Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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, ~ TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to portable personal computers and
3 more particularly to an impact-resistant notebook computer provided with
J impact attenuating features and a sealed water resistant keyboard
interface construction especially suited for facilitating outdoor field use
6 of the computer.
8 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
9 In portable personal computers, commonly referred to as notebook
~0 computers, a lightweight plastic housing formed from a top case and a
" bottom case is used to support and house a screen, a computer, and
12 interface devices. Typically, the cases form a mounting structure for
13 fastening together the various components comprising the computer. For
IJ example, the top case typically houses a thin panel display which is
fastened to one of the parts forming the molded plastic case. A pair
16 of mounting hinges are typically provided at a bottom edge of the top
" case for rotatably mounting the top case to the back edge of the
lo bottom case. In usel the top case is upwardly rotated away from the
19 bottom case to a vertical position that is visually comfortable to a user.The top face of the bottom case typically receives a keyboard assembly
2/ through which a user can further interface with the internally housed
22 computer. By downwardly rotating the top case into nested engagement
23 with the bottom case, the display and keyboard become encased within
2J a closed housing assembly. Typically, a latch is provided between the
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, ~ top and bottom cases alternately to secure and release them from the
2 closed position. When closed and latched together, the computer can
3 be readily hand-carried by a user.
J Additionally, a typical notebook computer has a mother board
5 including a central processing unit, memory modules, and a hard drive
6 mounted inside the housing. The mother board is usually mounted
inside the bottom case, beneath the keyboard.- Additionally, a floppy
8 drive is usually also provided in the bottom case having an access door
g formed in the side of the case to allow for insertion and removal of
,o floppy disks from outside of the case.
" When constructing a typical notebook computer, an effort is made
12 to minimi7e overall weight while maximi7ing the computer's processing
13 power and memory storage. In an effort to achieve this end,
" lightweight thin panel displays are incorporated into notebook computers.
Secondly, the structure used to mount the various components of the
16 computer is kept to a minimum, and in fact, the housing typically has
" molded-in reinforcements, ribs, and mounting bosses along its molded
IJ inner face to which components are mounted. Typically, the various
19 circuit boards within the notebook computer are directly mounted with
fasteners to the molded-in bosses and ribs.
21 However, as a result of the successful development of lightweight
22 portable personal computers, users how commonly transport their
23 computers with them everywhere they go, subjecting the computers to
2J harsh environments heretobefore never seen by larger desk-top based
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computers. Furthermore, a li~elihood that a computer will be dropped,
2 kicked, or generally abused greatly increases when the device is made
3 portable. Additionally, many users of these devices subject them to
harsh environmental conditions, as the devices are found on maintenance
5 vehicles used by telecommunications companies and railroad maintenance
6 crews and they are commonly hand carried by individuals on gas
- pipeline service teams, civil engineering or construction sites, and
o geological engineering sites, and are even found on off-shore marine
9 vessels.
~0 In an effort to improve the outdoor field-use performance of
" existing notebook computers, attempts have been made to modify
12 existing notebook computers originally designed for transportable desk
13 top use between office sites. One aftermarket feature incorporated into
IJ notebook computers to enhance their weather resistance has been the
15 addition of keyboard membranes over the keyboards on the computer
16 to seal the keyboard from moisture damage. However, the membranes
" typically require the use of a separate outer housing for the computer
18 to which the membrane seals so as to house the computer inside.
19 Hence, water and spilled liquids are prevented from seeping through a
20 computer keyboard and possibly ruining both the keyboard and the
21 internal components of the computer. For example, utilization of
Z2 portable computers within a factory can subject the computer to cutting
23 fluids, fluids used in washing operations, and oily fluids resulting from
2J constant keyboard contact with the greasy hands of an operator who
Ir2-OOS.P01 A279601311J3SI' 3 Mr-USlAP-OO
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must also physically manipulate a product during it's manufacture as
2 well as input information into the computer. However, keyboard
3 membranes are susceptible of forming rips and tears which cause leaks
J through the membrane. Secondly, the membranes by themselves do not
conform and seal directly to the case of the computer. Hence, a
6 separate external housing is usually used to completely encase the
- computer.
8 Additionally, in order to minimize the likelihood that a notebook
g computer will be damaged when it is dropped, kicked, or bumped
,o during transport, it is common to stow the computer within a padded
" carrying case. However, the padded case provides little or no
12 protection once the computer is removed during use. Therefore, the
13 padded case provides little or no benefit during actual use.
1, The present invention relates to an improved construction for a
portable personal computer that facilitates outdoor field-use of the
16 computer and protects the computer from damage resulting from any
" impact that might occur, for example, if the computer is accidentally
18 dropped. Additionally, the interface portion of the computer is sealed
19 to prevent water damage resulting from either outdoor use, or spillage
of liquids onto the computer.
21 Objects, features and advantageous of this invention are to provide
22 an outdoor field-usable portable personal computer which can be easily
23 and readily portably transported as a self contained unit, has impact
2J attenuating features in both the housing and the internal components of
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, ~ the computer that protect the components of the computer from damage
2 resulting from impacts and sudden accelerations, has a sealed interface
3 construction including a sealed keyboard and a sealed mouse which
J prevents damage to each interface as well as the computer components
housed in the case resulting from leakage of liquids past the keyboard
6 face into the computer housing. The invention preferably is constructed
with a impact attenuating case that is rugged, durable, reliable, of
8 simplified design and of relative economical manufacture and assembly
9 while retaining enforced features of a dissipating impact attenuating case
that houses computer components therein.
It BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
13 These and other objects, features and advantageous of this
" invention will be apparent from the following detailed description,
appended claims, and accompanying drawings in which
16 Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a notebook computer embodying
,7 this invention illustrating the screen folded down in a closed
18 configuration in relation to the keyboard;
,9 Fig. 2 is a plan view of the notebook computer of Fig. 1
illustrating the screen folded down in a closed configuration in relation
21 to the keyboard;
22 Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the notebook computer as
23 depicted in Fig. 2;
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Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the notebook computer as
2 depicted in Fig 2;
3 Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the notebook computer
J opposite to that depicted in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a rear elevational view of the notebook computer as
6 depicted in Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the notebook computer of Figs. 1-6
8 illustrating the screen opened in relation to the keyboard;
9 Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the notebook computer as
,o depicted in Fig. 7;
~, Fig. 9 is a partial breakaway view from the encircled region
12 depicted in Fig. 8 illustrating attachment of the upper cover to the
13 upper case;
IJ Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken generally along
Is line 10-10 of Fig. 8 illustrating attachment of the lower cover to the
16 lower case;
" Fig. 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken generally along
18 line 11-11 of Fig. 7 illustrating attachment of the cover, trim panel and
,9 screen to the upper case;
Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view of the lower case taken
2/ generally along line 12-12 of Fig. 7;
22 Fig. 13 is a partial breakaway exploded isometric view depicting
23 the pocketed mounting of the uppercase and hinge to a receptacle of
2~1 the lower case;
IT2-OOArOI A279601311~35N 6 PAT-USIAP-00
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Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of the keyboard of the device
2 taken generally along the line 14-14 of Fig. 7; and
3 Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view of the mouse assembly taken
J generally along the line 15-15 of Fig. 7.
6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
- This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the
8 constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote the
9 progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).
,o Referring in more detail to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a
" portable personal computer namely a notebook computer 10 embodying
12 this invention. The computer has a housing 12 formed by a lower case
13 14 and an upper case 16. Preferably, the upper case is rotatably
IJ carried by the lower case through a pair of hinges 18. In use, the
upper case houses a thin panel display 20 in rotatable relation with the
16 lower case as shown in Figure 8 such that a user can move the display
, and case from a closed, or stowed position into a vertically rotated in-
,~ use position. Figures 7 and 8 depict the computer in an opened, or
,9 in-use configuration wherein a keyboard 22 is also provided in a top
surface, or face 24 of the lower case 14. Additionally, figures 1-6
21 depict the same computer in a closed, or stowed configuration.
22 The lower case 14 is formed by fastening together a top shell 26
23 and a bottom shell 28. Likewise, a front shell 30 and a back shell 32
2J are fastened together to form the upper case 16. Preferably, threaded
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fasteners are used to assemble mating pairs of shells together.
2 Preferably, shells 26-32 are each formed from magnesium castings in
3 order to provide a strong and rigid mounting structure for mounting the
J various internal components of the computer 10. Alternatively,
aluminum or any of a number of other lightweight metal alloys could
6 be utilized to form the structure. Similarly, shells 26-32 can be formed
from lightweight composite materials including a resin and glass, carbon
8 fiber, kevlar, or other enforcing fiber matrix construction.
9 When joined together, shells 30 and 32 cooperate to form the
,0 upper case 16 which has side walls, 34-37 back wall 38 and front wall
" 40 configured in adjacent edge communication to define the upper case
12 16. Similarly, lower case 14 and upper case 16 when joined together
13 define side walls 42-45, top wall 46 and bottom wall 48 which are
, configured in adjacent edge communication to form the lower case 14.
Additionally, resilient covering material encases portions of each case.
16 As shown in Figure 1, a top and bottom covering 50 and 52 is
" affLxed to the top case 16 and bottom case 14, respectively. Preferably,
,~ each cover is made from an impact attenuating resilient elastomeric
,9 material such as Sorbothane which is a registered trademark of
Sorbothane, Inc. Alternatively, various other forms of energy absorbing
21 or energy dissipating plastic or foam materials can be utilized to form
22 the covering. The covering is necessarily provided on cases 14 and 16
23 in order to protect the housing 12 and the internal components of the
2~ computer 10 in the event of an impact with the exterior of the
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~ ~ computer 10, either by dropping the computer, or striking the computer2 with another object.
3 Referring to Figure 12, the notebook computer 10 houses a
J mother board 54 within the lower case 14. The mother board is
substantially formed by a printed circuit board on which a central
6 processing unit 56 and a plurality of memory modules 58 are mounted
together in electrical interconnection. Preferably, the mother board is
8 mounted directly to the inside of the case 14, by securing it to bosses
9 59 molded directly from top shell 26. Additionally, a hard drive 60 islo also mounted to the inside of case 14.
" As shown in Figure 6, a pair of access covers 62 and 64 are
12 provided in the back of the case behind which a number of connectors
13 are provided to facilitate interconnection with other devices. Preferably,
each cover is formed from a single piece of resilient plastic material
having a hinge at a bottom edge and a resilient in-molded clip at a
16 top edge. Preferably, a phone jack 66 is also formed in the back wall
" 45 of the lower case 14 adjacent cover 64. A serial port 68 and a
18 parallel port 70 exit the case 14 through the back wall 45 from behind19 access cover 64. Preferably, serial port 68 is an RS 232 port.
Similarly, a PCMCIA slot 72 is also formed in case 14 through back
z~ wall 45, and is hidden from view behind access cover 64 when not in
22 use. Additionally, an on/off switch 74 is provided in side wall 34 of
23 the top case 16 to facilitate turning the computer on and off.
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In order to facilitate mobile data communication between computer
2 10 and other remote devices, a mobile telephone 76 is also housed
3 within the bottom case 14 as shown in Figure 12. An antenna 78 for
J the telephone 76 is similarly housed in the top case 16 as shown in
s Figure 8 beneath a rubber closure panel 79 provided in an access port
6 81. In order to facilitate communication between the computer 10 and
- the telephone 76, a modem 80 is also provided. A speaker and
8 microphone 82 are mounted to the bottom wall 49 of case 14 in order
9 to facilitate the tran~mi~sion of audible input and output signals between~0 a user and the computer 10. For example, the speaker and
" microphone 82 could be utilized in combination with the telephone 76
12 to carry on telephone conversations. Similarly, the speaker/microphone
13 82 could be utilized in combination with software programs resident in
IJ the computer 10 requiring interactive communication between a user and
" a computer (i.e. software implemented facsimile features or other
16 programs requiring audible communication between the user and the
" computer).
IJ In order to make the computer 10 truly transportable, Figure 10
19 depicts a battery tray 84 formed in the bottom case 14 by an
20 in-molded mount provided within the bottom shell 28. Preferably, a
21 plurality of blade contacts 86 extend vertically upward from the tray 84
22 which mate in assembly with a battery (not shown) received within the
23 tray. The blade contacts 86 are desirable because they tend to
2~ maintain a spring-biased electrical contact between the battery terminals
IT2-OOJ.POI A279601311~3SN 10 PAT-USUP-OO
and blades, even when they are subjected to jarring as might occur
2 during impacts or sudden accelerations to the case.
3 Impact Resistant Case Assembly
J Figures 1-8 illustrate the overall relative layout and construction
of the housing 12 formed by joining together the bottom case 14 and
6 the top case 16. Cases 14 and 16 are covered with the impact
- attenuating coverings 52 and 50t respectively, which protect the rigid
8 load-bearing structural components of each case formed by shells 26, 28
9 and 30, 32, respectively. Preferably, coverings 50 and 52 are each
,0 formed from an impact attenuating resilient elastomeric material as
" previously discussed hereinabove. The coverings overlay the respective
" cases in cooperative relation so as to effectively form a bumper
13 encasing the housing components, or shells of the computer housing.
~J Particular care has been taken in designing each covering in order
to cover the portions of each case that will most likely be subjected
16 to impacts from either dropping the computer, or hitting the computer
" with an object such as a foot or a heavy object. Therefore, each
18 corner of the computer is completely covered by the covering.
19 Furthermore, the highest projecting regions on each exterior wall or
outermost surface of the computer has covering material thereover.
21 Therefore, if the computer is dropped onto a corner, the covering will
22 protect the rigid magnesium shell components and internal computer
21 hardware by shock-isolating the impact and attenuating it's transmission
2J there through into the internal components of the computer. Similarly,
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if the computer is dropped onto the ground on any one of the faces,
2 the covering material will isolate the rigid magnesium shell components3 on the computer from direct contact with the ground. Furthermore,
J when folded in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 1, covering
52 comes into direct contact with lower case 14 which prevents
6 direct-abutting rigid contact between the hard magnesium components of
each case. Therefore, covering 52 further isolates the cases from one
o another and attenuates shock transmission therebetween in the event the9 computer is dropped while in a folded configuration.
,o Top case 16 is also protected from impact damage by the
" particular construction and attachment features depicted in Figures 8-9
12 and 11. The covering 50 is fastened along the outer peripheral
13 surfaces formed by the shells 30 and 32 of the upper case 16. In this
IJ configuration, the covering substantially extends about the outer
periphery of the upper case so as to isolate the outer peripheral
16 surface from direct impact with ob3ects.
" As shown in Pigure 9, both an inner and an outer row of tenons
lo 88 and 90 are formed on the front wall 40 of shell 30 adjacent a
,9 peripheral edge portion of the case which together ensure retention ofthe top covering 50 to the upper case 16 during normal use. Each
21 row of tenons forms a discrete bead lip about the outer peripheral
22 portion of the front screen wall 40 along the region where the cover
23 attaches to the case. As shown in Figure 11, an inner surface 92 of
2J the covering engages with the peripheral outer face of the case 16
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formed by shells 30 and 32; namely, along the side wall regions 34-37.
2 However, region 37 is separated into two discrete portions, each
3 adjacent to where a hinge 18 is mated with the lower case 14.
Therefore, covering 50 encases both portions forming the region 37, and
in fact encircles a collar region 94 formed by the shells 30 and 32
6 where the hinge 18 extends therethrough. Preferably, the covering has
molded-in through ports through which the hinges are inserted along
J with the shells 30 and 32 during assembly.
g To further ensure the retention of covering 50 to shells 30 and
,0 32, the covering wraps around the back wall of shell 32 where it forms" a recessed lip-edge 98, which conformably cooperates with the shell to12 partially entrap the covering to the shell of the case. Additionally, the
/3 opposite edge of the covering has an engaging lip 100 along the inner
/J face 92 of the covering which terminates in a lip-edge 102, forming a
/5 first and second engaging trench 104 and 106, respectively. Preferably,
/6 the first engaging trench 104 forms a continuous groove which mates in" assembly ~,vith the inner row of tenons 88, and the second engaging
/8 trench 106 consists of a plurality of in-molded mortises 107 discretely
19 arranged in alignment to communicate in interdigitating engagement with
the outer row of tenons 90. As a result, the tenons 88 align within
21 the trench groove 104 which substantially seals along the front wall 46
22 of the computer, and the outer tenons 90 discretely engage with each
23 mortis 107 forming the engaging trench 106. With this mortis/tenon
2~ construction, any tendency of the covering 50 to un-zip from the upper
IT2-OOll.rOI A279601311~35N 13 MT-USUP-00
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case is substantially diminiched. Even in the event a corner portion of
2 the cover does accidently become dislodged from the shells 30 and 32,
3 the discreet interlocking of the mortises and tenons will prevent further
J un-zipping of the cover from the case.
As shown in Figure 8 and 10, bottom covering 52 is retained
6 along the outer periphery of shells 26 and 28 in a manner similar to
that used to retain cover 50 along the top case 16. The bottom
8 covering 52 is preferably formed from impact attenuating resilient
9 elastomeric material configured in the shape of a peripheral outer wall
,0 member. The covering member has an inner face 108 which mates in
" assembly with an outer periphery of the shells 26 and 28 forming the
12 bottom case 14; namely, side walls 42-45. The outer face 110
13 substantially forms the visible outer periphery of the bottom case 14
IJ including side walls 42-45.
In order to ensure retention of the bottom covering 52 along the
16 outer periphery of the bottom case 14, a top edge 112 and a bottom
" edge 114 of the covering form engaging lips 116 and 118, respectively.
18 Each lip 116 and 118 forms an in-turned lip-edge 120 and 122,
,9 respectively. Each lip-edge 120 and 122 defines a corresponding
engaging trench 124 and 126, respectively. Trenches 124 and 126 each
2/ form a row of mortises 128 which mate with an array of
22 complementary-corresponding tenons 130 configured along the outer
23 periphery of the lower case 14. The tenons 130 are arranged in two
2J groups along the peripheral outer wall of the lower case. An upturned
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lip-edge 132 forms a plurality of tenons and a downturned lip-edge 134
2 forms a corresponding array of tenons.
3 To assemble the covering 52 to the outer periphery of the case
J 14, lip-edge 120 and engaging trench 124 are first snapped over the
tenons 130 on lip-edge 132. Subsequently, the covering member is
6 resiliently flexed so as to peel the bottom lip-edge 122 and trench 126
- over the corresponding downturned lip-edge 134 on the case 14. In
8 this manner, the covering can be engaged about each of the bottom
9 case side walls 42-45 in an inter-locked manner.
,0 With respect to back wall 45, covering 52 merely extends part
" way beyond the corner to form a partial covering of the back wall
12 adjacent the side wall so as to facilitate access to input/output ports
13 and jacks 66-72 generally provided in the back of the computer. As
IJ a result, end portions 136 and 138 are formed by the covering 52
where it encases back wall 45. Preferably, each end portion is
16 subsequently retained to the back wall 45 preferably with a plastic rivet
,, 140. In this manner, the ends of the assembled covering can be
18 retained to prevent any tendency of the covering un-zip from the edges
19 132 and 134 of the shells forming the case.
In order to protect the bottom of the case as well as to form
21 an audible transmission path underneath the bottom wall 49 of the case
22 14, a plurality of feet 142 are formed along each bottom corner of the
23 case so as to raise the wall 49 in elevation above a mounting surface
2.S on which the computer sits. More particularly, each foot 142 is formed
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by in-molding the foot at each of the corners along the bottom edge
2 114 of cover 52 such that a semi-rectangular piece of under-lapping
3 elastomeric material extends underneath the case when configured in the
assembled state. Preferably, a fastener hole 144 is provide through
each foot such that a fastener further secures the covering 52 at each
6 corner of the bottom wall 49 to the case 14.
Additionally, the inner face 108 of covering 52 contains a plurality
8 of vertically extending parallel cavities 146 each having a semi-circular
g cross-sectional configuration that cooperate to form an array of semi-,o cylindrical vertically extending adjacent cavities. The cavities cooperate
" to facilitate flexing of the cover during assembly to the case, and
12 additionally define fingers 148 interposed between each pair of cavities
13 that cooperate with the outer periphery of the case to enhance energy
l, absorption of the covering resulting from any impacts supplied to the
exterior of the covering acting against the case. Preferably, cavities 146
16 are provided substantially along the entire vertical height of walls 42-44,
" with the exception of the adjacent top and bottom edges formed
18 therealong. In this manner, cavities 146 effectively soften the padding-
19 effect of the covering along the straight portions of each side wall.
Additionally, the omission of any cavities in each corner region
21 results in a stronger and more stiffer padding at each respective corner
2Z portion. Such a construction is desirable since impacts that occur with
23 the corners of the case typically result in a substantially decreased
2J contact surface area due to the sharp protruding geometry of the case
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in these regions. As a consequence, a given amount of impact force
must be distributed over a much reduced area of impact, resulting in
3 much higher local forces in the padding, which increases the stresses
J being transferred to the material. Hence, it is desirable to provide an
5 impact covering having such a tailored stiffness as a consequence of
6 incorporating the cavities 146 along each side wall. Preferably, each
-cavity 146 terminates before the top and bottom edges 112 and 114,
8 such that the top and bottom edges are also imparted with a solid
9 covering or padding having a much higher stiffness with respect to the
,0 cavitied side walls.
I~As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a trim cover is also mounted to
12 the back wall 47 of the top case 16 to complete the packaging of the
13 upper case. The cover is preferably molded from a rigid or semi-rigid
IJ plastic material having a desired color that matches the color scheme
15 of the computer. A plurality of in-molded slotted receivers 152 are
16 formed on a bottom side of the cover to allow for mounting of the
" cover to the back shell 32 of case 16. Preferably, the cover when
IJ fastened has an exterior surface slightly recessed from the top most
19 surface formed by the resilient covering 50. The recessed lip-edge 98
20 on the covering supports the cover 150 along it's outermost edges. As
21 shown in Figure 8, a pair of ears 154 rearwardly extend from the cover
22 in order to finish the trim of the top case along the collar regions 94.
23 Preferably, a plurality of spring clips 156 are mounted to the back wall
2J 47 with fasteners 158 wherein each spring clip is provided in a location
tT2-OOS.POI A2796013//J35N 17 PAT-USUP-OO
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that mates with a complementary corresponding slotted receiver 152 on
2 the back of the cover 150. In this manner, the cover 150 during
3 assembly can be flexed in order to engage each of the spring clips into
each of the slotted receivers which forcibly engages the bottom
peripheral edge of the cover with the covering recess lip-edge 98 so as
6 to retain the cover to the lip-edge in positively-biased engagement
- therebetween. As a result, the cover is actually supported against the
8 energy dissipating lip-edge of the covering which isolates the cover from
9 the back shell 32 and attenuates any shock transmission emanating fromthe cover toward the shell. Preferably, each ear 154 is also slightly
" recessed with respect to covering 50 when mated in a final assembled
12 state configuration.
13 Display Mounting
,~ As shown in Figure 11, a frictionally engaging mounting
s configuration is utilized to retain the thin panel display 20 in
16 sandwiched engagement between the front and back shells 30 and 32
" forming the upper case 16. A display opening 160 is defined in the
IJ front wall 40 of the case which turns inwardly along the opening to
19 form a bezel 162 having an in-turned lip 164. A circumferentially
extending seal 166 and 168 extends adjacent the outer periphery of the
21 display 20, on either side, such that seal 166 mates between the screen
22 and inner face of shell 32 and seal 168 mates between display 20 and
23 the in-turned lip of shell 30. In this manner, the display is inserted21 between the shells, after which shell 30 and 32 are joined together by
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threaded fasteners (not shown) which draw them together into
2 engagement such that seals 166 and 168, which are sized to forcibly
3 engage with the display, resiliently retained the screen therebetween.
J The resulting construction frictionally engages the screen between the
shells, yet allows for dissipation of impact-induced shock waves travelling
6 through the shells which might otherwise travel from the case into the
screen. Therefore, a shock-isolated screen mount is provided within the
8 upper case 16.
9 Keyboard Assembly
,o As shown in Figures 1 and 14, the keyboard assembly 22 is
" retained to the keyboard mounting face 24 where it is sealed in
12 engagement therewith. The keyboard assembly is preferably formed by
13 a plastic key tray 170 in which a plurality of keys 172 are supported
IJ in axially moveable relation, a contiguous sheet of water impervious
resilient elastomeric material 174, and a keyboard circuit board 176.
16 The key tray, sheet of material, and circuit board are preferably
" fastened together as a subassembly wherein the subassembly is seated
18 on a mounting face 178 formed by the top of shell 26 in the lower
19 case 14. A keyboard bezel 180 is then secured to the face with
threaded fasteners, which retains the keyboard subassembly against the
tl face where it mates in sealing engagement therewith.
22 The sheet of material 174 is preferably formed from a silicon
23 synthetic rubber material which enables it to seal in engagement with
2.~ the keyboard mounting face 178. A T-shaped peripheral edge 184 is
IT2-OOJ.POI A279601311~35N 19 PAT-USIAP40
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preferably formed along the entire outer peripheral edge portion of the
2 sheet, wherein one leg of the T-shaped edge provides a peripheral top
3 face 186 that mates in engagement with the bezel during assembly and
a peripheral bottom face 188 that seals in engagement with the
mounting face 178. Alternatively, an L-shaped edge can be provided
6 such that the resulting leg extends downwardly into engagement with the
mounting face. The peripheral top face 186 defines a well on the top
8 of the sheet in which the key tray 170 is received in final assembly.
9 Similarly, the peripheral bottom face 188 forms a well into which the
lo keyboard circuit board 176 is received in assembly.
" Preferably, the maximum thickness of the circuit board 176 is less
12 than the depth of bottom face 188 which ensures forcible retention and13 sealing of the bottom face with the mounting face 178 formed by the
IJ case. Essentially, bottom face 188 forms a face portion 190 that seals~s in engagement with the mounting face 178 when the bezel 162 is
16 fastened downwardly against the top of the case 16.
In order to ensure even forcible and sealing engagement of the
l~ keyboard assembly 22 with the mounting face 178, bezel 162 provides
19 a retainer including an engaging face portion 192 that seats in
engagement with top face 186 of the sheet when arranged in an
21 assembled configuration. The engaging face portion 192 is formed
Z2 beneath an inner lip-edge 194 extending about the entire inner
23 circumference of the bezel. Additionally, mounting holes (not shown)
2~ are provided in the bezel for receiving threaded fasteners which forcibly
Ir2~rO~ A279601311~3SN 20 pAr-usup-oo
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.
, ~ engage the bezel against the sheet and the case mounting face. The
2 fasteners provide a means for forcibly engaging the bezel in sealing
3 engagement with the mounting face entirely circumferentially thereabout.
In order to maintain a complete seal between the outer surface
of the sheet of material occupied by the keys 172 and an inner surface
6 below the sheet occupied by the circuit board 176, a sealed fastener
construction is implemented to engage the key tray 170, sheet 174 and
8 circuit board 176 in pre-assembled relation. Namely, the circuit boardg is provided with fastener through-holes 196 in alignment with
,0 through-holes 200 formed in the sheet of material 174 and internally-
,l threaded bosses 202 formed on the bottom of key tray 170. An
12 encircling rib 204 is integrally formed in the sheet of material 174
13 about each through-hole 200 such that, when a fastener 206 is received14 through the corresponding holes in the circuit board, sheet of material,
and the threaded bosses of the key tray, the encircling ribs of the
16 sheet seal in engagement with the ends of the bosses as well as the
" bottom of the key tray. As a result, any water that would otherwise
18 migrate past the keys and through the key tray is prevented from
19 leaking through the through-holes formed in the sealing sheet.
Preferably, the sheet of membrane material 174 has a plurality of
21 in-molded raised dimples 207 that are formed beneath each key 172 and
22 directly above key circuit element 209 formed on the circuit keyboard
23 176 beneath each key. In this construction, the raised dimple 207
2J preferably functions as a spring that ensures biasing apart of the key
Ir2-OO~.rOI A279601311435N 21 M~-USUP-00
2 1 68~42
, ~ from the circuit element when in a relaxed state. When a user
2 depresses a key, the dimple is compressed which brings the key in close
3 proximity to the key circuit element where it's motion is detected by
J one of several readily known techniques. One technique for detecting
5 a depressed condition of a key utilizes a capacitive key wherein the key
6 circuit element forms two spaced apart metallic areas and the key end
has a plated pad formed from a material such as tin, nickel, or copper
8 such that when the key end is brought in close proximity to the circuit
g element, a capacitive change is noted by the circuit board and a key-
~0 depressed state is acknowledged by a corresponding keyboard
microprocessor and logic unit. An alternative construction incorporates
12 a hard-contact keyboard, wherein the key has a stem that directly
13 engages with the depressed dimple in close proximity with a pair of
,~ contacts comprising the circuit element which are then brought into
15 electrically-communicative relationship therebetween. Additionally, or
16 alternatively, separate individual springs can be provided to ensure each
" key remains in a upward resting state in relation to the dimple.
,~ Furthermore, a plurality of breather holes 205 are preferably formed in
19 both the circuit board 176 and the mounting face 178 in order to
20 prevent trapping of air beneath each dimple which might result in
21 locally sealed and pressurized dimples that could affect the
22 touch-and-feel of the dimples and keys as they are depressed by a user.
Ir2-OOt.POI A279601311~35N 22 Mr-uSuP-oo
2 1 68942
Mouse Assembly
As shown in Figure 7 and 15, a mouse assembly 208 is also
3 provided in sealed engagement with the mounting face 178 of the lower
case 14 adjacent to the front edge of the keyboard assembly 22. The
assembly includes a weather sealed covering 210 consisting of a skirt
6 212 molded from resilient elastomeric material and a wand casing 214- and a pair of button casing 216 and 218 which are in-molded during
8 formation of the skirt. The skirt 212 forms a local depression 213,
9 215, and 217 about each of the casings 214, 216, and 218, respectively.
,o Preferably, the molded skirt is formed from a synthetic rubber material.
" As a result, casings 214-218 are completely sealed with the skirt. As
12 shown in Figure 7, the wand casing is formed centrally in the skirt and
13 the pair of button casings are formed bilaterally of the wand casing.
1~ Additionally, each button casing has a downwardly e~ctending stem 220
that extends through a hole 222 and 223 respectively, formed within the
16 mounting face 178. Additionally, a central hole 224 is also formed for
" the wand casing wherein a mouse wand 226 extends up through the
18 hole 224 where it mates within a recess 228 in the bottom of the wand
19 casing.
In order to seal the skirt against the mounting face, a
tl prominence, or raised gasket face 230-232 is integrally formed in the
22 mounting face such that each gasket face corresponds to a thickened
23 encircling rib 234-236 about the wand casing 214 and the button casings
2J 216 and 218, respectively. Each encircling rib is formed by a thickened
IT2-OOArOI A279601311J3SN 23 PAT-USIAP-00
2 1 6~3~4~
portion of the skirt 212 such that a top most portion of the encircling
2 rib is forcibly engaged by a corresponding engagement face 238-240
3 formed about openings 242-244 in the bezel 162. In this manner, the
J fasteners used to forcibly engage the bezel when sealing the keyboard
assembly 22 also forcibly engage the engagement faces 238-240 with the
6 encircling ribs 234-236 which forcibly and sealingly engages each gasket
face 230-232 within a complementary corresponding sealing groove
8 246-248 provided in an encircling manner about each of the wand casing
9 214 and button casings 216 and 218, respectively.
,0 The wand casing 214 in cooperation with a mouse wand 226
" produces a finger engagable wand which is user operable from the
12 exterior of the computer, yet seals the mouse wand from fluid
13 contaminants entering therein. Additionally, each button casing 216 and
IJ 218 engages through the button stem 220 with a mouse clicker button
250-251 mounted with inside of the bottom case 14.
16 Hard Drive Assembly
" In order to further isolate the hard drive 60 as mounted in the18 impact-attenuating housing 12, an isolation mount assembly is utilized to
19 support the hard drive inside the lower case 14. More particularly, as
shown in Figure 12 four different bosses 252 are integrally formed from
zl the top shell 26 to which a mounting bridge 254 that supports the hard
22 drive 60 is retained. Four corresponding mounting apertures 256 are
23 formed in the mounting bridge. A grommet 258 having a receiving
2~ groove 260 formed on it's outer periphery seats within the aperture and
IT2-OO~P01 A279601311~35N 24 PAr-USlAP-00
2 1 68942
, ~ a fastener receiving hole 262 is provided through the grommet.
2 Subsequently, a threaded fastener 264 having an expanded head with a
3 washer is received through the grommet and aperture of the bridge into
J a correspondingly threaded bore 266 in each boss 252. As a result, the
mounting bridge is retained in shock-isolated and suspended engagement
6 with each of the bosses, afterwhich the hard drive is retained to a
center portion of the bridge with threaded fasteners (not shown).
8 Preferably, the mounting bridge is formed from a lightweight piece
g of aluminum. Additionally, bridge 254 is preferably si_ed with a
thickness and width that imparts a tuned bending stiffness in relation
" to the mass of the hard drive such that shock-induced vibrations input
12 to the housing 12 from externally applied impacts minimi7~ local
13 accelerations of the hard drive caused by the bending of the bridge in
" response to forces created from the mass of the hard drive as it is
subjected to accelerations and decelerations.
16 Preferably, a hard drive having an outer diameter of 1.8 inches
" is preferably utilized since a hard drive of this construction generally
18 has a smaller mass than alternatively available hard drives. By
19 attempting to minimi7e the mass of the hard drive, relative acceleration
forces produced by the hard drive bending the bridge are minimi7ed.
21 Essentially, the lighter the mass, the less likely a given bridge structure
22 having a given stiffness will overly-stress the bridge, resulting in large-
23 scale bending deformations of the bridge and potentially large local
Ir2-OOJ.rOI A27960/31/~3SN 25 PAT-USIAP-00
2 1 68942
~ decelerations of the hard drive in response to the mass-induced
2 deformations.
3 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described
J in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical
features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not
6 limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means
- herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into
8 effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or
g modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims
,0 appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
I7
18
19
Ir2-OOt.P01 A27960131/~35N 26 PAT-USUP-00
