JRD COMMUNICATION (SHENZHEN) LTD
    Inventors: Bingquan Li, Li Zong, Aijun Zou
  • Patent number: 10936015
    Abstract: An electronic device with multiple screens includes a first body, a second body, a keyboard, and at least one expansion module. The first body has a sliding rail assembly, a first end and a second end. The second body is rotatably connected to the first end of the first body. The sliding base is slidably connected to the sliding rail assembly of the first body. The lifting base is pivotally connected to one side of the keyboard facing the first end and is slidably connected to the sliding rail assembly. The at least one expansion module is detachably connected to the lifting base and is disposed between the second body and the keyboard. When the keyboard slides toward the second body, the sliding base is driven to move along the sliding rail assembly and away from the second end of the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yi-Hsun Liu, Hsiao-Wen Tseng, Yao-Hsien Yang, Jyh-Chyang Tzou
  • Patent number: 10824191
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). The electronic device may also include a base portion and a lid portion coupled to the base portion at a hinge configured such that the base portion and the lid portion can rotate between an open configuration of the electronic device and a closed configuration of the electronic device. The lid portion can include at least one segment that is to raise at least a portion of the base portion in response to a rotation toward the open configuration (e.g., opening the lid portion to access a touchpad or a keyboard of the electronic device, or to see a display of the electronic device).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Okuley, Kimi Jensen
  • Patent number: 10613582
    Abstract: A docking mechanism is described. The docking mechanism may include a locking protrusion and a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking protrusion and having an inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a wedging member abutting the inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a locking detent. The locking detent may have a spring configured to bias the locking detent towards the locking protrusion. Computing devices that include docking mechanisms are also described. Methods of use of the docking mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Rosen, Joseph Benjamin Gault, Cesar Ambriz Rios, Anthony E. Hillyerd
  • Patent number: 10571974
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Patent number: 10331175
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Patent number: 10036186
    Abstract: An electronic device provided. The electronic device includes a first body part including a first connection member and a second body part including a second connection member. At least one of the first connection member and the second connection member includes and a portion having a first flat area and a second area. The second area having a generally curved configuration and extending from the first flat area for magnetically coupling the first body part and the second body part to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Daehan Special Metal Ind Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Heeyoung Kim, Sungyeon Lee, Hyoungsu Kim, Joon Beom An
  • Patent number: 9964997
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed. The locking system comprises a locking bar rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking feature on the locking bar engages a tab when the locking bar is rotated into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George Hristov Gueorguiev, Jonathan Shea Robinson
  • Patent number: 9740245
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Patent number: 9720453
    Abstract: Techniques for fabric adhesion to an apparatus are described. According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus is laminated with fabric utilizing one or more fabric layers. In at least some embodiments, multiple adhesive zones are defined on a fabric layer. Each adhesive zone, for instance, has a particular set of properties, such as a particular location on a fabric layer, a particular adhesive thickness, a particular adhesive type, and so forth. In at least some embodiments, different adhesive zones differ from one another based on one or more of their respective properties and thus enable different fabric characteristics to be specified at different adhesive zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Jacob Nelson, Ivan Andrew McCracken, David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy Carlyle Shaw, Rahul Marwah, Thomas Joseph Longo, Eugene Lee
  • Patent number: 9671829
    Abstract: A tablet computer including a main body and a keyboard. The main body includes a front side and a rear side, with a display screen on the front side. The keyboard is movable from a first position in which it projects outwardly from the front side of the main body to a second position to the rear of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Chi-Fu Ho
  • Patent number: 9674335
    Abstract: A multi-configuration input device is described. In one or more examples, an input device comprises a connection portion configured to be secured to a mobile computing device using a magnetic connection, an input portion having one or more sensors configured to generate inputs responsive to user interaction, a support portion rotationally secured to the input portion and the connection portion and effective to assume a cover configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are positioned to cover a display device of the mobile computing device, and further effective to assume a stand configuration in which the support portion and the input portion are position at an acute angle with respect to one another, and an operating system selection key operable to select from a plurality of operating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Able Chen, Wei Zheng, Sheau Jiun Yang, Po-Lin Ho
  • Patent number: 9575344
    Abstract: A display module includes a panel frame, a display panel, a system frame, and a printed circuit board. The panel frame includes a baseplate having at least one edge, at least one sidewall located on the edge, at least one top wall adjacent to the sidewall, and a support element. An accommodating space is formed by the sidewall and the baseplate. The support element includes a first support portion and a second support portion connected to the first support portion. The support element extends from the edge of the baseplate toward the outside of the accommodating space. The display panel is disposed on the panel frame. The first support portion is disposed on the system frame. The printed circuit board is disposed on the second support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Ting Liao, Chian-Hsing Huang, Po-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9535464
    Abstract: An information handling system housing is provided with a base portion, a head portion and a chin portion all coupled via a hinge such that the chin portion are separately articulable. By providing the hinge so that the chin portion can articulate separately from the rest of the head portion, the chin portion can articulate towards the rear of the system. This articulation reduces the table height of the hinge pivot point, and therefore reduces the slope of the base and keyboard assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Knepper, David M. Meyers
  • Patent number: 9501108
    Abstract: An example electronic display system including a housing with a recess, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side and a kickstand having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being rotatably coupled to the housing proximate the bottom side, and the second end being rotationally biased away from the housing. A variable friction assembly is coupled to the first end. The kickstand has a first position in which the second end is received within the recess, and a second position in which the second end is substantially rotatably separated from the recess. Further, the variable friction assembly applies a first friction load to the first end when the kickstand is the first position, and a second friction load when the kickstand is in the second position, wherein the first friction load is greater than the second friction load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Peter K Lee, John W. Pennington, Jr., Ken Robertson, Jacques Gagne, Bruce Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 9483082
    Abstract: A portable electronic module includes a portable electronic device having a back cover and a front frame, a magnet mechanism, and a support base including a support case and a third magnet. The magnet mechanism includes first and second magnets and a containing case disposed in the portable electronic device and having first and second openings. The first magnet is disposed on the containing case and protrudes from the first opening to abut against or pass through the front frame. The second magnet is disposed on the containing case, repels the first magnet, and protrudes from the second opening to abut against or pass through the back cover. The third magnet is disposed on the support case for attracting the first magnet to make the front frame absorbed onto the support case and for attracting the second magnet to make the back cover absorbed onto the support case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Chun-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9336968
    Abstract: A keyboard applicable to a portable electronic device includes a flexible circuit board, a plurality of keys, a flexible frame, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The flexible circuit board has a first and a second surface. The plurality of keys is disposed on the first surface. The flexible frame is disposed on the first surface and has a plurality of through holes for keys to pass through. The first support plate is disposed on the second surface, and a part of the periphery of the first support plate is connected to the flexible frame. The second support plate is disposed on the second surface and adjacent to the first support plate, and a part of the periphery of the second support plate is connected to the flexible frame. Additionally, also provided is a method for assembling a keyboard and a portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Ying Weng
  • Patent number: 9298271
    Abstract: A mounting device includes a base member, an attaching mechanism disposed on the base member and configured to detachably attach the base member to a first electronic apparatus, and an accommodating part disposed on the base member and configured to hold a second electronic apparatus placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Katsuya Funakoshi, Shuji Nakamura, Akio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9229486
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a first housing having a first wall defining a first opening and a surface surrounding the opening and having an inside periphery. A first component is removably received within the opening and defines a body with an outer periphery that is inset with respect to the inner periphery of the opening. A first locking member is removably attached within the opening. The first locking member defines an outer periphery extending along the inner periphery of the first opening of the housing. The first locking member also defines a second opening having an inner periphery that is inset with respect to the outer periphery of the first component body such that a portion of the first locking member overlies a first portion of the first component body. A second portion of the first component is exposed within the opening of the first locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9164551
    Abstract: A tablet computer includes a housing, a cover, and a keyboard. The housing has an opening and an accommodating trough inwardly recessed from the opening. The accommodating trough has a groove having an inlet section and an engaging section. The inlet section is communicated between the opening and the engaging section. Widths of the inlet section are larger than widths of the engaging section. The cover is pivotally connected to the housing. The cover covers the opening when rotated to a covering position, and supports the housing in a standing position when rotated to an extended position. The keyboard is detachably accommodated in the accommodating trough and includes at least one engaging structure. The engaging structure is located at the peripheral edge of the keyboard and engaged with the engaging section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Gwo-Chyuan Chen, Yi-An Lai
  • Patent number: 9141137
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display, a keyboard, and a fixing element. The display includes a display surface and an opposite rear surface having a fixing structure. The keyboard has a using state and a folded state. When the keyboard is in the using state, the keyboard is positioned in front of the display, and when the keyboard is in the folded state, the keyboard is fixed on the rear surface. The fixing element is connected between the fixing structure and the keyboard and configured to cooperate with the fixing structure to enable the keyboard to change between the using state and the folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhou Chen
  • Patent number: 9110840
    Abstract: An example of a base apparatus for use by a tablet computer is disclosed. The base apparatus can include a first peripheral device capable of operating according to a first wireless communication protocol; a first demultiplexer coupled to the first peripheral device; and a first wireless communication module coupled to the first demultiplexer. The first demultiplexer is to transmit signals received from the first peripheral device to the tablet computer in a wired way or transmit signals received from the first peripheral device to the first wireless communication module based on whether the tablet computer is connected to or detached from the base apparatus. The first wireless communication module is to transmit wirelessly signals received from the first demultiplexer to the tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: John W. Chow
  • Patent number: 9063698
    Abstract: A portable electrical device includes a tablet computer, a base panel, two supporting arms and two connecting members. Two ends of each supporting arm are pivotally disposed at one lateral side of the tablet computer and one lateral side of the base panel. The base panel has two guiding grooves oppositely arranged on one surface thereof. One end of the connecting member is pivoted with the lateral side of the tablet computer, and the other end of the connecting member is limited and slidably disposed in one of the guiding grooves. When the other ends of both the connecting members are at one distal end of the guiding groove, the tablet computer is stacked on the base panel, and a touch-controlled display of the tablet computer can alternatively face towards or opposite to the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Jung-Wen Chang, Cheng-Pu Chu, Huai-Wu Wen
  • Patent number: 9025327
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include a portable tablet folio stand that is designed for use in multiple modes. The stand can allow a user to view the tablet from multiple angles, such as a movie viewing angle and a working angle. In the movie viewing angle, the tablet is optimally positioned for viewing the tablet screen, for instance to watch videos. In the working angle, the tablet is optimally positioned for performing tasks such as typing on the tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet stand can be configured to be portable and detachably coupled to a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Noguchi, Eiji Shinohara, Hideaki Hasegawa, Hisashi Shima, Tomoyuki Takahashi, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 9025323
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes: an elastic portion that is provided on any one of a pair of opposed end faces, abuts on an abutting portion provided on a keyboard holding device, and biases the keyboard device in a direction toward another end face from one end face on which the elastic portion is provided; a first engaging portion that is provided on the one end face, and engages with a third engaging portion provided on the keyboard holding device; and a second engaging portion that is provided on the another end face, and engages with a fourth engaging portion provided on the keyboard holding device by the bias of the elastic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Koji Iizuka
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20150092333
    Abstract: A docking apparatus usable with a portable electronic device includes a locking member configured to be moved between a first position in which the portable electronic device docked to the docking apparatus is locked and a second position in which the locking of the portable electronic device is released, a locking member driving unit configured to drive the locking member, and a controller configured to control the locking member driving unit so that, if an unlocking condition is satisfied in a state in which the portable electronic device is docked to the docking apparatus, the locking member is moved from the first position to the second position and then the locking member is maintained in the second position for at least a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hae-soo KIM
  • Patent number: 8988865
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, an engagement portion, a module, and a member. The engagement portion is on an inner surface of the housing. The module is in the housing. The member is configured to slide substantially in parallel with the inner surface of the housing in order to engage the engagement portion and to support the module from a side opposite to the inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuo Matsumoto, Koichiro Takeguchi, Shingo Koide
  • Publication number: 20150036275
    Abstract: The present technique provides an example computing system, including a tablet computing device including a display screen, and a keyboard including mounting bar that is rotatably coupled to the keyboard. The tablet computing device is releasably mountable to the mounting bar, and when the tablet computing device is mounted to the mounting bar, the tablet computing device is communicative with the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Paul J. DOCZY, Stacy L. WOLFF, Steven S. HOMER, Mark C. SOLOMON
  • Patent number: 8947877
    Abstract: An expanding device for a portable electronic apparatus is disclosed. The expanding device includes a main body for placing the portable electronic apparatus and a sliding assembly disposed in the main body. The sliding assembly includes a slide track element disposed in the main body, a sliding element, and a cover. The sliding element is slidably coupled to the slide track element and slides between a receiving position and an extending position relative to the main body. The cover is pivotally connected to the sliding element and includes a fixing portion. When the sliding element is moved towards outside of the main body to the extending position, the cover can be rotated relative to the sliding element, and the portable electronic apparatus can be fixed on the main body via the fixing portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wang, Hsin-Hao Chen, Tsung-Ying Tsai, Tzu-Wei Wang
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150029651
    Abstract: A tablet computer device comprises a overlay membrane detachably couplable to the tablet computer device to protect a display element of the tablet computer device, the overlay membrane having an integrated keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Steven S. Homer, Paul J. Doczy, Kevin Massaro
  • Patent number: 8922982
    Abstract: A detachable pivoting chassis includes an accommodating base, a seat, a keyboard, a pivot module and a movable stand, and the accommodating base has an accommodating part for accommodating an electronic device, and the seat has an accommodating part for accommodating a keyboard, and the pivot module has at least two connecting elements and a pivoting element, and the connecting element is disposed on a side of the accommodating base and detachably coupled to the pivoting element, such that the accommodating base can be pivoted by the pivot module, and an end of the movable stand is pivotally coupled to an external side of the accommodating base, so that the electronic device can change its using status according to user requirements, and the detachable pivoting chassis can be combined with other electronic devices to provide the convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Can Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao-Shen Chen
  • Publication number: 20140362510
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a first device including a display unit, a second device configured to perform at least one of input and output of information and to perform transfer of the information to/from the first device by communication, and a wrong orientation detection part configured to detect whether the first and second devices are overlapped with each other in a correct orientation. The first device includes a plurality of first magnets. The second device includes a plurality of second magnets. The first and second magnets are arranged at respective positions which overlap with each other when the first and second devices are overlapped with each other, in the first and second devices, respectively. The first and second devices are locked to each other by force with which the first and second magnets attract each other when the first and second devices are overlapped with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinsaku Hirano, Yuuki Kubota, Hiroshi Tamaki, Kengo Masaoka
  • Patent number: 8907898
    Abstract: A tablet computer device comprises a overlay membrane detachably couplable to the tablet computer device to protect a display element of the tablet computer device, the overlay membrane having an integrated keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven S. Homer, Paul J. Doczy, Kevin Massaro
  • Publication number: 20140355191
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a keyboard, and a connecting assembly connected between the main body and the keyboard. The main body includes an electromagnetic module mounted in the main body and a button configured for powering on or off the electromagnetic module. The connecting assembly comprising a latch member configured to latch the main body and a magnet module corresponding to the electromagnetic module. The magnet module is fixed to the latch member. When the electromagnetic module is powered off, the latch member is located at a first position and locks the main body to the connecting assembly. When the electromagnetic module is powered on, the electromagnetic module pushes the magnet module and the latch member to a second position, where the latch member is unlocked from the main body for allowing detachment of the main body from the connecting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIA-HUEI LIN
  • Publication number: 20140355190
    Abstract: An electronic device including a first body and a second body is provided. The first body has a first connection end. The second body has a second connection end, in which the second connection end has a first magnetic component and a first convex arc surface, and the second body is detachably connected to the first body through a magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic component and the first connection end. The first body and the second body are configured to rotate around a rotation axis relatively to each other, and the first convex arc surface faces the first connection end and extends along a direction parallel to the rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hsin Yeh, Yung-Hsiang Chen, Wei-Han Hu, Tzu-Chien Lai, Cho-Yao Yen
  • Publication number: 20140355193
    Abstract: A portable computer keyboard assembly comprises an input membrane assembly (10) comprising first (20) and second (22) membranes, each having an electrical circuit provided on a surface thereof and means for separating the electrical circuits of the first (20) and second (22) membranes and permitting selective electrical connection therebetween at discrete contact nodes. The input membrane assembly (10) is configured to be secured to a portable computer. A keypad (8) is also provided which includes a plurality of keys and a support member for movably supporting the keys such that they are movable between a first position and a second operable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dale McPhee PURCOCKS
  • Publication number: 20140355192
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a keyboard, and a connecting assembly connected between the main body and the keyboard. An electromagnetic module is mounted in the main body. The connecting assembly includes a latch member configured to latch the main body and a magnet module corresponding to the electromagnetic module. The magnet module is fixed to the latch member. When the electromagnetic module is powered off, the latch member is located at a first position and locks the main body to the connecting assembly. When the electromagnetic module is powered on, the electromagnetic module pushes the magnet module and the latch member to a second position, where the latch member is unlocked from the main body and the main body is detachable from the connecting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIA-HUEI LIN
  • Patent number: 8902573
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Fumitake Mizoguchi, Tetsuya Ohtani, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140347802
    Abstract: A portable computing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept includes a first device, and a second device having a coupling groove where the first device is detechably coupled, where the first device has a first coupling position where a first end of the first device is coupled with the coupling groove by a first connection angle, and a second coupling position where a second end of the first device is coupled with a second connection angle different from the first connection angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myoung-kyu LEE
  • Publication number: 20140334086
    Abstract: An electronic system including a first electronic device, an electronic control locking device and a second electronic device is provided. The first electronic device is suitable for being combined with the second electronic device and the first electronic device includes a system operation center. The electronic control locking device is electrically connected to the first electronic device, and the first electronic device sends a locking command to control the electronic control device to lock the first electronic device to the second electronic device. The first electronic device sends an unlocking command to control the electronic control locking device to unlock to make the first electronic device detached from the second electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Mei-Fang Chou, San-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20140333542
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a carrying case device or apparatus and methods by which a user of a portable electronic device—such as tablet computer, smart phone, game display or navigation device—can use the portable electronic device with the carrying case. The carrying case includes a holder that is configured to receive the portable electronic device, a keyboard section that includes a physical keyboard, and a cover section. The carrying case may be arranged in different configurations. The portable electronic device may automatically detect the configuration of the carrying case and can set or adjust its own functionality accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Matteo Demetrio BARRECA